Chapter 116: The Hongmen Banquet
The clerks and yamen runners spent two days running through the streets and alleys of the city and finally distributed 20,000 comic books.
Because of the unique and novel style of the comic strip, it was deeply loved by the people and was once borrowed and circulated among the people.
"Have you read Xia Shi?"
"My daughter-in-law brought home a copy yesterday, and I finished reading it overnight. I never thought the emperor and officials of Daxia were so impressive. My heart was pounding while reading it, and I'm so energetic now, not sleepy at all."
"Actually, I don't think the situation in Shaoqing Prefecture before was the imperial court's fault. The imperial court sent troops to suppress those rebels and defeated them. The only thing to blame is that corrupt official who forced them to rebel. It's all his fault!"
"That's right. The imperial court has been sending people here all along, but their resolve isn't strong enough. Everyone in the government is in cahoots with each other, colluding with the corrupt. They don't care about the lives of ordinary people, they're only interested in lining their own pockets. That's why the bandits and those bastards in the south of the city are so arrogant."
"That's why the court has never given up on Shaoqing Prefecture. Your Majesty is so busy with affairs, and with the entire Great Xia under his care, it's inevitable that he might be negligent."
"Luckily, the imperial court sent someone this time. The prefect is upright and hates evil. She resisted the temptation and acted decisively. She eliminated the bandits and corrupt officials, redressed our grievances, and allowed the children to go to school. She also gets money every month..."
The common people who harbored hatred towards the imperial court and the government scoffed at the rumors circulating in the streets and alleys.
"A bunch of idiots, fooled around by the corrupt officials, and they're still counting money for them."
Then he turned around and borrowed "History of Xia" from someone.
"I want to see what's painted here that can actually confuse people."
Once he finds out the trick, he will definitely expose the true face of the government!
Half an hour later——
"Daniu, let's go to the west of the city today. The yamen runners there are even more impatient. Every time we get so angry that they start cursing at us, it feels so good, hahahaha!"
"Don't make noise."
"What do you mean, don't make any noise? What are you looking at?"
"Xia Shi."
"Xia Shi? But it's a picture book distributed by the government and circulated everywhere?"
"Um."
"Why are you looking at it? What good can the government produce?"
Yue Daniu looked up from his book and said, "Brother Fang, let's not go against the government anymore."
Brother Fang was stunned: "What did you say?"
Yue Daniu had mixed feelings: "Actually, none of this is the government's fault. The prefect has already severely punished those evildoers. We shouldn't direct our hatred towards those people towards the prefect. She is innocent."
Brother Fang had a look of shock on his face, as if to say, "What the hell are you talking about?" He took several steps back. "Daniu, have you been cursed? Why are you talking nonsense?"
Yue Daniu shook his head: "I know exactly what I'm saying. I advise you to stop going against the government. The prefect is kind, but she will not show mercy to those who do evil."
"The reason the prefect didn't let the patrols arrest us is probably because he understands how hard our lives were. Even the best-tempered wouldn't be able to endure this for too long."
Brother Fang subconsciously wanted to refute, but when the words came to his lips, he didn't know where to start.
After a long while, Brother Fang asked uncertainly, "Are you serious?"
Yue Daniu nodded and pointed at the comic strip on the table: "This is the last chance the prefect has given us. If we continue to be stubborn, those bandits and refugees will be our fate."
Either you die or you are arrested and locked up.
Brother Fang recalled the previous rumors that strange noises were often heard from the refugee camp in the south of the city, and then one day, these strange noises suddenly disappeared.
"They went against the prefect, and the prefect wasn't a good person. He'd probably kill them all and dump their bodies in a mass grave."
Brother Fang shuddered and almost bit his tongue: "Then, then we're not going?"
Yue Daniu nodded and invited: "Want to watch it together?"
Brother Fang hesitated for a moment and sat down decisively.
Half an hour later——
"Oh my god, this picture book is so beautiful! It's so interesting!"
"Daniu, you're right. The imperial court is good. The fault lies with those corrupt officials in the past. They didn't treat us as human beings, not the imperial court!"
"Come on, come with me and persuade the other brothers that from now on, we will quit our crimes and become good people!"
......
After distributing 20,000 comic books, the clerks and yamen runners were exhausted. They forced themselves to return to the government office and sat down on the floor in the lobby without caring about their image. Their faces were pale and they were almost out of breath.
"I'm so tired. My legs are almost broken from running these past two days."
"I hope those comic strips are really useful, otherwise all our hard work will be in vain."
"The prefect really doesn't treat us as human beings. He distributed 20,000 copies in just two days..."
The clerk's voice became lower and lower, and the people around him were puzzled.
"What's wrong? Why don't you talk anymore?"
“Hey, hey, hey…”
"What do you know?"
"Your Excellency the Prefect!"
Petty official: “???”
Yamen runner: “!!!”
Turning around, I saw that person standing under the eaves of the government office with his hands behind his back. Who else could it be but the prefect?
Everyone scrambled to their feet and saluted in a scattered, weak voice: "Your humble servant greets you, sir."
