Chapter 112 Pillowtalk
"It's only been a few months since we last met, how come you've lost weight again? Your bones are hurting me."
Du Qingzhu stroked Du Qingtang's shoulder with one hand, mumbling something, his voice trembling with tears.
Du Qingtang felt the wetness on her neck and pursed her lips: "I've been a bit busy lately."
Without the assistance of the Tongzhi and Tongpan in handling official business, and the petty officials could not handle such a large workload, she had to take care of all matters personally, and she had to work all night long and forget about food and sleep.
Du Qingju stood on tiptoe and used her fingers as a comb to comb her youngest child's long hair, which had been messed up by the wind. She whispered softly, "Xianyu, you've suffered a lot over the years."
Du Qingtang blinked and hummed softly, "Not bad."
Du Qingju's eyes were red. "In fact, it's not just that woman's fault. We, the sisters, are also at fault."
"We've been together day and night for over ten years, and I didn't even realize you were a girl."
"That's totally wrong! So wrong!"
Du Qingtang lowered his head and met Du Qingju's eyes full of self-blame. His eyes flickered slightly and then looked away without a trace: "It's all in the past."
Du Qingju quickly wiped her eyes and nodded with a smile, "Yes, it's all in the past. Fortunately, His Majesty is magnanimous and appoints people based on their merits, allowing you to continue your official duties. Your future will only get better and better, and you will rise straight up the ladder to higher positions."
"Why are you here?" Du Qingtang changed the subject.
Du Qingzhu turned away, rubbed his sore nose, and said in a muffled voice, "I heard that Shaoqing Prefecture is plagued by bandits and refugees everywhere. It's a notoriously poor and dangerous place. We're worried about you being here alone."
So I traveled all the way to come to you.
"But..." Du Qingzhu changed the subject, "Since entering the territory of Shaoqing Prefecture, we haven't encountered a single bandit all the way here. The escorts we hired at a high price have been of no use at all."
Du Qingju boldly guessed: "Perhaps it's because we brought a lot of people with us, and we look tough, so those bandits didn't dare to act rashly."
Du Qingtang raised his eyebrows: "After entering Shaoqing Mansion, have you ever stopped to rest?"
The two girls shook their heads.
"Wouldn't stopping give the bandits an opportunity to take advantage?"
"We also want to see you soon."
Du Qingtang's eyes were filled with smiles: "The reason you didn't encounter the bandits is not because you brought escorts with you, but because the bandits were long gone."
The two girls were stunned.
"The bandits are gone?"
"What happened? Are the rumors wrong?"
Du Qingtang raised his chin, looking quite pleased with himself. "Last month, I invited soldiers from Loushan Pass to join forces with the government troops to suppress the bandits. Now, the bandit problem in Shaoqing Prefecture has been completely eradicated."
Du Qingzhu was surprised and immediately gave a thumbs up: "As expected of my sister Du Qingzhu, you are amazing!"
Du Qingju smiled and said, "You made me worry for nothing."
Du Qingtang bowed and said, "It's my fault. Eighth Sister, please be magnanimous and forgive me."
Du Qingju chuckled and hummed, "Okay, I'll reluctantly forgive you."
Du Qingtang stood up straight and asked again: "Does Big Sister know you are coming?"
Du Qingqin is more than ten years older than them and is more like a mother than an elder sister.
Rumor has it that Shaoqing Mansion is in great chaos, and Du Qingqin would definitely not agree to let them come.
So Du Qingtang had a preconceived notion and thought that they had sneaked out.
Du Qingzhu put his hands on his hips and nodded rapidly, "Of course I know."
Du Qingju continued, "Ever since that woman filed a complaint against you and landed you in jail, I've been heartbroken and blaming myself. I've lost both my appetite and my sleep, and I've lost a lot of weight in just a few days."
"That day, the news of your pardon reached Baoding Prefecture. We offered to come over and accompany you. Eldest Sister immediately agreed and asked us to take good care of you."
"I'm not a child anymore. How can I need you to take care of me?" However, despite saying this, Du Qingtang was still very pleased, with a smile on his face. "No more talking. Come with me into the city and settle down first."
She was wearing an official robe at the moment and was very conspicuous standing on the official road. Passers-by stopped to look at her and whispered to each other.
Even though he was a public figure, Du Qingtang didn't like being watched by others, so it was better for him to leave as soon as possible.
