Reborn: Imperial Officer Promotion Guide

"Mr. Nandar, I'll leave these children to you. Let them eat something first and then run errands for you~~"

Ling pulled Xino and skipped towards the door.

"Hey! Ling, you bastard! Do you think I'm a babysitter?!"

"By the way, take good care of them. These children will be your good helpers in the future. Don't get them hurt! We will be back soon!"

Outside the door, Ling looked back at Nandar who was surrounded by children with a smile, and then made a face.

Xino looked at the merchants who were distributing food in the square. While distributing food to the people, they also selected people who could help with the construction and grouped them together.

"Wow, what are they going to do?"

"Don't worry about them, Sister Xinuo, we still have our own things to do. Let Mr. Nandar and the others take care of these!"

After some reluctance, Ling brought Qiano back to Hanshi City step by step.

At the city gate, Rag, dressed in armor, stood straight with his eyes as bright as torches. At this moment, he looked like a guard.

"Ms. Ling...Oh! Xinuo, why are you here?"

Ling pushed Rag away and said, "Don't block us. Watch the door carefully! By the way, have you moved all the teacher's books?"

Early in the morning, Hel called on Rag to gather the books brought from the North and the Imperial Capital into the abandoned library on the second floor of the castle, saying that he wanted to prepare a library.

"Ah... the Lord used that... uh... silver-white spear to clear all the bookshelves and cabinets that were relatively intact..."

Before Rag could finish his words, Ling had already walked away with Xino.

The two came to the library on the second floor of Hanshi City, and what caught their eyes were rows of neatly arranged bookshelves, stacked with various books.

There are at least several hundred books.

In addition to the books in the North and at home in the Imperial Capital (his adoptive mother's home), Hull also spent an afternoon in the Imperial Capital buying a bunch of basic books and some new books that had just been published.

At this moment, the library inventory in Hanshi City is already larger than that of some upper-class nobles.

"Amazing……"

Xino looked at those precious books and couldn't help muttering to herself, her eyes sparkling through the thick lenses.

It seems that she likes reading very much.

"It seems that Hull is planning to open it to the people in the territory for free. You can come anytime you want in the future."

"Hmm, free? All of them are free to read? So many books!"

"This seems to be the teacher's policy, saying that educating the people is also the lord's responsibility or something. I don't understand."

It is an indisputable fact that Hull is a devil.

But even demons have many advantages, and Ling's favorite thing is that Heer is never stingy with others.

When in the North, Hull always ate the same food as ordinary soldiers and junior officers, and shared his collection of books with Ling. He was also willing to contribute his wisdom and answer the questions of his subordinates who sought help.

He doesn't seem to have that kind of excessive material desire and possessiveness.

Of course, even with all his merits, Ling still thinks Helheim is a demon.

"So, Sister Xino, what do you want to do next? Is there anything I can help you with?"

"Well... the Lord requires us to pay the tax of three gold dragon coins. Given the current situation in the Kraken region, we can only rely on the crops in the fields."

"Well, this land has no mountains or rivers, so it is impossible to develop mining and fishing. Even if the Nandar Chamber of Commerce moves in, it will take time for business to develop in the short term."

To put it bluntly, it is a barren land with nothing on it.

The only thing that can be exchanged for money is the output from the fields.

"However, crops in the Kraken region also grow poorly, and the wheat yield is less than in other areas."

"Eh? Isn't it just the fields that are abandoned? Is there something wrong with the soil itself?"

"I guess it's a bit of both... well, I'm not sure."

"Fertilizer or something, did anyone mention anything?"

"In short, it is difficult for crops to grow, but the specific reasons are not clear yet."

"Then it could be a soil problem. Have you investigated the soil nearby?"

"I compared it with soil from other areas, but I couldn't tell the difference. I don't know much about it."

"Well, if you don't know the cause, it's hard to find a solution."

"Yeah...it's so embarrassing..."

Ling was in trouble and Xino laughed at herself.

"what happened?"

"I just feel ridiculous. I can't do anything. I've tried my best just to survive. I don't even have my own farm. But I still want to help everyone. I'm really overestimating myself."