Du Qingtang's nonexistent conscience pricked him: "Thank you all for your hard work. I have asked someone to make mung bean soup. After you drink it, go back and rest."
Not only was the petty official not moved, but he was alarmed.
What does the prefect want them to do?
Fortunately, the prefect did not give me any additional tasks until I finished drinking the mung bean soup.
Everyone breathed a sigh of relief, the heat in their hearts mostly dissipated, and they dragged their tired bodies back home.
The next day, Du Qingtang had just finished handling a case.
A woman sued her son-in-law for colluding with his mistress to poison her and seize the family property.
The woman's family was engaged in business and had a small fortune. Her brother died early, and after her parents passed away, she took on the heavy responsibility and traveled around doing business.
The purpose of marrying into the family was to have a successor, but unexpectedly the son-in-law turned out to be an ungrateful person who not only kept a mistress but also wanted to kill people and steal their money.
With the evidence conclusive, Du Qingtang sentenced the son-in-law to be beheaded.
After leaving the court, the clerk couldn't help but ask, "Sir, isn't beheading too harsh a sentence?"
The woman is still alive, and the son-in-law only attempted murder.
According to the laws of Daxia, exile would be enough.
Du Qingtang walked steadily towards the duty room and said slowly, "If I punish you leniently, there will be more and more sons-in-law who kill their wives and steal their property in the future."
"Not only sons-in-law, but ordinary families may also kill their husbands and steal their property." Du Qingtang pushed open the door of the duty room, "Only a severe sentence can serve as a warning to others."
The clerk suddenly realized: "So that's how it is. Your Excellency is truly wise!"
Du Qingtang had long been immune to their flattery. He sat down behind the desk and took out the documents that needed to be processed. "How is the work I asked you to do going?"
The clerk replied, "I left early yesterday, so I've finished it again. I'll check it over and send it back to you later."
Du Qingtang nodded, and the clerk withdrew respectfully.
After processing half of the official documents, the clerk came back with a piece of paper in his hand: "Sir, this is the final version, please take a look."
Du Qingtang took it and took a look: "No problem, go ahead."
The clerk felt relieved and said, "Okay, I'll do it right away!"
In order to prevent his subordinates from failing to do their job well, the clerk personally went out and found a group of beggars. He gave each of them a grain of silver and said, "I want you to do a favor for the government."
The little beggar held the silver coin tightly, and even though his palm hurt, he didn't dare to let go.
The image of steaming hot meat buns flashed through their minds. They swallowed their saliva and said in unison, "Master, please give your orders!"
After giving the order, the clerk went to the four counties under his jurisdiction and did the same thing, asking the beggars hanging around the streets to do his work for him.
-
Two days later, two ballads spread throughout Shaoqing Prefecture.
"Taizu founded the world, Taizong established the country..."
"Daxia has fifteen provinces, with Zhili divided into north and south..."
The former tells about the successive emperors and their achievements, while the latter is slightly longer and includes the names of the fifteen provinces and one hundred and forty prefectures of Daxia.
Both songs are catchy and easy to memorize.
No one knew where the song came from, but by the time the people began to hum it unconsciously, it had spread throughout Shaoqing Prefecture.
"My mind is full of Taizu's creation of the world. I even sing it in my sleep at night."
"Who isn't? Yesterday, my boss asked me a question. I wanted to ask how much stock we had left in the shop, but I ended up blurting out 'Zhili is divided into north and south'. He almost died of laughter."
"Brother, our Shaoqing Prefecture is also in the ballad."
"Look at what you said. Shaoqing Prefecture is originally part of Daxia, and we are all real Xia people."
The hot summer breeze blew past my ears, bringing the people's discussions into my ears.
Du Qingtang curled his lips imperceptibly and rode to the provincial capital.
It's the end of the month again, and it's time to teach the students.
When he walked into the classroom, Du Qingtang found a few unfamiliar faces.
The student closest to the desk explained, "They just arrived these past few days."
Du Qingtang understood that as the comic strips and ballads spread, the government was whitewashed a lot. It seemed that these people's impression of the government had changed, so they entered the government school to continue their studies.
"We won't be teaching the Four Books today. We'll be taking a mock exam instead."
"Mock exam? What's a mock exam?"
After several classes, the students gradually became familiar with the prefect, and they got along with each other more naturally. They would ask directly if they didn't understand something.
Du Qingtang took out the test papers from last night and said, "The academy exam will be held in April next year. Your foundation is quite solid. The so-called mock exam is an exam that closely replicates the academy exam questions."
Everyone was suddenly enlightened and a little excited.
The questions set by the prefect himself must be the best among the test questions, so they must do well!
Du Qingtang tapped the ruler lightly and said loudly, "Put all your books up. Do not look around during the exam. Otherwise, it will be considered cheating and will be severely punished."
The students took a deep breath and did not dare to hesitate. They put their books on the desk and sat back down.
"The first question is, if quality prevails over form, then it will be wild..."
Du Qingtang read the questions, the students wrote them down on paper, and then started answering them.
Two hours passed in a flash.