"Ah! Look at my memory!" Du Qingzhu slapped his head and pointed at the carriage behind him. "Besides Xiao Ba and me, Sister Wang and the others are here too."
Du Qingtang didn't react for a moment: "Sister Wang?"
Du Qingju reminded: "Wang Nianci."
Du Qingtang suddenly realized: "It turned out to be her."
Du Qingzhu nodded. "After Sister Wang disappeared, her father announced to the public that she had passed away due to illness. When she returned home last year, her parents refused to let her in. She had nowhere to go, so she came to us."
"Except for Sister Wang, everyone else had a similar experience. When they heard we were coming to Shaoqing Prefecture, they decided to come with us, remembering the kindness we had shown them in saving us."
Du Qingju continued, "Besides them, I often provide free medical treatment to the people along the way. I encountered several women who had been treated unfairly. They wanted to commit suicide, but after being rescued by us, they also followed us here."
Du Qingtang pondered for a moment and made his decision, "A while ago, the Tongzhi and Tongpan were convicted and executed, and all the houses and properties under their names were confiscated. There happens to be a three-story house near the government office, so you can live there."
Du Qingju hesitated a little: "Is this considered using public power for personal gain?"
Du Qingtang shook his head: "Just pay the rent monthly."
Several houses in the south of the city were connected and converted into refugee camps to detain refugees.
Since they came here with Zhu Ju and the others, they could barely be considered as the magistrate's family. Since the house was empty anyway, it would be better to requisition it openly.
"That's good." Du Qingzhu breathed a sigh of relief, trotting over with her skirt lifted, and said a few words through the car window. Then she waved and shouted, "Let's go, let's go into the city first!"
Seeing Du Qingzhu getting into the carriage, Du Qingtang asked Du Qingju: "Would you like to take the carriage or ride with me on horseback?"
Du Qingju glanced at the fat and strong white horse and said decisively: "With you!"
Du Qingtang was the first to climb onto the horse, holding the reins with one hand and spreading the other: "Get on."
Du Qingju held her hand and used the force to sit on the horse.
Du Qingtang shook the reins, and the white horse snorted and galloped into the city.
As they passed through the city gate, the guards saluted with their fists clasped, "Your Excellency the Prefect!"
Du Qingju sighed: "They all seem to be convinced by you from the bottom of their hearts."
Du Qingtang told Du Qingju about the men's behavior before the bandit suppression: "...These people were originally weak-willed, living a life of idleness and waiting for death, with no ambition. Thanks to the training provided by the soldiers at Loushan Pass, they have regained their spirits."
Du Qingju sighed, "The environment can completely change a person."
Du Qingtang remained silent.
The two sisters talked as they walked and soon arrived at the government office.
Du Qingtang dismounted first, followed closely by Du Qingju: "I'll go get the key."
Du Qingju waved her hand: "Go ahead, I'll wait for you here."
Du Qingtang climbed the stairs and saluted the yamen runners guarding both sides of the gate: "Your Excellency the Prefect."
Du Qingtang walked in and said without looking back: "If you can't control your eyes, I can take them off for you."
The bailiff's eyelids twitched, and he quickly lowered his head and held his breath, not daring to look again.
For more than a month, the prefect has been keeping to himself, and today is the first time he appears with a beautiful girl.
The yamen runner was curious about her identity and couldn't help but take a few more glances at her. Unexpectedly, he was discovered by the prefect and threatened.
Seeing the yamen runners trembling with fear, Du Qingju couldn't help laughing, but also felt a little sad.
Through the previous performance of the government soldiers, she could guess what the yamen runners were like before.
The youngest sister entered the wolf's den alone, and she went through countless dangers and hardships, and made countless efforts to make these yamen runners treat her with respect.
I feel sad, but also a little proud.
Such a powerful prefect is her sister.
As his thoughts raced, Du Qingtang hooked a bunch of keys between his fingers and walked quickly out of the government office: "Come on, I'll take you there."
The third courtyard was only a cup of tea away from the government office, so there was no need to ride a horse. Du Qingtang pointed to a yamen runner and said, "Take the horse to the stable."
"Yes." The bailiff stepped forward quickly.
Du Qingtang and Du Qingju walked in front, followed by several carriages and bodyguards.
When they arrived at the place, Du Qingzhu went to settle the bill with the escort, and Du Qingtang led the girls in.
"There are plenty of empty houses. You can pick your own." Du Qingtang looked at Du Qingju. "Do you have enough money?"
