Chapter 135: Another Slap in the Face
The next day, the government posted a notice announcing the establishment of a female military camp.
"From now on, women aged 18 or above may go to the military camp to sign up for military service..."
The clerk stood in front of the notice wall and read the notice aloud.
The people in the city gathered here, and there were many different opinions.
"Isn't the prefect a bit too partial? All the benefits are taken by women."
"Bah! What bullshit are you talking about? Is the prefect forbidding men from studying, or forbidding men from joining the army? Is it because studying and joining the army were previously men's privileges, and now that women have equal rights, you men are getting anxious, afraid that you will be outdone by women?"
"Don't talk nonsense! I didn't say that, it's just...it's just..."
"Just what? You have nothing to say! You are anxious!"
The woman put her hands on her hips with a fierce look on her face, and her mouth was as sharp as a knife, which made the man step back repeatedly, his face turning pale.
The man pointed at the woman, his fingers trembling, and said sternly, "Only women and villains are difficult to raise. It's really true! Ignorant woman, I won't share your wisdom!"
After saying that, he snorted coldly and walked away.
The woman rolled her eyes and sneered, "You run away when you can't win. What a coward."
The women present laughed out loud, while the men kept their distance from the women without leaving any trace, fearing that they would be angered and have spit sprayed in their faces.
"Although the government has established a female military camp, I don't think many women will sign up to join the army."
"I think so, too. How many girls practice martial arts these days?"
The woman opened her mouth, but swallowed the words back. She listened to the clerk read the notice again, then left the crowd and went home.
Pushing open the door, the woman called out, "Sister Yu!"
A young girl, who was as tall as the man, came from behind the house. She had a slightly dark complexion, bright eyes, and held a bow in her hand.
The young girl, Lin Yu, noticed the empty bamboo basket in the woman's arms and exclaimed, "Didn't you go out to buy groceries? Why are you back empty-handed?"
The woman, Fang Chunhua, stepped forward quickly, grasped her daughter's hand, and spoke with unconcealed excitement, "Yujie'er, the government just issued a notice that the prefect has established a female military camp. Any healthy woman over the age of eighteen can sign up to join the army!"
"Bang!"
Lin Yu's hand trembled and the longbow fell to the ground.
Fang Chunhua asked in a negotiating tone: "Sister Yu, why don't you give it a try?"
Lin Yu was a little nervous: "Can I do this? What if I don't get selected after applying?"
Fang Chunhua patted her daughter's arm. Lin Yu didn't feel any pain, but her hand did. She took a breath and shook it twice: "What's the big deal? There are so many people in the city who apply for jobs in garment factories and dried fruit factories, and sixty to seventy percent of them get rejected. But they're still living well, finding other jobs and living a happy life."
"Before, there was a government-run school, but your age wasn't suitable. You could go to the Qiong English Society, but you ended up going there for two days and slept for two days..."
Lin Yu blushed and said anxiously, "Mom!"
She didn't do it on purpose. She just felt sleepy when she saw the words in the book and fell asleep because she couldn't hold on any longer.
"Alright, alright. I know you're not cut out for studying, so I rushed back to tell you when I heard the government was recruiting soldiers."
Fang Chunhua knew that she had let her daughter down.
Her husband became an apprentice of an old hunter in the village in his early years and learned hunting skills. He had no problem supporting her and her mother, and there was even some surplus every year.
Until five years ago, her husband went into the mountains to hunt and encountered a group of bandits. When he was carried back, there was not a piece of good meat on his body. He just said "I'm sorry to you and your mother" before he died.
Without the pillar of the family, life suddenly became difficult.
Fang Chunhua went to the city to take on embroidery work, while Lin Yu inherited her father's legacy and became the only female hunter in the surrounding villages.
At first Fang Chunhua refused to agree.
She already has no man, and nothing must happen to her only daughter.
But Lin Yu was stubborn and didn't listen to her.
During these five years, they lived a pretty good life.
Lin Yu was tall and could use a bow and a long sword. She beat those men who thought that they, an orphan and a widow, were easy to bully, until they cried for their parents. After a few times, no one dared to bully them anymore.
The money Fang Chunhua earned from embroidery and Lin Yu from hunting added up to a considerable amount. After paying for daily necessities, she saved it all, intending to save it for Yu Jie'er's dowry.
Three years ago, Fang Chunhua arranged for Lin Yuxiang to find a girlfriend.
As a result, when those people heard that the woman was Lin Yu, they all refused without exception.
"She even dared to hit a blind bear, so there's no guarantee she wouldn't hit my son."
"Lin Yusheng is tall and strong, even tougher than a man. Who would dare to marry her?"
Fang Chunhua was angry and anxious, and felt very guilty.
If she was useless and her husband died early, why would Yu Jie'er have to endure the hardship of hunting and be criticized and looked down upon?
In May, the Qiong English Society was established. After Fang Chunhua learned about it, she decided to send Lin Yu to study.
Lin Yu was not happy about it, so Fang Chunhua advised her: "Look at those female teachers in the school. They are respected wherever they go. If you learn a few more words, you can become a female teacher in the future. Wear beautiful skirts and whiten your skin. Then it will be easier to find a husband."
Lin Yu couldn't persuade her mother, so she had to go to Qiong English Society.
As a result, I went there for two days and slept for two days in a row.
Fang Chunhua was extremely helpless. Looking at her daughter's aggrieved face, she had to give up the idea of letting her study.
