Chapter 154: Education for All
"Sister, think about it carefully. The master is a man, and the only son of the third wife. What if he takes the prescription and makes money and pockets it for himself? What if he becomes greedy for the girl's things? Sister, you know that the laws of the Great Zhou stipulate that as long as a girl is not married, no matter how much money she earns, it belongs to her father's family. Those prescriptions can bring hundreds of thousands of taels of wealth. Who can guarantee that he won't be tempted? The girl trusts him, but I don't trust him!"
Qian Zhenniang frowned, "Are you worried that Master Xu will swallow the girl's things?"
"Sister, you shouldn't have the intention to harm others, but you must be on guard against them. Just think of me as using a mean mind to speculate on a gentleman's intentions. Even if the master is a gentleman, he must have the young lady's confidants around him to keep an eye on him. Moreover, the affairs in the south are probably too big for the eldest son to handle alone. If I go there, not only can I look after the family business for the young lady, but I can also expand the market and gain more experience. This is a win-win situation. Shouldn't you congratulate me, sister?"
Qian Zhenniang had never thought of this. Now that Feng'er mentioned it, she realized that her level was far from Feng'er's.
Just because of Feng'er's courage to take risks and fight hard, she lost too much.
Qian Zhenniang said sincerely, "My dear sister, you are really courageous. It's a pity that you are a woman. If you were a man, you might even be able to become a marquis or a prime minister."
Feng Er smiled and said, "Sister, you are wrong. The City Lord said that a girl is a girl. There is nothing to be sorry about. We women should be proud of ourselves!"
"That's right!" Qian Zhenniang looked at Feng'er with emotion, "It's just that we've been together since we were young. Now that you've left so suddenly, and I'm still here, I can't help but feel lonely."
"Sister, you must not think like that. Being by the City Lord's side is an opportunity many people would beg for. Now that you are following the City Lord, you must observe and learn more. One day you will become a great figure on your own."
Qian Zhenniang smiled. "Big shot, I can't even think about it. By the way, when are you planning to leave?"
"I guess it won't be long. This matter is too serious to delay. Sister, please wait for me in Lan County until I can make hundreds of thousands of taels like the City Lord!"
Feng'er was filled with passion and excitement, and she wished she could leave Lan County immediately and rush towards her own career.
The city lord entrusted her with the most important task, and she would complete their common dream even if it meant sacrificing her life!
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Just after the Chinese New Year, the snow began to melt. Although the air was still chilly, tender green buds had already quietly sprouted from the branches on both sides of the official road.
The new year has arrived.
At this moment, at the long pavilion outside Lan County, the Xu family members were bidding farewell.
Xu Huiming, Feng'er, Dazhuang, Han Ruqing and others, as well as a group of twenty elite soldiers selected from the army, were responsible for escorting them all the way south.
Xu Huiming was saying goodbye to Miao, while Xu Zhenying had already begun to explain things to Feng'er: "Along the way, find out about the situations in the nearby prefectures. You've been in the military camp for a month and learned how to investigate and gather intelligence. This time, put your knowledge into practice and gather more information for me. Also, take my handwritten letter and stop by Henan Prefecture to meet with the second Miss Qi. Tell her I don't want any dividends this year, but if she trusts me, she'll join me in growing cotton. Use all my dividends to buy land to grow cotton. The more the better, there's no limit."
Han Ruqing and Dazhuang also came over to listen.
Xu Zhenying didn't avoid them. "Henan Prefecture has a unique geographical location. You should use Miss Qi as your entry point. It would be best if you could get her to join us so that our trade route can run through the north and south. When you are out there, no matter what you do, you must put your own protection first. Money can be earned again, and trade routes can be rebuilt if they are destroyed, but you only have one life. Not only you, but Ruqing and Dazhuang as well. You must protect yourselves well."
Han Ruqing and Dazhuang were both quite moved.
Han Ruqing even said, "City Lord, I never expected that you would trust me so much this time. Since you have entrusted me with such an important task..."
