Opening a Tavern in the Tang Dynasty

Chapter 252: The court discusses the locust plague, and the ministers talk about it

Li Shimin entered the hall with the gait of a dragon and a tiger, his expression solemn yet tinged with anticipation. After everyone had finished their greetings, he spoke with authority, "Today, I have come incognito to visit Zuixianlou. The Yuyu family has proposed a plan to use chickens and ducks to control locusts. I think this plan is quite ingenious. My dear ministers, please share your opinions."

Prime Minister Zhao stepped forward, bowed respectfully, and said in a deep voice, "Your Majesty, this plan sounds novel. I believe that if we implement this plan, we must first properly prepare the chickens and ducks."

"Local governments could be ordered to collect chickens and ducks from farmers' homes, providing appropriate compensation per household. They could then organize villagers to drive the chickens and ducks into the fields, with dedicated personnel to supervise them to prevent them from getting lost or damaging unaffected crops. Regional differences, such as those in wetlands and drylands, might require adjustments to the number of chickens and ducks and the methods of driving them back into the fields."

Changsun Wuji narrowed his eyes slightly, thought for a moment, and then said, "Your Majesty, Prime Minister Zhao is quite right. I believe that in addition to planning and implementing the plan, we must also foresee possible problems that may arise later. For example, if chickens and ducks enter the fields in large numbers, the accumulation of their manure may affect the fertility of the soil, and we must have a plan to deal with this. Furthermore, if the locusts are not completely eradicated, but the chickens and ducks die from overfeeding or contracting diseases, this will also cause losses to the farmers, so we should consider remedial measures in advance."

Lord Zhang stepped forward next, his expression serious. "Your Majesty, I believe this matter concerns the very foundation of people's livelihood, and publicity is essential. We should explain the benefits of this policy to the people and encourage their active cooperation. We can send officials to the countryside to convene gatherings of villagers to explain the policy, or post notices detailing the benefits of using chickens and ducks to control locusts and dispel the people's concerns. Only then can this policy be successfully implemented."

Lord Chen nodded in agreement and said, "Your Majesty, manpower allocation is also crucial. Driving the chickens and ducks requires a large number of people. We can recruit young and strong people, offering them a small salary and rewards based on their achievements to encourage their dedication. At the same time, we should also call on the gentry and wealthy households in various places to donate supplies to help raise chickens and ducks, or participate in supervision and dispatch. We can pool the strength of all parties to fight the locust plague together."

Cheng Yaojin strode forward and said in a booming voice, "Your Majesty, I, Old Cheng, don't understand all those twists and turns. I just think this method is good and should be implemented quickly. I am willing to lead my men to help the people drive away the ducks and chickens. Those locusts will be scared to death when they see our army of chickens and ducks. I don't believe we can't deal with them!"

Lord Qin twirled his beard and smiled. "Your Majesty, General Cheng's words were brief, but they nailed the key. This policy relies heavily on execution. I believe we should establish a system of rewards and punishments. Officials across the country who effectively implement the policy and ensure the safety of crops should be promoted and rewarded. Those who slack off and delay, causing the locust plague to spread, should be severely punished. Only in this way can we unite the people and overcome this difficult time together."

Lord Wu also stepped forward. "Your Majesty, I have also thought of ordering the Imperial Astronomical Observatory to observe the celestial phenomena and examine the soil fertility to support this locust control effort. If the weather and the terrain are favorable, this policy will surely be effective. Once the locust plague is initially under control, we should immediately have agricultural officials guide the people in resuming farming, selecting new seeds and seedlings, and applying fertilizer, so that next year's harvest will be abundant and compensate for this year's losses."

Li Shimin sat upright on the dragon throne, his eyes dignified and resolute. After scanning the ministers in the hall, he slowly spoke, "I am deeply pleased to hear your words, my dear ministers. This locust plague is a test sent by heaven to our Tang Dynasty. However, the advice offered by the Yuyu family is like a bright lamp in the dark night, pointing the way for me."

"Prime Minister Zhao's plans are meticulous, including careful consideration of the chicken and duck supplies and regional differences. Changsun Wuji's foresight is remarkable, foreseeing the need for proactive measures. Lord Zhang's propaganda strategy reassures the people and unites them. Lord Chen's method of manpower deployment rallies the forces of all parties, which is very much in line with my wishes. General Cheng Yaojin's loyalty and bravery are commendable, and his willingness to lead his men in the front is commendable. Lord Qin's system of rewards and punishments will surely motivate officials and ensure the smooth implementation of government policies. Lord Wu's consideration of the weather and local conditions, focusing on post-disaster agricultural recovery, is also a long-term vision."