"At this point, I've come to terms with it. My children and grandchildren will have their own blessings. Whether you get married or not is none of my business. Living a good life is more important than anything else."
"You've learned martial arts from your father for several years, and you've developed quite a bit of skill in the mountains. Why bother being a hunter again? Why not join the military? Maybe you can even become a female general."
"It's not as easy as you say." Lin Yu smiled helplessly, but she was actually a little tempted. She bent down to pick up the longbow and plucked the bowstring. "Then let me give it a try?"
She is not afraid of hardship or injury, and thinks being a hunter is pretty good.
But who doesn’t want to climb up and live a good life for themselves and their loved ones?
The prefect was a man who knew how to appoint the right people to the right positions. Even farmers who worked hard in the fields became minor officials in the government. As long as one had the ability, one could get a small official position, no matter how high or low.
"Go ahead, wear the clothes I made for you a while ago. Look respectable and don't let others look down on you."
Lin Yu smiled and said yes readily.
......
Similar situations occurred in many places in Shaoqing Prefecture.
Some women do not like to study and cannot concentrate on learning. In order to survive in their early years, they learn a lot of skills, such as martial arts and strength.
At that time, the school and the Qiong English Society recruited women, and these women were envious for a time.
After learning to read and write, she could receive a generous salary every month, whether she worked as a teacher or in two factories and major shops.
Unlike them, I have nothing and can only earn money by selling my labor. Not only is it hard work, but I also end up with a lot of illnesses.
Unexpectedly, the government set up a female barracks and recruited female soldiers from the entire government.
This made them ecstatic.
They just felt that there was a ray of light shining into their dark and gloomy lives.
Even though the light is dim and the way ahead is unknown, they still rush towards the light without hesitation like moths to a flame.
For the next half month, women went to the military camp every day to sign up for army service.
Shoubei Wan arranged ten female soldiers including Mu Yuanzhu to examine these women. Those who were qualified were incorporated into the female barracks, while those who were unqualified left with regret.
That morning, after General Huang and General Ma had finished training the government soldiers, they passed by the conscription office and stretched their necks to take a look inside.
Mu Yuanzhu stood behind the long desk and announced solemnly in a sonorous voice, "Lin Yu, you have passed the assessment and are now a member of the female barracks."
Lin Yu's cheeks flushed with excitement, but because her skin color was slightly darker, it was not noticeable unless you looked closely.
She took the badge engraved with the words "Female Barracks". All the soldiers from the palace had to show this badge to the soldiers guarding the camp when entering or leaving the camp, otherwise they would not be allowed to pass.
"Thank you, Commander Wan. I will train hard and be a good soldier!"
Captain Ma Qian retracted his gaze, his face sneerful: "That Wan guy is really scheming. Not only did he become the captain, but he also stuffed his daughter into the barracks and tried every possible way to make her the captain as well."
Huang Qianzong listened to Ma Qianzong's habitual complaints without any ripples in his heart. However, since it was about his position in the army, he still had to speak a fair word: "Everyone was present at the competition that day. You and I all saw the ability of the young Captain Wan. Moreover, she was appointed by the prefect himself. In order to avoid suspicion, Captain Wanzong did not interfere at all."
Ma Qianzong sneered, "In my opinion, it's most likely that Wan Guiyu instructed Wan Yuanzhu to approach the prefect. Twenty thousand bandits have infiltrated the sixty thousand prefectural soldiers, and now a group of bandit cubs have also entered."
"Those people are the best at disguising themselves. We've gradually let down our guard against them. We won't know when we'll be killed by those bandits one night. By then, Shaoqing Prefecture will be their territory. They deserve to be killed!"
General Huang Qian was too lazy to pay attention to him. It had been more than a year, why was he still calling him a bandit?
Everyone has a past, wouldn't it be better if we could turn over a new leaf?
Those people used to be bandits, but once they joined the army, they are now training diligently every day to defend Shaoqing Prefecture. Why should they keep saying the word "bandits" as if they are superior to others?
General Huang Qian shook his head: "I still have military matters to deal with, so I'll leave first."
Lao Ma's temperament is becoming more and more left-leaning, and sooner or later he will cause trouble.
He tried to persuade him again and again, but Lao Ma still insisted on doing his own thing. In that case, he should keep a distance to avoid getting into trouble.
However, it seems that many women have come to sign up for the army. His second daughter has been practicing martial arts since she was young, so maybe she can give it a try and have a bright future.
How could Ma Qianzong not see that Huang Qianzong was estranged? He looked at his receding back with a dark look in his eyes.
Before last year, the two of them were birds of a feather, collecting their military pay and doing nothing, living a life of drunkenness and debauchery.
Although they were government soldiers, they did not care about the lives of the people.
Unexpectedly, a female prefect came and Shaoqing Prefecture was transformed. Huang Qianzong seemed to have become a different person and was highly valued by the female prefect.
General Ma didn't care. He just didn't want to win the favor of the female prefect. But if he did that, his plan to incite General Huang to rebel would probably fail.
Mr. Ma Qian was a little anxious and kicked the stone away.
Just at this moment, a group of palace soldiers passed by not far away.
Upon closer inspection, they were obviously bandits who had been recruited by the government.
Ma Qianzong's eyes rolled, and he strode forward: "Captain Sun..."
......
After a month-long conscription, Mu Yuanzhu came to the government to report and summarize.
"As of now, the female battalion has 4,678 female soldiers, with four captains. This is the list of female soldiers, please review it."
