Starting with a Wei Wu soldier

Chapter 118 Consolidation and Digestion

Following the jubilation of victory and the external deterrence, came the more complex internal integration work, which tested the wisdom and endurance of the rulers even more. The four words "annexation and digestion" sound simple, but in practice, they are incredibly complex, like a huge network that suddenly spread out, tightly wrapping around the core of Starfire Fortress's rule.

What lay before Chen Xing were a series of preliminary lists and reports, the sheer number of which was staggering, and the problems were even more complex and intertwined.

"My lord, a preliminary count shows that in this campaign, our army has taken over seventeen of the Black Mountain Army's original fortified villages and strongholds, as well as over forty villages of varying sizes. Our direct control extends nearly a hundred li from north to south, and at its widest point, over sixty li from east to west." Zhao Tiezhu's voice was hoarse from staying up all night, but his report was still clear and organized, though a deep worry lingered between his brows. "The increase in population... is truly difficult to pinpoint precisely. A preliminary estimate is approximately 23,000 registered men. If we include those captured and enslaved by the Black Mountain Army, those who have fled, and the uncounted mountain dwellers, the total number is likely over 30,000. Adding to our original army of nearly 10,000, the total population under our control now exceeds 40,000!"

Forty thousand people! In this sparsely populated and war-torn northern border region, this was a force to be reckoned with, enough to support a medium-sized separatist regime. But the administrative pressure that came with it also increased exponentially.

"What about food?" Chen Xing was more concerned about this fundamental question.

"The Black Mountain stronghold and main strongholds have a considerable amount of grain stored up. Combined with our original grain reserves and the grain captured this time, the current grain reserves can support the entire army and the core population for about six months. If we include all the newly added population, it will only be enough for three months," Zhao Tiezhu said with a wry smile. "Moreover, the fields under the Black Mountain's control are severely abandoned and the irrigation system is in disrepair. This year's spring planting has been delayed, and we can't count on much for summer grain. Before the autumn harvest, the pressure on food supplies is enormous."

Chen Xing nodded; this was within his expectations. In chaotic times, food is the lifeline, but also the biggest source of instability.

"We have captured countless weapons and armor, but most are of poor quality, with less than 30% usable. They need to be melted down or modified. We have captured over 4,200 prisoners of war, who have been dispersed and reorganized as ordered by our lord and are currently undergoing training. However, morale is low, and small-scale conflicts occur several times a day." Chen Wei then reported on the military situation. "Although our own losses have been replenished, the decline in combat effectiveness due to the loss of veteran soldiers and the need for time for new recruits to integrate are still issues. We have used up most of our crossbow bolts and need to replenish them as soon as possible. In addition, the newly expanded territory has a long defensive line, requiring troops to be stationed there, which has made our forces stretched thin."

Although Murong Mingyue was pregnant and Chen Xing had strictly ordered her to rest more, she still insisted on participating in core meetings. At this time, she added: "Although the Baiyang tribe in the north has sent envoys to establish friendly relations, there are frequent incidents of border herders grazing their livestock across the border and small groups of bandits causing trouble. We need to strengthen patrols. The attitude of Panshi Fortress in the east is ambiguous. Its envoys are respectful in their words, but according to reports from our sources, there have been frequent troop movements in the fortress recently, as if they are strengthening their defenses. Their wariness of us has not diminished."

Wu Xuejiu coughed and stroked his beard, saying, "Most of the newly arrived people were forcibly conscripted by the Black Mountain Army or joined them to survive. They do not identify with the name 'Spark,' and some even harbor suspicions. Some of the old Black Mountain officials and elders, though outwardly compliant, are actually disobedient and secretly colluding with others. The implementation of the 'Star Law,' land surveys, and population registration have encountered soft resistance in many places. What's more troublesome is that the debts, wrongful convictions, and land disputes left by the Black Mountain Army are piling up, and every day newly arrived people come to appeal or file lawsuits, putting immense pressure on the judiciary."

Li Shu's intelligence revealed a deeper hidden danger: "According to the confessions of those planted and those who surrendered, when the Black Mountain Army collapsed, some mid-level leaders did not surrender or were killed. Instead, they fled with their confidants and a small amount of wealth into the depths of Black Mountain or into more remote mountainous areas, which may become a hidden danger. In addition, other forces in the surrounding area, including some figures in counties further south, seem to be secretly contacting some prominent figures in our new territory through old connections, with unclear intentions."

One question after another arose, like a tangled mess. The fruits of victory were enormous, yet riddled with thorns. A moment of silence fell over the hall, broken only by the occasional soft crackling of the lamplight.

Chen Xing didn't speak immediately. He stood up and walked to the newly drawn map that covered the approximate area of ​​the new territory. His gaze slowly swept over the newly marked outposts, mountains, and rivers. Forty thousand people and hundreds of miles of territory sounded incredibly impressive, but at this moment, in his eyes, it was an extremely heavy burden that could crush him at the slightest misstep.

