I Can Control My Ancestors-Chapter 289 - 10: The Tale of the Locust Catcher, Disaster Averted

Chapter 289: Chapter 10: The Tale of the Locust Catcher, Disaster Averted

Either they have high prestige;

Or they hold high office in the court.

This is a comprehensive competition.

Disaster relief, grain donations;

They have started competing in every aspect, all wanting to earn the honor within it.

Meanwhile, Zhuge Liang had already devised a more detailed system, further subdividing the grains brought by the powerful families, maximizing their utilization and development.

As for the effectiveness of the work-for-relief policy, it was even more apparent.

The refugees, who had lost hope for the future, regained hope.

The strength they could unleash even surpassed before.

Most notably in catching locusts.

The locusts, which once represented disaster, were finally stripped of their superstitious guise in the east wind of this sacrifice.

At first, the people were somewhat apprehensive.

But as more and more people began to catch locusts,

This apprehension eventually vanished like smoke.

In this year, although disasters in various places still persisted,

The entire Great Han was completely renewed, and the fear in people’s hearts towards the ongoing natural disasters had dissipated significantly.

In the third year of Yankang, the locust plague ended.

Huaxia is indeed a truly magical land.

When they found that eating locusts did not bring any harm, people from all regions developed ways to eat locusts to the fullest based on their own habits.

The original plan set by Gu Yi to grind them into powder was no longer necessary.

Moreover, people were amazed to find that livestock fed with locust powder were much stronger.

—Many merchants immediately saw the business opportunity in this.

Zhuge Liang was already very strict about controlling grain prices, and when merchants realized that locusts could bring more profit,

Locusts became rare commodities.

The wisdom of merchants seeking profit is unimaginable to others.

They did not risk angering the court by selling locusts within Great Han, but sent locusts to the Barbarian Tribes, trading for livestock and other items.

And as this gradually formed an industrial chain, it spurred the emergence of merchants specializing in purchasing locusts.

Some even were willing to trade grain for them.

This absolute ecology greatly alleviated the survival pressure of refugees in all directions.

Catching locusts was no difficult task for them, and even children at home could catch some locusts.

As this happened more and more,

Locusts would swiftly disappear at an astonishing rate.

Even Gu Yi did not anticipate things would turn out this way, but after thinking about it carefully, he was relieved.

Perhaps this is the inherent wisdom of the people of Huaxia.

The chain reactions caused by this matter were enormous.

In fact, with the foundational strength of the Great Han, the main problem truly faced was because the disaster area was too widespread.

And as the pressure from one area’s disaster suddenly reduced,

The court of Great Han was able to free up more resources to deal with other disasters.

The only problem was that this year’s disasters had not yet ceased.

Jiangdong was still rainy;

Landslides and collapses were still frequent in many places.

But compared to the impact brought before, this year’s disasters were not deadly, and did not have half the impact on people’s hearts.

Even the heaviness in Zhuge Liang’s eyes eased a bit.

In the fourth year of Yankang, the disasters continued.

But the impact of this year’s disasters could already be considered negligible.

The water disaster in the Jiangdong area showed signs of being resolved.

The work-for-relief system was a comprehensive success under the impetus of capital, and the construction of waterways in various places greatly reduced the impact of floods.

Of course, casualties were inevitable in this.

But in this current feudal era, what system can be completely free from casualties when facing natural disasters?

Compared to the historical situation, it was already unknown how much better it was!

Though the disaster relief efforts still could not stop, the foundation of the Great Han was no longer at risk of turmoil.

However, the issues faced by the court this year were not only about disaster relief.

But also the examination of officials this year.

The ministers in the court continuously disputed over this matter.

Some believed that with the Great Han experiencing consecutive natural disasters, holding the examination was pointless, and even if it went on, it would only include the offspring of powerful families.

Because ordinary people couldn’t have their offspring study the classics amid consecutive natural disasters.

Yet some believed that no matter what, the examination had to be held.

To thoroughly root the examination in the people’s hearts.

This time, upon Zhuge Liang’s inquiry, Gu Yi rarely spoke.

"Chancellor...."

"In any case, the examination should continue."

"This act can not only let the examination take root in people’s hearts, but also stabilize people’s minds."

"Similarly, for the powerful families in all directions."

"This would definitely stimulate their profit-seeking nature even further."

Hearing these words, Zhuge Liang couldn’t help but nod, looking at Gu Ye with increasing satisfaction.

With his wisdom, how could he not have the answers?

Whether for the common people or for the powerful families in all directions,

This round of the official examination must continue.

Gu Yi did not propose any improved measures.

Though for him, it wasn’t a difficult task, and he could fully use the examination system from later generations to perfect the corresponding system in the Great Han.

But for the current Great Han, this was not a good time.

After all, the people had just adapted to this examination system.

Sudden changes would only cause adverse effects.

This matter was swiftly settled.

The outcome did not surprise the ministers, compared to previous examinations, almost all the successful candidates this time were offspring of the powerful families.