Xu Zhenying smiled, "That's not the case. I'm just trying to make the best use of everyone and everything. Your talents can't be fully utilized here. Instead of that, why not let you go out into the world and try your luck? Maybe there's a bright future for you."
Han Ruqing looked very moved.
Xu Zhenying gave Feng'er a look. Feng'er knew Xu Zhenying must have other instructions. The two of them walked to the side and lowered their voices, saying, "My eldest brother doesn't know my true intention in opening up this trade route. So, I've just told Brother Dazhuang that if there's a disagreement between you and my eldest brother, I'll have him stand by you unconditionally. You can command the people in this team as you please, but some things... it's best not to let my eldest brother know. I'll have to trouble you a little."
Feng Er's eyes reddened when she heard this, "City Lord..."
"Also, I have a fifty thousand tael silver note here. Keep it safe. It will serve as your starting capital."
Feng'er was stunned. As Xu Zhenying's personal secretary, she naturally knew about Xu Zhenying's financial situation.
Xu Zhenying had already given Xu Huiming a silver note worth 20,000 taels, and he also spent a lot on buying piglets, paying soldiers monthly wages, and building Lan County. All in all, there was little money left from selling soap.
"City Lord, where did you get this silver?"
Xu Zhenying couldn't say it was Jiang Yongkang's money, so he said, "There are many wealthy families in Lan County, so there must be some who will give me some money. Take it as start-up capital. If you need money for anything, write to me and I'll find a way to raise the money."
Feng'er thought about how Xu Zhenying gave Xu Huiming 20,000 taels but gave her 50,000 taels. This heavy trust made Feng'er feel that the silver note was hot in her hands.
"What I'm about to do will require exhausting effort and a long time. I may be trapped in Lan County for several years. You should spread our ideas throughout the Zhou Dynasty and let everyone know that in my territory, Xu Zhenying, there is no oppression, no war, no poverty, and no social class! I, Xu Zhenying, will bring joy to the world!"
Feng'er held Xu Zhenying's hand tightly. The two looked at each other, and they both understood each other and were reluctant to let go.
But everyone has his or her own mission.
She, Feng'er, is determined to be the first contributor to Xu Zhenying's expansion of territory!
"Girl, don't worry, I will definitely live up to your expectations. You are in Lan County, wait for my good news!"
On the other side, Xu Huiming had already said goodbye to Miao and his grandmother.
Huang held Xu Huiming's hand reluctantly. She really didn't understand why Xu Huiming had to leave. The escape was finally over, and the family was no longer together happily. Why did they have to be displaced again?
But she was angry but dared not speak out.
Yesterday, Lian and Xu Yinxi came to persuade her, saying that all this was arranged by Xu Zhenying and asked her to understand more.
She couldn't understand, but there was nothing she could do, so she could only send Xu Huiming off with tears in her eyes.
Huang Cui'e had learned her lesson this time. Seeing Miao and Huang crying heartbrokenly, she pulled Xu Dekai aside and whispered, "Look, look, I knew the Sixth Girl was a troublemaker. Do you think she was afraid her eldest brother would take her position as city lord, so she made up an excuse to send him away? Oh, I heard the teacher say this in class. He said this is also called exile! That's how Prince Ming was sent to Qiongzhou by the old emperor!"
Xu Huijia said impatiently, "Mom, please save your breath. Be careful not to be overheard by the city lord!"
Huang Cui'e pursed her lips but didn't dare to say anything else.
Miao took Xu Huiming's hand and checked his luggage for him. She also prepared a lot of dried meat, preserved fruits, shoes and socks. She repeatedly told him to take care of himself and be safe when going out. Seeing Xu Zhenying coming over, she couldn't help but shed tears: "Ying'er, why did your brother have to go so far away?"
Xu Huiming said, "Mother, a true man has ambitions. I've finally made it out, so shouldn't I come back with some new experiences?"
Xu Degui also said, "Alright, stop crying. Didn't I tell you clearly last night? Lan County will be our base from now on. Huiming has to go out and open up trade routes. If he does well, he'll be back in a year or two."