Du Qingtang took it and roughly flipped through it, and found that most of the women who signed up to join the army were between eighteen and twenty years old, which was the age to fight.
"Although you have been incorporated into the government troops, you still cannot be proud or lazy, and you must also manage the female soldiers under your command."
Mu Yuanzhu held his head high and chest puffed out, resoundingly assuring, "Don't worry, sir. I will manage the female barracks well and will definitely not let you down!"
After Mu Yuanzhu left, the clerk from the household office came over and said, "Sir, the potatoes in the orchard are ripe."
Du Qingtang kept writing, processing documents quickly: "How many kilograms did you collect?"
The clerk answered truthfully, "On average, one potato plant produces five to ten potatoes, most of which are plump. From half an acre of land, we harvest over 1,200 kilograms."
Thinking of the mountains of potatoes, the clerk couldn't stop smiling.
According to the prefect, potatoes are rich in nutrients and have a strong sense of filling. With them, people no longer have to worry about going hungry.
"Sir, when do you plan to promote it?"
Du Qingtang pondered for a moment and said, "Keep 400 kilograms for seed, and transport the remaining 800 kilograms to the government office. We'll pick a time tomorrow to distribute it to the people in the city."
Although potatoes and sweet potatoes can only be planted in May, it is better to distribute them to the people and let them keep them themselves instead of piling them up in the cellar of the government office and then finding that many of them have sprouted when they are dug out next year and cannot be eaten or planted, which is a waste.
At least let them know about potatoes, and it will be much easier to promote them.
However, the number of potatoes is limited, so they can only be given to the people in the provincial capital first.
When the 400 kilograms of potatoes are harvested next year, they can basically be distributed to the four counties under its jurisdiction.
The clerk took the order and left, and in the afternoon he transported the potatoes into the city using a cart.
Dozens of carts were like a long winding dragon, driving from the west city gate to the government office. The carts were piled with lumps of earth that looked a bit rough, which instantly attracted the attention of the people.
"What the hell is this?"
"It looks like some kind of crop, but I've lived for decades and have never seen anything like it."
"The prefect never does anything useless. We will definitely know when the time comes."
Everyone agreed with this and stopped following the cart to watch the fun, and scattered like birds and beasts.
At the gate of the government office, officials including Zhou Tongzhi had been waiting for a long time.
Because of their curiosity and excitement, they specially reported to the prefect so that they could be the first to see the grand potato harvest.
When the potatoes were delivered to the government office, even though they were mentally prepared, they still gasped in shock.
"I remember there was only one cart of potatoes at the beginning, and the rest were sent to Xiajing. How could a few hundred potatoes produce so much?"
"It's truly a high-yield crop, yielding 2,000 kilograms. With it, there's no need to worry about the people having no food to eat."
"I don't know if the prefect will share some with us. I also want to taste what it tastes like."
When Du Qingtang learned that the potatoes had been delivered, he nodded in understanding and without even looking up, ordered, "Give five each to Lord Zhou, Lord Wu, Lord Zheng, and Lord Wang. Send the rest to the warehouse for now."
The clerk simply accepted the offer and did not feel any resentment towards the prefect because he did not get a share.
After all, the number of potatoes is limited, and the four masters, King Zhou, Wu, and King Zheng, have worked hard and made great contributions, so it is natural that they should be rewarded with a portion.
Anyway, they are all from Shaoqing Prefecture, so they can come to the government office directly to collect potatoes based on their registered names.
On that day, the four kings of Zhou, Wu, and Zheng received potatoes, along with several recipes for cooking them.
After returning home in the evening, they sent the potatoes and the recipe to the kitchen and asked the chef to add a few dishes.
Half an hour later, stir-fried shredded potatoes and braised pork with potatoes were served.
Out of curiosity about the new crop, the four kings of Zhou, Wu, and Zheng and their families each tasted it.
When everyone took a bite of the potato, their eyes lit up.
"These potatoes are not only filling but also delicious."
“It’s soft and sticky, and both the elderly and children can eat it.”
The five potatoes were quickly eaten up, and everyone smacked their lips, feeling very hungry.
"The prefect has done another great thing that will benefit the people."
"I hope potatoes become more common soon. These two dishes really whet my appetite."
The next day, the government posted a notice stating the high yield of potatoes per mu, and that each household in the city could get four potatoes. It also taught the people how to preserve potatoes.
- Spread a layer of dry soil in the cellar, place the potatoes on it, and then cover them completely with dry soil. This will keep the potatoes intact until May next year.
Finally, the government repeatedly stated that potatoes with green sprouts are poisonous and cannot be eaten, otherwise their lives will be in danger.
When the news spread, the whole place was in uproar.
"Did I hear correctly? Two thousand kilograms per mu?"
"Then there's no need to grow rice anymore. We can just grow potatoes. Not only will the whole family have enough to eat, but there will also be a surplus at the end of the year. Even if there's a famine, we can rely on potatoes to get through it."
"You idiot, many crops can't be planted continuously, otherwise they will become less and less. I think potatoes are no exception."
"Alas, what a pity."
For several days thereafter, people came to the government office one after another to collect potatoes based on their registered places.
Many foreigners with registered residence in Shaoqing Prefecture also knew about the existence of potatoes. They looked at the lumps of earth in their hands and fell silent for a moment.
"If I'm not mistaken, this should be our tribe's Yangtaro, but how did it end up in Daxia?"
