Chapter 30 Construction
The Wu family was considered a prominent family in Nanjiang County.
When Su Qing became the county magistrate, he invited his family to the thank-you banquet.
So Su Qing knew a little about this family's situation.
Lord Wu, who was serving as an official in another region, was the eldest son of this family. After passing the imperial examination, he had been working away from home with his wife and daughters and rarely returned.
The family business is managed by the two younger brothers, and the two sides have a good relationship.
Unexpectedly, Lord Wu passed away from illness.
However, before he passed away, he made arrangements for his funeral, telling his wife and two daughters to return to their hometown to live.
Thinking back to when he was an official, he helped his family a lot, so he should treat them well.
However, since the eldest son had no son and returned with valuables, he was bound to be coveted by others.
She not only had to build a meditation room for her eldest sister-in-law, but also arrange a marriage for her eighteen-year-old niece, Wu Shanyue.
Since the mother and her two daughters returned in August, their subtle yet ruthless tactics have caused them immense suffering.
Wu Shanyue was at a loss when she suddenly remembered that the local magistrate was a woman.
Upon further inquiry, they learned that they were recruiting.
One was the head of the wharf and canal transport department, and the other was the head of the household affairs department.
Now, how could she not be tempted?
If she could get a job in the county government's household registration office, she would surely be able to protect her mother and sister.
Therefore, he mustered up the courage to visit.
She was incredibly lucky; on her first visit, she ran into the county magistrate.
When Su Qing entered the yamen, he had already asked the gatekeeper to inquire about the situation again to confirm that Wu Shanyue was not lying.
Her self-introduction in the letter was quite a pleasant surprise.
When Clerk Luo arrived, he was still somewhat skeptical. After reading the letter, he said, "If what you say is true, you would be qualified to be a chief clerk, let alone a clerk in the household registration office."
Wu Shanyue composed herself: "My father was bedridden for a long time, and I helped him with many tasks. I wrote them all down truthfully."
Registrar Luo looked at the magistrate, and Su Qing said, "It's the Household Department that's hiring, Registrar Luo, you should make the decision."
If it were a man, Clerk Luo would probably have kept him there immediately to test him out.
But this is a woman.
The moment the idea crossed his mind, Registrar Luo quickly said, "Let's give it a try. We can start as clerks, is that alright?"
Of course!
Wu Shanyue nodded and said, "Of course, when will you start working?"
Registrar Luo hesitated for a moment: "Is it alright now?"
Are you in such a hurry?
Absolutely!
He had to be the registrar, manage the household affairs, and even send bribes to Magistrate Su's side. He was incredibly busy!
Whoever she is, as long as she can get the job done!
Wu Shanyue was a little confused, but when she saw Magistrate Su nod to her, she agreed.
Seeing that there were many women in the Nanjiang County government office who were specially recruited and who were cleaning and serving tea, she decided to send her maid home to report the news.
As for her, she immediately began to carry out her duties.
Another clerk from the household registration office showed her around and said, "It's mid-September now, and I only have a month left before I have to go home to prepare for the exam, so time is tight."
Back then, both Xiao Fei, the clerk, and he were candidates preparing for the county examination.
Let's not talk about last year. They will definitely have exams this year. Unlike Fei Kaiyu, he doesn't say he'll work until the end of the year and then prepare for the exams.
He's going home in October to focus on his studies.
On her first day at the yamen, Wu Shanyue met with five clerks from the household registration office, most of whom had joined the office this year.
Then he began to familiarize himself with the major and minor matters concerning household registration and housing in Nanjiang County.
If you don't want to watch it, then forget it.
After reading this, I realized why Clerk Luo was in such a hurry.
There are just too many things to do with housing.
Logically speaking, with the autumn harvest just over and taxes paid, the government offices should be relatively quiet.
But that was an ordinary government office.
Nanjiang County, however, has a great deal of problems.
The planting of medicinal herbs in the second half of the year needs to be managed, and regular inspections should be conducted to check whether anyone is planting more medicinal herbs than grain.
In addition to disputes over water sources among villages and issues related to dock taxation, prevention is paramount, and if any problems arise, it is essential to trace the responsible parties.
They also handled lawsuits between tenants and landlords; they had to deal with any cases involving farmland.