But there was no panic in his eyes. Surviving in chaotic times and rising against the tide is about solving one seemingly unsolvable problem after another.

"There are many problems, but they are not unsolvable." Chen Xing turned around, his gaze becoming sharp and firm again. "The key is that we must grasp the core, distinguish between primary and secondary issues, and proceed step by step."

He returned to the head of the table and began issuing instructions one by one, speaking slowly but clearly:

"First, food is paramount. Uncle Zhao, you will take the lead in establishing the 'Grain Reclamation and Management Office.' Its primary tasks are threefold: First, to comprehensively inventory, take over, and protect all existing granaries, establishing a strict revenue and expenditure system, requiring my personal approval for any expenditure. Second, to immediately organize manpower to repair abandoned farmland and irrigation systems, currently replanting some short-season beans and vegetables, while simultaneously preparing for the autumn sowing of winter wheat. Third, to encourage newly settled households to reclaim unclaimed wasteland, offering tax reductions or exemptions for the first three years, and providing a small amount of loans for seeds and farming tools. At the same time, to increase trade with the Murong and Baiyang tribes, exchanging our surplus salt, iron, and cloth for cattle, sheep, and leather to supplement our meat and winter supplies."

"Secondly, military strength is fundamental. Chen Wei, the reorganization and training of the surrendered soldiers cannot be relaxed, but the methods can be slightly adjusted. In addition to military discipline and rewards and punishments, those who perform well or have special skills can be selected and given minor positions such as deputy squad leaders to set an example. At the same time, young and strong men should be selected again from the original military and civilian population and mixed with the surrendered soldiers to accelerate integration. Regarding the garrison issue, a fortress cluster strategy should be adopted. At key passes and transportation nodes, relying on the existing Black Mountain stronghold or newly built small fortresses, a small number of elite soldiers should be stationed as the core, supplemented by the local militia after reorganization, to form an early warning and delay system, while the main force remains mobile. The replenishment of crossbow bolts and various military weapons should be listed as the highest priority for the craftsmen's battalion."

"Third, winning hearts and minds is paramount. Mr. Wu, judicial matters are numerous and complex, so we can start by focusing on exemplary cases. Select a few old cases from Heishan that have a wide impact and have aroused public outrage, or newly occurring incidents of resistance to the law. You or a designated capable officer should conduct public trials, deliver fair judgments according to the Xinghuobao Law, and publicize them widely. Let the newly arrived people see that the laws of Xinghuobao are 'the law does not favor the powerful,' and that it truly stands up for them. For the old clerks and elders who are willing to cooperate and have real talent, they can be temporarily retained, but they must undergo training and supervision; those who are outwardly compliant but inwardly defiant and deceive their superiors will be severely punished once verified! At the same time, following the old system of Xinghuobao, establish 'public council halls' in the major villages of the newly arrived people, allowing them to elect representatives to reflect their grievances, participate in the discussion of some local affairs, and gradually cultivate a sense of belonging."

"Fourth, hidden dangers must be eliminated. Li Shu, increase surveillance within the new territory, paying particular attention to those 'leading figures' with unclear connections to the outside world. For the Black Mountain remnants who have fled into the mountains, a large-scale search and extermination is unnecessary to avoid exhausting our forces. We can offer bounties for their capture and strictly block their possible supply routes, leaving them to fend for themselves, or annihilating them when forced to come out to plunder. We must remain vigilant against external forces spying on us and strengthen border patrols, but we should not overreact to avoid giving them a handle against us. Our core focus is on internal consolidation and strengthening ourselves."

He paused, looked at Murong Mingyue, and softened his tone: "Mingyue, you need to take good care of the northern defenses, but remember not to overwork yourself. As for the Baiyang tribe, maintain stability, strengthen trade, and at the same time demonstrate necessary military strength. As for Panshi Fortress, continue to observe; if they don't move, neither will we."

Finally, Chen Xing concluded: "The next three months are our 'digestion period.' All policies must prioritize stability and pragmatism. We will not pursue superficial achievements or rush into things. We must, like spring rain nourishing the earth, allow Xinghuobao's laws, principles, and even way of life to slowly permeate this new land, truly transforming them into our unbreakable foundation. Gentlemen, the task is arduous and the road ahead is long; let us strive together!"

After some planning, the myriad issues were sorted out, and priorities and pathways were established. The initial heaviness and confusion in everyone's hearts were greatly reduced, replaced by a clear sense of task and direction.

"We will obey our lord's command!" everyone responded in unison.

After experiencing a high-intensity war, the machine of Starfire Fortress did not stop, but quickly changed its mode and began the process of "digesting" the newly conquered lands in a different form. This process was destined to be difficult, and it would encounter resistance, friction, and even setbacks, but Chen Xing and his team were prepared.