Chapter 075: Canal Completion

As the jubilant cheers of the Han tribe faded after celebrating the successful channeling of the river through their newly constructed canal, Luo Chong gathered the tribe around for a strategic meeting on the next steps. With the water now accessible, the focus shifted to maximizing the agricultural potential of the land.

"Okay, everyone, now that we've brought the river to us, it's time to think about how we can use this to our advantage," Luo Chong began, his voice echoing off the walls of the makeshift meeting hall. "Water is life, especially for our crops. This spring, we're going to expand our farming operations significantly."

Maps and sketches were laid out in front of the tribe members, showing the planned expansion of arable land along the banks of the new canal. Luo Chong pointed to marked areas on the maps where they would begin digging smaller irrigation channels to distribute the water evenly across the fields.

The plans were ambitious. Luo Chong proposed the cultivation of rice, a crop that required plenty of water, which was now plentiful thanks to the canal. He explained the benefits of rice as a stable food source that could support the tribe's growing population and even create surpluses for trading with neighboring tribes.

"Rice paddies here, along these flat areas by the canal. We'll use the slope of the land to our advantage for natural water flow," Luo Chong instructed, tracing his finger along the contours of the map.

The tribe listened intently, with some of the elder members nodding in agreement while others looked on curiously, never having farmed rice before. Luo Chong reassured them, "I know this is new for many of you, but rice is an excellent crop for our needs. It grows well in wet conditions, which we can now easily create."

Excitement buzzed through the crowd as the implications of a stable, water-rich environment began to dawn on them. Not only would they have more food, but the ability to grow a surplus for trading meant improved tools, clothes, and other necessities.

Luo Chong continued, "We will start by preparing the land next week. I'll need everyone to help—this is a big project, and it's crucial for our future. We'll divide into teams. One will work on digging the irrigation channels, another on preparing the land for planting, and a third on gathering and preparing the rice seeds for sowing."

He looked around, meeting the eyes of his tribe members. "This is more than just about growing food. It's about securing our future, ensuring that not only do we survive but thrive. We're transforming our home here, making it a place where we can live well, not just get by."

The meeting broke up with a renewed sense of purpose. The tribe was buzzing with energy, ready to take on the challenges of this new project. Luo Chong's leadership had guided them through the winter and now promised a prosperous spring.

As the tribe dispersed to begin their tasks, Luo Chong stayed back, looking over the canal and the fertile lands it would nourish. He felt a profound connection to the land and his people, a responsibility to lead them well. The canal was just the beginning, he thought; there was much more they could achieve together. With careful planning and hard work, the Han tribe would not only survive the challenges of their world but would build a legacy that could endure generations.