Du Qingju patted the pouch on her waist: "There are plenty."
Du Qingtang gave up the idea of giving subsidies and turned to look at Wang Nianci and the other women: "You must have been exhausted from the journey. You should have a good rest. I may need your help in the future."
help?
The women cheered up, and Wang Nianci readily agreed: "No problem, just give me your instructions when the time comes."
Before the first month of the lunar year, Du Qingtang presented himself as a man, so they needed to avoid suspicion and not have too much contact with him so as not to affect his reputation.
After the first month of the year, Du Qingtang resumed her female identity. When they learned that Zhu Ju and the others were planning to go to Shaoqing Prefecture, they discussed with each other and decided to go together.
Lord Du has given them a new life, so they naturally have to do their best to help her solve her problems.
Du Qingtang thanked him and before leaving, he reminded her, "I'll have Du Jiu and Du Shi come over later. Try not to go out unless you have nothing to do."
Without refugees and bandits, there are still other hidden threats.
For example, the four major families of Zhao, Qian, Sun and Li.
Du Qingtang was busy with official duties and couldn't keep an eye on this place all the time, so he could only remind them to be more vigilant.
Du Qingzhu assured her: "Don't worry, we will stay at home and not go anywhere. We will not cause you any trouble."
Du Qingtang's expression relaxed slightly, and he closed the gate behind him when he left.
-
Back at the government office, Du Qingtang summoned a clerk and said, "Come with me to the government school."
Zhu and Ju brought dozens of literate women. Du Qingtang was surprised and decided to put the education plan on the agenda.
Children carry the hope of a country. No matter what happens in other prefectures, children of school age in Shaoqing Prefecture must receive unified education.
It’s time to start Shaoqing School.
On the way back to the government office just now, Du Qingtang was organizing his education plan in his mind, which reminded him of the imperial examination.
Shaoqing Prefecture was in such chaos that the number of students in the prefectural and county schools must be very small, and they had no chance to receive a better education.
Du Qingtang planned to visit the provincial school and give them a lesson if he had enough time.
The clerk was stunned for a moment, then saw Du Qingtang was already walking out, and hurriedly called out to her, "Master Prefect!"
Du Qingtang paused and tilted his head slightly: "What's wrong?"
The clerk closed his eyes and said loudly, "The school in Shaoqing Prefecture has been vacant for many years. There is not a single student in it!"
Du Qingtang: “…”
Du Qingtang turned around slowly, his expression unfathomable: "Where's the county school?"
The clerk laughed dryly.
Du Qingtang already knew the answer. He let out a light breath, sat back down, and raised his hand to gently rub his eyebrows.
The clerk gritted his teeth and explained, "You know the situation in Shaoqing Prefecture. Before you came, the local people were practically hanging their heads by their belts. Those professors and teachers didn't want to live in such fear, so they ran away one after another."
With no one to teach, the provincial and county schools naturally became vacant.
Du Qingtang put down his hand and asked: "Does anyone take the imperial examination every year?"
The clerk thought for a moment, "There were some in the past few years, but then the prefects died or left, and Zhou... Zhou Wei found it too much trouble, so he simply stopped setting up exams. Even if someone applied, the yamen runners would kick them out and tell the higher-ups that no one had signed up."
Du Qingtang: “…”
If Zhou Wei hadn't been burned to ashes, she really wanted to dig him out and whip his corpse.
Du Qingtang pondered in silence, and the clerk didn't dare to speak either. He stood there timidly, with the expression of "want to escape" written all over his body.
A long time passed.
The clerk stood for so long that his legs were numb and his clothes were soaked with sweat. Du Qingtang finally spoke and named eight people: "Go and call them over."
Soon, nine clerks lined up in the duty room.
Du Qingtang's face was solemn: "I will now give you a task."
The clerk's expression became serious and he listened attentively.
"The four of you go to the surrounding prefectures to find teachers and hire them generously to teach at the prefectural and county schools in Shaoqing Prefecture."
"Sir, what if they regard money as dirt and refuse to come?"
Shaoqing Prefecture has a very bad reputation outside, and those teachers would probably rather be poor than agree to their invitation.
Du Qingtang was not justified but also confident: "Just tie him up."
In any case, the prefectural and county schools must be reopened and the imperial examinations must be resumed.
Tie the people up first, she has her own way to convince them.
Petty official: “???”