"The yam was distributed by the government, so it was probably stolen from there by government officials."
"The word 'steal' is not a good word. According to you, the rice and wheat grown in the tribe were also stolen from Daxia."
"Do you want to tell them?"
The foreigners looked at each other and fell into a long silence.
"I think we should forget it. We moved out of the tribe and are now registered in Shaoqing Prefecture, making us citizens of Daxia. The prefect has been very kind to us, allowing us to set up a stall in the market and even working as interpreters. We shouldn't repay kindness with enmity."
"That's right. If it weren't for the prefect, we would still be being bullied and condemned by everyone because of our so-called foreign status."
"Then don't talk about it?"
"Well, this is our home after all."
......
In September, sweet potatoes are ripe.
One thousand three hundred kilograms of sweet potatoes were harvested from half an acre of land. As before, five hundred kilograms were kept for seeds, and the remaining eight hundred kilograms were distributed to the people.
As a result, potatoes and sweet potatoes have become so well-known that even the surrounding prefectures have heard of them.
"It's Shaoqing Mansion again! It's that woman Du Qingtang again!"
The prefect of Jingdong Prefecture slammed the table wildly, feeling both angry and jealous.
Why does Du Qingtang get all the benefits?
The previous garment factory and dried fruit factory now has a high-yield potato and sweet potato plant.
Compared with her, they seemed like a bunch of useless people who just occupied their positions and did nothing but eat the food!
Thinking about how someone attacked the government office at night in July and beat him into a pig's head, the prefect of Jingdong Prefecture seriously suspected that the man was sent by Du Qingtang.
There is no one else but her!
The Tongzhi lowered his head, not daring to look at the prefect's incompetent and furious expression, fearing that his anger would be vented on him. He suggested, "Why not send people to Shaoqing Prefecture to buy potatoes and sweet potatoes? We can grow them ourselves and then distribute them to the people?"
"It can both annoy Du Qingtang and win the hearts of the people. Killing two birds with one stone, isn't it wonderful?"
The prefect of Jingdong Prefecture was very interested and immediately sent a minor official to Shaoqing Prefecture.
"When the potatoes and sweet potatoes are harvested, I will present them to His Majesty and take the first place in the achievement before Du Qingtang!"
Thinking of Du Qingtang's angry look because his credit was snatched away, the prefect of Jingdong Prefecture smiled with satisfaction.
On the other side, a minor official entered the territory of Shaoqing Prefecture, disguised himself as a farmer, and came to the prefectural city carrying a bamboo basket.
They did not dare to make a large-scale purchase, for fear of being discovered by the government, unable to explain themselves, and causing trouble, so they only searched in the corners of the city.
The clerk knocked on a door at random and explained his purpose.
The man looked the clerk up and down with a strange expression: "You said you wanted to buy potatoes and sweet potatoes?"
The clerk nodded his chin, and although he tried hard to hide it, a hint of arrogance still appeared: "The price is negotiable. I'll buy as much as you have."
The man raised his eyebrows and said, "Wait for me." Then he turned and went back to the yard.
The clerk thought he was going to get potatoes and sweet potatoes, and looked down on him in his heart. He thought they were indeed a group of untouchables who were greedy for money.
The footsteps went away and then came closer. The clerk was about to take out money from the secret pocket in his wide sleeves when he heard a gust of wind. He was not paying attention and was hit.
The sharp tip brushed against the skin, causing a burning pain.
The clerk was horrified and took a few steps back in a hurry. He looked up and saw the man holding a bamboo broom and glaring at him.
"Are you crazy? How dare you hit me!"
The man ignored the clerk's insults and shouted at the top of his voice: "Someone is trying to steal our potatoes and sweet potatoes!"
As soon as the words fell, responses came one after another.
"Where?"
"Did you catch it?"
"If you dare to steal my things from me, I'll beat you to death!"
Neighbors all stuck their heads out, holding sticks, brooms, or kitchen knives and shovels in their hands, looked around, and quickly locked onto the petty official.
"You're the one who wants to steal our potatoes and sweet potatoes?"
"Look at his mean-looking face, he's not a good guy at first glance. It must be him!"
"Hit me!"
Everyone waved the "weapons" in their hands and rushed towards the petty official.
The petty official was so frightened that he didn't care about what the prefect had told him to do and ran away crawling.
The man put away his broom and snorted coldly, "He didn't even change his accent. Do you really think I couldn't tell he was from Jingdong Mansion?"
"So they're from Jingdong Prefecture? They're such bastards! They don't have potatoes and sweet potatoes, so they come here to steal ours."
"If you want to ask for help, you should act like one. He looks so arrogant. I really want to beat him up until he cries for his parents."
"We must quickly report this to the prefect. We can't let the Jingdong Prefecture poach our people."
“That’s right!”
When the news reached the government office, all the officials were furious and scolded the prefect of Jingdong Prefecture.
"If it happens once, it will happen again. If they fail this time, they will definitely come again."
"Sir, what should we do?"
"Don't worry about it." Du Qingtang clasped his fingers together and said calmly, "The imperial court is gradually promoting these two crops, but the news hasn't spread to the northwest yet. He doesn't know the inside story, so he sent people to buy them at a high price."
Zhou Tongzhi suddenly realized and laughed, "When the news comes in, they will probably die of anger!"
Wu Tongzhi twirled his beard and raised his eyebrows, his anger completely dissipated: "You don't have anything yourself, but you go and steal others' things. You're like a clown, really making a fool of yourself."
