Chapter 439: Chapter 439

Fu Tinghan proposed using glass recipes for cooperation not only because glass is difficult to transport, resulting in higher costs.

It’s more about what Zhao Hanzhang mentioned: during this period, the North is plagued by continuous natural disasters and man-made calamities. Though he barely arrived less than two years ago, he often witnesses the calamities of this era.

He is concerned about natural disasters.

If man-made disasters can be potentially stopped or altered, natural disasters can only be endured, and what manpower can do is to respond to the calamities.

So after negotiating cooperation with Zhu Chuan, he said to Zhao Hanzhang: "If your recollection of history is accurate, then for a long time coming, the North will face frequent wars along with cold, drought, floods, and locust plagues. These will destroy production activities, and the grain from the land will unlikely support your military actions, so besides stationing troops locally and appeasing and gathering displaced people, we should also leave an escape route outside."

Zhao Hanzhang: "Do you think Shu land is appropriate?"

Fu Tinghan nodded, "What do you think?"

Zhao Hanzhang said: "I was originally interested in the South."

She said: "Huainan, Lujiang, and the Two Lakes Region are excellent grain storage locations. We don’t need to go to Jiangdong, these places can develop into lands rich in fish and rice, and with alternating waterways and land routes, grain can be easily transported to the Central Plains."

"So as long as we can control Yu State, we can continuously transport Southern grain to the North from Yu State."

Fu Tinghan asked: "Do you have influence in these places?"

"No," Zhao Hanzhang replied: "I can’t manage it now, but I still have Mr. Ji send trade caravans there. We’ll slowly cultivate the market, and once the trade routes are open, as long as we have their desired goods, with proper guidance, they can provide us with an endless supply of grain and cloth."

Fu Tinghan nodded: "Then let’s take several routes through Shu land."

He said, "For Shu land, we use a different cooperative approach."

Zhao Hanzhang glanced at Zhu Chuan not far away, although they were a distance apart, she overheard his conversation with Zhu Chuan, "You trust him sufficiently to be willing to use the recipe for cooperation in farming, aren’t you afraid that on his territory, he might hoard your recipe and discard you?"

Fu Tinghan: "Do you think he is such a person?"

Zhao Hanzhang then chuckled and said: "His character isn’t that despicable."

Fu Tinghan nodded, "That’s why I’m reassured, and we indeed have some protection. The location of the Glass Workshop is decided by us; I choose a place that your troops can reach in support, or bypass if necessary. If anything goes wrong, you can deploy troops with an excuse for acquiring that area. Didn’t you say that natural disasters have much less impact on Shu land?"

Zhao Hanzhang didn’t expect he thought of this too, and couldn’t help but sigh, "You’re indeed thoughtful."

He even provided her the excuse for dispatching troops, "But why should we occupy Shu land? The area above the Central Plains is so vast."

Fu Tinghan, "It’s a reserve area; in case of natural disasters, it can support you."

Zhao Hanzhang thought it over, contemplating, "As for Shu land, it’s easy to defend but hard to attack, not easy to take."

"So we should focus on cooperation," Fu Tinghan also turned to glance at Zhu Chuan, speaking softly: "As long as we continuously have what they desire, the cooperation can persist."

The recipe for glass is merely for a part of the glass products, for Fu Tinghan it’s not noteworthy, as long as Shu land offers substantial benefits, he can further invest in this area.

Zhu Chuan was also observing them, but he was speaking to his steward, "... This matter can be proceeded, once separated, you immediately lead the group back for preparation."

"Master, such a valuable item as the glass recipe, they offered it so easily; could it be some kind of trap?"

"The workshop is to be built in Shu land, and they’re sending craftsmen over; what kind of trap could it be?" Zhu Chuan said, "They should be worrying about me setting a trap instead."

After all, they aren’t familiar with Shu land, which is essentially his territory.

"Then what’s their objective?"

"They probably want the peace and stability of Shu land," Zhu Chuan said, "Didn’t you see along the way?"

"Once fertile land over a thousand miles, now overrun with weeds, the Nanyang Country being such, not to mention areas like Ruyin, Yingchuan, and Liang State severely affected by the Xiongnu’s havoc. From April when General Gou and Prince East Sea clashed, until now, the populace has been constantly fleeing, meaning many not only missed this year’s summer and autumn harvests but even this year’s winter wheat planting is thoroughly interrupted."

"Think about it, how much stored grain in Yu State can save so many people? And now Prince East Sea and Gou Xi have not yet decided the outcome," he said, "The Xiongnu too, they lost a battle, gained nothing, while the Central Plains are a juicy piece of meat, everyone wants a bite, once they return, production will again be disrupted."

"Therefore, by cooperating with me, they see that Shu land is still relatively stable and want me to cultivate land for them."

The steward considered the low value of grain and added, "How much can profit from grain? Cloth, gold lacquer, even timber are more profitable than grain."

Zhu Chuan glanced at him and said, "They lack grain and cloth the most; otherwise, why would Fu Tinghan be so generous to share the glass recipe and have it manufactured in Shu land?" Follow current novels on 𝗻𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗹·𝗳𝗶𝗿𝗲·𝗻𝗲𝘁

He said, "He’s reducing the cost of glass for us to exchange for fixed supplies, so we can only encourage farmers around the workshops to grow grain and cultivate hemp and mulberry."

The steward asked nervously, "Did they agree on a quantity or..."

"Agreed on annual transactions, while money is paid separately. Cooperation is cooperation; their purchasing behavior is their responsibility. Nonetheless, the premise of cooperation is that our Zhujia persuades agriculture and sericulture, encouraging more people to grow grain and hemp, mulberry."

The steward secretly sighed in relief.

Zhu Chuan said, "After separation, you immediately lead the group back; the glass we previously brought back was seen by them, this item is of great value not only in Shu land but also profitable in the Qiang Clan, Two Lakes Region, and Huainan areas."

The steward’s eyes shined brightly, flattered, "Perhaps our Zhujia will produce a Taozhu Gong."

Zhu Chuan smirked but did not express opposition.

After the early meal, Zhao Hanzhang did not intend to linger here; she wrote a passage document by hand for Zhu Chuan, ensuring his smooth passage to Xiping.

Fu Tinghan also wrote a letter, intended for Ji Yuan, this arrangement was to be discussed with Ji Yuan, and Ji Yuan should select someone for coordination with Zhu Chuan.

Zhu Chuan held a document and a letter, standing satisfied by the roadside, watching them leave.

Zhao Hanzhang grandly led the displaced people, slowly heading toward Xie County.

They were not far from Xie County now, and although trailing a group of elderly, sick, frail individuals, they still entered Xie County’s territory the following day.

After crossing Xie County’s boundary marker and traveling for another two hours, the county office finally discovered them, however, Zhao Hanzhang noticed the checkpoint they set on the official road.