"You five will spread the word in the prefectural capital and the four counties under your jurisdiction. Shaoqing Prefecture will reopen the prefectural and county schools. There will be qualified teachers, and anyone with a degree can enroll for free."
"In addition, those who can read and write can be admitted to the county school as an exception and receive education together with the students."
Du Qingtang paused, then continued, "Also, Shaoqing Prefecture will open the Shaoqing School. Children over the age of six, regardless of gender, can attend for free and receive a monthly tuition fee of one coin."
In order to attract more families to send their children to school, a carrot must be dangled in front of them.
One penny of silver every month is the carrot.
The clerk gasped. One cent per person per month, how much money would that cost?
"Sir, even if there are few people studying now, there is no need to ask the government for money. Over time, the government will be bankrupted."
Du Qingtang said casually, "A while ago, we confiscated a million taels of silver from the bandit camp and the homes of Zhou Wei and the other four. They're all piled up in the warehouse. If we don't use them, they'll be eaten by rats."
The petty official was speechless.
Du Qingtang glanced at the nine people and said in a tone that brooked no argument: "It's settled. I will arrange for the palace soldiers to accompany you. Don't try to slack off."
The clerk shook his head like a rattle and said he dared not.
Du Qingtang laughed with an ambiguous meaning. These people were only forced to live under her "tyranny" because of her power.
Once he leaves the government office and is out of her control, he will probably become so arrogant that he will fly to the sky.
The clerk was so shocked by Du Qingtang's laughter that his scalp numbed and he ran away.
Afterwards, Du Qingtang summoned the craftsmen in the city and asked them to connect and renovate the houses that were originally owned by Zhou Wei and his four companions.
"In addition to the classrooms, we also need to prepare twenty dormitories. You should also prepare the tables, benches, and beds."
Some students live far away from home and it is a waste of time to travel back and forth. It is better for them to live directly in the school.
The craftsman asked some more details and then bowed and left.
After leaving the government office, they looked at the people walking on the street and felt deeply moved.
"I used to hear people talk about how good the prefect was, but I always thought it was fake and exaggerated. They told everyone they knew that she arranged for people to build momentum for her. But now... I have to believe it. She is indeed a good official."
"She didn't act like an official at all. We asked so many questions, and she answered them all."
"Since the prefect intends to open a school, it means she truly cares about the children."
"I plan to send my youngest son to school."
"For that penny?"
——The news about Shaoqing School had not spread widely yet. They heard about it from a passing clerk in the government office.
"It's always good to read more. Even if you don't become an official, you can still work as an accountant in a restaurant or teahouse in the future. At least you won't be like his father and me, doing all the hard work and having to deal with people's disapproval."
The other craftsmen were speechless.
"Then I'll send my eldest son to school too."
"I would rather tighten my belt and live a harder life, at least we can provide a scholar."
......
When the news that the government was going to open the Shaoqing School spread, many people had the same idea as the craftsmen.
"I can't let my child suffer. I can't let him grow up to be like me, digging for food in the fields all day and living a life with no end in sight."
"The prefect is so kind. He helps us kill bandits and corrupt officials, and now he allows our children to go to school."
"One penny of silver is worth what my wife earns by working late into the night embroidering. It's a pity that I don't have a son..."
"The official said that both boys and girls can study."
"What's the point of a girl studying?"
"You idiot, the prefect is a woman!"
"If you hadn't told me, I would have almost forgotten. Okay, I'll send my daughter to school tomorrow!"
"That's right. A girl who has read a lot and has a smart brain won't be deceived. Look how smart the prefect is. He has suppressed those bastards in the south of the city so much that they dare not even breathe."
Following Jin Qiu Shui, people beat drums every day to protest their grievances.
Most people sued the descendants of the four families of Zhao, Qian, Sun and Li, and only a few sued local wealthy merchants.
As long as the evidence is conclusive, the prefect will send people to arrest the criminal.
What?
Stopping them from being caught?
It doesn’t matter. Besides the yamen runners, there are also government soldiers who have killed bandits.
The palace soldiers almost beat the guards until they screamed in pain, then broke into the house, ignored the prisoners' threats and intimidation, arrested them and left.
They have the support of the prefect, so they have nothing to be afraid of!
To this day, people are sent to the guillotine every day, and the blood on the execution ground has never dried.
Some curious people have counted and found that there were fifty or sixty people who were beheaded from the four families of Zhao, Qian, Sun and Li for making mistakes, and many of them were direct descendants.
