Chapter 394: The Ten Crows' Calamity (Part 4) [Requesting Double Monthly Tickets]

“The person recommended by Wen Zhu must be an exceptional individual.” Shen Tang looked extremely interested, but a slight worry crept onto her brows as she sighed, “However, such a talent still has a bright future ahead of him. He’s coming with me to Longwu…”

Shen Tang hesitated, as if she wanted to say something but then stopped.

They have grasped the essence of tea ceremony perfectly.

Xu Jie hurriedly said, "It would be a good thing for my unruly cousin to follow Lord Shen. He lost both his parents at a young age and was raised by me as if he were my own son. However, he is unruly and disobedient, and I am worried that he might cause trouble for Lord Shen..."

Shen Tang asked, "Wen Zhu's cousin?"

"Yes, I'm sixteen this year."

Shen Tang frowned and said, "This child is too young... In Longwu, this child may not be able to endure the hardships."

Xu Jie: "..."

For some reason, I found it quite amusing to hear these words coming from Shen Jun. If his sixteen-year-old cousin is a "child" in Shen Jun's eyes, then wouldn't Shen Jun, who is only fourteen, be a toddler?

He laughed and said, "Shen Jun, don't worry. If he can't even endure this little bit of hardship, he shouldn't keep talking about 'sealing the wolf's lair' and 'drinking water from the Han Sea,' or he'll just become a laughing stock."

Having said all that, if this person didn't accept, it would be a recipe for conflict. So Shen Tang agreed, outwardly sharing drinks with Xu Jie—Xu Jie drinking wine while she drank tea—while inwardly she subtly curled her lips, concealing all her calculations without leaving a trace.

Although Xu Jie did not outwardly distance himself from Wu Xianming...

However, the fact that a promising young man from the same clan as Xu Jie joined his ranks—wasn't the message obvious?

The key point is that this will not arouse anyone's suspicion—Wu Xian will not mind, Qin Li will not question it, and even Xu Jie, the "prey" in the middle of the situation, will not feel that he has been tricked, but will only think that this is to repay Shen Tang's trust.

So, how could someone as pure and innocent as her, with such a genuine heart, possibly have any ulterior motives?

You can eat whatever you want, but you can't say whatever you want.

In the following days, Shen Tang basically took Xu Jie around to familiarize him with the various locations, ensuring a seamless transition into his new role. The more Xu Jie learned, the more alarmed he became, and the more doubts he accumulated. Seeing his hesitation, Shen Tang asked, "Wen Zhu, is there anything you're wondering about?"

Xu Jie asked, "Is Lord Shen not taking anyone with him?"

Shen Tang feigned ignorance: "I'll take people with me, Wen Zhu. I can't possibly take up my post alone..."

Xu Jie: "The River Governor and commoners, are you not taking them with you?"

Although in chaotic times, human life is as worthless as grass.

But human resources are a precious resource.

The common people who had settled in Heyin and recuperated for a year or two were no longer the emaciated refugees they had been. In particular, the able-bodied young men were exactly what Longwu County desperately needed. Shen Tang could easily use this opportunity to spread rumors, sow discord, and frighten the common people into packing their bags and following him. Wherever Shen Tang went, they would establish themselves and build their businesses…

Xu Jie frowned as he offered Shen Tang some advice.

Spreading rumors and instilling panic is an extremely common tactic. Everyone despises refugees and bandits, but they won't despise laborers who can immediately create value. Shen Tang even enjoys a very high reputation among them…

Even if he can't command the masses with a single call, as long as Shen Jun is willing, there are plenty of people who will follow him.

With them by your side, Longwu County is easy to manage.

But Shen Tang is different.

Ever since the messenger brought news of the pacification, she ordered all officials to appease the common people under their jurisdiction, so that they could prepare for the autumn harvest in peace and manage their own lives well.

Shen Tang was stunned for a long time after hearing this.

Muttering: "It can be like this?"

Xu Jie: "...Didn't any of my subordinates remind me?"

Shen Tang chuckled and said, “They know my temperament. Even if they could do it, they shouldn’t. How much effort did we put into getting them out of their bandit and refugee status and into farming and running their businesses? To take them away for our own selfish desires and send them down a path of uncertain life and death, with no clear future, wouldn’t that be putting the cart before the horse? I came here penniless and managed to govern He Yin to what it is today. I am confident that I can make Long Wu the second He Yin.”

Does Shen Tang really not know this method?

Why don't you remind Qi Shan and the other LYBs?

She knew that Qi Shan and the others had already reminded her.

But the conclusion is that it is unnecessary.

Not to mention the food and supplies that would be consumed along the way, even if there were enough, the greatest contribution of commoners once they arrived in Longwu County would be to help with land reclamation. Could their efficiency be higher than that of martial artists? Therefore, after careful consideration, the matter was put on hold.

Upon hearing this, Xu Jie said, "Shen Jun is benevolent and righteous."

To genuinely acknowledge and agree with the other person.

What a good person! He's such a wonderful person!

