When Li De heard this, although he was a bit puzzled, he didn't object and quickly bowed, saying, "Marquis, please follow me."
So, he led the way, and everyone followed behind him.
More than a hundred people crowded together, heading forward.
The villagers in the nearby villages, seeing the formation, quickly learned that General Zhenbei had arrived, and their faces were filled with shock.
They ignored their farm work and gathered to watch, many pointing and discussing amongst themselves.
The main thing was that no one knew why General Zhenbei would come here; it was like an emperor on an inspection tour, drawing much attention.
Liu Jin hurried along, his eyes observing the surroundings.
The further he went, the more barren land he saw.
He felt a sense of pity, as these were all fertile fields suitable for cultivation, but now they had become wasteland.
Moreover, there was still a good amount of such land in Li Family Village.
If it could be utilized, the villagers' annual harvest would at least multiply several times.
After walking for a while, the group arrived by a river.
This river was neither too big nor too small; it was sufficient to cover all the fields in Li Family Village.
However, some areas were dry, causing the water flow to be sluggish, and some small streams were completely cut off, preventing full coverage and leaving some areas parched.
Surrounded by several people, Liu Jin walked along the river, searching the nearby areas.
After observing carefully for a moment, he specifically selected a few dried-up small streams and some higher riverbeds.
After selecting the targets, he spoke to Jian Yong, who was beside him, "Install the Turning Wheels at these two locations."
After saying this, he pointed to two other places where the water flow was denser and declared loudly, "Install Waterwheels here.
Now, instruct people to begin installation immediately and try to divert the water first."
Upon receiving the order, Jian Yong wasted no time and immediately directed the people he had brought to transport all the Waterwheels and Turning Wheels and begin installing them there.
Li De and the others standing by were slightly stunned by this scene, seemingly unable to comprehend it.
After all, they had never seen such devices, nor did they know what purpose they served.
However, he still asked, "Marquis, do I need to summon the villagers to help?"
Liu Jin heard this, shook his head, and said with a smile, "I have brought enough manpower.
For now, I don't need the villagers' help.
If there's a need, I will naturally ask you to summon them."
Li De heard this, nodded repeatedly, and respectfully stood by, waiting.
Many villagers had gathered around the river, looking at the giant circles with surprise.
They had no idea what these things were, but they were full of curiosity, standing together and discussing.
Liu Jin, however, ignored the gathering villagers.
Instead, he placed a small stool he had brought under him and sat by the river, watching his subordinates install the equipment.
He occasionally intervened to direct them, sharing some of his knowledge, which helped to speed up the installation process with their cooperation.
Time slowly passed.
The sun was setting, and a brilliant afterglow appeared in the sky.
Li De, who had been watching for a long time, saw that it was getting dark, quickly walked over, and whispered, "Marquis, I see it's getting dark.
Why don't you stay in Li Family Village tonight?
I have already ordered good food to be prepared."
Liu Jin heard this, looked up at the sky, and indeed, it was already dusk.
His stomach was growling; after a day of work, he was indeed hungry.
He looked at the Turning Wheel still being installed, which seemed almost complete.
After a moment of thought, he declared loudly, "There's no rush for dinner.
Let's finish the current task first, then eat."
Li De heard this and nodded repeatedly, a smile appearing on his aged face.
It was their honor for Liu Jin to be willing to dine in their Li Family Village.
Once this news spread, their Li Family Village would have something to boast about within several miles.
Just then, the Turning Wheel was completely installed.
Under Jian Yong's direction, several soldiers pushed the handle, and it began to operate.
The water from the river was scooped up, rising step by step, and then began to flow downwards.
Soon, it flowed into some dry ditches.
As the pushing continued, the water from Henan was continuously drawn up and flowed gurgling downwards.
Liu Jin saw this scene and smiled.
It seemed that the Turning Wheel was very successful in drawing river water to these dry areas.
It didn't seem to require much effort; only two or three people were needed to push it, indeed capable of irrigating a large area.
The villagers standing by were all stunned by this sight, their eyes wide open, looking very shocked.
After all, they had never seen or even heard of such a miraculous device, so how could they not feel a sense of awe?
Watching the water continuously being drawn from the river and flowing into the dry ditches, they quickly came to their senses, their eyes growing more excited, even their breathing becoming rapid.
If they had this device to draw water and irrigate these dry lands, wouldn't it mean they could gain many useful fertile fields and even increase their harvests?
Li De quickly leaned in and excitedly said, "Marquis...Marquis, this is a device that benefits the people!
Can you leave a few for our Li Family Village?
If we have this, all these dry lands can become excellent fertile fields.
If we can plant crops, the people of our Li Family Village will become prosperous and no longer have to live in poverty."
After he finished speaking, the surrounding villagers' eyes showed anticipation, wishing they could directly kneel and plead.
Liu Jin heard this and chuckled, looking at their eyes as he declared loudly, "You all need not worry.
My purpose in coming here is precisely for your Li Family Village, specifically to build these Waterwheels and Turning Wheels.
It is to increase your water irrigation, to provide you with enough fertile land to use, so that you can live a happy and fulfilling life in the future."
The villagers gathered around heard this, their eyes filled with excitement, their bodies even beginning to tremble.
Especially the village chief, Li De, his eyes filled with gratitude, immediately knelt on one knee and declared loudly, "Thank you, Marquis."
The villagers standing by the riverbank did not hesitate, all kneeling on one knee and loudly proclaiming, "Thank you, Marquis!"
"Thank you, Marquis!"
Excited and heartfelt voices continuously echoed on both sides.
Liu Jin saw the villagers before him, and a joyful smile appeared on his face; he was very happy.
At the very least, he could help these people, allowing them to no longer live in poverty but to move towards a prosperous life.
This is what those in power should do, not indulge in pleasures, harm the people, and cause displaced people to rise.
Even if one becomes the ruler of a nation, what good is it?
They will eventually be overthrown and become garbage in history.