Chapter 166: If the merits do not meet the standards for household registration, labor service will be arranged nearby.
Ruan Mian looked over gratefully and said, "Master Wu Jie, if your people are willing, there will always be a place for your people in this village. If you want to live here, you can come anytime. If you are not used to it, you can always live in the mountains according to your tribe's rules."
"I think this place is great. I've lived here for a while and I've developed some feelings for it! Madam Ruan, you see, I even have a deer farm. I've tamed several deer behind my house."
"I've also grown some medicinal herbs using the methods you gave me last time, and they're thriving!"
Compared to their previous nomadic life, this stable life is also great.
With Wu Jie's words, Huo Zong also knew what to do next.
He promised that after settling Wu Heng's other affairs, he would register the village and all the fugitives here would be arranged according to their respective situations.
If the merits do not meet the standards for household registration, labor service will be arranged nearby.
When Huo Zong came here, he saw the road they built. He was surprised and wondered if they could build a road directly to Wuheng City if they didn't move away.
Of course Ruan Mian had thought about this in advance. They came here from Wuheng and knew the terrain along the way very well.
After a few people discussed it, they immediately decided on the basic idea.
"Some convicts who don't meet the household registration criteria are forced to work here, building roads. Others who qualify for household registration will only be paid if they can be recruited to build roads."
But this matter still needs some time to be finalized. Ruan Mian is actually thinking of the same method as before.
Whether they are forced labor or registered workers, it will always be a good idea to give them some benefits.
The efficiency will also be higher.
Of course, the specific implementation may take some time.
The most urgent task is for them to tell everyone the news about the valley village, and to elect a capable village chief so that they can coordinate related matters in the future.
Ruan Mian already had a candidate in mind for the position of village chief.
Among this group of people, whether in terms of seniority, degree, or the weight of respect, it must be Mr. Xue.
Older people are more respected by the public.
What's more, he was the head of that village before.
When Xue Yuanling told this news to Mr. Xue, the old man quickly declined, feeling that he was not up to the task.
But Xue Yuanling's words changed his mind: "Grandpa, only if you take on this important responsibility can you convince the public and give the children you adopted better opportunities to study."
"If you can become the village chief, then as long as you give the order, the village private school can be established more legitimately. There is no one more suitable than you."
Their family is a family of merchants. Ruan Qingsong is still young and may not be able to convince others, while his father is devoted to medicine and has no distractions.
As for the elders from other families, they haven't made much achievements, or they lack the knowledge and courage.
Just for the sake of the private school, the old man agreed without hesitation.
"In that case, if everyone agrees, I won't refuse."
Ruan Mian immediately wrote a notice and posted it in the most conspicuous place in the house.
A simple bulletin board was also built there using a few wooden stakes.
In the future, if there is anything happening in the village, all the news will be posted here.
Soon, the good news that Wu Heng had recaptured the area and the valley was going to be rebuilt spread like wildfire.
Moreover, before long, many fugitives will enjoy preferential policies to varying degrees, and some who have made meritorious contributions may even be included in the household registration system.
Being free from the suffering of war is a joyful thing.
Being able to reside here legally and permanently is great news.
Everyone knew that all of this was achieved by Ruan Mian and his team.
That night, many neighbors came to the house, each bringing some fruits and vegetables they had harvested during this period, and came to thank Ruan Mian.
The old couple Zhang were so busy running around that they couldn't even receive any guests.
Ruan Mian was also very busy, having to thank everyone one by one. He finally managed to find some free time and wanted to take a break and have a few private words with Cuizhu, Meixi and the others, but was stopped by Hongwu.
Hongwu's face flushed, and he was pushed in front of Ruan Mian shyly.
Seeing him like this, Ruan Mian thought that he had some difficulties and needed her help, but was just embarrassed to say it directly.
So he looked at him again and asked, "What's the matter?"
Hongwu took a deep breath, suddenly bowed respectfully, and spoke.
"Madam Ruan...Madam Ruan, I don't really have anything important to ask. I just want to ask you if you have ever thought about getting married."
Ruan Mian was slightly startled. Before she could say anything, Cuizhu suddenly stepped forward and raised her chin proudly.
"Don't be so presumptuous, my girl..."
"I don't, I don't. I admire Madam Ruan very much, so I dare not be presumptuous."
Ruan Mian realized his thoughts and smiled faintly: "Mr. Hong, did you know that I have been divorced before?"
"Of course I know! Even with that boy from the Qi family, that boy from the Qi family is no match for Madam Ruan. Of course... I... I'm also marrying above my station. I've just admired you for a long time, and if you're interested, I'll go to great lengths to raise the betrothal gifts for you, and I won't let you down! Besides, I already have a household registration, and I've saved a little over the years."
"You...you have no shame! Marriage is a matter of parents' orders and matchmaker's words. How dare you say such words in front of my daughter? I..."
Cuizhu blushed when she heard this, and was afraid that Ruan Mian would be talked about by outsiders, so she quickly pulled Ruan Mian into the house.
Ruan Mian also admired Hongwu's courage, knowing that he was also an honest man. When Zheng Yang was taught a lesson, it was he and himself who joined forces to ensure that the evil man was punished.
But she had no idea about marriage.
Why do I suddenly have good luck in love these days?
Being proposed to again and again put Ruan Mian in a dilemma.
It’s okay if there are few people, but if too many people refuse, it will definitely cause trouble.
Even Meixi started to tease, "This young lady is so outstanding that she's well-known in Wuheng City. I even heard from Lord Wu Jie that she has a nephew who is handsome and the most capable man in their clan."
"He is about the same age as the young lady. I thought that when he comes, Master Wu Jie will let him meet the young lady."
Ruan Mian was confused: "There is such a thing?"
Cuizhu was also in a dilemma: "Miss! To be honest, some people in the village have been asking Madam Fang about finding a husband for you! I think they are eager to marry you because they see your ability."
"Those men are no match for Master Xie. The girl doesn't even look down on Master Xie, let alone them!"
"Well, it's not that I look down on Master Xie. Master, you are such a good husband, why should I look down on you? I just don't want to get married. Getting married won't make my life better. I'm content with the current situation."
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
