Chapter 256: Lu Shiwen, full of evil
Seeing the people chattering endlessly, Xu Zhenying quickly continued, "Everyone, please listen to me first. If you have any questions, come back after the meeting! The second thing is to get vaccinated against smallpox. Winter is approaching, and that's when the plague spreads. It's best for everyone to get vaccinated against smallpox to prevent it!"
"What? Cowpox vaccine? What is that? How come we've never heard of this thing from Jinzhou?"
"You haven't heard yet, but Jinzhou Prefecture already has some kind of cowpox vaccine, and they've already finished vaccinating! They say that if you get that vaccine, you won't get smallpox in your lifetime. Even if you come into contact with a smallpox patient, you won't get it!"
——Boom boom boom!
Ring the gong again.
But the cowpox issue aroused a strong desire among the people to discuss the matter, and even the sound of gongs could not stop the whispers.
——Boom boom boom!
There were several consecutive sounds of gongs and drums.
"Alright, someone will take this matter forward. Those who are willing to get the smallpox vaccine should go to Minister Lian and the others this afternoon to register. Our doctors from Jinzhou Prefecture will be here soon, and we'll vaccinate everyone one by one in the order they registered!"
Lian stood up at the right time and waved to the common people, as a way of recognizing them.
Old Lin was so excited that he couldn't express it in words. Not only because Jinzhou Prefecture actually had a miracle drug that could resist smallpox, but also because of Xu Zhenying's strategy of loosening up and loosening up. Universal education plus cowpox vaccine were all related to the interests of the common people themselves and their descendants. With this two-pronged approach, the people of Xingyuan Prefecture might have forgotten about Prefect Yan who was still in prison!
It hasn't been long, less than half a day, and Xu Zhenying has completely won over the hearts of the people of Xingyuan Prefecture with just two moves!
Looking at the eager and expectant faces of the people below, Old Lin seemed to be infected by this enthusiasm, and his heart was beating fast.
He turned around and asked the people around him, "Have you all received that vaccine? Is it really effective?"
Lian smiled and said, "If the city lord says it's effective, then it must be effective. We've all been vaccinated anyway."
Mo Jinchun said, "The City Lord was the first person in Jinzhou Prefecture to be vaccinated. If she's not afraid, why should we be afraid?"
Gu Guihua said, "It's hard to say whether it will work or not, but just give it a shot. Maybe it will be effective."
Sun Qingchen, wanting to retaliate against Old Lin by telling others that he had taken him to the rebels' territory, thus accusing him of abducting an imperial official, said with a smile, "Anyway, I'm going to take this opportunity to get vaccinated too. Why, Old Lin, don't you dare?"
Elder Lin snorted, "Why wouldn't I dare? I'd really like to see this thing for myself. Okay, when the doctor from Jinzhou Prefecture arrives, I'll be the first to go!"
Xu Zhenying continued: "Everyone should have heard of the Lanxian pig. This pig is more famous than me now——"
The people below burst into laughter again.
"We must also start raising pigs in Lan County as soon as possible. You can ask Minister Fang about how to do it after the meeting. I won't elaborate here! In short, just treat it as a new prefect and keep everything as it is. Once things in the city are sorted out today, the city gates will be opened in the next two days! Don't panic when you see the soldiers. Just do what you need to do, eat when you need to eat, and drink when you need to drink. If there is anything, our people will come to you."
Someone immediately shouted, "City Lord, can Lan County pigs really grow to 200 kilograms in just six months? That's not magic!"
It seemed that everyone was very concerned about the pig problem in Lan County, and everyone looked over.
"It's not magic, it's science! We've developed a new method for raising pigs. We've discovered that by castrating and then concentrating the pigs, we can increase pig production, and they don't even taste fishy at all. If you're interested in raising pigs, register with Minister Fang as soon as possible. I guarantee that within six months, every household will be able to eat pork!"
The square was in complete chaos!
Sure enough, what the group of women from Jinzhou Prefecture who were arrested earlier said was true!
Xu Zhenying quickly took advantage of this opportunity to escape. The common people stood in the square chattering and refused to leave, all looking at Fang Xun and Lian.
There was a hint of eagerness in his eyes.
It seemed that as soon as Xu Zhenying left, they would pounce on them like vicious dogs on their prey.
