The Rise of History’s Most Powerful Empire

Chapter 45: Population

Chapter 45: Population

Soon, March came and with the coming of the new month came Zhong Yu's fortune. 

In the past month, he had the savages farm 13,000 mu.

It translated into 39,000 shi of food, with each home of five taking 2,5 kg a day. He summarized that at the end of the year, it would mean he'd have 50,000 people. 

It was best to prepare for those days, lest he'd need to use fortune in exchange for food.

With a daily food upkeep of 500 shi, it'd last him only three months. But while in his campaign, he'd also sow more land.

Right now, he had the manpower to prep the land and settle the food crisis early. Feeding 10,000 people in three months would be a cinch. 

With the food shortage solved, Zhong Yu turned to getting the new refugee camp by going to the last spot. But this time he had the 100 imperial guards, not just a dozen Yellow Turban soldiers in rags.

The intimidating armored imperial guards let these refugees know the meaning of true military might.

Zhong Yu converted the last refugee camp's area into a public square, for the announcement and gathering of his army before setting off.

The square was 100 meters wide, with many offices on the sides and high walls. There were patrols as well, looking over the seat of power. 

Getting the refugees here was the safest place, unable to escape or make a scene.

"Build the refugee camp."

In a shower of white light, a shabby building faded into existence.

The people going about their work paused at the familiar and intriguing show. They recalled how the white light got them into that camp and then became their lord's citizens. 

As the light ebbed, Zhong Yu's eyes shone, excited his foundation was strengthening.

With a ruckus, the refugees appeared inside the camp, the noise growing and growing.

The imperial guards were sent inside to bring out the people for an inspection.

The horses rushed in and after an even louder clamor and some wails, it all went deathly quiet.

Leaving only the imperial guards' shouts being heard. Two knights came out, what came after were lines upon lines of people.

A rough guess told Zhong Yu the refugees here were 220.

Quite a way from 300, the maximum, but it was still a good number.

If this keeps up, I'll have 1,400 people at the end, 400 more than I'd exchange directly.'

Zhong Yu began his speech with how great his domain was, the promise it offered and his development of it.

This explanation, filled with threats and promises, placated these restless hearts and showed them they were in another world.

Zhong Yu then had them placed in their new homes with their relatives, who later would pay taxes. 

With 20 knights watching over here in rotation, he was assured this place's refugees would be handled. 

Leaving them alone would have a hero' rise up and rally them, to threaten him or attack his seat of power and people.

That was why intimidation was a must in quelling their dissent.

Back in his study, Zhong Yu reflected as usual. By the looks of it, he'd gain anywhere between 1,300-1,800 people.

Next was campaigning, which meant conscription of 300 more recruits. He'd then have 100 more from the people join them and trained in tactics and discipline. 

With 400 new soldiers, he'd form a 300 service army from the savages as well.

And adding to that the 100 imperial guards, he'd have an army of 800 in total, making any conquest easy.

Leaving a hundred recruits for defense, he'd march with 700. After a few days of pacification and brainwashing, the savages knew they had no hope to go back, their fates out of their hands.

Those 300 savages, now only thinking about their situation, would hold some loyalty to him and with a few Chinese soldiers watching over them, he could use them easier. 

Last time he got 2,600 savages with just 400 soldiers. I should be getting 5,000 this time around.'

This population meant his kingdom quest would be finished. He was eager to see himself as king.

Uh, not king yet, just the lowest monarch. I'll need 1 million people to become king and a prefecture sized land.'

Though becoming a kind didn't seem to be too hard. I just need to keep this pace up and being king in a few years is no problem.'

The system would exempt him of many pesky problems other conquerors encountered. Like saving his power bit by bit, collecting taxes, training his army and raising his people's loyalty. 

While all he needed was fortune and his power would spike with every exchange. How could he compare with those paupers?