Chapter Ninety-Seven: Signs of an Approaching Drought

"However, methods like irrigation require government approval, but will the county magistrate agree?"

Jiang Mi felt a headache coming on when she thought about the county magistrate's attitude last time. This corrupt official was not worthy of sitting in this position at all. With him around, who knows how many innocent people he would harm!

"Give it a try. If he doesn't care about the people, then there's no need to keep him around!"

Huo Ran secretly made a decision in his heart: if this corrupt official is not removed, he will continue to wreak havoc on the people, and the court does not need such a scourge!

"Why don't we invite the village headman along this time? Perhaps with the village headman present, Magistrate Sun will trust him more."

The water issue was urgent, so the two immediately went to the village head's house. When the drought was mentioned, the village head was also quite moved.

“I’ve also noticed that the river level has dropped quite a bit recently. I thought it was because the villagers were using more water. But even if they were using more water, it shouldn’t drop this quickly, especially since it hasn’t rained lately.”

The village headman goes out every day to learn about the people's hardships, so he can promptly discover any recent events.

"While the drought isn't too severe yet, I'm thinking it would be best to bring in water from elsewhere for irrigation, which would also ensure the villagers have enough water."

“You’re right. We can’t wait until there’s no water before we start thinking of a solution. Otherwise, not only will the crops in the fields be ruined, but people might not even have water to drink.”

The village head trusted Jiang Mi quite a bit. He looked at Jiang Mi and said, "What methods do you have?"

In his eyes, if Jiang Mi could solve the locust plague, she would probably be able to solve the drought as well.

Jiang Mi then recounted the method she had mentioned to Huo Ran.

"I discussed it with Young Master Huo, and we still think it's better to focus on irrigation first. Planting trees takes time, and this won't significantly improve the current situation."

After thinking for a while, the village head said, "As for water sources, there is a large river in the next county. There is plenty of water there, and unlike us, they are dry and have little water. Irrigation from there will be no problem."

Huo Ran nodded in agreement: "However, there is one thing, we need the approval of the imperial court. As long as Magistrate Sun reports this issue, there will basically be no problem. However... Magistrate Sun may not believe what we say."

The village head nodded.

"It's okay, I'll go with you."

Jiang Mi and Huo Ran exchanged a smile; it just so happened that they had this plan all along.

That's great.

The three of them set off immediately. The village head had a donkey cart at home, and there was just enough room for them to sit on it.

Having ridden in a donkey cart once before, Huo Ran rode in with ease this time. He and Jiang Mi sat close together, the woman's fragrance wafting faintly into his nostrils.

Unlike other women, Jiang Mi didn't have any cosmetic scent on her body. Instead, she had a fresh, light fragrance that made him feel much more relaxed and comfortable.

Actually, it's the soap that Jiang Mi uses. She's still experimenting with other scents. Once it's ready for mass production, she plans to sell it and maybe even open a shop.

With the funds she has now, she could easily open a shop. She can't just keep growing sweet potatoes; having more options means having more paths to take.

When they arrived at the magistrate's residence, Magistrate Sun was just about to leave when they happened to run into them.

"Greetings, Your Excellency."

The village head hurriedly went over and bowed, and the county magistrate was quite surprised to see him.

"Why are you here?" Then he saw Jiang Mi and Huo Ran. He still remembered what happened last time, so he didn't give them a friendly look.

The village headman immediately informed the county magistrate of the recent findings.

"So, just in case, it's best to get water from the neighboring Linshui County for irrigation and divert their water into our river. That way, even if it doesn't rain for a long time, our villagers and crops won't have livelihood problems due to water shortage."

Magistrate Sun frowned as he listened. He glanced at Jiang Mi and asked, "Were these two the ones who came to you to spread alarmist rumors?"

The village head quickly explained, "This young lady solved the locust plague in our villages a few days ago. We owe her a great debt of gratitude; she's a true hero."

Magistrate Sun sneered, "What kind of meritorious officials are they? They can only fool a fool like you. These two came here last time to swindle and cheat, and I kicked them out. They actually dare to come again this time!"

Jiang Mi got angry just seeing this corrupt official. If she didn't need his seal, she wouldn't have bothered to put up with this.

"How can you disregard the safety of the people because of personal grudges? You did the same thing during the last locust plague, and you're doing the same thing this time. What use is a county magistrate like you to us common people? All you do is drink and make merry every day. When will you go to the countryside and take a look? Let's see if you'll still be so indifferent when you see swarms of locusts!"

The passersby heard this and gathered around. Jiang Mi spoke their minds, saying that they had tolerated this corrupt official for many years.

"That's right, if it weren't for Miss Jiang, we wouldn't have anything to eat."

"If the government can't do anything, what use are you to us?"

When Magistrate Sun saw that everyone was cursing him, he became so angry that his face turned red and his neck bulged.

"You bunch of troublemakers, are you tired of living? How dare you talk to me like that?"

He can't control so many mouths, but the ringleader can be punished.

"Guards, arrest Jiang Mi! This woman is stirring up trouble and has no good intentions whatsoever. She's framing me. Do you know what crime she's committed?"

Jiang Mi wasn't afraid at all: "What did I accuse you of? You have to provide evidence to support your claims. Even if you're an official, you can't so easily slander an innocent person!"

Magistrate Sun felt that Jiang Mi had embarrassed him, so without thinking twice, he wanted to put Jiang Mi in jail first.

When those people came up to grab Jiang Mi, she was just about to use her great strength, but Huo Ran easily knocked those people down and then flew behind the magistrate.

"You corrupt official, since you're useless to us, your life has no value!"

Magistrate Sun was trembling with fear, yet he still didn't forget to use his official authority to intimidate others.

"You...you have some nerve! I am the county magistrate. How dare you lay a hand on an official? Do you know that's a capital offense?"

"Hmph, since I dare to take action, I won't be afraid of these things. I've had enough of you last time. You don't care about the safety of the people. What use is an official like you to the court?"

Jiang Mi didn't expect Huo Ran to actually take action against the county magistrate. Although she hated the county magistrate and wished she could tear him to pieces, she knew that she was just a commoner and dared not take action against the government.