Miao wiped her tears, feeling miserable. She wondered why she earned so much money. Although there wasn't much left from selling soap, it was still at least ten thousand taels, which was enough for the Xu family to live on for several lifetimes.
When children grow up, they all have their own ambitions.
Miao couldn't persuade him any further and could only swallow her bitterness.
Xu Zhenying smiled and said, "Don't be sad, mother. Children grow up and naturally need to part with their parents. Besides, your brother is going to work for me. The people under him are carefully selected by me, so their safety will be safe."
"Well, now that you've said that, what else can I say? Forget it, anyway, all of you, big and small, have your own ideas, but I don't have any!"
Xu Zhenying sighed, and Xu Huiming was speechless.
"Brother, let me take you there." Xu Huiming knew that Xu Zhenying had something to tell him, so he took two steps forward.
A group of people followed slowly behind him, waving at him. Huang's eyes were red, and the younger sister couldn't stop crying. Xu Huiming was also reluctant to part with them.
"Brother." Xu Zhenying's voice brought him back to his senses.
Xu Huiming also happened to have something to ask Xu Zhenying. Seeing that there was no one around except him and his horse, he said, "Sister, I also want to ask you why you want Han Ruqing to come with me? Han Ruqing has always been very self-righteous and never interacted closely with us. Why do you still use him so highly?"
"Brother, Han Ruqing is a descendant of the Yinshan Han family's branch. The Han family has been around for three hundred years, and his knowledge is far beyond the reach of ordinary people like us. He's well-versed in the affairs of noble families. If you want to expand your business, you'll inevitably have to deal with local governments and wealthy families. You'll need to consult him on these matters."
When Xu Huiming thought of this, he could only remain silent.
Xu Zhenying was right. If they wanted to open up new business lines, they would inevitably have to deal with the aristocratic class.
In order to break into the aristocratic circle, he really needs Han Ruqing's help.
"Just remember, brother, everything has two sides. You have to use him, but you also have to be on guard against him."
"Guard against him?" Xu Huiming frowned. "Why?"
Xu Zhenying laughed, "I always feel that guy is too smart, as if he can see through me. I can only throw him away and tell him not to run around under my nose."
Xu Huiming nodded thoughtfully.
"In short, your own safety is paramount. When you go out, you must not only open up trade routes, but also gather intelligence and news for us, and even more importantly, exchange them for food, cattle, horses, equipment, and other things. Lan County is too small, and it requires too many things to grow and develop. Oh, and there are seeds. If you see any strange plants, remember to send me some seeds. I've seen a plant called potato in a book. It's about the size of a fist. It's golden in appearance and feels a bit hard, but it has a high yield and is easier to grow than rice. It will grow on its own if you throw it into the soil. That thing is a stroke of genius for dealing with famine years. If the people of the Zhou Dynasty could all grow potatoes, almost no one would starve to death. Brother, please remember to take good care of it!"
Hearing her speak so seriously, Xu Huiming wanted to ask more questions about the potato, but then she remembered that Xu Zhenying said she would tell him about her origins later.
This potato, I’m afraid it’s something she saw in some heavenly book.
Xu Zhenying could only sigh and reached out to touch Xu Zhenying's head.
Only then did he realize that Xu Zhenying seemed to have jumped out of the corner of his eye.
It hadn't even reached his armpits before, but now it was almost reaching his jaw. A closer look revealed that Xu Zhenying's skin was now whiter, his eyes were brighter, and his demeanor was undeniable.
He is indeed the upstart in charge of a city.
This sister... is really ambitious...
Xu Huiming smiled faintly, yet with a hint of heroic spirit, "At my sister's command, I am willing to serve the city lord."
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Just as spring was coming and flowers were blooming, the earth warmed up, the ice and snow melted, and new buds sprouted from the branches. The people of Lan County had just celebrated a relatively prosperous New Year when another earthquake struck.
The cause was the Lan County government team, which was also proposed by the new king. The people learned it after hearing it many times, and no longer said "county magistrate" but "members of the government team".
As spring arrived, the government team of Lan County issued several notices in succession, using large, bold fonts and annotated pinyin, so that anyone passing by the county government office could not ignore the huge notices.
