Luo Pinzheng made a pained expression as he spoke, but quickly changed it to a relieved one.
"Fortunately, there are other ways. You see, Tianhe County is surrounded by mountains. Although it has always been a good place for defense, it also affects passage."
"We've lost one waterway, but we can easily open a land route, adding another land passage and making travel more convenient. This is truly a benefit to the people!"
Luo Pinzheng spoke with great sincerity, his facial expressions were extremely rich.
“I looked at the map a few days ago. The Ziyun Ridge area runs through several prefectures and counties. If we can open that passage, it will definitely make Tianhe County more prosperous! In the future, even if there is a natural disaster, we won’t have to stay in the mountains and wait to die, right?”
After stating her purpose, she glanced at Baili Honglan beside her. Seeing that she did not show any dissatisfaction, she felt slightly relieved before looking at Qin Anmin.
"Hehe, but Ziyun Ridge is very high, and it will probably be a difficult task to dig through it. It will require a lot of manpower and resources. I was thinking of borrowing a few soldiers from the Commandant. Is that possible?"
Upon hearing her say that she wanted to open up Ziyun Ridge, Qin Anmin's brows furrowed so deeply they could trap a fly, and he refused without hesitation.
"Ziyun Ridge is the strongest defensive mountain in Tianhe County. Since the establishment of Dawu, it has withstood countless invasions by the powerful northern army. If Lord Luo wants to achieve political success, he cannot have designs on this mountain!"
"There are countless mountains of all sizes in Tianhe County. Apart from Ziyun Ridge, you would be better off choosing another one, Lord Luo."
Qin Anmin spoke coldly, his eyes filled with warning as he looked at Luo Pinzheng.
Upon hearing this, Baili Honglan frowned and looked at Luo Pinzheng with a probing gaze.
Luo Pin felt a little guilty under her gaze and quickly waved his hand.
"Commander Qin misunderstands. As the magistrate of Tianhe County, I certainly know the importance of Ziyun Ridge."
"While there are other mountains that can be traversed, it would be too costly and laborious to build a passage through them. Therefore, we should choose the one that can bring the greatest benefits. Ziyun Ridge is the most suitable one."
"This mountain doesn't need to be very large; just dig a small opening, big enough for two carriages to pass side by side."
"Then we'll add a thick iron gate, so that it won't affect the defense of Ziyun Ridge, and it can also become a route for surprise attacks in wartime."
Luo Pinzheng explained earnestly, and seeing that the two men's expressions had improved, he breathed a sigh of relief.
Although Qin Anmin's expression softened slightly, she remained unmoved. She frowned and cupped her hands in a gesture of respect towards the sky.
"Even so, this matter concerns the safety of Dawu and is of great importance. I need to report it to the court and let His Majesty decide."
“I can pass on the message,” Baili Honglan said at the opportune moment.
Seeing that the two had agreed, Luo Pinzheng smiled broadly.
"Thank you both, but I know my limits in this matter and would not dare to act on my own. I submitted a memorial at the beginning of the year and I believe I will receive a reply in less than half a month."
Upon hearing this, Su Qinghe glanced at her sideways. This was clearly something that had been prepared in advance, and it was probably more than just trade.
Qin Anmin and his companion looked rather grim, but since the memorial had already been submitted, they couldn't say anything more.
Seeing their silence, Luo Pinzheng felt smug, but remained humble on the surface.
"Captain Qin, could you select a candidate within the next two days? Although the imperial decree has not yet been issued, the Ziyun Ridge is rugged and difficult to traverse, with many miscellaneous trees. It would be good to send someone to clear a path as soon as possible to make preliminary preparations."
"If this matter does not work out, then we should make way for the people who rely on the mountains for their livelihood."
Luo Pinzheng looked like he was concerned about the people.
Qin Anmin looked at her for a long time before finally agreeing with a stern face.
Luo Pinzheng was in a good mood after achieving his goal. He chatted with the two for a while longer and was about to leave when someone grabbed his arm.
"My lady, may I ask who this gentleman is?"
Luo Pinzheng's wife, Madam Guo, gently asked while holding her arm, glancing meaningfully at Baili Honglan.
Luo Pinzheng frowned and scolded in a low voice, "What are you doing here? This is Lord Li, who was sent down from the capital on business. Quickly pay your respects."
Upon hearing that they were from higher up, Guo's face immediately lit up with a smile, and she quickly greeted Baili Honglan and Qin Anmin.
"Did Lord Li not bring his husband with him on this trip?"
He scanned the group of men.
Seeing that they were either all huddled behind Qin Anmin or beside another woman, and none of them were close to this Lord Li, he immediately began to make a plan.
The one from above doesn't seem to be a lecherous person. If my son can get close to her, even if he can only become a concubine, it won't be a loss.
His mind raced for a moment, and seeing Baili Honglan shake her head, he quickly called his son Luo Zian over.
"To be honest, one of the reasons I came to Lingyan Temple with my wife this time is to pray for a marriage for my son... Ah!"
He smiled obsequiously, but Luo Pinzheng pinched him halfway through his sentence.
"My lady, you..."
"What's wrong with Father?"
He turned and looked at Luo Pinzheng with a puzzled expression, while Luo Zi'an had already reached the group.
He first inquired about Guo's well-being, and only after seeing that he was alright did he look up at the three women in front of him.
If his father hadn't called him, he wouldn't have wanted to come with such a large group of people.
Luo Pinzheng glared at Guo Shi with a warning look, but seeing that Luo Zi'an had already arrived, he didn't say anything more and quickly told him to greet her.
Luo Zian obeyed and did as instructed, but when he greeted Su Qinghe, he was so surprised that he took half a step back.
"You!" He nervously touched the veil on his face.
Su Qinghe looked at him with a puzzled expression, and only when she saw the servant behind him did she vaguely remember something.
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