Even if Xu Jie wanted to find a trace of hypocrisy in the other person, it would be difficult. The other person was open and honest, and sincere in his words and deeds, like a clear spring that could be seen to its bottom at a glance. He was the most pure and kind person Xu Jie had ever met, but he also had a certain sharpness to him.

Shen Tang blushed slightly at his praise.

Hehe, I feel a little embarrassed.

Shen Tang had no intention of taking ordinary civilians with him, which displeased some people. Upon hearing the news, one of them stormed into the government office without even catching his breath or taking a sip of tea. Upon closer inspection, it was none other than Dr. Dong from the clinic. The old man's eyes were filled with rage.

Shen Tang was worried that the other party might get sick from anger.

He hurriedly had someone make him some tea.

"Take a sip and calm your mind."

This is flower tea that she made herself.

It has a cooling and heat-relieving effect, and the air is filled with the fragrance of flowers.

With a livid face, Doctor Dong asked, "Is Lord Shen planning to abandon us in Heyin and leave us to fend for ourselves?"

Shen Tang was bombarded with questions.

Looking completely bewildered, he said, "What do you mean by that, sir? That's Longwu County, what would someone your age be doing there?"

There are many people that Shen Tang doesn't plan to bring.

Even most of the chefs she had carefully trained stayed behind, with only a few who had indentures and were all alone following her.

The old doctor Dong said, "What do I have to fear about death?"

Shen Tang: "..."

She didn't say that Dr. Dong was afraid of dying.

He's getting on in years. He can stay in Heyin and run his clinic peacefully. With Xu Jie looking after him, he can see patients when he has time and mentor apprentices when he doesn't. Can't he just enjoy his retirement?

Why do we have to go wherever there's chaos?

Dr. Dong pulled a dagger from his sleeve.

With a loud thud, it was slammed onto Shen Tang's desk.

The latter shrank back in shock, looking pitiful and innocent, but the old doctor Dong wouldn't have any of it. He continued to speak harshly, saying firmly, "If Mr. Shen refuses to take me with him, it must be because he thinks I'm too old, my eyesight is failing, my medical skills are shallow, and I'm a useless idler... I'm ashamed to face anyone and can only commit suicide to preserve my reputation. Mr. Shen, you decide what to do!"

Dr. Dong is very upright.

Shen Tang was given two choices.

Take him away, or let him go!

Shen Tang: "...This...it's not worth it..."

Remove the dagger and stay away from the elderly person who is prone to anger.

Despite his advanced age, his liver fire is more intense than that of a young person.

Shen Tang then gave the other person another cup of herbal tea to relieve the heat.

They were afraid the other person's blood pressure would spike and cause them to have a stroke on the spot.

"...If Dr. Dong is willing to go, how could I refuse? It's just that you are getting on in years, and the journey is long. We need to find a few considerate and meticulous students to accompany you and take care of you, so as to avoid any mishaps on the way...that's why we've been delayed..."

Shen Tang completely shirked responsibility.

It wasn't that she was unwilling to take people with her, but rather that the matter hadn't been put on the agenda yet; it would be his turn in a few days.

Upon hearing this charade, Dr. Dong's complexion improved.

Seeing this, Shen Tang knew that she had fooled him.

He secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

At his age, he's still so passionate; it's unbelievable.

No sooner had Dr. Dong left than someone else came knocking on his door.

Looking at Commandant Yang, who was in excellent spirits, Shen Tang asked in surprise, "Could it be that Commander Yang is also here to 'fight to the death'?"

What do you mean by 'fighting to the death'?

Shen Tang briefly explained the matter of Dr. Dong.

Commandant Yang chuckled: "Though it may not be perfect, it's not far off."

Shen Tang: "..."

Why doesn't anyone want to stay and retire?

Commander Yang noticed her confusion and said calmly, "If you can't die on the battlefield, then die close to it."

I want to live, but I don't want to live a mediocre life.

In the past two years, while recovering from his injuries, he tried his best to find things to do, whether it was helping Gong Shuwu and his men train soldiers and new recruits, or helping out as the manager of Fugu Department Store when he was bored... His body was useless, but his mind could not be.

Shen Tang was startled.

I vaguely regretted my rescue back then.

Commander Yang comforted him, saying, "Shen Jun, please don't blame yourself..."

Although he still felt a burning hatred when he thought about it, Shen Tang had truly treated him with utmost kindness and righteousness. Besides, at that time, everyone had their own perspective, so it was impossible to say who was right and who was wrong.

Regardless, he lived two more years because of Shen Tang.

This is an act of kindness!

Commander Yang came to visit in person, and Shen Tang had no choice but to bring him along.

One thing after another was arranged in an orderly manner.

Time passed peacefully, and autumn harvest arrived in the blink of an eye.

Just as Shen Tang had predicted, this year was a bumper harvest.

But the common people did not rejoice as a result.

Some even grieved as they harvested – the River Governor had changed hands, and such a prime of life would never return.

"...the grains are large and firm, and have increased threefold compared to last year..."

On the ridge between the fields, Shen Tang and Xu Jie walked side by side.

The latter gave her a suspicious look.

Shen Tang said, "This is the main prayer for this year's spring plowing. I suppose Wen Zhu also has some understanding of my scholar's way?"