The students handed in their answers. Du Qingtang sorted them out, tucked them away in his book, and went to find Zhou Jizhong. He stated his purpose directly: "I need another 40,000 comic books."
"No problem. I'll have the craftsmen start printing when I get home today." Zhou Jizhong paused and said with a smile, "There have been fewer armed conflicts in the city recently, which shows that comic strips are very effective."
Du Qingtang remained noncommittal, indicating that those people were not completely hopeless. "So, I intend to send the comic strips to the four counties under my jurisdiction."
The people of the provincial capital are important, and the people of the four counties under its jurisdiction are equally important.
We must treat both sides equally and not neglect one while focusing on another.
Zhou Jizhong guessed the prefect's intention and bowed solemnly: "Your Excellency is wise. The people of Shaoqing Prefecture are very grateful for everything you have done for Shaoqing Prefecture."
Du Qingtang smiled but said nothing.
Indeed, she did this because she felt that the people of Shaoqing Prefecture were living too hard and wanted to improve their lives.
But more for myself.
It is not easy for men to get promoted, let alone women.
Du Qingtang needs achievements, a lot of achievements.
Not only did she want to eliminate all hidden dangers in Shaoqing Prefecture and make it peaceful and stable, she also wanted to make Shaoqing Prefecture far surpass other prefectures in every aspect.
It was tough, but she had three years.
A lot can be done in three years.
Du Qingtang handed the deposit to Zhou Jizhong and walked out of the classroom.
After she left, the students swarmed over and surrounded Zhou Jizhong tightly.
"Why is the prefect looking for you again?"
"Confess and you will be treated leniently; resist and you will be treated severely. Speak now!"
"You kept me in suspense last time, are you going to keep me in suspense again this time?"
Zhou Jizhong was stuck and unable to move, but he didn't get angry. He smiled and said, "The prefect asked me to draw a comic strip earlier..."
"Comic strips? But the 'History of Xia' that's all the rage in the city?"
Zhou Jizhong nodded: "Exactly."
"No wonder the style of the painting looked familiar to me. It turned out to be you who drew it!"
"'History of Summer' is so popular that I haven't been able to borrow it yet."
"The prefect has just printed another 40,000 copies and plans to send them to the four counties under his jurisdiction." Zhou Jizhong coughed lightly. "I hope the prefect's request will be granted, and that everyone can eliminate their prejudice against the government and unite as one."
"The prefect is truly well-intentioned. Even officials from other places wouldn't be able to do what she does."
"It is a great blessing to have such a caring official."
Gao Lin's hands, which were tidying up his books, paused slightly, then he picked up his school bag and left the classroom.
When he returned home, he found his old friends waiting for him at the door.
"Gao Lin, did you take the wrong medicine these days? It's fine if you don't join us for activities, but why are you studying?"
"Nothing, I just suddenly came to my senses." Gao Lin's tone was calm, without any of the previous anger. "I advise you to stop opposing the government and stop wasting your time."
After saying that, he unlocked the door and walked in, isolating himself from the shocked gazes of his friends.
"It seems he is really crazy."
"Why shouldn't I fight the government? Those people eat my flesh and drink my blood. As long as I live, I will fight them to the end!"
"Forget it, since he's not going, let's not come looking for him anymore. He has to study for the imperial examinations."
Several people laughed out loud, their laughter full of disdain.
"Let's go to the north of the city."
Yesterday they caused trouble in the south of the city, and today it's the turn of the north.
As for Gao Lin's advice, they didn't take it to heart at all.
The female prefect had been in office for several months, and they made trouble every day, but the government did nothing to them.
After all, the female prefect was afraid of them and did not dare to provoke them.
The group headed straight for the north of the city, had a fight with someone in front of the patrolmen, and then dispersed with laughter amid angry shouts.
For several days thereafter, they caused trouble in the city.
Early that morning, they appeared in the east of the city with sticks, quickly found the patrolmen, and started fighting in front of them.
I thought this time would be like countless times before, with the patrolmen helpless and furious, unable to do anything but curse.
Unexpectedly, just as he started to move, he heard a loud "bang".
The long sword was unsheathed, and the cold light almost blinded their eyes.
The government soldiers quickly knocked them to the ground, tied their hands and feet with hemp ropes, and threw them into the government prison.
"Gathering a crowd to cause trouble and refusing to change after repeated warnings will result in a one-year prison sentence."
On that day, more than one hundred people were imprisoned in the government prison for gathering and causing trouble.
Depending on the severity of the offense, the sentence is one year in prison for lighter offenses and five years for heavier offenses.
When the news spread, the people who were deeply troubled by it applauded, while those who tried to stop in time were terrified.
"We've tolerated them for so long, and the government is finally taking action against them."
"The prefect gave them a chance, but they didn't know how to cherish it. Now all that awaits them is imprisonment."
"I was scared to death. If I hadn't listened to you, Daniel, I would probably be in jail right now."
"Brother Fang has to be willing to change his ways. We've also tried to persuade the others, but in the end..."
"Well, I hope they can think straight while they're in jail, live a good life after they get out, and stop opposing the government."
