Time flies, the days and months pass by like a shuttle.
Jiang Yushu was busy in Tuning, and in a blink of an eye, she had already completed three years in office.
At the end of March, crops in the fields sprout, and the mountains and fields are green and full of vitality.
A year's plan starts with spring. In today's Tuning, people not only work in the fields, but also plant trees on the hillsides. During the busy farming season, every household has no time to rest.
The sky was clear and warm, and the morning light was brilliant. On the hillside, Jiang Yushu, wearing her official robe, felt increasingly hot. However, it was inconvenient for her to roll up her sleeves in front of a large group of men. She endured it silently, and when she began to sweat, she simply raised her sleeves to wipe the sweat off her face.
She made a special trip to lead guests to visit Sulphur Mountain and taught them how to graft mulberry trees.
"Grafting is not difficult. The difficulty lies in finding tree species that are adapted to the local soil and water conditions, and how to cultivate the rootstock."
Because the mulberry saplings were too short, her legs were numb from squatting for so long, so she simply sat cross-legged on the ground. She picked a mulberry branch from a bamboo basket, raised it high, and shook it. She said to the students, "We work so hard to plant trees so we can harvest mulberry leaves and raise silkworms. We persist in raising seedlings and grafting them year after year to cultivate cold-resistant and drought-resistant trees with lush leaves. It's the same purpose as selecting potato seeds: we select and cultivate high-quality crops, which ultimately leads to a good harvest."
A large group of people, including clerks, wealthy businessmen, guests, mulberry farmers and silkworm farmers, surrounded the teacher, listening attentively and nodding frequently.
The Lingpu County Magistrate and his entourage were once again guests. Across from him, a few bamboo baskets, he too sat cross-legged and turned to his attendants, "I've come all the way to Tuning specifically to learn how to cultivate mulberry trees. Magistrate Jiang has been so generous and has taken the time to personally teach you. This is a rare opportunity. You must listen carefully and memorize the techniques so you can return and teach them to our mulberry farmers. Don't let me down."
"Yes, yes." Several followers were very respectful, with their ears perked up and their eyes fixed on the mulberry branch in the gentleman's hand, for fear of missing a step.
The Lingpu County Magistrate rolled up his sleeves, picked a mulberry branch from the basket, and said excitedly, "I'll try it too!"
Jiang Yushu smiled and gestured to the other party's followers, "You probably won't be able to learn just by listening and watching. You should try it too."
The students were naturally eager to do so. They expressed their gratitude and each picked a mulberry branch.
Whether in her past life or this life, her obsession with agriculture and her spirit of research have remained unchanged. She has worked hard to this day and has rich experience in the sericulture industry.
"First, prepare the necessary items." Mr. Jiang raised his hand and pointed, "Spike, rootstock, knife, hay, oil paper, and string."
"Then, use a knife to cut the mulberry branches." Mr. Jiang, skilled at this, picked up a small dagger and cut the mulberry branches, talking freely, "Cut it like this, slanting it to create a joint. Keep the cut clean and free of dirt."
The teacher glanced around and corrected a student next to him: "Slant, cut at an angle."
"Oh, yes."
Jiang Yushu put down the scion, bent down to examine the mulberry sapling, and pinched the trunk. "Now, let's start with the rootstock. Depending on the specific situation, choose the upper part or the top. Use a knife to peel the bark apart, making a cut. The size depends on the joint of the scion." With complete concentration, she picked up the scion and gently pressed it against the rootstock. "Just now, we cut the scion and the rootstock once, creating two 'wounds'. We need to bandage them. Watch carefully, be gentle, and after closing the two cuts, wrap the entire joint with oil paper and tie it with string. Finally, keep it out of direct sunlight until it takes root. Use some hay to provide shade, and keep it moist."
"If everything goes well, we'll see sprouts in half a month at the fastest, or more than 20 days at the slowest!"
After she skillfully grafted a tree, she closed the dagger, clapped her hands, and concluded, "In short, the method for grafting mulberry trees is the same as for other trees. It's just a matter of preparing the scion and rootstock, making two cuts, and then bandaging them."
