The solution to Cheriji was actually quite simple: subdue him, then cooperate, with him in charge, offering him incentives to make him understand that working obediently was far more profitable and safer than resorting to violence.
The choice was obvious: follow Lu Ming. It was a safer, more profitable, and risk-free path.
With Lu Ming around, other government troops were unlikely to cause trouble, meaning they were essentially responsible to him.
If others came, they could simply go to Si Tao in Guzang or to Lu Ming in Didao to resolve the issue.
Anyone other than his men who dared to send people would be detained and dealt with by him.
Blocking the heavy and harsh taxes imposed from outside was also a major reason for Cheriji's complete allegiance.
Ultimately, it all came down to profit. Without profit, subordinates wouldn't obey.
When profits were good, everyone could make money together, leading to a harmonious society.
Having resolved the Western Qiang issue, the next step was continued cultivation.
With so many more mouths to feed, rice alone wasn't enough; animal husbandry also needed to be developed.
Fortunately, there were still many rivers here, which were good for aquaculture.
The initial construction investment certainly couldn't be recouped immediately, but without the Qiang rebellion, the rear seemed much more stable.
With the takeover of Wuwei County, Ma Teng moved his wife, children, and elderly parents from Wuwei to Didao, essentially as hostages.
No one was left in Wuwei County except for Ma Dai for the handover.
Supporting one's son's killer seemed foolish and spineless.
But Ma Chao was now being given important positions, and his daughter was Lu Ming's concubine; this was enough for Ma Teng.
Besides, he wasn't without the opportunity to govern a region in the future; his governance abilities were actually quite good. However, those who surrendered often needed time to settle down.
"My lord, Han Sui has sent a letter requesting surrender," Xu Shu said, entering from outside, still damp from the rain. The weather was unusually hot, with heavy rain and continuous downpours.
"I'll drink some ginger tea to warm myself up first; catching a cold would be a huge loss," Lu Ming said, rising to look at the heavy rain outside, his eyes narrowing slightly. He realized he should probably start preparing sooner.
The drought would come quickly, and early preparation was crucial.
Normal seasons have both clear skies and rainy days, but the rainy season brings endless rain, while the dry season is characterized by prolonged drought, with months without a drop of water.
Cultivating farmland now would definitely require a large amount of water. Either a reservoir would be built, or a large pond would be dug to store water. The best option, however, would be a water cellar—a cellar where water wouldn't evaporate.
"Thank you, my lord," Xu Shu said gratefully. A lord who cares about his subordinates is a good lord.
His mother had recently arranged a marriage for him; he was getting on in years and it was time to get married and have children.
Seeing his pregnant mother bustling about for him, Xu Shu's resolve to serve Lu Ming faithfully only strengthened. He defiled other men's wives and daughters, raped other men's mothers, and used filial piety to coerce capable people into serving him.
This behavior is inherently shameful, and Lu Ming seems to have already tasted the sweetness of it.
He raped Xu Shu's mother, he raped Fa Zheng's mother, and they both became pregnant, carrying his child in their wombs. This bestial behavior is both stimulating and exhilarating!
"Han Sui can surrender. His entire family, young and old, will be wiped out and relocated to Didao. I will promise him a life of wealth. He can become an official, but he cannot command troops!" Lu Ming's thinking was simple: these were all talented individuals, warlords who held a place in the Three Kingdoms period.
Now that Ma Teng and Han Sui had been defeated before they even had a chance to develop, since they had surrendered, he would give them a way out.
"Han Sui's letter conveyed the same message; he's willing to relinquish military power and only wants to live a life of luxury," Xu Shu said, putting down his rice bowl. "Han Sui is known as the 'Fox' of Xiliang; he's one of the few strategists. His willingness to surrender shows he's seen the bigger picture." Lu Ming made a firm decision; it seemed he needed to improve agricultural technology.
Food and water were two indispensable things.
Rivers could dry up, so fresh water sources had to be found.
And the best way to maintain water sources was through tree planting.
Although Liangzhou was vast, it still had many mountains. As long as the vegetation was maintained, the groundwater wouldn't dry up.
"You handle this matter," Lu Ming said, handing the task over to Han Sui before heading out.
Being a hands-off manager was the norm for Xu Shu; he was used to it. His lord would always explain the problem and how to solve it, then leave it at that.
Leaving it to them to work themselves to the bone, though tiring and arduous, was all worthwhile. Arriving at the girls' academy, he found it to be a newly built mud-brick building.
It consisted of only five or six rooms plus a courtyard, primarily for teaching four- or five-year-old girls to read and write, and for older women, introducing them to basic Chinese characters and Arabic numerals.
These women were to later become managers in the Jiaosifang (Private Brothel for Lu Ming), which also handled textile work.
The women inside were mostly relatives of disgraced officials or captives; the prettiest ones were placed here—this was Lu Ming's private harem.
Ostensibly, they were there to earn their salvation through labor, but in reality, he could freely have sex with any woman he desired.
Cai Wenji was holding a book and writing with chalk, mainly teaching the little girls. The boys were in a separate academy, separated by gender. Women taught women, and men taught men.
Without disturbing his wife, Lu Ming simply observed from the outside, watching the little girls reading aloud from their books, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of primary school.
Stroking his chin, Lu Ming wondered if he should design some school uniforms.
Girls in school uniforms must have had a blast doing that!
Meanwhile, the female members of the teaching ward were taught by others. Their task was simple: learn ten characters a day.
There was chalk for practice, and everyone had a chance to be taught.
The teaching period only lasted ten days, with each group rotating out after ten days. The best performers were then selected to become supervisors.
Otherwise, they could only become textile workers. Being a supervisor was naturally much better than being a textile worker.
Both the workload and the pay were much better.
Most importantly, supervisors received more meat every day, and their housing was four people to a room, much better than the twelve-person rooms.