At the same time, identical notices were posted at several city gates.
Each notice is not only marked with pinyin, but also has several soldiers guarding it to answer questions from the people.
One of them is under the charge of Wang Sanniang.
The soldiers in Lan County also dressed very strangely. Unlike the fashionable cloth shirts and skirts, once they joined the army, both male and female soldiers wore uniform clothes. They all tied their hair up high, wore long coats and long pants, and all the trouser legs and sleeves were made into drawstrings, which not only made it easier to move, but also made them look more dashing and neat.
Speaking of it, the soldiers in Lan County look really different. Maybe it's because the food in the barracks is good. Even the thinnest girls become white and plump after entering the barracks. If you say they are fat, they are not fat. They seem to be stronger than before. They walk with great vigor and spirit.
Especially those eyes, which were bright and sharp. Just one look was cold and murderous, and it could drive away the enemy.
Including girls too.
Women in the Zhou Dynasty considered gentleness and fragility to be beautiful. Therefore, girls were accustomed to speaking in low voices, hunching slightly, and never daring to look directly at others to show their humility and gentleness.
But the female soldiers are different. They walk with a majestic and steady gait, sharp eyes and loud voices. Wherever they go, there is an unusual sight.
It's strange. At first, the people thought it was immoral, but later they got used to it and felt that this heroic posture had a unique charm.
This is how you should be a soldier. You have to have the momentum to intimidate the enemy!
"Oh my god, it says here that after the first day of March, all workers in Lan County, whether they're servants, accountants, cooks, or prostitutes, must attend literacy classes and learn pinyin and arithmetic before they can start working. Otherwise, the people who hired them will be severely punished! Oh my God, is there any justice in this—"
A group of people gathered at the South City Gate, which Wang Sanniang was in charge of, and they were crying out in grief.
They were responsible for answering questions and doubts for the city's residents, so she quickly said, "Don't panic, everyone. Read on. The second item says it all: free instruction! Free! No fees, and even a free meal! This literacy class has already been attended. Even someone who can't read a single word can learn in a few days! The city lord is doing this for everyone's benefit. Learning pinyin will teach you how to recognize all characters. She pays the teachers out of her own pocket. She's doing this for everyone, don't you agree?"
"This method is good, but it will waste so many days..."
"Oh, a free meal! Your Majesty is very generous. I have a distant cousin who helps them move things. He gets thirty cents a day and a meal. Oh, we're all landlords, but Your Majesty is more generous than any other landlord in the world. You can eat as much white rice as you want! As long as you can eat it and don't waste it, you can make as much as you want!"
"Eat as much as you want!? Are you serious?" There was an immediate uproar in the crowd.
Last year, there was a severe flood in Jinzhou. Although Lan County was less affected, the productivity was underdeveloped and the people were considered well-fed as they could drink porridge every meal.
The white rice is only provided to the rich.
Ordinary people dare not even think about it!
"That's right. If you don't believe me, ask the female soldiers if they can eat as much as they want during the three meals provided by the barracks."
Wang Sanniang immediately said, "Of course! The city lord said, how can you have the energy to work if you don't eat enough? Anyone who withholds food from the people is a worthless person!"
"That's right!"
"Well said!"
Someone else asked, "But it only says the first session is free. If you don't pass the exam after completing the course, you have to pay for another round! What if someone who has never been to school, can't read, or is just not very smart can't learn it the first time? Wouldn't they have to pay for another round themselves? What's the tuition fee after that? How can we afford it?"
Wang Sanniang smiled and said, "My dear brother, the city lord is kind and gentle, so he naturally wouldn't think about making money from the people. The purpose of universal education is to let more people learn to read and write, not to make a few cents in our pockets. The reason for writing this rule is to prevent some people from deliberately failing the exam just to get a free meal. Wouldn't that be a waste of food? Besides, isn't it better to learn to read? If you go out and hire a teacher just to start teaching, the tuition alone would probably be several hundred coins. Our city lord doesn't charge a penny. How can we miss such a pie in the sky opportunity!"
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