In the provincial school, students were also discussing this matter.
“It’s so satisfying!”
"You didn't seize the opportunity when it came, you deserve to go to jail!"
Gao Lin lowered his eyes and did not participate in the conversation with his classmates.
He is still a coward after all.
He didn't dare let his classmates know his past.
Gao Lin turned the page of the book. He planned to take part in the college entrance examination next year.
No matter what the outcome is, at least a hundred years later when he goes to the underground, he can face his wife and children calmly and tell them openly that he has not wasted these years.
-
The yamen runners and the government soldiers worked together and caught all those who gathered to cause trouble in just ten days.
In the corridor of the government office, petty officials were drinking mung bean soup from bowls.
"Before, I said that without the refugees, the streets were much cleaner. Now I know what true cleanliness is."
"Not only in the prefectural capital, but also in the county towns, we must catch them all to prevent them from roaming around everywhere."
"Don't you know? The prefect sent people there early this morning. Five hundred soldiers from each county. They should be back in three to five days."
"The prefect's execution ability is so strong that she often has things done before we even realize it."
As they were talking leisurely, the clerk closest to the government gate suddenly saw a man peeking inside.
Just looking at his clothes, with patches on top of patches, his skin is dark, and his face is covered with wrinkles and cracks. It is obvious that he is a farmer who has suffered a lot.
"Old man, are you here to beat the drum to complain?"
He couldn't think of any other reason except to file a complaint.
County Magistrate Guan smiled awkwardly and said, "I am the County Magistrate of Heyang County, and I have come here to seek an audience with the Prefect."
What?
Heyang County Magistrate? !
Everyone was stunned, rubbing their eyes and pinching the thighs of the people around them. The sounds of gasps and cries of pain were mixed together.
"Ah! Why are you pinching me?"
"It's actually true. I heard it right."
"Why is the Heyang County Magistrate dressed like this?"
"The people of Heyang County rely on herding for a living year-round, and are often plundered by surrounding tribes. Even the county magistrate is dressed like this. I can't imagine how hard life must be for the people."
County Magistrate Guan was being closely watched by a group of minor officials. He felt like a thorn in his back and didn't know where to put his hands and feet.
"Alright, stop talking. This person's rank is higher than any of us, so we'd better be polite." The clerk closest to the door warned in a low voice. After his colleagues fell silent, he put down the mung bean soup and stood up. "Please wait a moment. I'll go and inform them."
County Magistrate Guan breathed a sigh of relief: "Ah, thank you very much."
The clerk said he dared not and quickened his pace to find the prefect.
The other clerks welcomed County Magistrate Guan in, asked him to sit down, and served him a bowl of mung bean soup. "You must have worked hard on this journey. Sit down and rest for a while. If the prefect is busy, it may take a while before he can see you."
County Magistrate Guan was quite flattered as he held the mung bean soup in his hand.
Back then, he came to the government office for help, but he couldn't even get through the gate and was beaten out by the bailiffs with sticks.
After so many years, this kind of treatment is like being a guest of honor.
County Magistrate Guan recalled the laughter and joy along the way, his nose felt sore and his eyes became hot. He quickly buried his face in the bowl to hold back his tears.
It was also a coincidence that when the clerk came to report, Du Qingtang had just finished processing today's official documents.
"Sir, the Heyang County Magistrate requests an audience."
Heyang County Magistrate?
Du Qingtang immediately thought of Yang Mao, put down his teacup, stood up and walked out.
The clerk followed her and couldn't help but mutter: "I just saw the magistrate of Heyang County. I thought he was an old farmer who came to file a complaint. Really..."
Du Qingtang walked through the corridor to the lobby and said calmly, "It is better to share the suffering of the people than to live in luxury while freezing to death on the streets."
The petty official was speechless and had no answer.
When Du Qingtang arrived at the lobby, County Magistrate Guan had already finished a bowl of mung bean soup, and the heat from traveling under the scorching sun had mostly dissipated.
"Master Guan."
Hearing the voice, the County Magistrate Guan stood up and saluted: "This humble official pays respect to the lord."
"Master Guan, there's no need to be so polite." Du Qingtang gave him a false support. "Why are you here?"
County Magistrate Guan straightened up and said, "I have collected a batch of wool according to your request and have had it carefully processed. I will send it to you immediately. Please check whether it meets the standards."
Du Qingtang raised his eyebrows slightly. It seemed that the people of Heyang County were very enthusiastic. "Take me over to have a look."
"Well, good!" County Magistrate Guan raised his hand and gestured, "Please come this way, sir."
Du Qingtang and County Magistrate Guan went to see the wool, leaving a group of minor officials confused and not knowing what was going on.
"What wool?"
"What did the prefect do behind our backs?"
"Why don't you go take a look?"
"Let's just forget it, so as to avoid being caught and forced to serve as a soldier again."
Recalling the pain of distributing comic books under the scorching sun, the clerks shuddered and gave up the idea of finding out what was going on.
County Magistrate Guan came driving an ox cart, and the cart behind it was loaded with several baskets full of wool.
