In the back hall of the prefectural government office, Shen Qingchen called Xie Wenyuan over and carefully inquired about the reasons for the low grain yield per mu in Yuanjiang Prefecture.
Xie Wenyuan answered truthfully, explaining that the yield per mu was calculated based on the ratio of the total grain output to the total land output of Yuanjiang Prefecture. Yuanjiang Prefecture had a considerable amount of land, but the total grain output of the entire prefecture was very low. The reason for this was the White Lotus Rebellion.
Yunnan was an important base of the White Lotus Sect throughout the country, and Yuanjiang Prefecture was the White Lotus Sect's base in Yunnan.
With Xu Yan in power, officials protected each other, leading to bureaucratic chaos and widespread exploitation of the people, making their lives miserable. Since the imperial court could no longer protect them, they naturally sought solace elsewhere. The White Lotus Sect, a secret organization supposedly following Amitabha Buddha and operating as a semi-monastic society, offered psychological refuge to the suffering people.
However, this organization was restless, frequently causing trouble for the imperial court and local officials, naturally preventing people from peacefully cultivating the land. Many joined the White Lotus Sect, focusing solely on faith and prayer, or participating in "uprisings," thus abandoning farming. Much land remained uncultivated and eventually fell into disrepair. Therefore, comparing the total grain production of the entire Yuanjiang Prefecture with the total amount of farmland resulted in a very low yield per mu (unit of land area).
It can be said that Yuanjiang Prefecture in Yunnan Province, where Qingchen came, is not only remote and isolated, but also a very special place.
In this place where the White Lotus sect members gathered, the prefect not only had to govern the ordinary people, but also had to outwit and outmaneuver the White Lotus sect. No one could avoid this situation. To govern this place well, one must possess extraordinary intelligence, patience, perseverance, and a steadfast heart that would not be swayed by self-interest. Looking across the entire court, there were few who could manage this place effectively, and Qingchen was precisely one of them.
Yuanjiang Prefecture is just one prefecture in Yunnan Province. If it continues to develop as it is now, the entire Yunnan Province may soon become Yuanjiang Prefecture, and then the entire Ming Dynasty.
As a Grand Secretary, Song Yue understood this point very clearly and profoundly, so he had to resolve the problem in Yuanjiang Prefecture decisively while it was still solvable.
This is why Qingchen came to Yunnan—he believed she could do a good job.
After Xie Wenyuan finished explaining the general situation, he shook his head and said, "The White Lotus Sect's ranks are growing day by day. In the past two years, more and more people are not farming, and more and more fields are being abandoned."
The former prefect was determined to change the situation. He sent troops to suppress the White Lotus sect and even swallowed his pride to talk to them, but neither his coercion nor his persuasion worked. He had promised their leader that if he could persuade his followers to return to their land, he would exempt them from certain taxes.
Tax exemption is the biggest concession a prefect can make, and the biggest step within his authority.
Even so, the situation did not improve. The White Lotus sect members were notoriously unruly and were experts at tax evasion; naturally, they didn't take this promise, which was essentially meaningless, seriously. Therefore, the prefect ultimately failed, and in the most recent negotiation, he even tragically lost his life.
Qingchen frowned as he listened.
“He’s wrong,” she said thoughtfully. “He’s got the priorities backward.”
Xie Wenyuan looked at her in confusion: "What does the Prefect mean?"
“If cause and effect are reversed, how can it succeed?” Qingchen said unhurriedly. “On the surface, the current situation in Yuanjiang Prefecture seems to be caused by the White Lotus Sect and the result is low grain production, but in reality, it is exactly the opposite.”
"His energy shouldn't be focused on the White Lotus Sect. Now is not the time to negotiate with them. The followers of the White Lotus Sect are citizens of our Great Ming. Only when they see other people well-fed and clothed, and see hope, will they truly be willing to return to the land. Therefore, what we need to solve first is not the White Lotus Sect, but the grain. Once the grain production increases, the White Lotus Sect will come knocking on our door. I will be sitting in the government office waiting for them."
Xie Wenyuan suddenly understood, thinking to himself that this Lord Shen was indeed exceptionally intelligent and insightful, having grasped the whole situation at a glance. No wonder Grand Secretary Song had recommended her here to save the people from their suffering.
"Yes." Xie Wenyuan nodded in reply, "Please give your instructions, Your Excellency, and I will do my utmost."
“When you reported to me a few days ago, you mentioned a man named Yuan Song,” Qingchen said, searching his memory. “I heard that he is skilled at growing grain.”
She remembered that when she was studying history, the small print in the book mentioned this person's name. He wrote a book about grain called "Yuan's Agricultural Book," and history has proven the importance of this book.
At this point in time, the book has not yet been published, and Yuan Song is still just an ordinary citizen.
Xie Wenyuan nodded. "Yes, sir. This man is a commoner from my Yuanjiang Prefecture. He is said to be very good at growing grain. His family's grain production is always higher than others, and the fruit trees produce large and sweet fruit. However, he is stubborn and inflexible. Because of this, he offended the servant of the former governor of Yunnan and is currently imprisoned in the governor's jail."