Fang Xun felt a little nervous. Seeing the people's attitude, he quickly called for help: "Hurry up, set up the stage and divide it into several groups, so that the people won't come over and cause a stampede!"
Feng Er also said, "Bring some more people to maintain order! Be careful not to crowd the elderly and children!"
Qi Er looked at the group of people who were clearly about to rush over, feeling a bit overwhelmed, and subconsciously shrank back: "It's over, it's over, don't even think about going home today——"
Old Lin and Sun Qingchen looked at each other.
It seemed that only at this moment did they understand why Xu Zhenying insisted on holding this conference.
Look, just these three things have won the hearts of the people of Xingyuan Prefecture!
With such practical benefits, the common people would probably be so focused on becoming the rulers of the new dynasty that they would not even remember the Great Zhou Dynasty!
Being able to capture the city overnight, pacify the people in the city, and even rally the people's hearts, such means are really shameful!
Xu Zhenying was about to leave surrounded by a group of people, but unexpectedly a familiar face with a thin figure and simple clothes emerged from the crowd.
Old Man Lin greeted her from a distance, his tone not lacking in flattery and respect: "City Lord! Young Master Xu!"
Hearing the words "Young Master Xu", Xu Zhenying reacted. Oh, it seemed that there were a group of old acquaintances in Xingyuan Mansion!
Xu Zhenying turned around and saw Old Man Lin.
Then I saw that he was dressed in coarse linen clothes.
She couldn't help but curl her lips. What a guy, he was afraid that she would rob the rich after attacking the city.
She remembered that Old Man Lin used to dress gorgeously and look very rich. He looked very noble from a distance.
Old man Lin and his family squeezed through the crowd with difficulty and came to Xu Zhenying.
Everyone in the family, young and old, knelt down before her when they saw her. Fortunately, she was quick to support Old Man Lin and said, "Boss Lin, how are you? Please stand up quickly. You've helped me earn so much money. We're old acquaintances, so there's really no need for formalities."
Old Man Lin looked at Xu Zhenying, his expression unable to conceal his excitement. "I never expected that the Lord of Jinzhou Prefecture would be you! This... this... it really is a flood that has washed away the Dragon King Temple! Why didn't you tell me you were going to attack the city? I still have some money, and I have some influence in Xingyuan Prefecture. I can definitely help the Lord of the City!"
When old man Lin saw Xu Zhenying's face in the square, he immediately regretted it!
Furthermore, seeing Qi Er standing behind Xu Zhenying, he knew that Qi Er was aware of the siege. Furthermore, Qi Er must have been instrumental in the siege, helping Xu Zhenying with many things, which allowed him to gain such a significant advantage and gain Xu Zhenying's attention.
He actually missed such a golden opportunity!
Of course Xu Zhenying didn't take this seriously. As a businessman, how many words could he say be true?
But she also said it politely, "At that time, I didn't know whether the plan would succeed, so I didn't dare to drag others into it. What's more, you are my partner in selling soap, and your connection must not be lost!"
Old Man Lin's son immediately jumped in and said, "City Lord, speaking of soap, we haven't settled this year's accounts yet! Although it's only October, we settle the accounts every month and are very clear about them. Since you just arrived in Xingyuan Prefecture, it's difficult for us to come and disturb you. How about waiting until things in the city are over, and then my father and I will personally deliver the account books to you?"
Old Man Lin nodded quickly, "Yes, yes, yes. City Lord, if you are short of manpower, just let us know. Our Lin family will absolutely follow your lead!"
Xu Zhenying nodded slightly, accepting the favor.
However, the other wealthy people in the corner of the square who had not been able to talk to Old Man Lin were secretly annoyed and stared at him with their eyes almost falling out.
"That damned old man Lin is really good at changing his stance according to the situation! I really regret it. If I had known that Mr. Xu was so extraordinary, I should have spent all my money to buy his recipe! At least this bridge is built!"
"That's right, otherwise why do people say that Old Man Lin has a good eye!"
"Knowing this earlier is priceless! Who could have imagined that a fourteen or fifteen-year-old boy would become the biggest rebel in the southwest? In my opinion, the second-in-command of the Qi family has the best fate. A second-married daughter, not only is she doted on by her parents and handed over the family business to her, but she also got on board Xu Zhenying's ship early on. Look how proud she was just now! From now on, Xingyuan Prefecture will probably be dominated by the Qi family alone!"