Du Qingtang got down to business: "The weather is getting cooler, so the garment factory can continue making woolen sweaters."
Zhou Tongzhi bowed in response.
"It's been a year since the last census. The census will begin on October 1st. This matter will be handed over to Lord Zheng. Preparations must be made in advance."
"yes."
The officials withdrew and went about their business.
-
When Du Qingtang finished his shift in the evening and returned to the third hall, he was caught by Du Qingzhu and asked what happened.
"I heard from the guests at Shixiang Pavilion that Jingdong Prefecture sent people to steal potatoes and sweet potatoes?"
Du Qingtang: "...I bought it secretly, not stole it."
After learning the inside story from the youngest, Du Qingzhu burst out laughing: "Serves him right. I wonder where the prefect of Jingdong Prefecture will put his face from now on."
Du Qingtang thought about it, but still didn't mention the surrounding prefects' plot against Shaoqing Prefecture. Instead, he changed the subject and asked, "Seventh Sister, you previously planned to improve the hot pot. How was the result?"
Du Qingzhu chewed some dried fruit and said vaguely, "What a coincidence! Today, Shixiang Pavilion put up a spicy hot pot. Several regulars ordered it, and the response was pretty good."
"They all said the chili peppers were more fragrant than the dogwood. They ate until they were sweating and their lips were swollen, but they didn't put down their chopsticks. Before leaving, they praised the hot pot and said they would recommend it to their friends and family."
"I plan to observe for a few more days. If the public generally accepts it, I will set up a separate private hot pot room on the second floor." Du Qingzhu spread his hands. "The spicy hot pot has a strong taste, so it's inevitable that some diners will not like it."
Du Qingju found it hard not to agree: "People with light tastes really can't stand the taste."
Du Qingzhu wrinkled his nose, leaned over and took the youngest's arm: "Xianyu and I are in the same group, you are on your own."
Du Qingju couldn't help but roll her eyes: "I still have my fifth sister, sixth sister and Zizhan."
"Zizhan's taste is not light. She used to love stinky tofu." Speaking of Fu Ci, Du Qingzhu opened up. "Zizhan has been in Hangzhou for more than a year. I wonder if he has finished building the ship."
Hangzhou Prefecture is located in the easternmost part of Daxia, while Shaoqing Prefecture is located in the northwest. Thinking carefully, they haven't communicated with Fu Ci for a long time.
Du Qingtang picked up the dried fruit and said slowly, "It should be soon."
Fu Ci went to Hangzhou Prefecture in February last year, and the shipyard had already started building seagoing ships before that.
Du Qingtang calculated with his fingers and estimated that it would be about time to go out to sea.
And that is indeed the case.
The craftsmen of the Hangzhou Shipyard worked day and night to build ships. After one year and nine months, they finally completed sixty seagoing ships in late September.
Zhang Tiju looked up at the huge ship anchored on the beach, unable to conceal his excitement. "If nothing unexpected happens, we'll be able to go out to sea next month."
The craftsmen cheered in unison, filled with excitement.
“I don’t know what the other side of the sea looks like, or what the local people are like.”
"What a pity, none of us can go."
"It's okay. When the deputy chief comes back, she'll tell us. Don't you think it's wrong, deputy chief?"
Everyone looked at the woman in light green official robes standing next to Zhang Tiju, their eyes full of anticipation.
After one year and seven months in Hangzhou, Fu Ci was exposed to the wind and sun all day long, and personally participated in the shipbuilding project. He became much darker and thinner.
But her eyes were still sincere and bright, full of vitality.
Upon hearing this, Fu Ci turned his eyes away from the ship and looked back at everyone, a smile on his lips: "Of course, I will record everything I see and hear along the way and tell you about it when I get back."
"good!"
"Thank you, Deputy Chief!"
Zhang Tiju and Fu Ci stayed at the beach for a while and then walked back to the shipyard.
As soon as I entered the gate, I saw a young man with a white face and no beard standing in the lobby, holding a whisk in his hand. His identity was self-evident.
Seeing the two, the eunuch came forward and bowed with a smile: "Your servant Yu Jue greets Master Zhang and Master Fu."
Zhang Tijiu was a close confidant of Emperor Qingyuan, so he naturally recognized Eunuch Yujue.
——The godson of the chief steward of the imperial court, who often serves in front of the emperor.
"Your Excellency has come a long way, but what are your Majesty's instructions?"
Yu Jue nodded slightly and raised his hand, and the imperial guards behind him presented him with a wooden box.
Yu Jue opened the wooden box and said with a smile, "I, your Majesty, have ordered you to deliver a navigation tool, a compass."
Zhang Tiju was confused: "Compass?"
"Whether at sea or on the grassland, this item can effectively identify the direction." Yu Jue turned to look at Fu Ci, and said in a friendly tone, "Speaking of this compass, it was presented to Your Majesty by Lord Du."
Of course Fu Ci knew.
As early as the first month of the lunar year, she received a belated New Year gift from Du Qingtang.
In addition to the New Year gift, there was also a letter.
In the letter, Xianyu "reported" to her the various changes in Shaoqing Prefecture, from the suppression of bandits to the garment factory, to the lively blind date meeting, and finally talked about the compass, saying that His Majesty would send it to Hangzhou Prefecture before going to sea.
Fu Ci has always believed in Du Qingtang and has been waiting for someone from Xia Jing for the past few months.
