Chapter 701 703. Terraced Fields
Gu Wenheng brought a large group of officials to climb the mountain and inspect the land, and then explained to them in a comprehensive and practical way how to select mountain land for the development of terraced fields.
He has walked through so many mountains, and some of them are not suitable for farming, but he can plant some fruit trees to increase income for local people.
Seeing the shining eyes of the gentlemen, Gu Wenheng of course revealed something to them. If these people were smart, they could definitely think of many related industries from these lands, such as growing herbs or breeding in the mountains and forests.
"Master Gu," Liang Gensheng, the prefect of Henan County, gritted his teeth and stepped forward to Gu Wenheng, "Our Henan County is full of deep mountains, and the mountains and forests are full of wild beasts. Not to mention that it is unsafe for the people to work in the mountains, even if they are lucky enough to grow food, it is not enough to be destroyed by the livestock in the mountains."
The Censor was in such high spirits and had the imperial edict in his hand. Liang Gensheng felt that he would be in trouble if he messed up the matter, so he decided to say it in advance.
The work in the mountains here is in full swing, but when it comes to Henan County, it is estimated that there will not be many people who respond.
"I have asked people to find out about the situation in the mountains over there," Gu Wenheng said. If he wants to make something happen, he must inquire from many sources. "I have asked the general guarding the border to borrow a group of people. When the time comes, you can take my letter and they will help you go into the mountains to clear out the enemy."
This was the confidence given to him by Cao Xiangqian. It just so happened that he was the one who promoted this border guard general. He had written to him before and the other party had agreed.
The officials present were even more respectful. It had only been a short time since the Censor arrived in Yisheng, but he could even command the border generals. This showed that there was a lot of water here.
"In that case, thank you very much, Lord Gu." Liang Gensheng breathed a sigh of relief and was secretly looking forward to it. If he could really clear out some of the wild beasts in that area, then the people living there would have more hope.
When the other three county governors saw that Liang Shenggen's request was resolved so quickly, they exchanged glances and slowly gathered around Gu Wenheng. They also had various difficulties under their control, and if they could be resolved, it would also relieve their worries.
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The experimental field soon showed results. The well-arranged terraces changed the appearance of the entire mountain.
Many old farmers even put down their work and walk around the fields every day.
Looking at the reservoir dug on the mountain, which is slowly filling with water, everyone has a better understanding of these terraces.
Originally they only relied on the land in depressions and flat areas to survive, but now with these mountains, one can imagine what the harvest would be like that year.
What attracts everyone the most is that these lands can be tax-free after being reclaimed, which can give them some breathing space.
Everyone will do the math on this, and their hearts will gradually become excited.
Many people stopped waiting and even went to the local government to inquire about the land reclamation.
Even if they are not within the scope of support and do not receive additional rewards, they still want to rely on their own hard work to ensure food and clothing in the future.
The local authorities had already been notified and were naturally very happy about this idea.
Now that people have taken the initiative, county governments everywhere are not stingy. The yamen secretaries and their clerks are busy all day long.
Every day, we have to fence off dozens or even hundreds of acres of mountain land, and I don’t know how many pairs of shoes we have worn out.
The bandits who were originally watching from the deep mountains could no longer sit still.
According to the notice posted by the government, if they are willing to return to the village, the government will still take care of them like local people, and some regulations will even be biased in their favor.
Those who were previously unregistered will have their household registration re-processed.
This is a huge temptation for them.
Life as a bandit is not easy. In this remote and poor area, it is difficult even to rob some money. Moreover, everyone is related to the people nearby, so they are even more restricted when taking action.
They were called bandits, but they only robbed passing merchants. However, these people have become smarter now, and following the big escort agencies, they have very few opportunities to strike.
On weekdays, in addition to hunting in the mountains, sometimes we also have to pick wild vegetables to fill our stomachs.
None of them are extremely evil people, and they are already content to be able to live like this.
Now that there is an opportunity to stand in the sun, many people's hearts are floating.
In addition, the rainy season is coming soon, and it is not easy to stay in the deep mountains and forests. Many people die from diseases every year, not to mention those who die at the hands of wild animals.
For example, when Lai San went down the mountain, he was taken home by his cousin as soon as he entered the village.
His aunt and several cousins were watching him in the room, and seeing this, he almost ran away.
"Aunt, hello, my brothers. Why are you all at home today?" Lai Sanjiao began to move back carefully, but secretly thought in his heart that he should not have done anything bad in these days.
He has not been down the mountain for a long time since he followed Boss Wu. Even if there was a robbery down there, it should not be blamed on him!
They gritted their teeth secretly, wondering if it was the work of the boss Xiao from the next hill that made them take the blame? This kind of thing has happened before, it's really unfair.
"Come sit here," Aunt Lai patted the stool next to her, "Why are you so far away? Can I eat you?"
Lai San carefully looked at the brothers standing behind Aunt Lai, and said with a smile, "Aunt, it's okay to sit on the mountain all day. I'm tired, so I won't sit anymore.
Aunt, please tell me what you want to say. As long as I can do it, I will definitely help you."
"You haven't been back for so many days. It's really so comfortable to stay in this mountain." Aunt Lai glared at him. She didn't know what to say to this nephew.
He was the only child alive in her mother's family, so as the eldest aunt, of course she wanted to help him.
It’s a pity that she lived in poverty and could only do so much to help.
Who knew that this boy would quietly follow the bandits, and she was too late to stop him.
However, following the bandits in the mountains for these years, and living from hunger to fullness, at least this kid has managed to survive.
This was also a big concern for her. Seeing that he was getting older and older, if he didn't get married, the incense of her mother's family would be cut off here.
It’s all because she’s useless as the eldest aunt. She can’t make any money. Even the boys in her family are single, so she can’t help them even if she wants to.
Now that there is a great opportunity in front of her, Aunt Lai is determined to keep her nephew here today.
If he doesn't settle down at the foot of the mountain, he will lose all hope of marrying a wife and carrying on the family line.
"How could that be possible? There's no salt left on the mountain, so they asked me to come here and exchange some with the villagers.
Just a few days ago, I caught some prey and asked them to bring it over to ask," Lai San pulled the basket at his feet, "I came to Gu's place first to ask, please see if there is anything you need, and we will pick it first."
(End of this chapter)
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