Looking at the heads of the four families, they had to accept defeat with their noses held high, not daring to say a single harsh word, for fear that the prefect would blow their heads off with that musket.
"That's my favorite grandson! He's going to inherit the Li family in the future!"
The head of the Li family slammed the table wildly, his chest heaving rapidly, his nostrils flaring as he breathed heavily, his eyes filled with anger.
Patriarch Sun felt a bit gloating, but he kept silent. Instead, he sighed, "That woman is simply lawless. Can't you think of a way to deal with her?"
The head of the Qian family stroked his beard and said nothing.
Instead, it was Patriarch Zhao who spoke up for the first time: "If hard tactics don't work, try soft tactics. Lust can blind not only men, but women as well."
Patriarch Li's eyes turned: "You mean..."
Patriarch Zhao smiled slightly and said, "The power of pillow talk should never be underestimated."
The head of the Qian family held up the teacup and said, "Du Qingtang doesn't seem like the type to be led by men by the nose. The one from Loushan Town before was said to be extremely beautiful, but in the end, there was no news at all."
They had sent people to Loushanguan to investigate Du Qingtang, so they naturally knew about her "romantic affair" with Nanping.
Nanping has not appeared since he entered the summer camp. It is very likely that he was silenced.
Patriarch Sun gnashed his teeth and said, "We have to try, otherwise we will never be able to turn things around."
Patriarch Li agreed deeply: "I'll pick out a few nice and clean ones and send them to her privately."
The four of them looked at each other and reached a consensus tacitly.
......
"Zhongqi, do you want to go back to the prefectural school?"
In Zhou's bookstore, several young men and Zhou Jizhong sat around a table.
Just recently, they received news that the government would reopen the government school.
Besides being surprised, I also felt a bit uneasy and doubtful.
Will there really be famous teachers coming to the provincial school to serve as professors and instructors?
Will it be like before, where they will be expelled from the provincial school after persisting for a period of time and will not be allowed to register for the imperial examinations?
Zhou Jizhong recalled the prefect's words and deeds since taking office, and said seriously, "Things are different now. Zhou Wei is dead, and the prefecture has become a place of decision-making. She not only reopened the prefectural and county schools, but also opened a private school. This shows how much she values education..."
“Knock knock knock—”
There was a rhythmic knock on the door, and everyone looked towards the door at the same time.
The visitor's eyes were like the cold moon, deep and quiet. She wore a green round-necked robe that made her figure stand out tall and slender. The mixture of sharpness and coldness revealed an indescribable sense of oppression.
Such a beautiful scenery is unforgettable.
"Your Excellency the Prefect!"
Zhou Jizhong was distracted for a moment, but he quickly reacted and stood up to salute.
The others were horrified. They didn't expect the person who was the subject of the conversation to suddenly appear. When they stood up in a hurry, they knocked over the round stool, which rolled to the ground.
Their faces turned pale and blue, and they wished they could find a hole to crawl into. They bit the bullet and saluted: "Your humble servants pay their respects to the prefect."
"No need to be so polite." Du Qingtang looked around at them, "Who is the bookstore owner?"
Zhou Jizhong stepped forward and said, "Your Excellency, I am the owner of this bookstore."
Du Qingtang stepped inside and said, "I heard that you are an excellent painter. I came to visit you today to ask for a favor."
Zhou Jizhong felt flattered: "Your Excellency, your words are too kind. Just tell me what you want to say. I will do my best."
Du Qingtang asked him, "Have you ever known the history of Daxia?"
Zhou Jizhong nodded and said, "To be honest, sir, in my early years, I was determined to take the imperial examinations and I once had an in-depth understanding of Daxia's century-long history."
Du Qingtang couldn't help but ask, "Have you ever passed the imperial examination?"
Zhou Jizhong told the truth: "I have already achieved the title of Tongsheng."
When he was preparing to continue taking the examination for the scholar, he was driven out of the provincial school by people sent by the government. Later, when he went to the government office to register, he was beaten out with sticks.
At this time, a young man asked cautiously: "Sir, there are rumors that you plan to reopen the provincial school. I wonder if it is true or not."
Du Qingtang could hear the temptation in his tone, and did not take his offense seriously, nodding in agreement.
Everyone's eyes lit up.
The young man asked again, "Sir, you won't suddenly close the government school like Zhou Wei did before, right?"