Qingchen frowned. "Have you offended the servants?"
"The important matter. It is said that Yuan Song got into an argument with the servant while trying to save a girl, and then a fight broke out. He injured the servant, but he was also injured himself. However, he was just an ordinary citizen, so he was no match for the servant and couldn't explain himself. The governor's office didn't beat him to death on the spot, which can be considered as showing mercy. However, he still couldn't escape punishment, and all the responsibility was placed on his shoulders."
Qingchen nodded. "The new governor of Yunnan should be taking office tomorrow. Get ready, you'll be coming with me to the governor's office tomorrow."
Xie Wenyuan was taken aback for a moment, “The governor has just taken office and should be summoned by him. If the prefect goes without being invited, I’m afraid…”
"I can't wait for him to summon me." Qingchen said decisively, "The year's plan starts in spring. It's almost the end of spring now, and the rice seedlings have already been planted in the ground. If we don't invite Yuan Song now, I'm afraid it will be too late again this year. Who knows how many more people will starve to death this year... I must increase the grain production in Yuanjiang Prefecture."
A year may not seem like a long time, but those living in dire straits know that every moment is torture. If she were to cause the deaths of ordinary people for such a trivial matter, how could she ever face Song Yue again?
Even if it offends her boss, she has to do this immediately.
Qingchen gazed at the willows outside the window, remaining silent for a long while, his eyes filled with determination.
Teacher Song, please watch. Even in such a difficult environment, I will definitely get through it.
Even without you by my side, I will definitely be strong.
The next day, Qingchen's carriage set off for the governor's office.
She'll probably be gone for at least three to five days. She's arranged everything in Yuanjiang Prefecture, letting her subordinates handle their respective tasks. During her and Xie Wenyuan's absence, the prefectural office must be staffed at all times; the absurd sight of no one working can't be tolerated again.
The people's demands must be addressed promptly. If they cannot be resolved, they should be recorded truthfully and told to her as soon as she returns.
Xie Wenyuan was secretly impressed by the well-organized arrangements.
In his more than ten years of immersion in officialdom, he had never seen an official so "upside down on priorities." Most of the officials he had met only knew how to flatter their superiors and oppress the people, as if they would be letting down their years of hard study if they didn't do so. But this Lady Shen was not worried at all about incurring her superiors' displeasure by going uninvited; her heart was filled with concern for the people under her jurisdiction.
This Prefect Shen is truly extraordinary.
Shen Qingchen is naturally different. From her birth in modern society to her education at university, her way of thinking was destined to differ from that of people in the Ming Dynasty. Civil servants and officials are, after all, supposed to serve ordinary people.
With great power comes great responsibility; this is only natural.
Just as Xie Wenyuan was openly expressing his admiration for her, Qingchen thought of Song Yue.
He was also that kind of person. Because he had reached the high position of Grand Secretary and held supreme power, he had so many burdens and responsibilities on his shoulders.
Compared to these things, personal feelings between lovers seem insignificant.
The governor's office in Yunnan was spacious and imposing, far superior to Shen Qingchen's prefectural office.
When she arrived at the government office, she showed her waist token.
The constable was taken aback, then looked at Xie Wenyuan behind Qingchen and quickly understood. He bowed and said, "Prefect Shen... The Governor has just taken office and has not yet summoned the prefects..."
"I know." Qingchen nodded. "I have urgent business with the governor. Please inform him immediately."
The yamen runner looked troubled and said, "The governor is tired from his journey and is still resting. He has given the order not to see anyone."
“I understand,” Qingchen said. “Go in and inform the magistrate that I am not here to flatter him. There is an urgent matter in Yuanjiang Prefecture that cannot be delayed for even a moment.”
As she spoke, she pointed to herself and Xie Wenyuan, "Look, the two of us are empty-handed, we didn't bring anything."
Although Qingchen didn't know who this governor was, she knew that if he was indeed recommended by Song Yue, he must be an upright person. He would naturally look down on sycophants.
The yamen runners were completely stunned.
When others come to request an audience with the governor, they all say they have brought a lot of things with them, but this official insists that he has brought nothing, which is quite unusual.
Not long after, Qingchen met the newly arrived Yunnan governor at the governor's office.
He was sitting in an armchair drinking tea, wearing a dark blue straight-cut robe. His expression was serious, and his eyes were bright and piercing. Although he was over forty, his face was deep-set and his features were well-defined, still revealing the handsome and extraordinary appearance he had in his youth.
"What is it?" he said coldly. "No need for formalities."
Qingchen nodded: "Your Excellency misunderstands. I am here to cause you trouble."
The governor of Yunnan looked at her and said, "Speak."
Qingchen then said directly, "This humble official would like to ask you for someone, sir, Yuan Song, who is imprisoned in the governor's jail."
The Yunnan governor was unaware of Yuan Song's identity, so Qingchen briefly explained it to him.
He nodded and looked at Qingchen. "That's a prisoner. According to the laws of this dynasty, even the governor has no right to release prisoners without authorization. You can go back now."
"I will not leave until I have found the person."
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