Political Power Comes from the Barrel of a Gun
Sean Hayes led his men as they escorted the grain back to camp. The soldiers, seeing a year's worth of rations secured, were overjoyed.
Sean said, "Brothers, I know you've loyally followed His Majesty, traveling thousands of miles from the capital to Qin, far from your families—it's no easy feat! His Majesty appreciates your devotion, so soon, large plots of farmland will be allocated to you. When that happens, you'll have your own land and can bring your families here to settle. His Majesty and Her Majesty have always cared deeply for those who risk their lives for them. So rest assured, follow His Majesty, and good days are ahead!"
The soldiers were fully convinced by Sean's words.
Alexander Hayes was famous for looking after his men. After marrying Princess Jade Hayes, her business success meant frequent deliveries of wine and meat to the camp, rewarding the troops.
Princess Jade also helped provide for the old, weak, and injured soldiers by hiring them to work in her plantations, giving them a livelihood.
So the soldiers never doubted their leaders. They believed that following Alexander and Princess Jade would mean a good life, not being cast aside if they were ever injured.
Sean unloaded the grain, made sure everything was settled, and then returned to the Palace of Qin.
At that moment in the palace, Princess Jade and Belle were tallying up the new land deeds.
The property of Justin Zhao's branch had been confiscated, so all his land now belonged to the Palace of Qin. With the addition of newly acquired lands, the total was substantial.
"Belle, we need to re-survey these lands so we can divide them up for farming," Princess Jade said just as Sean arrived.
"Your Majesty, the grain has been delivered to the camp. As you instructed, I've informed the troops that land will be allocated to them," Sean reported.
"Good. I've already drafted a preliminary plan for the land distribution," Princess Jade nodded, inviting Sean to join the discussion.
"Here's my plan: First, we re-survey all the land and count the number of soldiers who will farm it. Then, we assign plots based on military merit and rank—those with higher rank or distinguished service get more land, while slackers get just enough for rations. If someone earns merit later, land can be given as a reward. Finally, all land remains the property of the Palace of Qin; soldiers have only the right to farm it, rent-free. As long as they and their descendants remain loyal to the Qin Army, they can keep farming their assigned land for free," Princess Jade explained.
Sean nodded in approval. "Brilliant! Using land to motivate the troops is a clever strategy. Ordinary people have always wanted land—if they have food and fields, they'll follow you to the end. By giving the soldiers land to farm for free, they'll put down roots here, bring their families, and be even more loyal to His Majesty and Her Majesty."
Princess Jade nodded. "Over two hundred thousand Qin soldiers followed His Majesty here, leaving their homes to settle in a new land. It's no easy task, so keeping them content is our top priority. The army is the core of all our strength—if their hearts are steady and they support us, anyone who wants to oppose us will have to think twice about how tough they really are. Words alone don't win battles; if a sword falls, a head rolls, and that's the end of it. That's what it means when they say 'political power grows out of the barrel of a gun.'"