As long as the refugees have something to eat to survive, they will be quiet and peaceful. Not everyone likes to stir up trouble.

The work of reclaiming wasteland and building water conservancy projects was progressing step by step. All the tens of thousands of acres of land that were reclaimed were registered under the name of the government. Mu Wanqing turned it into a collective farm and managed it in a unified manner.

These refugees who were pioneering the wasteland suddenly transformed themselves, signed an agreement with Happy Farm, became long-term employees of the farm, and led a stable life.

Once the grass seeds are sown and water is irrigated, they will survive.

Next year, we will plant half of the crops with wheat and the other half with cotton.

Time flies, and the cotton at Shuimu Farm is finally ready to be picked. Mu Wanqing rushes over in person to provide technical guidance.

Cotton picking is entirely manual and requires a lot of manpower.

Mu Wanqing picked a white cotton ball with her own hands, held it in her hand and looked at it carefully, feeling very excited. This was not cotton at all, but clearly pure silver.

All the picked cotton is transported to the drying yard and dried after a few days. The next step is to clean the cotton.

On this day, all the officials of the Dusi Mansion were invited to attend. They all looked at the strange-looking machines with an upper and lower shaft, the upper one with a small diameter and the lower one with a large diameter, as well as a rocker arm and three openings.

One person shakes the crank arm, and the two shafts rotate in different directions. The white cotton pours into the opening above. After a while, the cotton seeds and fiber cotton are separated and flow to different outlets.

Sun Tongzhi was stunned, "County Lady, what is this?"

"It's a roller specially used to remove cotton seeds." Mu Wanqing still thought it was not advanced enough, but the current materials and technology were limited, so it could only achieve this level.

Then, everyone saw several strong men using a four-foot-long bow to strike the string and fluff the cotton to remove impurities and make it soft.

Three strong men jointly operated a 40-spindle double-sided spinning wheel. There were a total of 20 spinning wheels, and 60 people worked together. The yarn was produced continuously. This spectacular scene made everyone stare in amazement. Note (1)

The loom already existed, and Mu Wanqing made some minor improvements to it, making it even more powerful.

Watching a stack of white cloth taking shape, Sun Tongzhi couldn't help but walk forward and touch it. It was soft and very delicate.

He was delighted. "If I hadn't seen it with my own eyes, I wouldn't have believed that cotton could be made into such soft fine cloth."

He finally understood why Mu Wanqing was able to be conferred the title of county lady with cotton. This cotton cloth was softer and more comfortable than linen.

The key is that the cost is not high and it can be widely promoted, which is a great blessing for poor people.

His contribution has truly been to the country and will be passed down through generations, so any reward would not be excessive.

Mu Wanqing smiled slightly, "This white cloth can be dyed, it is comfortable and breathable, and can be made into warm cotton-padded jackets, cotton-padded quilts, cotton-padded shoes and cotton-padded hats, so that poor people can safely spend the cold winter."

Sun Tongzhi was filled with enthusiasm, and finally he was convinced, "The county lady has done a great deed. I thank you on behalf of the people."

"The emperor has already thanked me." Mu Wanqing looked happy, "This month each official will be given two rolls of cotton cloth."

"Thank you, Princess." All the officials present were delighted. Princess Qingping was very generous. Since she took over the Dusi Mansion, the first thing she did was to set up a cafeteria to provide working meals.

The standard for working meals is one meat dish, one vegetable dish and one soup. They are clean, hygienic and delicious, and are provided free of charge to all officials.

Because of this, most officials speak well of her.

There is not much money in Xiliang, and most of the officials come from ordinary families. They can only eat meat a few times a month. Now they can eat meat every day, and their complexions have become rosy.

Some people simply take it home to eat together and treat the old and young at home.

Now that cotton cloth has been distributed, I don’t need to buy new clothes this year, which saves me some expenses.

Mu Wanqing stroked the cotton cloth, her expression focused and gentle, "I have a wish, that the cotton cloth of Liangcheng will be used to clothe the whole world, please help me."

All the officials stood in awe and bowed in greeting, "It is what I wish for, but I dare not ask you to do so."

Soon, cotton cloth was placed on the counter of Mu’s Trading Company. The colorful and affordable cotton cloth immediately attracted the attention of the people.