But I didn't expect that the person who came was the imperial eunuch. This shows how much importance His Majesty attaches to this voyage.
Fu Ci didn't intend to hide the fact that she and Du Qingtang had been in contact. She met Yu Jue's gaze frankly and said, "To be honest, Father-in-law, a few months ago, I received a letter from Xianyu. She said she had prepared a surprise for me. I had been looking forward to it for a long time, but I didn't expect it to be this."
Yu Jue smiled. He wasn't surprised by this. Lord Du was very considerate. "There are a total of twenty compasses here. Lord Fu, please use them carefully in case of emergency."
Fu Ci naturally agreed.
Yu Jue did not stay long and soon left Hangzhou Prefecture.
Zhang Tiju personally saw them off, but Fu Ci did not go with them as she was preparing to go out to sea two days later.
Last year, His Majesty ordered her to come to Hangzhou Prefecture to supervise the construction of sea vessels, and then lead the fleet to sea to visit various countries overseas.
Therefore, she needed to take care of everything from the screening of people going out to sea, to the presentation of Daxia specialties to overseas countries, to the Daxia merchants who paid money and went out to sea with them.
For the next two days, Fu Ci only rested for one or two hours each day.
On the first day of October, Fu Ci, accompanied by five thousand guards, hundreds of merchants and a group of sailors, bid farewell to Zhang Tiju.
"There are many dangers at sea, and there are many unknown dangers overseas. Please take care of yourself, Master Fu, and return safely."
Fu Ci agreed with a smile, raised his hand and bowed, then turned around and boarded the ship.
After an incense stick of time, the fleet set sail, cutting through the wind and waves towards the east.
Fu Ci stood on the deck, looking into the distance, watching the waves rolling and seabirds flying over the sea.
Of course she has to return safely.
She had promised Xianyu that she would go to Xiajing to see her.
When we return from this trip, it will be the day of our reunion.
-
On the first day of October, Shaoqing Prefecture carried out its second population census.
Practice makes perfect, and this census only took twenty days. Zheng Tongpan delivered the census results to the prefect's desk and reported them in a very detailed manner.
"Compared to last year, Shaoqing Prefecture has seen an increase of 180,000 people, 80,000 of whom are bandits and refugees, 20,000 are migrants from other areas, and 80,000 are newborns."
"Adding the original 220,000, the total is 400,000, ranking in the middle among the 140 prefectures of Daxia."
Du Qingtang propped up his chin and said, "It shows that the fertility reward is still very effective."
Zheng Tongpan agreed: "Although many families give birth to children for the ten taels of silver, most of them treat their children well, and only a very small number abandon and kill baby girls."
"This tiny minority is decreasing due to government oversight and the public's active reporting, demonstrating a healthy population growth trend."
"This can be seen in the sex ratio of newborn babies. Although there are still more male babies than female babies, it is much more balanced than in previous years."
Du Qingtang clapped his hands. "The problems of an aging population and the preference for boys over girls have been resolved to a certain extent. In the long run, Shaoqing Prefecture's population will increase, and the economy will grow accordingly. Feedback to the government will also increase tax revenue to unprecedented heights..."
Listening to the prefect's description of the bright future, Zheng Tongpan was completely elated, his mouth grinning from ear to ear: "That's really great!"
Du Qingtang remained noncommittal. "By the way, this year's Hehuan Festival will be held as usual, just like last year, and I will personally officiate the wedding."
"yes."
......
On the eighth day of the eleventh month, the government held the Hibiscus Festival.
By the end of the month, a total of 800 pairs of men and women had met and married because of the Hejia Festival.
Du Qingtang also fulfilled his promise, witnessed their wedding, and personally wrote the marriage certificate.
In the twelfth lunar month, the government began to collect taxes.
Zhou Tongzhi was responsible for collecting taxes in the provincial capital, and he also sent twelve minor officials to the four counties under his jurisdiction to assist local officials in collecting taxes.
But in fact, everyone knows that it is called tax collection, but it is actually supervision.
On the 26th day of the twelfth lunar month, all taxes from the prefectural city and the four counties under its jurisdiction were collected into the government office.
The clerk spent two days checking and, after confirming that it was correct, Zhou Tongzhi presented it to the prefect for review.
Zhou Tongzhi presented the general ledger, bowed respectfully, and reported in a serious manner.
"Compared to last year, the land tax and the capitation tax have more than tripled, and the commercial tax has increased almost sixfold."
In the 19th year of the Qingyuan period, the population of Shaoqing Prefecture increased rapidly. After the wasteland was reclaimed and fertilized, it was distributed to the people, and the land tax and capitation tax naturally increased.
As for commercial taxes, the three major ones are garment factories, fresh fruit orchards, and market towns. In addition, people actively open shops and set up stalls to do business, and the delivery industry also develops accordingly. People can consume without leaving home, so a six-fold increase is an expected result.
Du Qingtang was very satisfied. He turned the general ledger to the last page and fixed his eyes on the total tax revenue: "...One million one hundred and sixty thousand taels?"
Zhou Tongzhi rarely saw the prefect speechless with shock. The corners of his mouth curled up wildly, and he struggled to suppress a laugh: "Your Excellency, you are not mistaken. It is exactly 1.16 million taels."
Du Qingtang's eyebrows were covered with a smile, and he tapped the table with his fingers: "Pack it up and send someone to Xiajing."
She could already imagine the old guys' jaws dropping in shock.