"There is no such thing!"

Just as Ling was about to say something, the door of the library opened and Hull strode in.

"Teacher! Why are you here?"

"This is the castle under my name. Is there anything wrong with me coming here? Can't I just come and find some books to read?"

"……Hello."

Xino bowed to Heer.

"It's you. You were the one who promised to collect three gold dragons for me yesterday, right?"

"Um……"

"It's not just Miss Qianuo! It's everyone! Let's all work together to collect three gold dragons!"

"Whatever. I just want to get the full amount of tax. I don't care about the rest. Just work hard."

After saying that, Hull walked to a corner of the library alone and began looking for the books he needed.

"Sure enough, I still overestimate my own abilities. Maybe everyone is laughing at me in their hearts?"

Qiannuo showed a regretful expression and stared at the bookshelf beside her.

"Sister Xinuo, please don't think like that. There is absolutely no such thing. Don't be discouraged now!"

"I am just an orphan who doesn't even have any land. I am not a steward like Mr. Daryl. Even though this is the case, I thought I promised to collect three gold royals... I can't do anything..."

Hearing the discordant voice, Hull leaned over the bookshelf and looked at Xino, then sighed.

"Where is that brave girl from yesterday? Is she such a coward now?"

"……Eh?"

Hull came out from behind the bookshelf with a book.

“Does this have anything to do with whether or not it can be done?”

"Ah, that..."

“I once dreamed of creating a world without conflict.”

"..."

"Of course, this is not for others, and there is no particularly noble purpose. It's just because I want to do it, that's all."

"..."

"In the past, I knew a girl who wanted to make her country rich. Her parents made a living by farming, and everyone lived a hard life. At that time, the girl had no property or knowledge... She had nothing except a pair of sparkling black eyes. Even I thought this dream was unrealistic and advised her to give up."

"So...did the girl succeed later?"

"Well, she developed a fertilizer that can increase crop yields several times, and the number of hungry people in the country has been reduced by 30%."

"……Amazing!"

“Please remember that the old world that the elderly uphold is not unshakable, and the dreams drawn on impulse can also create a brilliant future.”

"..."

"I have no interest in people who are imprisoned by their circumstances and become timid. If you want to give up, just go home and continue to be exhausted by the trivialities in front of you."

"Sister Xinuo! Don't listen to the teacher's nonsense! He is different from everyone else here."

Listening to Ling's complaints, Hull gave a wry smile, then left the library with the book in his hand without looking back.

Looking at Heer's departing back, a strange light appeared in Xino's eyes again.

"No, I think I understand what he means. It doesn't matter if you fail in the end. The important thing is to keep trying until you succeed in the end... He is motivating me."

Ling covered her face, she just felt that Xino must be overthinking.

Heer meant it absolutely literally and tried to persuade her to give up.

"Ling, can you go somewhere with me?"

Xinuo looked at Ling with a serious look.

Ling nodded heavily: "Of course."

Qiannuo brought Ling to the house of Daryl, the town manager.

Compared to yesterday, the town manager now looked like he had stayed up all night. He sat motionless in his chair, looking very tired.

"What are you doing in my house? I don't have any extra food hidden at home. If you want to find it, go ahead."

“We want to investigate the conditions in the fields.”

"Investigating the fields...? What for?"

"To collect three gold dragon coins before winter, we must increase the crop yields in the entire Kraken region. However, given the current situation, this is difficult to achieve. We want to first figure out the cause of the poor harvest."

"It's up to you. Go ahead and check if you want."

Daryl closed his eyes after he said that, and he looked like he had completely given up.

As she passed him, Ling smelled alcohol.

The two men walked towards the private field behind the house. Badad, the manager's son, was plowing the field. He looked as strong as an ox and was sweating profusely as he swung a hoe.

"Huh? What are you doing here?"

"I'm here to investigate the wheat fields."

"Investigation? Why are you joining in the fun, little girl? Hurry up and leave! Don't delay my work!"

"Mr. Daryl has already promised us."

"Dad has already agreed? Really... I wonder what he is thinking? Well, it's up to you guys, just don't disturb me while I'm working."