Zhou Jizhong's expression changed slightly: "Please forgive me, sir..."
Du Qingtang raised his hand to stop him from saying anything, and said sternly: "There will be an academy examination in April next year. You can go to the prefectural school first and study there. You will know the results then."
After that, she ignored the thoughtful expressions of the young men and got back to the point: "I would like to ask you to draw a hundred-year history of Daxia in the form of a comic strip."
Zhou Jizhong was confused: "Comic strip?"
Du Qingtang explained to him what a comic strip was: "...it can be about major historical events, the achievements of past emperors, or famous people. It doesn't have to be too profound. The important thing is that it's suitable for all ages, and for both the elite and the masses."
Zhou Jizhong asked in confusion, "Why did you ask me to draw this?"
Du Qingtang said frankly, "I have been in Shaoqing Prefecture for over a month now, and I have discovered that the people here have little sense of belonging to the imperial court, and some even harbor resentment towards it."
Zhou Jizhong suddenly understood: "Your Excellency wants to subtly deepen the people's sense of belonging to Daxia."
Du Qingtang hummed lightly, which was considered as his agreement.
The people of Shaoqing Prefecture were in urgent need of education, but it couldn't be too radical. After careful consideration, she came up with this idea.
Giving historical comic strips to the people does not require them to be literate; they can understand the meaning just by looking at the pictures, allowing the people to be educated through what they see and hear.
Zhou Jizhong clapped his hands and said, "That's a good idea. I'll look up the information later and draw the comic strip you need as soon as possible, and then send it to the government for your review."
"Thank you, Master Zhou." Du Qingtang took out a purse filled with silver grains. "This is the deposit. I'll give you the rest after the manuscript is finalized."
Zhou Jizhong quickly declined, "Your Excellency has worked tirelessly for Shaoqing Prefecture. As a commoner of Shaoqing Prefecture, I consider this comic strip as a token of my gratitude."
"No matter how much I do for Shaoqing Prefecture, it's all my job." Du Qingtang pushed his purse forward. "Let's put it this way. If you don't want to accept it, I'll find someone else."
Zhou Jizhong didn't dare to say anything else and had to accept it.
After Du Qingtang left, Zhou Jizhong's friends sighed.
The young man who had questioned Du Qingtang earlier was filled with shame: "I was judging others by my own standards. The prefect is upright and honest, and loves his people like his own children. How could he confuse her with that thief Zhou Wei?"
"Let's go back when the prefectural school reopens."
"That's exactly what I was thinking. I'll go find my former classmates tomorrow and persuade them to come back to study."
"Zhongqi, hurry up and draw that comic strip. I'm getting so anxious right now that I can't wait to see it."
"Me too. I've never heard of this comic strip."
Zhou Jizhong stood by the counter, the sunlight making him feel warm.
Not only the body, but also the mind.
-
When Du Qingtang returned to the government office, the chief of the guards had been waiting for a long time.
"Sir, I have been ordered by you to go to each county to capture refugees. Except for a very small number who escaped during the chaos, they have all been taken to the refugee camps."
Du Qingtang turned around and returned the same way.
During this time, a clerk handed her an official document. She glanced over it, signed the word "Du" neatly, and then took out the prefectural seal.
The clerk handed over the ink pad, Du Qingtang pressed it and stamped it next to his signature.
"Thank you, sir. I will take my leave."
Du Qingtang jumped on his horse and said, "Come with me to the refugee camp."
She has never even looked at the refugee camp since it was established.
Mr. Wang quickly followed.
The two men came to the refugee camp next to Zhao's house, where the refugees were having a great time.
"Let me out! Let me out!"
"If you dare to lock me up here again, I'll kill your whole family when I get out!"
"I'll give you money, and you'll let me go."
"You dog magistrate, I can't stand with you!"
Du Qingtang: “…”
Mr. Wang's face changed slightly. He took a quick step forward and slapped the refugee who was swearing at him, turning him into a spinning top. He spun around a few times on the spot and then fell to the ground with a thud.
The noise stopped abruptly.
"It seems you have turned a deaf ear to my words. Come, tie these people up and send them to the land reclamation area."
Du Qingtang walked into the refugee camp. Although she was wearing casual clothes, the refugees recognized her at a glance.
Prefect of Shaoqing Prefecture.
A woman.
The refugee who was slapped by President Wang rolled his eyes, his words full of contempt: "The court actually let a woman serve as an official. No wonder they can never defeat the Great Qi."