The wool has been processed from its raw state into white yarn.
The women in Heyang County are very careful in their processing. The wool yarn is very fine and feels very smooth to the touch.
Seeing that the prefect remained silent, County Magistrate Guan felt uneasy. His heart was in his throat, and he asked in a tense voice, "Sir, are you satisfied?"
If you are not satisfied, you can take it back and reprocess it.
As long as the prefect allows the people of Heyang County to make money, I would be willing to do it again ten times.
Du Qingtang withdrew his hand: "Not bad, better than I thought."
County Magistrate Guan's heart returned to its original state, and he smiled with wrinkles on his face: "That's good, that's good."
"The garment factory will be completed by the end of the month, so everyone can get ready. We'll all be spinning yarn according to this standard." Du Qingtang turned and went back to the government office. "Come here. I'll pay a portion of the deposit first, and the rest will be paid upon delivery."
County Magistrate Guan quickly followed up: "It's okay, you don't have to pay the deposit."
Du Qingtang insisted on his own opinion: "Once we get the deposit, everyone will be more motivated."
County Magistrate Guan no longer refused and repeatedly assured: "Don't worry, sir. I have selected only considerate women and will ensure they are neatly arranged and sent to you."
Du Qingtang hummed: "I believe you."
County Magistrate Guan grinned, feeling as sweet as if he had eaten honey.
Du Qingtang ordered the yamen runners to weigh the wool on the cart. He gave County Magistrate Guan twenty taels of silver, based on a pound and four cents, and also paid a fifty-tael deposit. "The remaining money will be settled after the wool is delivered and weighed."
County Magistrate Guan took the twenty taels of silver with both hands. He felt that the silver ingot weighed a thousand pounds. He said, "Okay, then I will go back first and let the herdsmen continue to collect wool."
Du Qingtang casually pointed at a minor official and asked him to escort County Magistrate Guan out. He then called two more people over and asked, "Is there a piece of wasteland outside the north city gate?"
The clerk thought for a moment and then replied affirmatively, "There is a piece of wasteland, and it covers quite a large area."
Du Qingtang got straight to the point: "I plan to build a garment factory on that wasteland. Here are the factory drawings. Have the craftsmen build according to them. You two will be in charge of supervision."
The clerk took it and looked at it, then suddenly understood: "Sir, the wool you asked the Heyang County Magistrate to deliver is for the garment factory?"
Du Qingtang nodded.
The clerk sighed, "This is the first time I've heard that wool can be used to make clothes."
Another person agreed: "Yes, that wool is very thick, it should be very warm to wear, right?"
Du Qingtang took a sip of tea and said, "Winter in Shaoqing Prefecture is long and cold, and water freezes into ice. It's perfect for woolen sweaters and trousers."
Can be worn outside or inside.
Comfortable and warm, and can be sold at a good price.
"Go ahead and withdraw the money for the factory construction from the warehouse." After the two left, Du Qingtang called another person over and said, "Write a notice as soon as possible to gather women in the city who are skilled in making clothes."
"yes!"
The clerk quickly posted the notice.
The people in the city came to watch and learned that the government was recruiting women who were good at making clothes, and they talked about it a lot.
"The prefect has always been generous. Last time, he called for people who were good at farming. One of them lives next door to me. I heard that he gets five taels of silver every month."
"Wow! So much wages?"
"If those who work in the fields can earn this much, those who make clothes should earn no less than that."
When the women in the city heard the news, they were naturally very excited.
"Even if there's no pay, the prefect works hard for us day and night, so it's only right that we help him."
"I don't know what the standard of being good at something is... well, just give it a try. If it doesn't work, come back."
The next day, dozens of women responded to the call and came to the government office.
The yamen runner went to report. Du Qingtang was concentrating on fiddling with her knitting needles and a half-finished sweater. Without even looking up, she said, "Tell them to go to the Binxing Hall first. I'll be there in a bit."
The bailiff took the order and took the women to Binxing Hall, and poured each of them a cup of tea.
The women held their teacups, feeling that they did not fit in with the magnificent Binxing Pavilion. They felt as if there were nails under their buttocks and could not sit still.
"Why, you ask, has the prefect summoned people skilled in making clothes?"
"I don't know. The prefect has her own reasons for doing things. We just have to wait and see."
The women drank tea and took small sips to relieve the tension in their hearts.
After waiting for almost a cup of tea, the prefect finally arrived.
The young female prefect, dressed in a crimson official robe, sat leisurely in the main seat, her every move revealing an extraordinary demeanor.
Although they were all women, their faces felt slightly hot.
"So this is the prefect. She is so beautiful."
"She's good-looking and talented, and she really brings honor to us women."
"Hush, hush, don't say anything, listen to what the prefect has to say first."
The women immediately fell silent, staring at Du Qingtang with burning eyes, their cheeks becoming even redder.
"Sorry to have kept you waiting." Du Qingtang put his fist to his lips and coughed twice. "I plan to build a clothing factory outside the north city gate. The clothes produced in the factory are made using a different method than usual."
