Chapter 37: Four Strategies for Locust Control and the Miraculous Crop Yield of Dozens of Bushels per Acre

As expected, this young man truly has a way to deal with the locust plague. The benefactor that Master Yuan spoke of must be him, Li Shimin thought to himself. He felt immense relief—fortunately, Du Chengfeng had a foolproof plan; otherwise, he would once again face the people’s doubts.

Du Chengfeng continued, “As the saying goes, prolonged drought breeds locusts. The formation of a locust plague is always tied to years of dry land. From the time a locust hatches from its egg and grows from a nymph to a full adult, it generally takes sixty to two hundred days. Within this period, we have ample time to eradicate them.

“First: encourage the people to plant more soybeans, fruit trees, and other types of woodland. Locusts favor corn, wheat, sorghum, rice, and the like, but they do not eat soybeans or fruit trees. Second: notify the people to take precautions against drought and keep the soil from becoming overly dry. Locust eggs are hidden in arid earth; if the soil is kept even slightly moist, the eggs cannot survive.

“If irrigation cannot be ensured, frequent tilling is also effective. Locust eggs in their early stage can be destroyed by exposure to the sun. Third: raise large numbers of locust predators, such as chickens and ducks—the more, the better. One chicken or duck can eat thousands of locust larvae in a single day.

“After the locust plague passes, chickens and ducks also make for excellent dishes. At the same time, prohibit the people from catching frogs and similar creatures, as they too are locust predators. Fourth: encourage the people to catch locusts themselves. Not only are locusts a valuable ingredient in traditional medicine, but when fried, they are also a rare delicacy.”

Du Chengfeng recited the four methods for controlling locusts he had once read online. These approaches had been refined by countless experts and through years of historical experience, and their effectiveness was undeniable. So long as these four measures were carried out, locust plagues would not be so fearsome.

After hearing Du Chengfeng’s four methods, Li Shimin and Chu Suiliang were utterly amazed, unable to put their feelings into words. What they saw as a disaster beyond control seemed as trivial as child’s play in Du Chengfeng’s hands.

The so-called pillars of the nation, these old ministers, had racked their brains and come up with nothing, while for Du Chengfeng, such strategies flowed effortlessly.

Alas, it was only due to their own lack of learning. At that moment, both Li Shimin and Chu Suiliang shared the same thought.

Li Shimin felt it even more deeply, for just a few days ago, Du Chengfeng had discussed with him the dangers of upholding Confucianism to the exclusion of other schools. Confucian scholars saw their learning as the source of all answers, believing that mastering Confucian texts would solve any problem.

But now it was clear that such practical knowledge for governing a nation was absent from Confucian books. Du Chengfeng’s ability to offer these effective methods surely came from his wide reading.

What is at stake with a locust plague? The people’s livelihood—and hence, the nation’s fate. The welfare of the people is the cornerstone of good governance. If one only respects Confucianism and ignores the hundred other schools of thought, the mind remains shackled, like a frog gazing at the sky from the bottom of a well, always seeing only a tiny patch of blue.

“Du Chengfeng, your learning and erudition have once again astonished me. Before you, I feel quite ignorant and ashamed—this matter of dealing with locust plagues is proof enough,” Li Shimin said with self-deprecating humor.

Du Chengfeng merely smiled. “Your Majesty flatters me; these are but trifles.”

“Du Chengfeng, I am a little curious—can locusts really be eaten?” Li Shimin inquired with some doubt.

“Rest assured, Your Majesty, not only are they edible, but fried locusts are delicious. I ate many as a child,” Du Chengfeng replied calmly.

“In that case, I am completely reassured. I will immediately order officials throughout Guanzhong to disseminate these methods for controlling locusts, so we can prepare as best as possible before the plague arrives,” Li Shimin said with satisfaction.

“Your Majesty, in fact, if the first three measures are properly carried out, locust plagues will become rare. And these three must be maintained over the long term; eradicating the plague once does not mean it will never return. Whenever droughts persist, locusts may reemerge,” Du Chengfeng reminded him earnestly.

He then added, “Your Majesty, there is one more crucial point—make sure the local governments stockpile as much grain as possible before next autumn, just in case. And, I have one more thing that Your Majesty can promote before next autumn.” With that, Du Chengfeng produced a sweet potato from his robe and handed it to Li Shimin.

He had considered, on his way here, that if the drought persisted in Guanzhong next year, grain yields would surely decrease. By promoting the cultivation of sweet potatoes in Huainan, they could stockpile food for emergencies, as sweet potato yields far surpassed those of rice.

“What is this?” Li Shimin asked, eyeing the sweet potato in his palm, which was as large as his hand.

“Your Majesty, this is a sweet potato, suitable for planting in loose soil. With minimal care, the yield per mu can reach several dozen shi. Sweet potatoes can be prepared in many ways and are ideal as a supplementary food or for coping with natural disasters,” Du Chengfeng said lightly, the corners of his mouth rising as if he were describing something utterly ordinary.

“What? Several dozen shi per mu?” Hearing this, Li Shimin was so excited he leapt from his couch, his eyes growing moist.

As for Chu Suiliang, he was already stupefied. These past few days, following Du Chengfeng around, he had grown numb to the once-unimaginable things that seemed commonplace in Du Chengfeng’s presence.

Just days ago, when Du Chengfeng presented high-yield rice capable of producing over ten shi per mu, Li Shimin had thought it incredible. Now, with the introduction of a crop yielding several dozen shi per mu, Li Shimin felt his heart could hardly withstand such repeated shocks and delights.

It was as if he were alternately soaring among the clouds and plunging into the depths, only to rise again. The surprises Du Chengfeng brought him came one after another; Li Shimin felt that, though he had weathered countless storms in his life with composure, it was only before Du Chengfeng that he found himself repeatedly losing control of his emotions.

“Minister Chu, tell me, is this real? Am I not dreaming?” Tears welled in Li Shimin’s eyes as he looked at Chu Suiliang, filled with hope.

Chu Suiliang broke out in a cold sweat. Your Majesty, I am just as bewildered as you are. Shouldn’t you be asking Du Chengfeng instead?

But, as a minister, such words could not pass his lips. So, gritting his teeth, he replied, “Your Majesty, it is true. I heard it clearly.”

“Good! Excellent!” Receiving this confirmation, Li Shimin stroked the sweet potato in his hand, exclaiming in delight.

Only after some time did Li Shimin regain his composure. With deep gratitude, he turned to Du Chengfeng and said, “Du Chengfeng, on behalf of the people of the empire, I thank you.”

“Your Majesty, there is no need for thanks. I merely cannot bear to see the people of Guanzhong suffer. Natural disasters are unavoidable, but we cannot simply resign ourselves to fate. If all unite in will and effort, a solution can always be found,” Du Chengfeng replied.