Chapter 604 is too shocking

Upon hearing that land was included in the distribution, the indifferent people immediately became serious.

"Who knows if you're lying to us? What if we fix it and the imperial court takes it back with a single document? What will we do then?"

Even with the greatest temptation, there are still some clear-headed people who have raised questions.

Seeing how distrustful these people were of the imperial court, it's hard to imagine what kind of feelings Minister Geng must have had.

Food is the most important thing for people. From ancient times to the present, people have lived their lives within their own small plot of land. As for the imperial court, they have always held it in awe.

It's ironic that the people of Suzhou are so wary of the imperial court these days.

"Everyone can rest assured that this is Lord Yun's order, and the houses and land that have been built will definitely not be taken away by anyone."

Geng Shilang felt from the bottom of his heart that there was no need for such behavior; they were no different from bandits, so he used the word "gun" in his words.

Seeing Minister Geng's assurance, some commoners were tempted, but still no one dared to step forward. After all, the court's credibility was so poor that even when faced with Yun Yichen, who had saved them, these people dared not easily trust him.

"Old man, I am willing to go with you, sir."

The speaker was none other than the old man they had met outside Suzhou when they first arrived in the city.

The old man shook his white beard, seemingly no longer capable of building a home, yet he still stepped forward from behind.

"I'm willing, I'm willing to go."

The old man's son stepped forward from behind and walked a few steps to stand in front of Minister Geng.

Once there was a first, there would be a second, and once there was a second, there would be a third. One after another, led by the old man, people stepped forward from the crowd.

Seeing this scene, Vice Minister Geng's eyes involuntarily reddened. Indeed, the most honest and forgiving people in this world are these common folk.

"Guard Zhong, please bring some paper and pen."

Geng Shilang looked at everyone with excitement and quickly said to Zhong Lin.

There are several villages to be built this time, and he needs to make a count of those who are willing to build their own homes beforehand, and then distribute them to various places.

After all that work, it wasn't until dawn the next morning that Vice Minister Geng finally finished compiling the statistics.

Because he had previously agreed with Yun Yichen that they must return to the camp before dawn, Geng Shilang entrusted the next task to someone he trusted.

As Zhong Lin watched the people being taken away one after another, his gaze fell on the old man.

"Thank you so much, sir."

Zhong Lin didn't know how to thank this old man, with whom he had no prior connection, for the past few days. The old man not only had his family help him disappear every day, but also helped care for some injured patients.

"Lord Yun is a good man, and I believe in him."

The old man didn't offer any further explanation, but simply nodded to Zhong Lin before joining the accompanying group and leaving the place where they had been resting for several days.

Seeing that most of the people had already left, Zhong Lin called over a few people and immediately and quietly assigned tasks to them.

At the site of the proposed Suzhou New City, Yun Yichen had just gotten up when Ji Wenjin rushed over.

"The Ministry of War personnel should arrive this afternoon. Have you made any arrangements?"

The newly built city of Suzhou could not be built with enough refugees, so the Ministry of War dispatched a large number of soldiers and skilled builders to the city.

Ji Wenjin knew that Yun Yichen wouldn't put all his eggs in one basket, which is why she came to notify him in advance when he arrived.

Yun Yichen was already worried about the construction of the houses, since he didn't know if the disaster victims would delay the construction.

However, upon hearing that the Ministry of War personnel would arrive soon, Yun Yichen couldn't help but smile.

"My cousin's men have arrived just in time; there's something I really need their help with."

Yun Yichen immediately told Ji Wenjin about his plan. Ji Wenjin was shocked to hear that Yun Yichen wanted to build so many villages at the same time.

"Most of the people from the Ministry of War were transferred here together. If a large number of them are sent away midway, it might arouse suspicion from He Biyou and others when they arrive here."

Ji Wenjin voiced her concerns, and Yun Yichen simply smiled upon hearing them.

"Compared to the pampered disaster victims in the city, those poor people who toil in the fields know better how to build houses. We just need to send a few skilled builders over, and that will be enough."

Yun Yichen never intended to focus on the outer areas and then gradually build the new city; he wanted all areas to start construction simultaneously and be completed at the same time.

It is said that the power of the people is the greatest. By mobilizing the people to build their own homes, they can live in peace and save themselves a lot of time.

Seeing Yun Yichen's confident demeanor, Ji Wenjin was at a loss for words.

"Alright, I'll send someone to select a few skilled builders in a bit."

As Ji Wenjin was about to leave, Yun Yichen stopped him.

"The adults will be here soon. Wait a moment for them to coordinate with you before you leave."

Yun Yichen was naturally less knowledgeable about the construction site than Geng Shilang.

Ji Wenjin nodded upon hearing this, "Alright!"

When Vice Minister Geng returned, his eyes were covered in bruises, showing that he had indeed been extremely busy that night.

"I have lived up to Lord Yun's trust and have made arrangements for all the disaster victims who are willing to rebuild the area themselves."

Upon entering the tent, Vice Minister Geng first clasped his hands in a fist salute to Yun Yichen.

What he saw yesterday was too shocking, but he was indeed exhausted.

Thinking that he hadn't slept much for almost two days and two nights, his head felt heavy and he couldn't lift it.

"Lord Geng, you've worked hard. Someone, quickly bring some tea."

Yun Yichen gave the instructions, showing a rare gentleness towards Minister Geng.

It should be noted that Vice Minister Geng and Yun Yichen had been working together for some time, so every time he came to Yun Yichen's tent, Yun Yichen would serve him tea.

This is the first time ever!

Geng Shilang was flattered and took a sip of tea before he came to his senses and reported the situation to Yun Yichen.

“My lord, I used to think you were cold-blooded and heartless, someone who didn’t know the suffering of the people. But after seeing you yesterday, I realized I was blind.”

Geng Shilang has now become Yun Yichen's follower. Even though he is nearly forty years old, respect does not care about age.

He admired Yun Yichen for what he had done, so he wasn't afraid of what people might say.