"Garment factory?"
"What's the difference?"
"Is it difficult?"
The women asked in a chattering voice.
Du Qingtang raised his hand, and everyone fell silent. "I will teach you how to crochet first. When you have learned, the garment factory will be open soon. Then you will be responsible for teaching others."
The prefect is teaching personally?
Do you want to teach others after you learn it?
The women were cheered up and their eyes brightened.
The clerk distributed knitting needles and balls of yarn. Du Qingtang beckoned, "Come here, get closer so you can see more clearly."
The women hurriedly moved their stools forward.
The clerk looked at their red faces and eyes that were a mixture of excitement and shyness: "..."
Du Qingtang took out the knitting needles and a ball of yarn, and twirled them flexibly with her slender fingertips. "Let's start with the cast-on. It's very simple. Look at me... not at my face, but at my hands."
The women were so embarrassed that they wished they could find a hole in the ground to crawl into, and they hummed softly, as softly as a mosquito or a fly.
The clerk again: "......"
Du Qingtang first taught them how to start stitching, and then taught them how to divide the stitches and how to add stitches.
Time passed bit by bit, and by the time Du Qingtang had finished teaching everything he needed to learn, it was already evening.
Unconsciously, he had been sitting there for three or four hours. Du Qingtang felt his whole body stiff, his shoulders and neck unable to move. He took a deep breath and said, "That's all for today. You guys go back and practice. If you have any questions, come back tomorrow and ask."
"Yes, I'll take my leave."
After the women left, Du Qingtang saw that it was not yet time to go off duty, so he called over a clerk and said, "Send invitations to the Zhao, Qian, Sun, and Li families, as well as the wealthy merchants. I will host a banquet at Xiankelai tomorrow night. Please do them the honor of coming."
Although the clerk did not understand what the prefect was up to, he still did as he was told.
Du Qingtang stretched and walked back to the third hall to the sound of the gong marking the end of his shift.
Du Qingzhu was busy in the kitchen, and the aroma of food wafted into the air, making one's mouth water.
Du Qingtang leaned against the door frame: "Have you decided on a specific opening date?"
Du Qingzhu lifted the lid of the pot and tasted the saltiness. "A few days ago, I asked someone to find a good day for everything. It's August 26th."
Du Qingtang hummed softly. There were still about twenty days left. "Where's Eighth Sister?"
Du Qingzhu added some salt to the pot. "Her clinic opens on August 18th. She went to the shop early in the morning to work. I think she will be back soon."
"I'm back!"
Speak of the devil, and here he is. Du Qingju walked briskly through the gate of the inner house and headed towards the kitchen.
"The last dish is just coming out of the pot, let's eat!"
Du Qingtang and Du Qingju served the rice and carried the plates.
The three sisters sat around the table, talking and laughing, and the atmosphere was very harmonious.
......
On the other hand, the wealthy families and merchants received the invitation and speculated about Du Qingtang's intentions.
"Are they going to use us as a target?"
"She was very rough and rude when she dealt with the bandits and those around them earlier. Perhaps she needed a favor?"
"First courtesy, then force. Maybe they're trying to trick us into coming over and kill us."
"Now that the invitation has been delivered, we must attend, no matter what the purpose is."
"Ah, I'm really getting more and more confused about this woman."
The four family heads, Zhao, Qian, Sun and Li, also expressed their confusion.
"When a weasel pays New Year's greetings to a chicken, it has no good intentions."
"What if the pillow talk worked and Du Qingtang took the initiative to show his goodwill?"
As soon as the head of the Qian family said this, he instantly received three subtle gazes.
The head of the Qian family was unhappy and said with his neck stiff, "Haven't you noticed that no one from the Qian family has been convicted and imprisoned recently?"
Patriarch Zhao thought that it might be simply because no one sued the descendants of the Qian family, rather than because Du Qingtang showed leniency.
However, the words were on the tip of his tongue, but he swallowed them back. Patriarch Zhao said nonchalantly, "Compared to the reason why Du Qingtang held the banquet, the most important thing right now is how the three uncles plan to attend the banquet tomorrow."
The three heads of the Qian, Sun and Li families were stunned for a moment and almost simultaneously touched their heads.
Three months later, their hair had grown a lot, but it was not very beautiful, like a hedgehog, sticking out on their heads.
They tried many methods but couldn't make their hair tame.
For the past three months, they were worried about being laughed at. They usually loved to call friends and entertain guests, but they didn't dare to hold banquets, let alone go out, for fear of being laughed at and becoming a joke among the people in the city.
With all the new and old hatreds combined, the head of the Sun family slammed the table and said, "Instead of guessing here, why not just find someone to kill that fierce woman!"
While making harsh remarks, he did not forget to recruit allies for himself: "Who among you will join me?"
Patriarch Li shook his head like a rattle: "Forget it, if you really piss her off, that woman will do anything."
He grew old and no longer had the ambition of his youth. He began to become afraid of death and timid.
Du Qingtang was too strong and would throw his head on his bed if they disagreed. He couldn't afford to offend him.