"It's fate, it's timing. We're not that bad off, at least we've dealt with the City Lord before. Needless to say, the City Lord is a real savvy businessman and a kind person. You won't suffer any loss if you cooperate with her! Let's go, let's go check out that pig farm. The price of pigs in Lan County is getting higher and higher, almost catching up with fresh mutton from the north. I think there's a lot of money to be made here. If we go any later, the spots will be taken!"
At this moment, Lu Fei had arrived at Sanping County with three thousand people.
This place is only a few hundred kilometers away from Tongzhou and Gongzhou of the neighboring Zhoushan King, and there has always been an intermittent influx of refugees. It is the last barrier of Jinzhou Prefecture.
If the King of Zhoushan wanted to take advantage of the opportunity to cause trouble, he would definitely enter from Sanping County.
This was the first time that Lu Fei took on the responsibility alone, and Xu Zhenying gave him such an important position, which made him somewhat nervous.
But it’s more about passion!
As the saying goes, a good sword is forged through constant grinding. They have been training in the army for so long, eating the best food, receiving the highest salary, and receiving the best treatment every day. They either train or study all day long, and at most they help the officials with their work. The brothers have been itching to have a fight with the people of the Zhou Dynasty for a long time!
Loyal bones are buried everywhere in the green mountains, so why should we return home wrapped in horsehide?
It would be better for King Zhoushan’s men to come now. As long as they dare to come, Lu Fei will definitely beat them to a pulp!
As soon as they arrived in Sanping County, they were warmly welcomed by the people of the city. People even came out of their homes and stood on both sides of the official road holding banners to welcome them.
The magistrate of Sanping County was a young man named Lu Shiwen. It was said that he had just taken office after the last official selection. He looked amiable and, because he was originally from a farming family, his stature was taller than that of ordinary officials.
As soon as Lu Fei arrived, he went to patrol the city wall, but he saw that the wall had already been raised and reinforced, and it was made of cement!
Lu Fei was shocked. "County Magistrate Lu, this... is this cement?"
Lu Shiwen smiled faintly, his achievements and fame concealed. "That's right. I've been keeping an eye on the goings-on in Jinzhou Prefecture. As soon as the cement was released, I immediately asked the city lord for some cement, claiming that the city walls in the border areas needed special attention."
Lu Fei nodded, and couldn't help but admire him: "County Magistrate Lu is really quick-witted. This cement plant hasn't even been built yet. Now, only those repairing main roads can get approval to get cement. As for fortifications and defense, I'm afraid you're the only one in the entire Jin and Qian states who has gotten there first!"
Lu Shiwen scratched his head a little embarrassedly, "This is all thanks to the city lord's support!"
"Of course, but you're also quite capable of thinking of this!" Lu Fei laughed and patted Lu Shiwen on the shoulder. "County Magistrate Lu, I've noticed that you have a quick mind and are flexible in your approach. We must work together to ensure that this border is well-guarded!"
Lu Shiwen said sincerely: "Of course! As long as I am here, the city will be here. If I die, the city will die!"
The two men walked and looked around. Lu Fei looked down from a high place and saw that the people in the city seemed to be unaffected by the war at all and were still doing what they had to do.
The scenery here is truly unique.
The people of the Zhou Dynasty walked with their heads down to look at their shoes, their bodies hunched, and they all looked exhausted, with a faint sense of oppression as if they were struggling to survive.
The people of Sanping County all stood up straight, spoke loudly, and their faces showed either happiness, anger, or scolding, looking very lively!
Especially the women, who were once almost invisible on the streets of the Great Zhou Dynasty. Even the brave women, or those forced to make a living, walked cautiously on the streets, like rats crossing the street.
The women in Sanping County shouted their wares loudly, pulled men's ears and scolded them, and discussed studies shoulder to shoulder with men. The streets were mostly filled with women's shrill and high-pitched voices.
Perhaps, this is the breath of "freedom and fairness" that the city lord talked about?
Lu Fei said to Lu Shiwen, "County Magistrate Lu, you have governed Sanping County very well. Look at these people. Even when war broke out, they remained calm and composed. This shows how successful you have been in governing the county."
