Feng Zhidai was very puzzled by Feng Ang's words. They had discussed Qin Mu's information beforehand and were initially skeptical. However, he couldn't understand why Feng Ang's attitude had completely changed after just one meal.
“This is based on experience. As you get older, you become more accurate in judging people. It’s a kind of intuition.” Feng Ang looked at his two sons and patiently explained, then hesitated slightly before continuing, “There’s also the aura. You’ve spent a lot of time with your father. How many people have you met for the first time who showed no fear and spoke fluently?”
“Father is right. Even I feel a sense of fear in your presence. Prince Qin is indeed too calm,” Feng Zhidai said, his expression changing.
"Of course, this might be because they've seen many important figures in Chang'an and are used to it. However, your strength is too low to sense it; those young people are all quite powerful. Qin Huaidao and Princess Changning are like the ocean, their surging power ready to be unleashed, but to outsiders, it appears as a calm surface." Feng Ang said with a hint of amazement in his eyes. He could sense that several of Qin Mu and the others were just one step away from becoming top-tier experts, while Qin Mu and Princess Changning were practically already halfway there.
"That high level of strength? I thought there were only a few others, about the same as us," Feng Zhiyu said in shock. He was referring to Cheng Huailiang and Yuchi Baoqing, both sons of dukes, who had considerable resources. Their high level of strength wasn't too surprising; they were simply better than the average person.
"You've all misjudged him. The strongest is that blind guard. The two boys leading the guards with axes are no less capable than you. And that physician named Han Chen—he must have been from the Six Doors before," Feng Ang recalled, his eyes half-closed. He was referring to Bu Fang, Xi Junmai, and Fang Yi'ai. Baili Rou, with her child, didn't disembark from the carriage, and Bu Mang and his men from Shuofang hadn't arrived yet; otherwise, he would have been even more surprised.
The Feng brothers looked at each other in surprise. They hadn't expected Qin Mu and his group to bring so many experts. Feng Zhidai sighed and said, "No wonder the princess didn't bring any guards. It turns out they are experts themselves."
The information the Feng family gathered was, of course, just rumors circulating outside. There were many things that Qin Mu and his group did that they couldn't find out about unless they asked the people involved or the well-informed high-ranking officials in Chang'an.
"Alright, let's hear their specific arrangements tomorrow," Feng Ang said, waving his hand.
"yes."
~~~~~~~
After discussing for a while, the Feng family father and son went back to their room to rest. The next day, they still warmly entertained Qin Mu and his group. However, the next day, Qin Mu only brought Han Chen to see him.
"I wonder in what ways I can help the Governor?" Qin Mu asked directly.
"To be honest, I have no way to improve the lives of the people of Lingnan, which is why I complained to His Majesty and asked for help. I wonder if you, Huaidao, have any ideas on how to resolve Lingnan's predicament?" Feng Ang said with a wry smile.
"I have also done some research on Lingnan, so I have prepared several plans. If there are any inappropriate points, please correct me, Commander," Qin Mu said with a slight nod.
“Oh, please go on,” Feng Ang said with great interest. He knew, of course, that Qin Mu had come prepared, so he was very interested in listening.
"The predicament of Lingnan is something you, Commander-in-Chief, are well aware of, so I will not elaborate. As for solutions, I have prepared two avenues of revenue to improve the lives of the people of Lingnan. The first is refined salt. I presume you are aware of the refined salt that the imperial court has introduced?" Qin Mu asked.
“Of course I know, but Lingnan is too far from Guanzhong, and transporting refined salt here would be too expensive. Could it be that you, Huaidao, have a method for making refined salt?” Feng Ang’s eyes lit up as he asked excitedly.
"The refined salt was originally a betrothal gift from the Prince Consort to the Princess, which the Princess then presented to His Majesty," Han Chen interjected.
"Excellent! That's wonderful. If we had refined salt, it would be much easier to subdue those mountain strongholds in Lingnan," Feng Ang exclaimed.
"Aren't those mountain strongholds under our jurisdiction?" Qin Mu asked curiously.
“Alas! Although the Feng family has worked hard for generations, they have only managed to keep those mountain strongholds from resenting the government. Getting them to obey orders is very difficult. The main problem is that Lingnan is poor. If they obey the government, do you collect taxes or not?” Feng Ang shook his head and said.
Although Feng Ang only sighed slightly, Qin Mu and the others understood the difficulties involved. Others are used to their freedom, so it's hard to control them. It's not easy to avoid causing trouble and abide by the law. Expecting others to do their work is wishful thinking.
“Lingnan is mountainous, with many wild beasts and poisonous insects, so the people are fierce and not easy to manage,” Feng Zhidai explained.
“I understand, that’s why I specially invited Brother Han, this renowned physician, to come here to solve the problem of many poisonous insect diseases in Lingnan,” Qin Mu said with a smile and a nod.
"This is wonderful! With refined salt, and the solution to the problem of poisonous insect diseases in Lingnan, you two will be like second parents to the people of Lingnan. No one would refuse to go through fire and water for you then," Feng Ang said excitedly.
"Rest assured, Commander, Brother Han is Elder Sun's disciple and a renowned physician. It's only a matter of time before he resolves this problem," Qin Mu said confidently.
Han Chen's progress wasn't just in his cultivation level. His Five Elements Yin-Yang Needles, combined with the Ghost Valley Divine Needles, could practically determine life or death with a single needle. The key lay in his understanding of the human body. Over the years, he had personally dissected hundreds of corpses, and through extensive experimentation with medicinal herbs from various regions, it could be said that few in the world could surpass his medical skills. Qin Mu had also discussed poisonous insect diseases with him many times. He had also implemented several policies in Shuofang.
Poisonous insects thrive in damp, cluttered environments overgrown with weeds. Improving and cleaning their living environment will reduce their habitat. If possible, planting insect-repelling plants and applying pesticides will also help. Of course, Han Chen will need to find suitable local medicinal herbs in Lingnan. As for disease, Qin Mu understands this well: illness often enters through the mouth. A poor living environment and the lack of a habit of drinking hot water will inevitably lead to illness.
"Just tell me what you need. As long as I can provide it, it's no problem," Feng Ang said decisively.
"This matter is not urgent. What we need is manpower and a place. We need to find a place, and for manpower, we can only ask you, Commander, to find some trustworthy people," Qin Mu explained.
"Okay, the second brother will fully cooperate with you."
"I just mentioned refined salt. The second source of income is canned fruit. Lingnan has a lot of fruit, but it's hard to transport it out because fruit spoils easily. But I have a way to preserve fruit for several months," Qin Mu continued.
Upon hearing Qin Mu's words, Feng Ang couldn't help but smile. How could he not know the benefits of fruit being able to be preserved for several months? This was a huge business opportunity. After all, in Lingnan, there was an abundance of fruit—more than they could eat. To put it bluntly, there was a period each year when they fed fruit to the pigs.
"Haha! This is wonderful!"
"I know that there are many fruits in Lingnan, but the Governor still needs to arrange for someone to make a plan. We need to determine which fruits taste good and which don't. We can't sell the bad ones and damage our reputation. The bad ones need to be grafted and improved," Qin Mu instructed.
"Don't worry, the taste of Lingnan fruits is beyond compare. If you want to do it, just say the word," Feng Ang said magnanimously.
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