Those unfilial descendants are dead, so let them die. It can be considered as cleaning up the family business.
The head of the Qian family also shook his head: "Du Qingtang accepted my people, she shouldn't do anything to me, why should I ask for trouble."
Patriarch Sun was rejected twice in a row. He fell backward in anger and sneered: "Do you really think Du Qingtang is a person who is blinded by beauty? Just wait, you will suffer the consequences sooner or later!"
The head of the Zhao family quickly stepped forward to smooth things over, and the four of them eventually parted on bad terms.
.......
The next day at 5 p.m., the leaders of the major wealthy families and merchants in Shaoqing Prefecture set out from their homes and headed for Xiankelai in carriages.
Du Qingtang informed the owner of Xiankelai in advance that no other guests would be entertained tonight.
Everyone took their seats, greeted each other and laughed.
Not long after, Du Qingtang appeared in casual clothes and sat in the main seat.
The laughter and chatter at the table suddenly stopped, and everyone looked at the person sitting at the table and stood up to greet him.
"I greet the prefect."
"No need to be so polite, everyone." Du Qingtang raised his hand lightly, his tone gentle, "Yesterday, I suddenly remembered that I have been working in Shaoqing Mansion for many months, but I have never hosted a banquet. So I took the liberty to invite you all to a gathering at Xiankelai. I hope you will not be offended."
When everyone heard this, they said that the adults were too serious.
Du Qingtang's smile deepened: "Everyone, there is no need to be so formal. Have fun as much as you can. Don't go home until you are drunk tonight."
Everyone at the table exchanged glances imperceptibly. Although they had not completely let down their guard, they were no longer as nervous as before.
For the next hour and a half, the wealthy and powerful businessmen chatted and laughed, clinked glasses, and enjoyed the graceful singing and dancing, having a great time.
Many people came to chat and toast, and Du Qingtang accepted everyone and was very friendly.
Everyone saw this and completely let down their guard, enjoying themselves to the fullest.
As he got drunk, the sound of stringed instruments suddenly stopped.
The head of the Sun family was toasting with others.
In order to attend the banquet tonight, he asked someone to prepare a hat. After putting it on, the stubble on his hair was completely invisible.
It was just a hot summer day, and I was sweating profusely after just a short while indoors. It was really uncomfortable, and I cursed Du Qingtang in my heart.
Not only the head of the Sun family, but also the heads of the Qian and Li families wore hats to cover up their shame.
At this moment, he was so hot that his eyes were blurry, and he had drunk some wine, so he was a little confused.
Noticing the sudden cessation of stringed instruments, Patriarch Sun looked around and asked, "What happened?"
Before the wealthy merchant next to him could respond, a clear female voice rang out from above: "Over the past few months, Shaoqing Prefecture, once known for its chaos, has become much more peaceful. This official is deeply relieved."
"I'm sure you've all heard about the government's construction outside the North City Gate. I plan to build a garment factory and will be recruiting workers from all over Shaoqing Prefecture."
Everyone looked at each other.
"What is a garment factory?"
"Does it have anything to do with us?"
"He comes with bad intentions!"
Jingjing just showed up, but was covered by drunkenness again. He listened to Du Qingtang talking with a confused look in his eyes.
Du Qingtang looked around the room and said slowly, "The government spent a large sum of money on building the factory, and the government treasury is running low. We're quite short on cash. The garment factory is about to open, and I'm afraid we won't be able to pay the first installment of wages."
"As natives of Shaoqing Prefecture, you have maintained close ties with the government office for many years. I think it's time for you to show some support to alleviate this urgent need."
"A sign? What sign?"
"Congratulations on the opening?"
"What bullshit are you talking about? She's clearly asking us for money!"
Want money?
Everyone was startled and mostly sobered up.
After pondering Du Qingtang's words, he thought to himself that the weasel's New Year greetings to the chicken really had no good intentions.
A while ago, there were bandit suppression and house searches, and they could see boxes of silver being carried into the government office every day.
They privately estimated that it was at least one million taels.
But at this moment, Du Qingtang said that the government office had little money in reserve and was in a tight spot. Did he really think they were being taken advantage of?
They have been together for decades and have never seen anyone asking for money right away. They are even more shameless than Zhou Wei and his gang!
At least Zhou Wei would give them a lot of convenience, but Du Qingtang would just send people to break into their house and arrest the unfilial descendants in their family, and either put them in jail or behead them directly.
The four heads of the Zhao, Qian, Sun and Li families looked at each other. The head of the Qian family, relying on the fact that he had sent someone to Du Qingtang, said incoherently, "Sir, we don't have any money either."
No matter whether you are rich or poor, just cry poor first.
He just didn't believe that Du Qingtang could rush into their house and rob money?
The head of the Sun family echoed: "You also know that Shaoqing Prefecture has been in chaos in recent years. The Sun family has a large population, so many mouths to feed, I really can't do anything about it."
"Master Sun, you're joking." Du Qingtang propped up his chin, half-smiling, "The Sun family owns nearly a hundred shops, large and small, and makes a fortune every day. How can they say they have the will but not the ability?"