"I have written a booklet on the methods of grafting and cultivating mulberry trees. If you don't mind, Master Gu, you can take it back for reference."
"The people of Lingpu are eager to learn, so how could they possibly object? I'd love to hear that! Thank you very much." In fact, the Lingpu County Magistrate had come specifically for the improved saplings, and without further ado, he asked, "But a booklet alone isn't enough. Could you also give me some rootstock and cuttings? Our mulberry seedlings are thin and slender, not as robust as those in Tuning. Even if they survive grafting, I don't think we'll be able to pick many leaves."
Jiang Yushu stood up, brushed off the dirt on her body, and answered readily, "Of course. When has Tu Ning ever been stingy with his friends?"
"Hahaha, County Magistrate Jiang is such a straightforward person!"
In return for the favor, the Lingpu County Magistrate immediately announced, "Lingpu has always treated its friends with sincerity. Barring any unforeseen circumstances, the alum and timber you need will be delivered within five days."
Jiang Yushu smiled happily, "Great! Thank you very much. The wood is not in a hurry, but the alum is almost used up."
"Don't worry, I'll deliver it to you in a few days."
With careful care, the mulberry forest is not high but very lush. The continuous mulberry mountains are covered with swaying green leaves. A group of people shuttled through the gently sloping forest, chatting as they walked, in a harmonious and lively atmosphere.
After a busy day, it was noon, the sun was rising higher and everyone was sweating.
It's impossible to be neat and tidy when you're busy working in the mountains. Jiang Yushu's handkerchief was soaked, almost wet. She looked at the sky and said gently, "It's noon, time to go down the mountain. Let's go to town for lunch and rest for a while, then visit the silkworm room in the afternoon."
The guest should follow the host's wishes. The Lingpu County Magistrate nodded and said, "Okay, let's go. Please."
"please."
So, a large group of people turned around and walked down the mountain to the nearby Sangshan Town.
The scenery in spring is beautiful. People come and go in the fields, busy tending to the crops. Everywhere is a scene of prosperity.
The Lingpu County Magistrate, hands behind his back, deliberately turned into a small path between fields. Observing the fields on both sides, he sighed, "I remember when I first came here, this place was called 'Sangshan Village,' but now it's become 'Sangshan Town.' It's changed a lot."
The path through the fields was narrow and undulating, but Jiang Yushu walked on it as if it were flat ground. She casually chatted, "Originally, this was a small village with a population of less than a thousand. Later, thanks to the sericulture industry, merchants from all over the country and their hired workers flocked here. Also, Tangzhou suffered from locust plagues and droughts for several consecutive years, resulting in poor harvests and many deaths from starvation. The people fled and sought refuge with relatives and friends. I guess they heard that Tuning was recruiting refugees and offering rewards for land reclamation, so they came here intermittently."
"So, when the population grew so fast that it could become a town, we changed 'Sangshan Village' to 'Sangshan Town'."
"I wonder how many refugees have taken refuge here? Could you tell me?"
"Haha, what's the inconvenience? The household register submitted to the court must be updated every year and is public. The current number of refugees is probably around 60,000."
The Lingpu County Magistrate was stunned and couldn't help but give a thumbs-up. "Thousands of starving refugees, and you dared to order the city gates to be opened to receive them? Aren't you afraid that the government won't be able to control the situation? You are truly daring. I admire you!"
"Master Gu, you are too kind." Jiang Yushu wiped her sweat. "Alas, there is nothing we can do. The imperial court has issued an order, instructing all local governments not to refuse the victims of the Tangzhou disaster."
"Ahem." The Lingpu County Magistrate came a little closer and whispered, "Every policy is from the top, and every countermeasure is from the bottom. As far as I know, most government offices have the intention to provide relief to the victims, but unfortunately they lack the strength. Firstly, they are afraid that they cannot afford to support them, and secondly, they are afraid that they cannot control the situation. For example, in Lingpu, we can only provide relief to three to five hundred at most to report to the court." And they have to be selected, with strong laborers given priority, and the old, weak, and disabled are not accepted.