And that is indeed the case.
One million one hundred and sixty thousand taels of tax silver arrived in Xiajing under the escort of two hundred infantrymen, two hundred cavalrymen and two hundred female soldiers, causing a great uproar among the six ministries.
"How much? One million one hundred and sixty thousand?!"
"Will this be the same as before, where one million taels is unpaid taxes from the previous fifteen years?"
"That must be it!"
At noon, the area outside the Zuozangku was filled with officials from the six ministries who came to watch the fun.
They watched in amazement as box after box of silver and gold were sent into the Zuozangku, and for a moment thought it was an illusion.
"Master Deng, pinch me! Ouch! It's actually true!"
"Master Qi, tell me honestly, how much of this one million taels of silver is water?"
Minister Qi, holding the tax ledger of Shaoqing Prefecture, was filled with admiration for Lord Du. Upon hearing this, he shook his head and said, "There's no need to test me any further. These are the taxes collected by Shaoqing Prefecture in the 19th year of the Qingyuan Period."
Like a drop of cold water falling into a pot of hot oil, the oil outside the left storage door exploded.
"What did Du Qingtang do in Shaoqing Prefecture? Did she rob people? Why are there so many taxes?"
"Have you forgotten that Shaoqing Prefecture has a garment factory, and there are ready-made clothing stores all over the country that sell woolen clothes. There is also a fresh orchard with dried fruits. These things are sold even in Xiajing, let alone other places."
"Oh, there's also a market. It's said there are over 10,000 stalls there. The rent plus the taxes from the locals is quite a lot."
There was dead silence at the scene, and everyone was so shocked that they were speechless.
After a long while, someone finally said in a dazed voice, "Is Du Qingtang still human?"
"She's not even human!"
When the clerk in the left treasury heard this, he burst out laughing.
I glanced casually at the palace road and suddenly saw a figure approaching from afar.
The man was wearing a dragon robe and a golden crown. His attire should have been noble and elegant, but it was ruined by his fat body.
"Which prince is he? Why have I never seen him before?"
The senior clerk next to him turned his head, his eyes slightly changed, and whispered, "It's the Prince of Jin."
The clerk suddenly realized: "So it's this person!"
Thinking of the rumors that were circulating in Xiajing City a few months ago, the clerk's expression was a little subtle.
He was about to say something else when the person next to him said, "Stop looking and register quickly. It's over a million taels. If anything goes wrong, I'll skin you alive!"
The clerk took a deep breath and quickly turned his head away, not daring to take another look.
.......
However, in June, an imperial edict from Emperor Qingyuan was sent from Xiajing and arrived at the fiefdom of Prince Jin a month and a half later.
After reading the imperial edict, the King of Jin was overjoyed. He hurriedly summoned his staff to deal with all matters in his fiefdom, and then rushed to Xiajing with his family.
The King of Jin was fat and could not stand fatigue, so he stopped and walked along the way, and only arrived in Xiajing today.
After entering the city, Prince Jin brought his wife and legitimate son and daughter into the palace, and divided his troops into two groups to pay their respects to Emperor Qingyuan and the Empress Dowager.
Passing by the Zuozangku, Prince Jin saw a group of people standing at the door, almost blocking the entire path to the palace. He turned his eyes away with disinterest and went straight to the imperial study.
Arriving at the Imperial Study, the eunuch went in to announce it, but soon returned: "Your Majesty, His Majesty invites you in."
When Prince Jin entered, the first thing that caught his eye was the bright yellow dragon robe and his brother from the same mother who was sitting behind the imperial desk reviewing memorials.
He lowered his head, and the four-clawed python pattern on his chest became dim against the dragon pattern.
The King of Jin took a deep breath, knelt down, and said with a tearful tone: "Your Majesty, I pay my respects to you. It has been many years since we last met. I wonder how you are doing recently. I often think of you when I am in my fiefdom..."
Emperor Qingyuan raised his head amidst the ghostly howls and wolves' howling. He looked at his brothers from the same mother, who were already circling more than once. He was silent for a moment and said, "The Queen Mother has missed you for a long time. You should go and spend more time with her."
The King of Jin paused in his tears and lowered his head, making it difficult to discern his facial expression. “Yes, I will take my leave.”
Prince Jin left the imperial study. Emperor Qingyuan stared into space and said in a deep voice, "Keep a close eye on me. Report every move to me."
When he reached the gate of Cining Palace, Prince Jin's fat face had already turned red, his calves were weak, and he was panting like a cow.
Chunyang was waiting at the door on the Queen Mother's orders. Seeing this, her eyes flickered slightly. She bowed and said softly, "Your Highness, please follow me in."
Prince Jin tremblingly took out a handkerchief, wiped the sweat from his forehead, and walked in with Chunyang's support.
When they met again after many years, both mother and son had tears in their eyes.
"Mother!"
"Heng'er!"
Prince Jin knelt down and said, "Mother, I miss you so much!"
The Queen Mother burst into tears: "Mother, you have suffered so much over the years and have become so thin..."
The Queen Mother looked at the Prince of Jin's corpulent figure and his face, which was so fat that his eyes were almost invisible. She swallowed the words that were on the tip of her tongue and said dryly, "You have suffered."
The Prince of Jin did not notice the Queen Mother's silence: "Mother, you have suffered too."
The mother and son hugged each other and cried bitterly, then moved to the inner hall. The Princess of Jin and her children were waiting outside.
