The soldiers of the Cang Guard had been diligently practicing their cultivation for over ten days. The effects of the Tai Lai spirit water were starting to show, and some of the soldiers with higher cultivation talent had already broken through a realm. Even those with less natural aptitude had laid a solid foundation and were close to reaching the next level.
As the ruler of Tai Cang, Ji Xia was greatly pleased with these changes. He had visited the military camp several times, accompanied by Po Xian and Ji Qianqing, to reward the soldiers who had made the most progress.
He issued a decree: any soldier who broke through a realm would receive a large amount of food—enough to guarantee three meals a day for their entire family for the next three months.
This decree motivated the soldiers even more. They worked day and night, hoping to earn enough food for their families. Under normal circumstances, even with their military salaries, it was difficult for Tai Cang's soldiers to ensure two full meals a day. Many families struggled to feed themselves.
The promise of three months' worth of food—three full meals a day—was a privilege that only high-ranking officials typically enjoyed. The soldiers knew this was a rare opportunity and were determined to make the most of it.
"Your Majesty, Doctor Gu Shuo is here," a strong young man said, bowing slightly as he addressed Ji Xia.
This young man was Jing Ye, who had fought alongside Ji Xia not long ago. They had met again in the South Qing Alley, and after demonstrating his strength and successfully protecting the ruler during a recent battle, Jing Ye had been appointed as a command official, leading five hundred men.
Ji Xia saw Jing Ye and remembered that he didn't yet have someone of his age and experience to rely on. He asked if Jing Ye would be willing to give up his position as command official and serve as a personal assistant in the royal court.
Without hesitation, Jing Ye took off his command token and bowed to accept. Since then, he had been assisting Ji Xia, handling various messages, reports, and security tasks.
"Minister Gu Shuo, greet the ruler," a middle-aged man bowed deeply as he entered.
Ji Xia waved his hand, signaling for him to rise. He then asked, "Doctor Gu Shuo, not long ago, one of the officials reported that Tai Cang's grain harvest this season has been reduced by a full 20%. Have you found the cause?"
Gu Shuo's face showed signs of distress. He lowered his head, hiding his face with his hands. "Doctor Gu Shuo has failed Tai Cang," he said. "For many days, my colleagues and I have worked day and night, but we discovered that none of the soil, water quality, or sunlight is to blame. There's no sign of human sabotage. Yet, the harvest has indeed been reduced by 20%. I don't know the cause, and I ask for the ruler's punishment."
Ji Xia furrowed his brows. Grain was crucial to Tai Cang. Aside from the fertile lands behind Tai City, Tai Cang had no other sources of food.
The sea and river yields were minimal, and the deserts and dense forests were unsuitable for farming. Sending the army to hunt there would result in heavy casualties, making it an impractical solution.
So, Tai Cang relied on its annual three-crop harvest, with 4,000 jin per acre each time, to meet the needs of its people. This land was vital to Tai Cang's survival.
"The land around Tai City is limited, only about 6,000 acres. Even though the spirit energy from the heavens permeates these fields, producing 12,000 jin per acre annually, it's still not enough for Tai Cang. The city has over 400,000 people to feed. In the past, we relied on Cang City to send some food, but now with this reduced harvest, what will become of the people of Tai City? How will they survive the Days of Silence? Are they expected to eat dirt?"
Ji Xia's voice grew stern as he spoke. Food was of utmost importance to Tai Cang. Although he had the "Ten Thousand Grain Treasure Vase" he had acquired previously, he was uncertain how much food it could produce or whether the hundred spirit crystals in his treasury would be enough to sustain it.
More importantly, he had planned to save the Ten Thousand Grain Treasure Vase for the coming Days of Silence, to ease the people's fear in the darkness. So, food production on Tai Cang's lands was even more important than the growth of the army. If the people starved before the invasion from Jiu Quan or the Great Fu nation, it would be a bitter defeat.
"Please forgive me, Your Majesty," Gu Shuo said with a bowed head. "I will gather all the agricultural officials to work day and night, and we will find a solution within a month."
"Speed up the process," Ji Xia ordered. "The third harvest period is almost over. This reduction is irreversible, but the first harvest next year must not suffer the same fate. No matter what, if the grain continues to decrease next year, you will pay with your life for Tai Cang."
"I understand," Gu Shuo said solemnly, his face filled with concern. It wasn't just Ji Xia's harsh words that troubled him, but the thought of the famine that would result from the reduced harvest, and the many lives that would be lost in the coming Days of Silence.
Ji Xia also felt deep anxiety. He had been in the Wasteland for over a month now, and the Days of Silence were less than three months away. Though his mind had no specific memories of this event, he could imagine the horror.
When the three suns set and did not rise again, the world would be covered in thick darkness, with fierce winds and snowstorms. All vegetation and livestock would die, and humanity would be powerless to stop it.
This was why Tai Cang's population had never grown. Even in peaceful times, after long years of rebuilding, any growth was always set back by the Days of Silence.
"Being a living creature in the Wasteland is truly hopeless," Ji Xia thought with a bitter smile. Tai Cang was facing both a food shortage and the coming Days of Silence. Even if they managed to survive these disasters, there would be further calamities: natural disasters, ferocious beasts, and endless wars.
"It's like a hellish mode," Ji Xia lamented.
Jing Ye, noticing Ji Xia's sigh, also sighed and said, "Your Majesty, with such a large reduction in grain, should we consider cutting back on the army's rations? Perhaps the previous reward system should be canceled? The military is always the biggest consumer of food, and if we can save some, fewer people may starve in the Days of Silence."
Ji Xia shook his head. "No. In times of peace, it might be acceptable to save some food from the military, but with so many wars looming, cutting back on the soldiers' rations now would have a huge impact on their morale and combat strength. Their recently increased enthusiasm would quickly fade, and it would backfire."
He looked out at the colorful clouds in the distance. "Losing some food and having people starve during the Days of Silence is one thing, but if we lose in battle, Tai Cang itself will be destroyed."
Jing Ye thought deeply. Ji Xia continued, "Do you think I am too cold-blooded?"
Jing Ye bowed and said, "Your Majesty, as the ruler, you must consider the bigger picture. You cannot only look at immediate gains and losses like us common people."
Ji Xia smiled. "I used to hear you speak with such righteousness. I didn't think you had learned to flatter me."
Jing Ye replied seriously, "What I said is the truth."
Ji Xia's expression remained unchanged. "The people were talking about the former Prince Ji Xia, the one who had his father's protection, with ministers handling the state affairs. He didn't have to worry about anything and was indeed a bit unruly. The people's complaints weren't entirely unfounded."
Ji Xia turned to look at the hardworking people in the distance and said, "But now, I am the ruler. I must be responsible for Tai Cang as a whole. And more importantly, if Tai Cang falls, I won't escape. My head will become a trophy for another race, and before that, I will likely suffer many torments, unable to live or die, only to amuse them."
Jing Ye shook his head firmly. "That day will never come."
Ji Xia's expression grew colder. "Of course, it will never come."
"Because all those who dare to covet Tai Cang, or my head, will be remembered."
"I will find a way to destroy them all."