Jiang Yushu wasn't surprised by her colleague's actions. With a shrewd smile, she revealed, "Actually, I was also worried that the government wouldn't be able to control the large number of victims, so I simply went to the military camp for help. Commander Song was generous and sent a team of elite soldiers to help maintain order. He also announced: Anyone who dares to cause trouble will be immediately arrested and sent into exile! Upon hearing this, the victims calmed down and didn't dare disobey the government's arrangements. They gradually settled down."
"Oh, I see!"
The two counties each benefited from their needs, and their friendship was deep. The Lingpu County Magistrate frankly stated, "Frankly, the issue of stability is secondary. The key is the lack of food. Lingpu only has enough food for itself, not to feed the tens of thousands of refugees. We simply cannot afford to take in too many. Magistrate Jiang is truly capable and courageous. I, Gu, am ashamed of myself."
"No, Master Gu is praising you again."
Jiang Yushu sighed, "It was extremely difficult at the beginning. We almost couldn't hold on. The government scraped together food from everywhere to support the refugees in reclaiming the wasteland and farming. We've only managed to get by now."
“It’s not easy when you think about it.”
"Thank goodness I made it through."
Under the warm sun, the Lingpu County Magistrate glanced at his beautiful colleague, whose cheeks were rosy and fair, and asked with concern, "You've served for three years now, and have been rated 'competent' every year. Your performance is excellent, but I haven't heard of any news about your transfer. Could you tell me something?"
"News about the transfer? To be honest, I don't know either."
"According to the old rules, even if there is no promotion, you should be transferred to another place."
"Transfer?" Jiang Yushu frowned, gazing out at the vast fields. "Ah, I really don't want to leave Tuning. Not only that, but also because I still have so much unfinished business."
"What's going on?"
"Cultivating crops, supervising land reclamation, and so on." At the moment, Tuning is still far from what she had imagined.
"Really?" Lingpu County Magistrate smiled and teased, "General Guo is in Tuningwei. I thought you were reluctant to leave him."
As soon as these words were spoken, the crowd following them laughed and tried to hold back their laughter.
It's human nature, and Jiang Yushu did have reasons for wanting to leave her husband, but she refused to admit it in public, saying calmly, "Haha, look at what Master Gu said! I've been married for over a decade, and we're not newlyweds, so how could we be so inseparable?" She immediately interrupted, "I've just completed three years in office, and you've been reappointed for three consecutive years. I wonder what the court will do with you?"
The Lingpu County Magistrate suppressed his smile and said, "Alas, this is probably my last time visiting Tuning as the 'Lingpu County Magistrate'. The imperial court has ordered me to take up my post in Luoshui before June of this year."
"ah?"
Jiang Yushu subconsciously asked: "What is the job?"
"Tongzhi."
"Oh, you got promoted! Congratulations!" Jiang Yushu congratulated him repeatedly and jokingly asked, "Such good news, why did you keep it secret until now? Could it be that Master Gu is afraid that we'll ask for your blessing?"
When the others heard this, they immediately congratulated and joined in the jokes.
"Thank you very much." The Lingpu County Magistrate was beaming. He returned the greeting with a bow, and after a moment of modesty, he said cheerfully, "Last time you praised Lingpu's wine, I brought a cartload this time. Everyone should have a few drinks later!"
Jiang Yushu was not good at drinking, and her subordinates always drank for her during social events. She replied flatteringly, "Okay!"
Two months ago, the Imperial Palace
Because his father lived a long life, the prince did not ascend the throne until he was 43 years old, and his reign was named Yongqing.
Inside the Imperial Study
Emperor Yongqing had just finished reading a pile of memorials and was leaning back against a bright yellow pillow with his eyes closed to rest. There was a "chuan"-shaped wrinkle between his brows, but he was not angry but had a sense of majesty.
