Tang Qiqi picked up the fruit plate, crossed her legs, and began to eat the melon with great interest.
Zhao Shijie seemed to be quite savvy and had already started giving his opinions.
Tang Qiqi placed the fruit platter next to Li Liang, who was standing nearby, and the gossipy man asked, "Do you think Zhao Shijie can handle this?"
Li Liang quickly reached for the fruit plate and said frankly, "I think this kid has some skills!"
Tang Qiqi snatched the fruit plate back, saying, "I let you eat one, and you're trying to take the plate too!"
Li Liang: "..."
He genuinely thought the Regent just wanted him to serve the fruit platter.
Tang Qiqi protected her fruit platter and ignored Li Liang.
Zhao Shijie returned shortly afterward to report that everything had been arranged!
Tang Qiqi nodded slightly, signaling him to continue.
Zhao Shijie said, "Sir, it won't be long before those refugees return to their hometowns as you said. Now you probably need manpower to make preparations so that they can start production as soon as they return! Moreover, it is not wise for you to distribute grain directly to the elderly, weak, women and children in the city. Many people's grain has already been robbed or stolen. In this situation, we need to distribute the prepared food according to the number of people every day to ensure that everyone has something to eat. These people can be put to good use!"
Tang Qiqi couldn't help but admire Zhao Shijie. While in prison, he was obviously completely unaware of the situation outside the city, but in less than half a day, he had already learned almost everything.
His suggestion to distribute cooked food to the refugees left behind in the city was indeed feasible. He himself had no one else available, so he simply distributed food to save trouble, but things still went wrong.
Tang Qiqi nodded and said, "Then let's do as you say. You are now the magistrate of Qingtan County!" After saying that, she handed the official seal to Zhao Shijie.
Zhao Shijie didn't stand on ceremony, directly accepting the official seal and saying, "I am not talented, but I will do my best to ensure the people of Qingtan have enough to eat. However, you promised the refugees you would provide us with high-quality seeds, so please honor your promise." Tang Qiqi couldn't help but laugh: "Zhao Shijie, you're getting into character quickly! You're already asking for seeds! Very good, then come with me!"
Tang Qiqi took Zhao Shijie to meet Yan Haoxiang. Potatoes and sweet potatoes are a must-plant. If the weather is good, they can be eaten in two months, and at most in three months.
Rice is not being considered for the time being. The process of raising seedlings, transplanting, heading, and maturing is complicated and time-consuming.
Tang Qiqi insisted on growing buckwheat. These two crops only need to be planted in the ground and carefully tended to, without the need for transplanting. Moreover, they have a short growth cycle. Buckwheat and wheat flour are staple foods, and you can't eat sweet potatoes and potatoes every day!
Yan Haoxiang naturally agreed; Qiqi's agricultural knowledge and excellent seeds repeatedly refreshed Yan Haoxiang's understanding.
Although Zhao Shijie didn't know anything about farming, he heard clearly that sweet potatoes and potatoes could be eaten in two months, which was a real lifesaver.
Tang Qiqi then asked him about his future plans. Zhao Shijie's goal was clear: in the first three months, he would ensure that the people of Qingtan had surplus grain, whether it was sweet potatoes or yams, in short, no one would starve to death again.
Next, the goal is to ensure that the people live and work in peace and contentment. This goal is somewhat ambitious, and Zhao Shijie said we should take it slowly.
Qingtan is sparsely populated and its small-scale handicraft industry is not very developed. Zhao Shijie felt that it was necessary to take advantage of the large land area and vigorously develop the planting industry.
Tang Qiqi agreed and told Zhao Shijie to go ahead and do it. But she took advantage of the situation and moved all the seeds that were needed to the county government office, waiting for Zhao Shijie to distribute them!
Zhao Shijie was not idle either. He managed the yamen in an orderly manner and formulated strict laws to restrain the officials. They no longer dared to act arrogantly and all performed their duties honestly and did practical things for the people!
He even led the released prisoners to clear land so that they could plant more crops. The old people and children also came to help. In just a few days, a large area of potatoes and sweet potatoes had been planted.
When the refugees returned, under Zhao Shijie's leadership, the entire Qingtan County entered a period of bustling farming activity. Although life was hard, everyone was full of hope.
Those who commit crimes or are lazy and inactive will be punished by Zhao Shijie. He will not tolerate those who break the law. In just half a month, Zhao Shijie changed the atmosphere of Qingtan. Tang Qiqi and Yan Haoxiang were very relieved and planned to set off for their next destination.
Before leaving, Tang Qiqi gave Zhao Shijie a large bag of cotton seeds and compiled a booklet on the precautions for cotton planting and the cotton processing techniques. She told him, "Cotton is a good thing. In the future, we can encourage everyone to plant more. Processed cotton can be sold directly to Tang's in Huaiyuan. When people have economic income, their lives will get better and better!"
Qingtan County, under Zhao Shijie's administration, later became one of the most prosperous counties in Lanling. The people of Qingtan have always been grateful for Tang Qiqi's kindness and erected a longevity tablet for her.
As for the former county magistrate, Cui Zhirong, under the relentless torture day after day, he finally succumbed to his injuries and committed suicide by biting off his tongue.
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