"Bang!"
White smoke filled the air as a bullet shot out of the gun and hit him right between the eyebrows.
The refugee fell straight down with an arrogant smile on his face.
"Everyone in the world knows that Daxia just won a victory. Did you just crawl out of a cave?"
Du Qingtang took out a handkerchief and slowly wiped the muzzle of the gun.
"Dare to defy the imperial court, and I will end your life on His Majesty's behalf. Be careful with your words and actions in your next life."
There was total silence in the refugee camp, so quiet that you could hear a pin drop.
All the refugees - whether they were causing trouble or not - held their breath and dared not make a sound.
During the days when they were captured and taken to the refugee camp, refugees often gathered together to cause trouble.
The government soldiers would step forward to stop them and then take them away.
At first everyone thought they were doomed to die, but later they found out that these people were sent to open up wasteland.
Since I can't die, I'll just make trouble without restraint.
Until this moment——
The female prefect used a musket to send a refugee to hell.
Only then did everyone realize that the government was not unwilling to kill people, and they would also die.
"I consider myself quite merciful. I have not sent anyone to exterminate you all. Instead, I have provided you with good food and drink."
"I only have one request: don't cause trouble and behave yourself. Is that so hard to do?"
Du Qingtang lowered his eyes and looked down at the corpse condescendingly: "Since you can't do it, don't blame me for being ruthless."
The cold voice echoed throughout the refugee camp. Everyone felt a chill rising from the soles of their feet, quickly spreading to their limbs and bones, making them feel cold all over and shiver uncontrollably.
"You now have two choices."
"One is to stay here honestly, go to open up wasteland after investigation, work in exchange for relief, and support your family."
"If he behaves well, I will send someone to register him. From now on, he will be a proper citizen of Shaoqing Prefecture."
"Second, leave here now. I don't care where you go, whether it's up a mountain or into the sea. As long as you can guarantee that you will never be discovered by the authorities, you will be a free man from now on."
The refugees looked at each other and fell into deep thought.
The second option sounds good, but if you are discovered by the authorities and cannot produce a name to prove your identity after several interrogations, you will definitely not end up well given the harsh management system of Shaoqing Prefecture.
They are unwilling to take the risk.
Let’s look at the first one again.
It sounds very harsh. If you want to get a place on the list, you not only have to undergo an examination, but also have to open up new land, which is hard and tiring.
But in ancient times, people generally had the idea of returning to their roots.
Being refugees means that they have been wandering around and have no fixed place to live. If they can get a name and settle down, they would be willing to do so one hundred thousand times.
In the blink of an eye, a stick of incense passed.
Du Qingtang spoke slowly, "Let me make one thing clear in advance. Once you enter Shaoqing Mansion, you must abide by its rules. I never show favoritism, and I will never forgive those who make mistakes."
"Then, those who chose one will stand on the right, and those who chose two will stand on the left."
After a while, the refugees began to move.
The vast majority stood on the right, and only a very small number chose the second option.
Du Qingtang nodded: "Very good, you can leave now."
The palace soldiers opened the gate, and the refugees who were selected ran away and disappeared in the blink of an eye.
"Deal with the body." Du Qingtang ordered calmly, turned around and left.
Mr. Wang witnessed the whole process and couldn't help but stand in awe.
She is truly worthy of being the prefect. The refugees who are more prickly than hedgehogs become little lambs in her hands, daring not to move.
Du Qingtang returned to the government office and just got off his horse when he saw Du Qingzhu coming over with a food box.
"Seventh sister." Du Qingtang called.
Du Qingzhu stepped forward quickly and said crisply, "I'll bring you food."
Du Qingtang glanced at the food box, and the aroma of food overflowed from the gap.
It tastes like home.
......
On the other hand, the clerk was ordered to go to the surrounding prefectures to inquire about teachers who had good teaching methods and the title of Juren, and to visit them and explain their purpose.
As expected, when they learned that it was Shaoqing Mansion that invited them, their expressions changed immediately.
"I will never agree to this. I advise you to give up this idea as soon as possible!"
"Get out! Get out of here!"
The clerk looked at the old man who was looking for a broom everywhere, and said to himself that he was offended. Then he waved his hand, and the palace soldiers rushed up, carried the teacher and ran away.
Teacher: “???”
Teacher: “!!!”