The Minister of Personnel was old and was given a seat, while the other officials stood before the emperor.
An official, holding a document, bowed and reported, "...During Guo Jiang's tenure as magistrate, the cultivated land in Tuning increased from 57,200 hectares to 106,009 hectares, and the population grew from 30,000 to over 110,000. According to investigations, Tuning's grain production has remained stable over the past two years, and currently no grain aid from the court is needed."
After listening to this, Emperor Yongqing opened his eyes, his lips curled up, and he nodded. "Well, that's true. Jiang is diligent and pragmatic. It's rare for a woman to have the courage to accept refugees and manage the impoverished border county in an orderly manner. She is quite capable. Minister Jiang really, really... has a good way of educating his daughter."
"Your Majesty has a keen eye for talent and a knack for employing people. I admire you." The official from the Ministry of Personnel asked, "Jiang has completed her three-year term. Based on her achievements and the assessment procedures, she could be transferred to the government office. What do you think?"
Emperor Yongqing pondered for a moment and then sternly ordered, "No rush. Hold off on the transfer and allow her to continue her term. Although the population and cultivated land in the border counties have grown significantly, in my opinion, the growth is too rapid. The overall situation may be unstable and requires patient and careful rectification. If we were to replace the county magistrate, it would likely be no better suited than Jiang."
The emperor had already made his decision, so how could the officials oppose it in public? They all agreed and said respectfully, "Your Majesty, what you said is very true."
"Her proposal, implemented by her, should be the safest."
"I obey your command and will issue the decree as soon as possible, ordering Jiang to be re-elected."
Emperor Yongqing said majestically, "Give her another three years. I want to see how she can govern the border counties!"
The nights at the border in early April were neither too hot nor too cold, perfect for chatting.
But Jiang Yushu and his wife were not just chatting, but were writing books while talking.
Near the window in the study, there are two desks next to each other, and the desks are full of books and manuscripts. The couple sits face to face, each busy with their own work.
Jiang Yushu gradually added crops to "Northwest Agricultural and Sericultural Collection", while Guo Honglei revised "Military Training Strategy" over and over again. Both of them worked hard, but enjoyed it.
"The imperial court has issued an order for me to run for re-election."
He paused writing and looked up happily. "Good for your re-election, otherwise you'll have to spend time getting familiar with this unfamiliar place. If you stay in Tunin, we can see each other more often."
"Yes." She smiled and said with emotion, "Lingpu County Magistrate Gu was promoted to Luoshui Co-magistrate, and Anshan County Magistrate Hu retired and returned home. From then on, he lived a leisurely life enjoying his grandchildren. How enviable! Fortunately, before Lord Hu retired, Tu Ning paid off his debt to Anshan."
"How much debt is left?"
"There are still seven or eight more strokes."
"These are all old debts. You don't have to rush. You can pay them back slowly."
Jiang Yushu smiled bitterly, "Of course I'm not anxious, but the creditor is. It's really unpleasant to be harassed by debt collectors."
Guo Honglei sympathized with his wife, but he was powerless to help her. Unable to erase the government debt, he consoled her, saying, "Next time the creditor comes to collect the debt, if you're tired of it, why not send a message and then come find me outside the city. We can go to the ranch for horse racing and relax."
"Hahaha, good idea! But so far, the creditors have been quite polite, no one has been rude or disrespectful."
"That's good."
Jiang Yushu wrote furiously for a while when she suddenly remembered something and told her husband: "Oh, Hui Niang has given birth to another son, and the family wants us to go back for the full moon banquet."
"What?"
"Another one?"
Guo Honglei was startled, his brows furrowed in confusion for a moment, his gaze leaving the military manuscript. "I remember we celebrated the full moon a while ago. Why are we having another banquet?"
"You've got it wrong!" Jiang Yushu put down her pen and held her chin up. "That wasn't Fourth Brother's wife's child."
"I'm completely confused." Guo Honglei's face darkened, and he put down his pen in displeasure. He asked in confusion, "How many children does the fourth child have now?"
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