As he said this, he clasped his hands in a fist salute to the north and continued, "The prefectural government has already allocated the funds. The silver and copper coins are in the treasury. The water conservancy project will begin tomorrow. The county has decided that wages will not be paid until the project is completed. You will be paid for each day you work!"
"this……"
Upon hearing this, before the people could react, Wu Xinzong, the county magistrate, couldn't help but advise, "Your Honor, that's not what the imperial court means. The court intends to pay wages only after a month's work is completed..."
Li Qi said sternly, "If anything goes wrong, I will take responsibility..."
"this……"
County Magistrate Wu Xinzong looked distressed, still wanting to persuade him further.
The people below the steps did not believe the magistrate's words, some even shouting to his face, "Don't fool us! Nobody would believe that!"
Li Qi gestured again and shouted, "This year will be the same as in previous years. The township will select 30% of the households, with each household choosing only one laborer. The selection will be handled by the elders of each township. Go back and make your selections today, and you can start work tomorrow. You will receive your wages by sunset tomorrow afternoon!"
Even though Li Qi made such a guarantee, the people below the steps still looked doubtful, and no one believed the promise.
"Sir, are you telling the truth?"
"Your Honor, you're not lying to us, are you?"
"They're definitely lying to us. There's no such thing as a free lunch!"
"Yes, we need to see the money first. Take us to the warehouse to see the money!"
When Li Qi heard the people say this, his face darkened immediately. The people storming the warehouse—what was the difference between that and a rebellion?
"Troublemakers! A bunch of troublemakers!"
County Magistrate Wu Xinzhong muttered curses behind Li Qi's back.
Li Qi looked around, and Elder Hu, the county elder, said to him, "Sir, the people don't believe there's such a good thing. But I can organize the people from the distillery to work. When they see the people from the distillery actually receiving the money tomorrow, they'll believe it."
"Okay, Mr. Hu, we'll do it your way!" Li Qi nodded.
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