Chapter 78 Confession
The refugees brought back by Lu Chenyang have also been settled. Now that the weather is hot and houses can be built quickly, they live next to the refugees from Shu that Lu Chenyang brought back when he took office.
They also came to help the refugees build houses.
"If you need anything, just ask. If nothing else, I can still lend a hand. Our Lord Lu said that we will be neighbors from now on and we should help each other."
The newly reformed refugees had never experienced such kindness before and were a little overwhelmed for a moment. "Thank you very much."
They also worry that their status as refugees will be looked down upon.
"What's there to thank us for? We're all neighbors." The Shu native said with a smile, "We also migrated from outside, and we know how hard life is out there."
The refugees nodded repeatedly: "Yes, yes, if it's not because they can't survive, who would be willing to take this step?"
"Master Lu is a good man. As long as you work hard and farm well, we can survive." The man said, "Do you have children at home? If you do, we can send them to the county school. Our Master Lu said that those with academic talent can be exempted from tuition and miscellaneous fees."
"That's right. I know a family whose child is very good at studying. Lord Lu found a job for his father. They are living a good life now."
This was the first time they realized that studying could change their lives. The imperial examination was too far away from them, but now they knew that if their children could study well, it could change the fate of their family.
So now they are keen on sending their children to school.
Is there such a good thing?
The refugees stared in amazement. They were given land, given houses, and now their children could go to school for free? Is there such a place in the world?
They feel that Yanquan County is changing their perception, and that it is so beautiful here that it doesn't seem like a big deal.
The refugees were filled with longing.
Lu Chenyang gave them hope.
The craftsmen sent by Shen Shiqian were very capable. With the collective wisdom of all, they quickly made the first batch of farm tools.
Lu Chenyang specially found several farmers to try it out and found that it was indeed useful.
Lu Chenyang was overjoyed and even though he had no money, he rewarded several craftsmen generously.
"Study hard. If you create better farm tools, I'll reward you!"
The craftsmen were all very happy and felt that they were full of energy and could continue to work overtime.
Lu Chenyang immediately gave the order to start mass production of agricultural tools, so that all the people in Yanquan County can use them next year.
When Xu Zhenghui recovered from his illness, he heard the good news and was very happy.
"I'm afraid many families can't afford to buy farm tools." Xu Zhenghui said worriedly.
Lu Chenyang said, "Then give them credit and they can pay you back when they have money."
Xu Zhenghui couldn't help but remind him: "Sir, you promised the Shen family that you would sell the farm tools in the Shen family's shop." It's not a good idea for you to help others decide whether to sell on credit, right?
Lu Chenyang didn't care: "What's the big deal? The county government will advance the money on behalf of the people, and the people will just pay it back when the time comes."
Xu Zhenghui was speechless and said with a folded hand, "Your Excellency loves the people like your own children."
Lu Chenyang smiled and said, "I researched this thing just to make it for the people. If I make it but the people can't use it, isn't that putting the cart before the horse? This thing is for the people, not for taking from them."
He did it to make things convenient for the people, not to make money from them.
Xu Zhenghui was filled with admiration after hearing this, and then he diligently arranged the production.
Almost all farm tools require iron, so we have to increase the collection of iron ore. It would be great if we could have a few more iron mines.
Lu Chenyang thought so too, so he formed a team and went to look for iron ore again.
The benefits of having a mixed military personnel became apparent. Lu Chenyang took out the original registration booklet, searched for talents according to their specialties, and formed a mineral-hunting team.
It is a great skill for someone who knows the roads, has been a blacksmith, and can identify the direction of water sources.
Lu Chenyang personally met with the captains of several teams.
"Iron mines are of utmost importance. You must all work together. I'm waiting for your good news. When you come back, I'll celebrate for you!" Lu Chenyang said seriously.
The craftsmen were inspired and full of ambition because Lu Chenyang gave them so much.
They had never received so much reward money before, and Lu Chenyang said that in the future, the people of Yanquan County would use the farm tools they made.
This sense of accomplishment is not even given to them by money.
Regardless of their profession or status, many people find it difficult to resist the temptation of being remembered for generations.
The first batch of farm tools was quickly completed and then sent to the Shen family’s shop for sale.
Shen Shiqian was very good at business and directly hung a sign at the door: "The latest agricultural tools designed by County Magistrate Lu himself."
