Chapter 2542: Not in His Place
"Princess!"
Magistrate Xun frowned and stood up, asking, "Which princess?"
"Princess Mingda and Princess Changyu, their carriages have just entered the main street and should be arriving soon."
Magistrate Xun broke out in a cold sweat, and a lot of thoughts instantly came to his mind. Was it Zhou Man who brought him here?
By the way, I heard that she had a very good relationship with the two princesses, and she even went to see Princess Changyu off when she got married.
What is she going to do?
Why did you bring the princess here?
Magistrate Xun hurriedly led his men out to greet the princess, but halfway through, he suddenly remembered something and immediately turned around and ordered, "Hurry up and go to the backyard to inform the lady and ask her to come and greet the princess."
Now that the princess has arrived, we naturally cannot meet her in the front yamen, as that would be too awkward. It would be better to welcome her to the backyard, where it would be convenient for tea and snacks.
Although Liyang County is close to the capital, it is difficult for County Magistrate Xun to meet these dignitaries, because each county is responsible for its own affairs and cannot bypass the level of the government. His superior is the Governor of Yongzhou.
Although Liyang is not particularly wealthy in Yongzhou, it is not poor either.
There are no lower counties in Yongzhou, only middle counties and upper counties. Liyang belongs to the middle county. Although it is very close to Wannian County of Guo County in the capital, it cannot develop.
It’s all because there are wolves in front and tigers behind.
Wannian County wanted to grab the territory from him, and Guo County and Xianyang County in Yongzhou also wanted to grab the territory from him. The two counties wanted to divide Liyang County on the spot. God knows how difficult it was for him to survive in the cracks.
Fortunately, Yongzhou did not want to reduce the number of counties in order to maintain its style, and Xianyang County was already large enough and obviously could not swallow up the entire Liyang County.
Then it will have to be divided with Wannian County, and it is very likely to be divided into Chang'an County.
These two counties belong to Jingzhao Prefecture, and Yongzhou is definitely not willing to do so. This is the only way for it to survive under the influence of three forces.
Good things never happen to him, but bad things always happen to him.
He had never seen the princess, and he didn't know why Zhou Man invited such an ancestor over. Wouldn't it be better for you to come here yourself to discuss things?
As an official in the same court, could he still make things difficult for her?
What's more, you hold a higher official position than me and are more noble than me, so who are you looking for a backer for?
Magistrate Xun thought that the princesses were there to show support, so in order to avoid any misunderstanding, when he arrived at the gate, he put on a big smile and looked at the three girls coming towards him.
His eyes slid between the three of them, finally moving to the one on the far right, and he called out tentatively, "Master Zhou?"
Correct answer!
Manbao smiled and dismounted from his horse to salute Magistrate Xun. "Excuse me, Magistrate Xun. Let me introduce you. This is Princess Mingda, and this is Princess Changyu."
Magistrate Xun smiled and bowed, saying, "I didn't know the princesses were coming. I'm sorry I didn't come to greet them. Why didn't Lord Zhou tell me in advance so I could be prepared?"
Manbao waved his hand nonchalantly and said, "We're going to go for an outing after we finish our discussion, so we shouldn't trouble Magistrate Xun too much."
Xun County Magistrate: "...outing?"
"Yes, spring is in full bloom. Didn't Magistrate Xun go for an outing this year?"
What a coincidence, he just went there with his family yesterday. But couldn’t you tell me in advance that you were coming to Liyang for an outing?
It's really scary.
As long as she wasn't here for him, it was fine. Magistrate Xun's smile became more genuine. He smiled sideways and said, "Princess, please come in first. I have asked someone to prepare some refreshments."
Mrs. Xun also rushed over from the backyard and invited them to the backyard of the county government office to have tea and talk.
Manbao didn't waste time and went straight to the topic of road construction. "It's not farming season yet, so we're recruiting laborers now. The road is divided into three sections and will be finished soon. Once the spring rush is over, Xincheng will be bustling with activity. By then, it will be much closer for the people of Liyang County to travel to Yongzhou."
It's not just much closer. This royal manor is located directly between Liyang County and Yongzhou City. Most of this imperial manor belongs to Yongzhou Guo County, Xianyang, and a small half belongs to their Liyang. But no matter who it belongs to, it is the emperor's family property, and basically no one can control it.
Therefore, to get from Liyang to Yongzhou City, they need to go around Huangzhuang. At the end of Huangzhuang are two mountains. Oh, on the other side of the mountain is Zhou Man’s official land in Putian Village. It is equivalent to that they have to go around there to get to Yongzhou City.
First, we had to pass through the gate of Yongzhou City and walk through most of the city to reach the new city. But now, we had to open a straight road through the middle of the imperial farm...
Xun County Magistrate had not expected such a good thing to happen. He was so excited that he looked at Mingda and asked, "But the land for road construction..."
Mingda smiled, put down his teacup, and said, "I've already sent word to the manor steward. There's already a small dirt road there for the people and carriages of the manor. We'll build it now. From now on, anyone can use it to get to the new city."
Magistrate Xun immediately stood up and saluted Mingda, "Princess, you are so kind."
Mingda smiled and said, "This suggestion was made by Zhou Man. You should thank her if you want to thank her."
Manbao smiled and said, "No, no, thank you anyway. You've paid a lot for this."
Not only does it require manpower to build one-third of the road, but a piece of land along the way must also be cleared to widen the road. However, she is also certain that Mingda will be the one who benefits the most in the future.
After all, the road is lined with her fields, and her shop is at the end.
Magistrate Xun quickly began to think. This route would not only connect the ancient city of Liyang, which was Zhou Man's fiefdom, but also the county seat of Liyang County and the new city. If it went further southwest, then...
Magistrate Xun couldn't help but look at Zhou Man.
Manbao was drinking tea and didn't see it. She moistened her mouth and continued, "Actually, it would be best to arrange an appointment with Magistrate Guo of Wannian County. If Magistrate Guo is willing to take on part of the journey, then we can completely connect Liyang County, Xincheng, and the capital."
The road from her fiefdom to the east gate of the capital city is not easy to travel on. It is just a short section and it would be a shame not to repair it.
Magistrate Xun almost pounded his fist into his palm and called him a confidant, but he held back and nodded seriously, "That's right, that's right. I need to have a good chat with Magistrate Guo about this."
Manbao looked at him, and he also looked up at Zhou Man with expectation.
The two met eyes and were both stunned.
Manbao tilted his head and said, "This is county business. Magistrates Xun and Guo should have a lot to say about it."
But our relationship was not good, and we almost became enemies fighting for land!
Magistrate Xun couldn't tell Zhou Man this, so he said with an embarrassed look on his face, "Master Zhou, you know that I'm of low rank. There's a distance between Liyang County and Wannian County, so I can't really have a say. But you and Magistrate Guo serve in the same court, and I heard they sit to your right. Perhaps you and Master Guo have some friendship?"
Manbao and County Magistrate Guo actually have some friendship. After all, he has given her friendly reminders several times when she was dozing off.
Manbao thought about it and thought, maybe he should invite County Magistrate Guo to dinner after the court session to express his gratitude?
but……
Manbao looked at Magistrate Xun and said, "I can introduce Magistrates Xun and Guo."
Xun County Magistrate: ...
Naturally, such county affairs are best discussed between the county magistrates themselves, as one should not interfere in matters that are not within their jurisdiction.
See you tomorrow
(End of this chapter)
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