Only after they left their hometown and entered the territory of Shaoqing Prefecture did they realize that they had been kidnapped. They threw all their manners and composures out of the window and started cursing at the petty official.
After cursing, he did not forget to step on Shaoqing Mansion.
"Shaoqing Prefecture is overrun with wolves and tigers. From the officials to the common people, not a single good person exists!"
The clerk was not happy to hear this and retorted with a sullen face, "You don't know, the new prefect took office in April and has already eliminated the bandit problem and executed those corrupt officials by slow slicing."
The teacher was stunned.
"Not only that, the prefect also plans to open a school where all children of school age can study for free, in case their families don't allow them to study. The prefect will also give them a penny of silver every month as a tuition fee."
"The prefect has worked very hard. She is trying her best to make up for the mistakes made by her predecessors. It's okay for you to say these words in front of me. I don't want the prefect to be sad because of this."
There was silence all the way until they arrived at the government office.
In the government office, Du Qingtang had been waiting for a long time.
Seeing Du Qingtang, the teachers frowned: "Are you a woman?"
Du Qingtang said calmly, "I am indeed a woman, and I was personally appointed by His Majesty as the prefect of Shaoqing Prefecture."
These words successfully shut the teacher up. Their faces turned pale and blue, which was more exciting than a dyeing factory.
"I know that you are unwilling to teach here." Du Qingtang stood up and bowed deeply. "I apologize for the offense I caused you earlier."
The teacher exhaled through his nose and his expression eased slightly.
"But Du has no regrets."
Their faces darkened again.
"Because of the government's inaction, prefectural and county schools were closed, leaving students and scholars with nowhere to go and unable to even take the imperial examinations."
"Now that Du is the prefect of Shaoqing Prefecture, he should shoulder the corresponding responsibilities and ensure that they have books to read so that they can continue to take the imperial examinations."
"Du is well aware of the notoriety of Shaoqing Prefecture. There are so few scholars in the city that he can only send people from other places to recruit them at a high price."
"I knew you would refuse, but for the sake of the students, I had no choice but to resort to this last resort."
One of the teachers snorted coldly, "It's indeed a very bad idea."
Du Qingtang added, "But in my opinion, this matter will bring you all a hundred benefits and no harm."
"Why do you say that, Lord Du?"
Du Qingtang sat upright and spoke eloquently: "First, the monthly salary for those of you who enter the prefectural or county schools is thirty taels of silver."
"As teachers in your hometown, the annual tuition for each student is two taels of silver. You need to have 180 students."
A clerk beside him interrupted, "I've inquired, and these gentlemen's private schools have no more than eighty students."
Du Qingtang gave the clerk an approving look and continued, "People live in this world only for fame and fortune."
"Everyone knows that Shaoqing Prefecture is impoverished and its imperial examinations are unremarkable. But in my opinion, those students are simply trapped by their circumstances. If they can receive gentle guidance, they will surely become great people in the future."
"When they achieve great things, the teachers who taught them will also become famous."
“With greater challenges come greater opportunities.”
"Rather than being an unknown teacher and living a mediocre life, it is better to take a chance and get a chance to become famous."
"This is the name, and the salary is the profit."
"To have both fame and fortune, wouldn't that be wonderful?"
As Du Qingtang finished speaking, silence fell in Binxing Hall.
The teachers had blank eyes, as if they were in deep thought.
After a long while, one of them said, "I need to think about this carefully."
The others didn't say anything, but their faces were free of anger. They were obviously very tempted by the promise Du Qingtang had made.
A smile flashed in Du Qingtang's eyes: "Of course."
......
The next day, Du Qingtang received a reply.
"Those who wish to be teachers should take it as their responsibility to educate, to impart knowledge, to resolve doubts, and to cultivate talented people."
-
After many years, on the eighth day of June in the eighteenth year of the Qingyuan period, the Shaoqing Prefecture School and the county schools in the four counties under its jurisdiction opened their doors again.
Students in green robes filed in and ran towards the classroom with bright smiles on their faces.
Teachers... no, now we should call them teachers.
The teacher walked into the classroom, introduced himself loudly, and then opened the book and got straight to the point: "Today we will study the Doctrine of the Mean."
The students stood with their backs straight and their eyes determined as they recited: "Nature is the destiny of Heaven..."
Located in the center of the prefectural school, the statue of Confucius, which had been covered in dust for many years, now looks brand new, and its wise eyes are watching the scene with a smile.
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