After saying this, Badad just continued swinging his hoe.

Ling and Xinuo came to a plowed field and both grabbed a handful of soil.

"First, let's investigate the soil conditions. If there's not enough fertilizer, the wheat won't grow well."

"Ha! Amateur."

As soon as Xino said a word, Badard, who was not far away, laughed at him and spat to the side.

Xinuo blushed a little and lowered her head.

Ling didn't care at all what the big guy thought, but instead asked Badard with great interest.

"Since Sister Xinuo is an amateur, could you please introduce a professional to us?"

"…Am I not a professional? I have been working in the fields since I was born. The fields are my brothers and the wheat is my wife. There is nothing I don't know!"

"Haha, I don't believe in a guy who says that a half-filled bucket of water makes a jingle. If you are really capable, then tell me, why is there always a poor harvest in the Kraken area?"

"..."

Ling smiled slightly, and just one sentence made Badard look like he had eaten shit, and his face turned a dark yellow.

“People who are familiar with the farm conditions may be able to look for people in other areas, but considering the current situation, it is better to find people who have made their own farms harvest well.”

Ling looked at Xino, and thought that someone with practical experience would be more suitable.

"Then you can go find old man Zamba. His ears can hear the echo of the land. Not long ago, his wheat field harvested twice as much as others."

"… not long ago?"

Ling tilted her head. What do you mean by not long ago? Could it be that after the production increased, it decreased again for some reason?

Badard gave a wry smile.

"My father had a talk with him and told him that if the harvest was good, the taxes would be higher. He told him not to work so hard at his age and to keep up with the others. Since then, Mr. Zamba has lost his motivation and his wheat fields have become barren."

"Uh... intentionally reducing production to evade taxes... this method is indeed questionable."

If the harvest increases, the corresponding taxes will become heavier.

If only one family's wheat field produces more, other families' wheat production may not keep up. And no one can guarantee a bumper harvest every time. On the contrary, once the tax rate is raised, it is difficult to reduce it.

As the mayor of the town, he should be more concerned about keeping the tax rate low than the output.

"However, the tax this time is fixed at three gold royals. If the harvest volume increases, you can keep the extra portion. Why are you still unwilling to increase production?"

"Who would believe that kind of bullshit? What if they change their mind after seeing the golden wheat fields? They ask us to raise the tax to four gold royals next year, and then increase it year by year. The lords are all assholes without assholes, and they will eat people without leaving any bones. It's better to trust yourself."

Badard said and spat on the ground again.

As expected, there is still no way to gain their trust.

Ling did not pursue the matter, but instead asked about the residence of the old man Zanba.

"Do you want to go over? The old man has become quite stubborn since then. He twisted his waist a few days ago, and I guarantee he's in no mood to see you now. Be careful or he'll hit you on the head with his pipe."

From what Badard said, it seemed that he had suffered a lot from that old man.

"That's perfect. Let's go help the old man take care of the wheat fields. It'll kill two birds with one stone."

"You are a noble after all, right? Is it really okay for you to wander around in our peasants' fields all day long?"

Badard asked curiously.

"We farmers have all given up, why are you still working so hard?"

"We haven't done anything yet. Isn't it too early to give up now? People who always talk about giving up are basically people who are used to doing nothing. Mr. Badard, at least you have more strength than us girls. If you really regard the fields as your brothers, then please treat your brothers better."

"..."

“Rather than relying on charity from others, I would rather live a good life with my own strength.”

"..."

Badard opened his eyes wide in surprise at Ling's words.

This little girl looks only about ten years old, but her conversation and thinking far surpass those of her peers.

His mother, who passed away many years ago, once said something similar.

Badad covered his face with his hands, so his expression could not be seen, but his other hand was pointing to the west.

"…Walk west from here for about five minutes. The house at the corner at the end is Mr. Zamba's house. He hates strangers, so please be prepared to be turned away."

"Thank you. Let's go, Sister Xinuo."

"Uh-huh……"

Ling bowed to Badad, then pulled Xino around the wheat field and walked west.

Badard's voice came from behind her: "Do your best, young lady of the lord's family."