"Mother, I've wronged you so much to have you come back." Prince Jin said with a look of self-blame. "It's a pity that I'm a prince. When Emperor Taizu was in power, he established a rule that princes are not allowed to stay in the capital..."
The Queen Mother could not bear to hear this and interrupted the Prince of Jin: "Rules are made by people. It was your brother who caused us to be separated. If he had agreed to my request and made you the Crown Prince, we wouldn't have been separated for so many years."
Prince Jin sighed deeply, his expression gradually becoming firm. "Mother, when you first suggested that I become the Crown Prince, I was reluctant, but now, I have no choice but to do so."
"Mother, do you know? Over the years, my brother has sent people to monitor me in my fiefdom. My every move is under his control."
The Queen Mother's expression changed drastically: "How dare he do this to you?"
Prince Jin continued, "No matter how badly my brother treats me, I can tolerate it. But he absolutely shouldn't have made you so angry that you vomited blood."
He held the Queen Mother's hand and said in a low voice, "I have decided to fight for that position."
The Queen Mother was of course fully supportive, but also a little embarrassed: "Your royal brother's power is growing, and now he holds the power. I'm afraid it won't be easy."
The King of Jin raised his eyebrows and said, "You forgot that there is also Cao Yuan in the court."
The Queen Mother's eyes widened. "You mean... But Cao has the fourth and fifth sons. How could they agree to help you?"
The Prince of Jin scoffed and said, "Cao killed my brother's woman and then his son. Do you think my brother will allow Cao's son to become emperor?"
The Queen Mother thought about it carefully and found it quite reasonable: "No wonder your royal brother has been so slow to appoint a crown prince all these years."
The Prince of Jin gave the Queen Mother an approving look and raised his chin. "After this is accomplished, I will continue to let Cao Yuan be the Prime Minister and will also let Cao's legitimate daughter be the Empress. As long as we ensure that the next emperor has Cao's blood flowing in his veins, that will be enough."
The Queen Mother subconsciously glanced outside the door: "But now..."
Prince Jin smiled sinisterly: "The princess is not young anymore, isn't it normal for her to die suddenly?"
Just as Prince Jin was plotting with the Queen Mother, the news of Prince Jin's return to the capital had already spread.
In the cabinet, Cao Yuan and the fourth prince sat opposite each other.
"Why did Grandfather conclude that Prince Jin would come to see you?"
Cao Yuan looked at the Fourth Prince, his eyes sweeping across his sunken cheeks: "He has no choice but me."
During the year in the imperial mausoleum, the fourth prince became manic and depressed, suffered two serious illnesses, and became extremely thin.
It has been half a year since he returned to Beijing, but he still hasn't recovered. He is still emaciated, and there is gloom and hostility in his eyes.
The Fourth Prince played with his jade ring and asked, "Grandfather, what are you going to do?"
Cao Yuan lowered his eyes, hiding his myriad thoughts, and said slowly, "The mantis stalks the cicada, unaware of the oriole behind. You and I will be the oriole, and reap the benefits."
A cunning light flashed across the Fourth Prince's eyes, and Cao Yuan changed the subject: "But there's no rush for this matter. Let's give him some time to grind it out first."
The Fourth Prince smiled slowly, "Good things never wait. After suffering comes happiness. Let alone a few months, even if it takes years, Your Highness can afford to wait."
As long as I can sit in that position, it's all worth it.
-
Winter goes and spring comes, and it is August again.
"Sir, the potatoes and sweet potatoes have been harvested." The clerk from the household department stood below and reported in a serious manner.
Du Qingtang kept writing, processing the documents quickly: "Got it, the follow-up matters this time are still your responsibility."
As early as May, the government sent clerks to teach the people how to grow potatoes and sweet potatoes.
Now that the fruits in the orchard are ripe, I think it’s time for the people in the city to harvest what they have planted.
Du Qingtang's thoughts raced as he instructed, "Besides the prefectural capital, the four counties under his jurisdiction must also be taken into consideration. Tomorrow, I will accompany the scholars to the provincial capital to take the provincial examination. Remember to bring more people with you when you dispatch them to avoid causing unrest."
The provincial examination will begin on the ninth day of August, and candidates must arrive in the provincial capital one or two days in advance.
By that time, the inns in the provincial capital would probably be overcrowded.
So to be on the safe side, the scholars of Shaoqing Prefecture decided to go there on the fourth day of August.
Du Qingtang was a little worried about taking part in the provincial examination for the first time after many years, so he decided to accompany the examinee.
The clerk took the order and left.
That afternoon, Du Qingtang arranged all matters during the exam and handed them over to the four adults, Zhou, Wu, Zheng and Wang.
In the evening, Du Qingtang returned to the third hall, packed his luggage, and went to bed early.
The next day, the morning light was dim.
Du Qingtang led a group of scholars and went to the provincial capital by carriage.
The preferred inn was near the Imperial Examination Hall. After arriving in the provincial capital, the group headed straight for the Imperial Examination Hall.
It was only the fourth day of August, but scholars wearing round-collared robes and carrying book boxes could be seen everywhere, and many candidates were staying in the inns near the Imperial Examination Hall.
The carriage stopped at the door of the inn closest to the Imperial Examination Hall. As soon as Du Qingtang and his group entered, they heard someone talking nonsense.
"If the scholar from Shaoqing Prefecture can pass the provincial examination, I, Zhang, will stand on my head and bark like a dog!"
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