When I entered the store, I saw all kinds of cotton products and couldn't take my eyes off them. I asked about the prices and found they were affordable, so I bought them! I bought them quickly!

All the cotton products were sold out as soon as they were put on the shelves, and those who came late could only sigh with regret.

The clerk said at the right time, "We provide reservation service. You can place a half deposit and pick it up tomorrow."

Upon hearing this, everyone rushed to pay the deposit, fearing that they would miss out again.

In the teahouse not far away, Mu Wanqing looked at the grand occasion with a smile on her face.

She knew this would happen, cotton would have a huge impact on Da Qi.

Mu Ziang, who was standing next to her, looked proud, "Sister, you succeeded."

Today, only Mu Ziang was free to come out with her. Second Master Mu was almost going crazy with work, as everything at Shuimu Farm was under his control.

Cotton cloth workshops came into being, and cotton products workshops and cotton batting workshops were opened at the same time, which kept him busy.

Mu Zicheng is still busy with land reclamation and cannot get away.

"Then who am I?" Mu Wanqing smiled and looked a little smug.

Mu Ziang couldn't help but laugh. No matter how her identity and status changed, she was still that lovely sister.

"Yes, my sister is the best and the pride of our family."

Mu Wanqing immediately reciprocated, "Second brother, you are also great. You have managed the refugees on the farm very well and there has been no trouble."

Mu Ziang narrowed his eyes and smiled. He didn’t feel anything when others praised him like this, but he found his sister’s praise very pleasant.

"Those refugees were originally law-abiding and good people. So, how do you plan to resettle them? Let them stay here for a long time?"

Mu Wanqing had already thought about it, "Allow refugees to settle in Xiliang, each person will be given two acres of land, and tax exemption for two years."

I didn't mention it before because I wanted to see the reactions from all parties.

Mu Ziang was sincerely happy, "That's great. Although two acres of land is not much, I will not starve to death. I can also do odd jobs in my spare time. It's easy to find work this year. As long as I work hard, there will be a way to make a living."

Mu Wanqing picked up the teacup and took a sip, "Second brother, do you still want to join the army?"

"Yes," Mu Ziang nodded without hesitation. This has always been his dream.

He temporarily stayed with his sister to learn and gain more experience because his sister promised him that she would choose the most appropriate time to help him realize his dream.

He believed in his sister.

Mu Wanqing respected everyone's choice and tried her best to pave the way for them. "Then how about I arrange you to be a general under Lord Zeng?"

Mu Ziang grasped the key point sharply, "General Flag? Lord Zeng is going to be promoted?"

Seeing his reaction, Mu Wanqing was somewhat satisfied and no longer as silly as before. "Well, you have been promoted to centurion for your merits, and the vacant position will be arranged for you."

Mu Ziang was both happy and worried, "Is it not good for me to suddenly appear out of nowhere?"

Mu Wanqing looked at him steadily with a serious expression, "You are the second brother of the Princess of Qingping County. You are destined to have a higher starting point than others. This is something that cannot be envied. You also have the ability to match. If you can manage thousands of refugees, you can naturally manage fifty subordinates."

She has been training her father and brother, hoping that they can stand on their own as soon as possible. If they lack the ability, she will not force them into that position.

If virtue does not match one's position, disaster will surely occur.

"Of course, this is all I can do. The rest depends on you. Whether you can subdue your subordinates depends on your methods."

Mu Ziang was confident about this. "After being with you for so long, I must have learned a thing or two."

He expressed his sincere gratitude, "Sister, thank you for teaching me and paving the way for me."

He felt that he was useless and that his sister had to worry about everything for him, even though he was her older brother.

Mu Wanqing saw through his thoughts at a glance, and smiled as she took his arm, "We are siblings, why should we be polite? I hope that one day, when people mention me, they will not only refer to me as the Princess of Qingping County, but also as Mu Ziang's sister."

They are all excellent and will become dazzling figures in time.

She prefers the stars shining rather than the full moon in the sky.

Mu Ziang's eyes lit up and his blood boiled, "Okay, I will work hard to be your pride."

Mu Wanqing calmed him down with just one sentence, "Then I'll wait. By the way, ask the brothers in the clan if there are any who want to join the army with you. I'll make arrangements for them."