Patriarch Sun was stunned for a moment, his pupils suddenly shrinking.
The Sun family only had 20 to 30 shops in public, and if you count those registered under other people's names, there were only about 100. Why would Du Qingtang...
"It just so happens that I discovered some interesting things a while ago. It's better to share happiness with others than to enjoy it alone. Wang Fei——"
A clerk named Wang Fei stepped forward, distributed the rice paper in his hand, and retreated behind Du Qingtang.
Everyone looked closely and their faces changed suddenly.
What was written on this paper was clearly evidence of crimes committed by their own family members!
Not only the evidence of crimes committed by the direct and collateral branches, but also the evidence of crimes committed by relatives who took advantage of their influence to lend money at high interest rates, causing the family to be ruined, were all recorded.
Looking at the evidence written clearly in black and white in front of them, everyone's heart was filled with shock and their vision went dark.
Since Du Qingtang took office, he first suppressed bandits and then punished corrupt officials, but he never dealt with them.
They were secretly delighted for a moment, thinking that Du Qingtang was afraid of them, and had stayed until now to kill them together!
"Well, you actually dare to investigate the Sun family, you are really bold!" The head of the Sun family was furious. He tore the rice paper into pieces and threw it away.
Confetti flew everywhere, as if it was snowing indoors.
Seeing the head of the Sun family tearing up the evidence, many people had an idea and followed suit and tore up the rice paper.
Du Qingtang chuckled: "Tear it up, tear it up as much as you want. I have prepared more than ten copies of this evidence, enough for you to tear it up to your heart's content."
The head of the Sun family originally thought that since he had destroyed the evidence, Du Qingtang would not be able to do anything to him. After hearing this, the smug smile on his face froze.
The head of the Qian family, who had once sent someone to Du Qingtang, had some face in front of her, so he stood up and said, "My Lord, you should not be too greedy..."
"Shut up, did I ask you to speak?"
Being interrupted suddenly, the head of the Qian family was stunned for a moment, and then his face darkened: "Sir, you accepted a generous gift from my Qian family before..."
Before he could finish his words, Du Qingtang interrupted him again: "Two things are considered a valuable gift? Master Qian really opened my eyes. I originally thought that the two looked ordinary, so I sent them to clean the toilet. I didn't expect that they were such valuable gifts from Master Qian. This is my fault."
The head of the Qian family did not expect that the two people he asked his grandson to send were actually sent by Du Qingtang to clean the toilet.
Du Qingtang looked down on Mo Yun and Mo Feng, which meant he looked down on Qian.
A nameless anger ignited in the heart of the Qian family head. He hurried forward in a drunken state: "Du Qingtang, how dare you..."
"Bang!"
The bullet left the gun and white smoke filled the air.
The fat body of the head of the Qian family shook twice, then fell to the ground with a bang and died on the spot.
The hat on his head was thrown off, revealing a half-bald head with only three or two inches of hair standing up, which looked very funny.
"You're asking for your own death." The musket spun around his fingertips and landed back on the table. Du Qingtang picked up his wine glass and took a slow sip. "You dare to address me by my name? You deserve to be killed."
The banquet hall was completely silent.
Everyone held their breath, lowered their heads and dared not make a sound.
Who could have thought that Du Qingtang got the evidence of their crimes without their knowledge and even dared to kill the head of the Qian family, one of the four major families, in public.
Who's next?
No one wants to be next.
Du Qingtang propped up his chin and looked at the people below him calmly: "How are you thinking about it?"
No one responded.
"My patience is limited, and I have a bad temper. If I get upset, I might do something out of control."
For example, kill them like you killed the head of the Qian family.
Everyone's breath was held, and they felt that there was a big knife above their heads, which was about to fall down if they were not careful.
They sat motionless, sweat pouring down their faces, soaking their clothes.
No one spoke. The place was so quiet that you could hear a pin drop, with only the heavy breathing coming and going.
The head of the Zhao family sat in the first seat on the right, his eyes slightly turning, secretly glancing at the person above him.
In just a moment, he made the decision.
As long as the green mountains remain, there will be no shortage of firewood.
Money is something outside of one's body. Once a person dies, everything is gone.
With this in mind, Patriarch Zhao was the first to stand up and kneel down in worship. "Shaoqing Prefecture has gone through many hardships to reach this point. I am willing to offer half of my wealth, hoping that Shaoqing Prefecture will prosper and everyone will have enough food and clothing."
Everyone was stunned.
"Is he crazy?"
"Either death or giving up your wealth, which one do you choose?"
The answer is self-evident.
After a brief silence, people stood up one after another.
"I am willing to donate half of my wealth."
"So do the common people."
Patriarch Sun and Patriarch Li didn't dare look at Patriarch Qian, who lay in a pool of blood. Their chests heaved rapidly as they stepped out of the line one after another: "I am willing to donate half of my wealth."
The wealthy families and merchants who had been domineering in Shaoqing Prefecture for many years knelt on the ground.
Du Qingtang sat at the head of the table and slowly smiled.
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