Lu Shiwen disagreed, "No, all this is thanks to the city lord. The people trust the city lord, and even when war comes, they are unwilling to retreat to other towns. General Lu, this life is created by the city lord. If it weren't for the city lord, there would be no you and me, and even less these people."
"You're right, so we must do a good job in defense this time and not let down the city lord's trust in us." Lu Fei nodded, "Tell me about the situation in the city."
"There are currently 11,000 people in the city, of which about 2,000 are elderly, weak, sick, and disabled. The remaining 7,000 are all young and middle-aged people—"
"Wait!" Lu Fei was a little surprised, "You have so many young and middle-aged people here?"
Lu Shiwen smiled, "Of course there wasn't one in the past, but there have always been interns working in the clinic, and the price of herbs is very low. The people can afford to see a doctor and eat, and they are all strong and healthy. Even a twelve-year-old can handle a gun twice. Not to mention that as soon as I took office, I followed the city lord's way and promoted universal education. I also hired escorts to serve as instructors for Sanping County. The first batch trained men, the second batch women, and the third batch children who were ten years old. Now, except for those who are too old to walk, everyone in Sanping County is a soldier and everyone can fight. All in all, I estimate there are about 7,000 people!"
Lu Fei and the soldiers behind him were all terrified, "Everyone is a soldier?!"
Lu Shiwen coughed softly, "I was thinking, we're in a border area, and a war with the King of Zhoushan and his men is inevitable. Plus, before we left, the city lord specifically told the county magistrates of several of our border counties that patrol work is of paramount importance and we must do our utmost to protect the local people. So I thought, hiring escorts as instructors wouldn't cost much, but it would help the people of the city stay healthy, so that if a war really comes, they'll be able to protect themselves and their families. Oh, and that doesn't even include the villagers in the towns!"
Lu Fei's eyelids twitched. "Don't tell me... you also set up this kind of reserve force in the townships below?"
"Reserve? Oh, yes, if there's a conscription in the future, the people of Sanping County will have an advantage over others!" Lu Shiwen's eyes lit up, but then he blushed. "Oh, the whole village isn't a military force. I just asked the first village chief to organize the people to practice regularly and strengthen patrols. Men, women, and children, don't fall behind, so they won't be plundered without any resistance!"
Lu Fei laughed dryly, feeling mixed emotions for a moment.
Unless he is still full of confidence and claims that he has been training in the military camp for so long that he will definitely fight a good battle this time.
The Zhou Dynasty had always had discord between the civil and military officials since ancient times. He thought that the civil servants in Jinzhou Prefecture would not be like this. At least they could cooperate with each other and would never hold each other back.
However, Lu Fei had made all kinds of calculations, but he never expected that the person who would cooperate with him in defending the city would be a young man who looked gentle but was actually full of evil intentions!
The world is becoming more and more corrupt, and people's hearts are no longer as they used to be.
Why does the city lord have so many people under his command who are smarter than foxes?
The soldier behind him laughed awkwardly, "Is there still any use for us in Sanping County?"
Lu Shiwen dropped his joking expression. "To be honest, over the past month, refugees have been coming into Sanping County one after another. As requested by the City Lord, we haven't driven them away; we welcome everyone who comes. However, there are also spies who have infiltrated the city to gather intelligence. Furthermore, there's intelligence from the towns and villages below that they've seen men in military uniforms in the mountains and forests. They're not from Jinzhou Prefecture, but likely from the side of the King of Zhoushan. It seems the King of Zhoushan is indeed ready to make a move. Even if the City Lord hadn't attacked Xingyuan Prefecture this time, they would have acted accordingly."
Lu Fei sneered, "Our Jinzhou Prefecture is a piece of fat meat, and all kinds of people want to take a bite."
"That's true. We distribute land and grain here, and we even let children go to school for free. Life is so good, it's inevitable that people will envy us. Especially last time our doctor came to vaccinate against cowpox, the nearby counties and towns heard the news from somewhere and actually traveled all the way here to get vaccinated. Once in the city, they kept asking about pig farming and land distribution. Later, a village proposed to merge into our Jinzhou Prefecture and asked the city lord for protection, but the city lord didn't express his opinion, so I couldn't answer. From this, it can be seen that the people on King Zhoushan's side are still living a hard life. Some even hope that we can attack them quickly. We can find a way to utilize the power of this group of people."
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com