“Lord Zhu, you are being too heartless. We are both officials, and although you govern Tai County and I govern Xuan County, the people in both places are made of flesh and blood and only want to have enough to eat. Why can’t you show some compassion?”
At this point, Lord Liang was already furious.
He even considered inciting the people of Xuan County to fight, since everyone was starving and it might have the effect of a desperate army winning, putting pressure on Tai County and forcing Tai County to make concessions.
But how could he, as an official, incite a popular riot?
“It’s not that I’m not considerate. I’ve told Lord Liang this countless times. It’s just that Tai County doesn’t even have enough water for its own use, and you Xuan County are trying to compete for it.”
"The people under my jurisdiction are still able to make a living. If we give up half of the water source, wouldn't it cause great suffering to the people of Tai County? I would also become a sinner."
Your tone was icy.
Undoubtedly, this negotiation will end in failure again, but the hatred between Tai County and Xuan County will escalate further.
Lord Liang's face grew increasingly cold.
He glared at Lord Zhu, and Lord Zhu glared back at him, neither giving an inch.
In the dim light of the night, a figure walked over.
Upon seeing that it was Princess Zhenguo, both county magistrates were taken aback.
Didn't Princess Zhenguo run away a long time ago? How come she's reappeared now?
Although Queyuan Prefecture is now the fiefdom of Princess Zhenguo, the princess cannot solve the problem, and the two of them actually look down on it.
Qiao Lian'er was too lazy to waste words. If they continued to be deadlocked like this, there would never be a solution; it would only increase hatred.
"Lord Liang, tomorrow I will summon all the constables and common people to come with me to dig a road and open a canal."
"Lord Zhu, the Bo River flows through two counties. Logically speaking, Xuan County should indeed have a share, but Tai County has taken it all, which is indeed inhumane. I hope that Tai County can contribute half of its manpower to help Xuan County clear the way."
The two were stunned, but judging from Qiao Lian'er's decisive manner, she didn't seem to be joking.
"May I ask, Princess Zhenguo, if there were other waterways in Xuan County under my jurisdiction, things wouldn't have escalated to this point with Tai County. You come here and immediately say you want to open a canal. But where are we going to open one?" Lord Liang asked, puzzled.
Lord Zhu thought of something and his face darkened: "Could it be that we should divert water from the Bohe River? Absolutely not. If that were feasible, the two places wouldn't have had to argue like this for so many years."
Qiao Lian'er snorted, "Lord Zhu, you underestimate me. The water of the Bohe River is not enough for Tai County. I came here specifically to solve this problem, but I am going to harm the interests of Tai County. What's the point? Don't worry, I will only maximize the interests of both of you."
Everyone looked at each other in bewilderment, and the common people also looked confused.
"The riverbed can be dug, but where will the water come from?" Lord Liang pounded his fist on his palm, still finding it unbelievable.
"Can a riverbed without water be called a riverbed? Tomorrow I will lead everyone to dig a river with a source. You just need to follow me."
"If Tai County is willing to help with this, I will point out another river for you. In this way, with irrigation from both rivers, grain production will increase and there will be a surplus. You will no longer have to struggle to make ends meet."
A resident of Xuan County suddenly shouted, "Why should we believe you just because you are the Princess Zhenguo? But what you're saying doesn't make any sense. Are you just trying to fool us poor folks?"
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