Brothers fight tigers together, fathers and sons fight together in battle, have more helpers to support each other.

Mu Ziang happily agreed, and then thought of something else, "Will you attend this graduation ceremony?"

"Of course I will. I must be at the first graduation ceremony of the Mu family." Mu Wanqing has been looking forward to this day. There are ten graduates in this class, and they are all the best people in the family. They can officially become office animals.

In fact, she had previously sent this group of people to the farm for internship to help with the preparation and construction of three new workshops, and they did a great job.

Once they graduate, they will be able to become full-time employees and be in charge of a variety of matters.

A guard's voice came from outside, "County Lady, Mr. Guo and Mr. Pan are here."

"Let them in."

Two men in brocade robes walked in one after the other and bowed together, "Greetings, County Lady."

"No need to be polite, just take a seat." Mu Wanqing warmly invited the guests to sit down and exchanged a few pleasantries. Boss Pan felt very embarrassed and only dared to sit on half of the seat.

"Brother Guo, how is business lately?"

Brother Guo? Boss Pan was stunned. Brother Guo could be so respectable? I really couldn't believe it.

He subconsciously looked at the famous Princess Qingping, a beautiful girl of unparalleled nobleness. Who would have thought that she was also the acting chief of Liangcheng.

Hey, why do you look familiar?

Guo Er was much more relaxed, talking and laughing. "Thanks to the county lady, the cotton cloth is also sold out in other places. I want to order another 100,000 pieces of cloth."

The Guo family has very strong sales channels. They sell one thousand pieces to each store, and the 20,000 pieces ordered previously were quickly sold out.

Mu Wanqing spread her hands, looking regretful, "No more. The quantity this year is limited. We can expand the planting area next year."

Guo Er was stunned. "Ah, it's gone so soon?"

Mu Wanqing still doesn’t have enough seeds this year, so she can only hope for next year. It will take at least three years to achieve cotton seed freedom.

"I had someone rush to make a batch of cotton-padded clothes and shoes for the front line. The consumption was huge, so there isn't much left in stock. But I'll leave more for you next year."

Guo Er was helpless, "Okay, I'll order 300,000 pieces of cloth."

Mu Wanqing hesitated for a moment and said, "This quantity is a bit large. I can't guarantee it. Let's order 100,000 pieces first."

We will have to plant more cotton next year, but the prerequisite is to ensure sufficient food and the red line of cultivated area cannot be crossed.

Therefore, more wasteland needs to be reclaimed.

Boss Pan on the side was stunned. How could you do business like this?

Everyone else is eager to sell more, but this county lady does the opposite. Does she know how to do business?

If the production cannot keep up, then we can find a way to grow more cotton. There is so much land in Xiliang area.

Mu Wanqing glanced over and nodded slightly, "I heard that Boss Pan rented two shops in the Specialty Customs Street to sell tea bricks?"

Boss Pan is a businessman who knows the rules. When he arrived in Liangcheng, he immediately handed in a visiting card to the county lord's mansion and paid his respects at the dock.

He hadn't expected to meet the county lady, but he never expected to have such a surprise.

He responded respectfully, "Yes, I hope the county lady will take good care of me in the future."

Seeing that his attitude was okay, Mu Wanqing smiled a little more, "I intend to build a cotton distribution and wholesale market in Liangcheng. Boss Pan has experience in this area, so please feel free to give me some advice."

Boss Pan was not surprised. He was sure it was Guo Er who said that. "You are too polite. I am just helping someone to manage the tea market. I don't have much experience..."

Mu Ziang exclaimed in surprise, "Why do I remember that Boss Pan is managing the business for his brother-in-law, the prefect?"

Boss Pan then noticed him and took a few glances. The more he looked, the more he felt that he looked familiar. It was strange. What happened today? Everyone looked familiar to him.

"Who is this?"

Mu Wanqing took the initiative to introduce, "My second brother, Mu Ziang."

Boss Pan stood in awe and bowed, "So it's Second Young Master Mu, you look familiar, have we met before?"

Mu Ziang: ...

It turned out that he didn't recognize it.

"Not only have we met before, we've even lived under the same roof for more than a month."

Boss Pan stared blankly at Mu Ziang, then at Mu Wanqing, and several images flashed through his mind...

The author has something to say:

Note (1) Excerpted from Baidu.