The lives of the people in Tongcheng were better than those in Huizhou, since they had not been harmed by the soldiers who had invaded the city. However, as they were both border cities, the people there were just as hard-working as those in prosperous cities.
Jiang Jiuniang took a quick look around and got a general idea of what was going on. Then she went back and had her son write a notice, which she had the soldiers post in the most conspicuous place in the city so that all the people in the city could see it.
"Collecting wool?"
What does the government need wool for?
"Could this be a code, saying they want wool but actually want our sheep?"
"Oh dear, how can that be! That's our lifeline!"
...
The people were instantly thrown into chaos. They had believed the Northern Yan soldiers who said they wouldn't harm them, but now, just a few days later, they were about to steal their sheep. This was even more unacceptable than being killed outright.
"Look closely, what are they all yelling about!"
The soldier standing guard next to the notice was a little angry. Not wanting these people to misunderstand their wife, he shouted to quiet everyone down.
“Our lady wants wool, which is of no use to you. Go back, shear it, clean it, and bring it to the yamen to exchange for money. Our lady will not take your things for nothing!”
The soldier had a loud voice, and he was only wearing a wool sweater. He knew that wool was very useful and didn't want these people to misunderstand and delay his wife's business.
Sure enough, after his explanation, everyone was stunned and couldn't believe it was true.
The government always made them hand over their goods unconditionally, but never gave them money, because those people felt that it was their duty to pay for the government.
Just like before, when the soldiers in the city had no food, they went from house to house asking them to give up their food. Fortunately, they were used to being frugal and managed to survive on a little bit of food. Otherwise, how could they have survived until now?
But now the invading Northern Yan people are saying they want to buy their wool with money. They don't believe it. After all, even their own officials in the Eastern Court can't do that well, let alone the Northern Yan people.
I heard that when the Eastern Court captured Huizhou City of Northern Yan, they burned, killed, and looted the city, driving away all the people. Now that it's their turn, Northern Yan not only doesn't retaliate, but also gives them money!
However, the Northern Flame people only wanted the wool, so they didn't lose anything and went back to shear the sheep.
Everyone has their own selfish motives. They know that the weather is still cold, and if they cut too much, the sheep will die. So they cut only a little within their tolerance to get by.
However, when the wool was delivered to the government office, there were indeed soldiers at the gate weighing it and then paying according to the weight!
Several large baskets around him were filled with copper coins, and two elegantly dressed women were distributing money and keeping accounts in an orderly manner.
Everyone immediately became agitated. If they had known it was really money, they would have cut more hair!
But it's too late now, so I can only hurry up and line up to collect the money and get it in my hands first!
As Jiang Jiuniang distributed the money, she said, "We've always been collecting wool. Everyone should do what they can afford, and at least make sure their sheep are alive, otherwise it'll be a loss! We'll also be collecting sheep milk in a while. We'll post notices then, and anyone with sheep milk can bring it to the designated place to sell. It's cash on delivery, and we won't cheat anyone!"
When Jiang Jiuniang said this, she deliberately made her voice very gentle, clearly telling everyone that how could a weak woman like her lie?
A soldier nearby introduced them, saying, "These two are the wives of our General Lu and General Qin, and what they say is absolutely true! From now on, you are all subjects of Bei Yan. Our wives are willing to help you make money and live a good life! As long as you work hard, you will definitely have a prosperous year next year!"
The soldier was clever. Jiang Jiuniang hadn't explained any of this, but he stood in the crowd and repeated these words over and over again, making the people trust Jiang Jiuniang and, incidentally, giving them a bright future.
Jiang Jiuniang thought highly of such talent. They were already lacking capable people around them, so they naturally had to keep an eye out for them so they could keep them around and use them as needed.
She accepted this young soldier who promised the people nothing but empty promises!
Sure enough, after the soldier said that, everyone was instantly tempted.
It is said that food is the most important thing for people. In the past, under the jurisdiction of Dongting, they were always hungry and cold, and were also exploited by the local government. But now the Beiyan people are giving them money as soon as they arrive, and they say they will help them make money so that they can have a prosperous year next year.
Who wouldn't be tempted by this!
The people exchanged their money but were still reluctant to leave. They looked at Jiang Jiuniang and Peng Yuan as if they were living bodhisattvas saving them from suffering. Someone took the lead and knelt down before them, kowtowing and shouting, "Thank you, Madam. We are willing to become people of Beiyan. Please protect us!"
"I am willing to be a citizen of Beiyan!"
"I am willing to be a citizen of Beiyan!"
...
The crowd shouted slogans loudly, and many people were moved to tears. They didn't care who the emperor was or what country he came from. As long as they could have food to eat and a good life, they were naturally willing to follow him.
Moreover, when the Eastern Court troops withdrew, they didn't even consider taking them with them; they were abandoned, so it doesn't count as treason now.
Peng Yuan was stunned by the spectacle and was speechless for a long time. She admired Jiang Jiuniang immensely.
No wonder Sister Jiu Niang wasn't worried about running out of wool these past few days; it turns out she wanted to come here to buy some.
More importantly, the Northern Yan troops had just entered the city and their foundation was unstable. There was a possibility that the people would riot. But Sister Jiu's move killed two birds with one stone. It not only brought in money and solved the immediate crisis in the workshop, but also appeased the people's emotions and gave them hope for the future when they saw the money.
As everyone knows, when Prince Jing was guarding the border and Huizhou was captured, he led the people in their retreat and never abandoned a single person.
Compared to the Eastern Court soldiers who endlessly demanded and then abandoned them, it was like heaven and earth; anyone would know which to choose.
The scene was quite shocking. The entire street outside the yamen was filled with kneeling people. Jiang Jiuniang did not rush to make them stand up. Instead, she said, "Everyone, there's no need to be so polite. I'm very happy that you're willing to sell your wool to me. We'll need a lot more wool in the future. Those of you who have the means can raise more sheep so you can earn more money."
After finishing explaining the important things, she personally went forward and helped an elderly woman up from a short distance away, saying, "Everyone, get up quickly. There's still snow on the ground. Don't catch a cold."
This move garnered even more goodwill, leaving the people deeply grateful.
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