Xu Jie nodded, making no attempt to hide anything.

He had inquired about it in secret.

Unfortunately, Shen Tang's subordinates kept their mouths shut.

Just when he thought there was no way to make progress, this year's spring planting yielded results—Shen Tang had explained his scholar's way to Jiang Sheng in public, using his spiritual power to nourish a small area and increase the possibility of a bumper harvest.

To be honest, Xu Jie was initially very interested.

Doing business can be very profitable, but it's far less stable than farming.

Farmland is the most stable source of income, and controlling food is equivalent to holding the lifeline of the world in one's hands—provided, of course, that one has the ability to protect food while not being killed by enemies.

Otherwise, no matter how much grain you have, it will only benefit others.

For example, Xu befriended Wu Xian in order to gain a powerful patron.

However, when Xu Jie delved deeper into this path of the literati, he discovered that it was not actually that appealing—the region of Heyin alone required the literary spirit of several literati, including Shen Tang, Chu Yao, Qi Shan, Gu Chi, Kang Shi, and Jiang Sheng.

Among them is the Humanities Palace Dacheng.

Xu Jie: "...I know a little bit about it."

_(:з)∠)_

This lineup is truly impossible to replicate.

There was no similar scholarly way among them.

Looking at the millet harvested by the common people, he chuckled and joked, "Shen Jun, look. 'The grains are large and firm,' that's true, but 'three times more than last year' is an exaggeration."

Three times the amount is not available.

But it's still more than double.

Because the yield of millet per acre has a limited upper limit, even with the blessing of spiritual power to increase fertility, the yield can't be increased much further. However, Shen Tang almost "gambled everything" by setting aside 30% of his land to cultivate wheat, and indeed, he ushered in an unprecedented bumper harvest.

Wheat yields per mu are already much higher than millet yields, and the wheat used is of high quality that Xu Jie carefully purchased. In addition, the irrigation canals used for spring plowing this year have naturally increased the yield even further.

Unfortunately, wheat is difficult to husk, so cooked wheat rice doesn't taste good; it's rough on the throat and doesn't have the aroma of millet. But—in this world, being able to eat one's fill is already a great achievement.

Taste?

That's something only the wealthy, who have no worries about food and clothing, care about.

The wheat harvest was bountiful, and the tenant farmers who had been ordered to plant wheat wept with joy. One family, with a large number of members, was allocated more land. According to the amount reported by the clerk, the land tax was deducted on the spot, and the remaining grain was enough to feed the family for two years!

That's two years!

Two whole years!

If fresh wheat is replaced with aged grain, it can last longer, and during that time there will be no fear of starving to death.

Thinking of this, the family embraced and wept bitterly.

Similar situations are unfolding in various places.

Just hearing their cries was heartbreaking. Then Shen Tang said with a hint of relief, "Alas, people's lives have always been difficult... but at least now, they can live like human beings. After I leave, Wen Zhu, they will be in your care."

The venue was casual, but her tone was very serious.

If there was anything He Yin couldn't let go of, it was only these suffering common people. Shen Tang wasn't incapable of disobeying the imperial decree to stay; after all, Zheng Qiao's control over the local government could only be described as "heh heh."

But she knew better than anyone else which was more important.

She can develop in a sneaky and underhanded manner in He Yin.

Before that, Longwu County had already been breached by the Ten Crows, who would unleash their centuries-old resentment upon innocent civilians. Beneath their iron cavalry lay countless wronged souls. Even if they miraculously managed to turn the tide, how could the departed return?

Ji Shou said—

[The one who should reap the consequences is Zheng Qiao!]

We can't expect Zheng Qiao to have a change of heart.

Yan Xingning said—

A wise ruler should love all under heaven.

She loved He Yin and pitied Long Wu.

Therefore, we must keep the dangers out of the border. Even if there are many difficulties, we should go against the tide!

Xu Jie nodded solemnly: "Yes."

It was as if what Shen Tang had handed over was not the title of Prefect of He County, but the heavy future of millions of people.

Due to special circumstances, the autumn harvest was rushed this year.

With the help of various parties, the project was nearing its end in seven days, leaving Xu Jie with the remaining tasks of storing the supplies. Shen Tang, with sufficient provisions and troops, was fully prepared to depart. Xu Jie's cousin, recommended by him, arrived on the last day and was dragged over by the annoyed Xu Jie to meet his future master.

He kept reminding and instructing me all the way.

People are tired of hearing it.

The younger cousin picked at his ear with his little finger and complained, "Brother, you're not even this careful with Master Wu..."

Isn't this making a mountain out of a molehill?

Xu Jie gave him a sharp look, and his cousin was so startled that he straightened his back and dared not be lazy.

Xu Jie was somewhat satisfied upon seeing this.

He then scolded, "What nonsense are you spouting? Lord Shen is an exceptionally good man—alas, we're just worried you might act recklessly and offend him. If you were serving a lord and acted recklessly, the clan could still look after you, but if you act recklessly with Lord Shen, hmph!"

Cousin: "???"

Is something wrong?

(*▽*)

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(End of this chapter)