Xu Di had been in Lüzhou, and he had entrusted the affairs of Miaozhou to Zhang Shitong, the Assistant Magistrate of Miaozhou. This Assistant Magistrate was brought by Xu Di; he was capable, methodical, and most importantly, able to carry out the tasks assigned to him by Xu Di very well.

Zhang Shitong and Xu Di were born in the same year. Zhang Shitong had no connections and had been working in the Six Ministries. Because he was unwilling to associate with those officials he looked down on, his career had not progressed well in recent years. Xu Di wanted to bring a colleague who could work well with him and assist him when he came to Miaozhou to serve as the prefect. Zhang Shitong was the most suitable candidate in Xu Di's opinion.

The position of Assistant Magistrate of Miaozhou is a sixth-rank official, which is half a rank higher than Zhang Shitong's original rank. Most importantly, Xu Di has already made it clear to him that after taking office in Miaozhou, he will have the final say on everything except for the management of the Miao River. Moreover, Xu Di will not compete with him for credit, and Xu Di will truthfully report all the achievements he makes to the Ministry of Personnel.

After entering officialdom, everyone wants to make a name for themselves, but it's hard to find a good platform. Now, such a good platform is right in front of him. Although he is a sub-prefect, he is actually exercising the duties of a prefect. Only a fool would not want to come.

After taking office, Zhang Shitong acted decisively and swiftly, quickly bringing the situation in Miaozhou under control. He was very prudent; although Xu Di said he wouldn't interfere too much in the affairs of the prefecture, Zhang Shitong would still consult Xu Di's opinion before implementing many things. However, regarding matters like urging the wheat harvest, Zhang Shitong originally intended to ask Xu Di's opinion. Since Xu Di had returned from the capital, he had been staying in Lüzhou, so Zhang Shitong had to go to Lüzhou to ask for advice.

Before the harvest season began, Zhang Shitong arrived in Lüzhou.

This was Zhang Shitong's first time traveling on this newly built road. As the carriage traveled along the mountain road, Zhang Shitong felt that the carriage was very stable. He couldn't help but lift the curtain to take a look and saw a road that could accommodate three carriages, stretching straight into the mountains and forests.

The Dragon Boat Festival is just around the corner. The weather is clear and the mountain breeze carries a hint of coolness, which invigorates the spirit. There is a babbling ditch by the roadside. Zhang Shitong asked the driver to stop the carriage. Standing by the ditch, he saw the shallow water flowing slowly. In addition to the sound of the water, he could hear birds chirping near and far. Zhang Shitong felt refreshed and very comfortable.

Seeing that it was getting late, Zhang Shitong got into the carriage. The coachman smiled and said, "Sir, is this your first time traveling this road?"

This carriage was hired at the Miaohe Wharf. After the road was repaired, a wharf was built on the Miaohe River. Soon, there were many people driving carriages at the wharf. Some people who were going to Luzhou would get off the boat at this wharf and hire a carriage at the wharf, pay some money, and have the coachman take them to Luzhou.

Zhang Shitong smiled and said, "Yes, this is my first time here. I remember that it used to be a long way to get to Luzhou, and I heard that it was a mountain road and the road was not easy to travel."

The coachman was a talkative man. He smiled and said, "That's right. It's more than a hundred miles in one turn. The road is difficult to travel in the mountains. We started using this road as soon as it was repaired. It used to take a day and a half to travel, but now we can get there in less than an hour by carriage. We really have to thank Lord Xu of Miaozhou. Otherwise, we wouldn't have such convenience."

Zhang Shitong wanted to inquire about the situation in Luzhou, so he asked the coachman, "Brother, I've heard that the situation in Luzhou isn't very good. I heard that the Great Yan is preparing to attack?"

The coachman looked at Zhang Shitong warily after hearing his words and said, "This is a matter for the government. How would we common folk know? We don't even know what you do, sir. Is there something important going to Luzhou?"

Zhang Shitong was surprised that even a coachman was so vigilant. He smiled and said, "Brother, I'm from the government. I'm going to Luzhou to find our Lord Xu. Don't worry, I'm not a spy."

The coachman was relieved and asked Zhang Shitong, "So you're a high-ranking official. Our Lord Xu is in Luzhou Garrison. I'll just take you there by carriage."

After Zhang Shitong thanked him, the carriage soon arrived at Huitou Ridge.

Zhang Shitong asked the coachman to stop the carriage and stood by the roadside looking at the bamboo forest not far away. There was a large courtyard under the bamboo forest. The coachman had mentioned it on the way. This was the bamboo paper workshop built by Zheng Boyuan's wife.

Having spent the previous few years at the Ministry of Revenue, Zhang Shitong naturally understood the impact of building such a workshop here on the nearby villages. These villagers could work in the workshop during the off-season and earn far more money than they would have left after a year of working in the fields and paying taxes. Most importantly, with such a large bamboo forest, the bamboo paper they produced could be sold to the capital and other places in the future. With the Xu family's influence, they could easily secure a special supply, and wouldn't the wealth flow in abundantly?

The coachman stood by the carriage, leading the horse, and said with a smile, "This is the bamboo paper workshop built by our Lord Zheng's wife. My cousin's nephew works here and says he can earn quite a bit of money every month. Moreover, Lady Zheng regularly invites teachers from outside to give lessons to the workshop staff. My cousin said that not only can you earn money here, but you can also learn and broaden your horizons. Lady Zheng has promised that she will take the workshop staff to the capital to see the bamboo paper they make in the future. If I were decades younger, I would also work here."

Zhang Shitong used to work under Xu Rao. He knew Xu Rao's work ability well. How could the daughter of Master Xu Rao, who could teach such a capable person as Xu Di, be anything less?

Zhang Shitong had high expectations for Xu Zhi's future achievements. He felt that although this woman was somewhat limited by her gender, she would definitely be able to achieve what others could not in their entire lives.

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