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The sea breeze blew gently, and the waves lapped against the white sandy beach, creating the sound of rolling surf.
“Salt fields are divided into two parts: one is the evaporation pond, and the other is the crystallization pond. Generally, salt harvesting requires seven steps: building the tidal flat, leveling the flat, introducing seawater at high tide, preparing the brine, testing the brine, crystallization, and collecting the salt lumps,” Xiao Ming carefully explained the seawater salt harvesting method to Yao Wenyuan.
At this moment, the diagram of the salt harvesting method from the technology library kept appearing in Yao’s mind, as if Xiao Ming’s every word was letting him experience the process firsthand.
Gradually, he understood what an evaporation pond was, what a crystallization pond was, what a saturated solution meant, and how to dissolve crude salt and extract edible salt afterward.
After this detailed explanation, Xiao Ming asked Yao, “Do you understand now?”
Yao nodded. “Yes, Your Highness, I understand. This salt harvesting method first requires building tidal flats, then leveling the beach. When the seawater rises with the tide, it is led into the salt fields to produce brine. Then lotus seeds are used to test the brine’s saturation. Generally, brine saturation is divided into ten levels. Two lotus seeds are used: one is half the size, and the other is full size. If the half-size lotus seed floats with its top above the brine, the saturation is 20–30 percent; if it floats flat on the surface, it is 50 percent saturated. The full-size lotus seed floating at an angle indicates 70–80 percent saturation; floating flat means 100 percent saturation.
When the brine reaches 100 percent saturation, the mud on the crystallization pond’s floor is cleaned, smoothed, and compacted. The brine is then poured in, and salt crystals will form that very day. After a few days, the salt lumps are collected.”
Pausing, Yao continued, “The salt obtained is still crude salt. To make edible salt, it must be dissolved again, filtered through charcoal, and recrystallized into fine salt.”
Xiao Ming nodded with satisfaction. “Exactly. The construction battalion will arrive in the next few days to help build the salt fields. Governor Yang, you must cooperate with the Salt Transport Bureau to increase the number of salt workers—expand to two thousand workers. Salt making is hard work, so give the salt workers better pay. Also, salt production is a vital state matter. The Salt Transport Bureau must not neglect duties or steal salt. Otherwise, do not blame me for being ruthless.”
At this, Xiao Ming’s tone suddenly became very stern.
Yao and Yang Chengye immediately bowed. “We dare not, Your Highness.”
“Good,” Xiao Ming said calmly. The destruction of an empire often begins from within. In ancient times, peasant uprisings often failed because insiders indulged in luxury.
These past two years in the fiefdom had been easier, but his greatest worry was rising hedonism and corrupt officials.
After discussing salt harvesting, Xiao Ming and Niu Ben rode horses to patrol along the coastline.
The salt fields under the Salt Transport Bureau were already at Dengzhou’s border. To the west lay Laizhou. Apart from this salt field, Xiao Ming also ordered three more salt fields to be built at Laizhou Bay.
In modern times, Laizhou Bay’s salt fields are famous nationwide. In ancient times, Qi territory was also the richest salt-producing region, even a source of tribute salt. Xiao Ming had once neglected it but now needed to strengthen the salt industry as a stable income source. Once production increased, he planned to sell salt to every corner of the Great Yu Empire.
Traveling along the coast toward Dengzhou, Xiao Ming vaguely saw a small island on the sea—that was modern Changdao County.
Great Yu’s Dengzhou covered a wide area. The location of Dengzhou city corresponded to today’s Penglai. Changdao County faced Penglai directly. Besides Penglai, Dengzhou included modern Yantai, Weihai, Qixia, Haiyang, Rushan, and other vast regions.
The naval port he established was the famous Ming Dynasty Penglai naval port. During the Wanli period, the Ming navy departed from here to battle Japanese pirates at sea. It was also where Qi Jiguang trained soldiers. After the Second Opium War, Dengzhou was designated as a trading port.
Thus, the naval port’s location was not a whim but carefully chosen.
Moreover, Dengzhou’s position was excellent. Opposite lay the Korean city of Beisha—modern Dalian. The sea distance from Dengzhou was only about two hundred li, and his navy could arrive in a day.
Now, Korea and the barbarians colluded, allied with Japan, sending many soldiers disguised as Japanese pirates to attack the coast. After taking Ryukyu, it would be time to deal with the Koreans and teach them manners.
Several days of inspection gave Xiao Ming a detailed understanding of Dengzhou. It would become a prosperous seaport city, which he had to take seriously. Once steam locomotives were developed, he planned to build a railway from Qingzhou to Dengzhou, allowing constant material transport via the sea.
After returning to Dengzhou and resting two days, Xiao Ming prepared to return to Qingzhou.
Now, with the navy beginning to show strength and the north temporarily stable, he could finally stop worrying day and night. The rest could proceed step by step. He could also calmly teach at Bowen Academy, sharing the knowledge from his technology library with students.
Honestly, he was merely practicing military-first politics. All industries served the army, and civilian industry had little development.
Scientific fields beyond military technology had not progressed much either. This development was unbalanced. Compared with Europe’s civilization level, his fiefdom was still a backward region.
Changing a people’s mindset was very difficult. Governing a great country was like cooking a small fish—gentle, slow, and not rash.
“Yang Chengye, I have said all I should these days. Your responsibility as governor is heavy. Do not disappoint me,” Xiao Ming instructed before leaving.
Yang Chengye had always thought himself a minor frontier official but now found himself an important official, feeling somewhat overwhelmed.
“I will do my best, Your Highness,” he said.
Xiao Ming nodded and looked at Ye Qingyun. “The defense of Dengzhou is in your hands. Do not fail, especially coastal defense of the naval port.”
“Yes, Your Highness,” Ye Qingyun bowed.
After giving his orders, Xiao Ming and Niu Ben led the army back. This time he planned to discuss the coastal supply points with the Kings of Chu and Wei. After all, attacking Ryukyu required supplies.
Three days later, they returned to Qingzhou. The round trip took half a month, and the weather was growing colder.
Upon arriving, Xiao Ming and Niu Ben parted ways outside the city. Xiao Ming went straight to the royal residence.
Unexpectedly, as soon as he entered his chamber, a very scandalous scene suddenly appeared before his eyes.