Considering that some people were illiterate, he even sent a waiter to shout at the door. Worried that the farmers in the countryside might not know about this, he also sent people to each village to tell the village chief and ask him to help spread the news.
It can be said that he is very conscientious and considerate of everything.
The three words "Lu County Magistrate" are the best signboard. Many people enter the shop as soon as they see the three words "Lu County Magistrate".
"I want the farm implement designed by County Magistrate Lu. Anything is fine. As long as it's made by County Magistrate Lu, I want it."
The waiter smiled, but… "Each household can only purchase one. If you are purchasing for the village, you need a deed from the village chief."
“…”
"Then, sir, do you want more?" the waiter asked again.
"want!"
There were indeed some farmers who could not afford to buy the tools, and the waiter patiently explained that the government office could advance the money and they could pay it back next year, so the farm tools were sold out very quickly.
Lu Chenyang watched outside the store and thought that next year everyone would be able to use better farm tools. In addition, with the oxen Fang Jinzhou brought, spring plowing would be easier for everyone next year.
Lu Chenyang walked back happily.
When I returned to the county government office, I heard another good news: Yan Xing was back.
Lu Chenyang was shocked and immediately went out of the city to meet him at the base.
Yan Xing had been away for nearly two months this time. He had become much darker, but he looked taller and more energetic.
Lu Chenyang felt distressed: "Look at how skinny he is. We're going to have meat tonight. I'll have someone prepare some more meat."
Yan Xing discovered that Lu Chenyang's way of expressing kindness to others was to give them meat.
He smiled and said, "Thank you very much, Master Lu."
Lu Chenyang quickly gave the order, and seeing the fatigue between his brows, he asked with concern, "How was it? Did the journey out go smoothly? Lu Ning's explanation was unclear."
Yan Xing sighed, "It's okay, but there are more and more refugees. They don't dare to confront us head-on, and they run away when they see us."
These refugees, probably frightened by what had happened in Sanyang County, did not dare to besiege the city, but only asked for food. The county magistrate usually gave them money, thinking it was better to spend money to avoid disaster, and they left after receiving the food.
Although he didn't do anything this time, Yan Xing felt very heavy-hearted.
Yan Xing said, "Most of them came from Shu. The situation in Shu is even more serious."
Lu Chenyang glanced at him and said nonchalantly, "Is this related to King Nanyang?"
Lu Chenyang had always felt that Yan Xing had some connection to the King of Nanyang. When they had passed through Shu, Yan Xing had gone to a house and met a man. Lu Ning had followed him, and it was very likely that the man he had gone to see was the King of Nanyang.
Lu Chenyang didn't find it strange. Yan Xing dared to be exiled alone, so he must have some support. But he didn't expect that the Yan family would have any connection with the King of Nanyang.
Lu Chenyang just didn't know what the basis of this connection was.
Yan Xing heard his test, otherwise why would he ask him about the King of Nanyang?
Yan Xing said, "The relationship between the Duke of Zhenguo's Mansion and the Prince of Nanyang is merely mutually beneficial. The Emperor is worried that he might rebel, and my father has the same concern. But the Emperor also has doubts about our Duke of Zhenguo's Mansion. So from this perspective, the Duke of Zhenguo's Mansion and the Prince of Nanyang are on the same side."
Lu Chenyang was a little surprised. He didn't expect Yan Xing to tell him the truth.
Yan Xing said, "Aren't you on our side now?"
Lu Chenyang curled the corners of his lips.
"Then the Prince of Nanyang knew you were exiled, so he came to you and wanted to form an alliance with the Duke of Zhenguo?"
Yan Xing nodded: "Not bad."
It is self-evident what the two alliances want to do.
The King of Nanyang did have rebellious intentions.
The current situation of the people in Shu also illustrates this point.
Yan Xing said disdainfully, "Our Zhenguo Mansion is completely different from the Prince of Nanyang. He wants to be a traitor, and our Zhenguo Mansion cannot afford to lose such a person!"
In Yan Xing's view, the conflict between the Zhenguo Mansion and the Emperor could even be considered a family affair. However, it was a family affair of the imperial family, involving the court, military power, and the throne.
But, that was their family's business, what did it have to do with the Prince of Nanyang, a vassal king of a different surname? Back then, the Prince of Nanyang was just a defeated general.
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