That's not all; there are also budgets for other departments, and all accounts are checked one by one.
The wounded soldiers' sanatorium, two new boat berths at the dock, and the city wall under repair.
Wu Shanyue was dazzled by what she saw, thinking to herself, "No wonder everyone says Nanjiang County is so well-organized."
No wonder her father said the situation was better back home and told them to come back.
It turns out that one has to worry about everything in the government office.
These are just three-shift, six-room households.
Magistrate Su, who is in charge of everything, is truly amazing.
Wu Shanyue's abilities greatly surprised Luo, the registrar.
She learned to read and write from her father, who was a scholar who had passed the imperial examination, and also handled official duties in the government office.
With this experience, handling county government duties was not difficult, and even if problems arose, she could find solutions with her intelligence.
After being vacant for several months, the position of head of the household has finally been filled.
As long as she doesn't make any major mistakes before the end of the year, she can officially take charge at the beginning of next year.
This is not discrimination; every position should have a probationary period.
The person in charge of the household has been determined.
The newly established medical training program is also progressing smoothly.
The position of Chief of the Grand Canal Transport Office is vacant.
The clerks are easy to find, but the chief clerks are really hard to find.
By the end of September, there were still no suitable people available.
However, on September 30th, someone suddenly returned.
Gu Congsi, now known as Gu Juren and Gu Anshou.
Needless to say, the Gu couple were in tears, heartbroken as they looked at their son who had become noticeably thinner. They were so distressed that they didn't even bother to look at the various rewards given by the prefect and the education commissioner.
Gu Congsi looked up and, not seeing the person he wanted to see, he stopped being silent this time and asked directly, "Where is Su Qing?"
"I'm busy with official business," Instructor Gu said awkwardly. "Let's go home first and talk about it then."
To distract himself, Gu Jiaoyu also glanced at the scholar his son had brought back.
This scholar looked to be over forty, with dark skin and a worried expression; he didn't seem like someone I could befriend.
"This is?"
Gu Congsi said, "The good friend I made this time is Scholar He Huai."
"I'll take him to the yamen first, and we'll talk about the rest when I get back."
Mrs. Gu couldn't stop them, so she had no choice but to take the luggage and go home first.
They vaguely sensed that things seemed different from now on.
On the way to the yamen, He Huai remarked, "Why does Chief Candidate Gu seem even more nervous than during the autumn imperial examinations?"
Gu Congsi forced a smile. His already handsome face became even more defined due to his thinning features, and his lack of smiles only added to his charm.
No wonder so many women in the city are in love with him.
Unfortunately, his heart belonged only to his fiancée.
In other words, He Huai knew that his fiancée, the county magistrate, did not seem to have replied to his letter.
Even their relationship was for the sake of his fiancée.
Alas, what a fine young man has been reduced to this state.
Gu Congsi entered the government office without any hindrance.
Su Qing was somewhat surprised when she heard the news. She knew that Gu Congsi was returning today, but she didn't expect him to come directly to the yamen.
He Huai waited in the yamen hall, while Gu Congsi went to the study. Seeing Fei Kaiyu standing in his previous spot, his eyes darkened, and he said, "I brought someone with me who is very familiar with the Grand Canal Transport Office."
Sure enough, Su Qing asked with delight, "Who? What's their resume?"
“He was originally from Guangyue Prefecture, but he grew up near the seaport in Guangdong and worked as a deliveryman during his school years.”
"In order to take the provincial examination, I moved my whole family back when I was thirty-three years old, but I failed the examination for many years, so I worked as an accountant in a shop in the prefectural city."
"The business at that shop was bad last year, so I fired him, and that's why I have no income."
Having worked as a deliveryman at the seaport for many years, I also have knowledge of buying and selling shops.
I'm forty-three this year, and I still have to support my family.
He seems like a suitable candidate by all accounts.
It must have been carefully selected by Gu Congsi.
Su Qing rarely sighed.
They can take the exams while simultaneously looking for a suitable person in charge.
How could someone like that get top marks in the exam?
That's pretty impressive.
Seeing Su Qing's happiness, Gu Congsi's lips curved into a smile: "Do you want to see him?"
"I'll see him," Su Qing said after a moment's thought. "But if we use him, what about his family?"
“I’ve already said that as long as things go smoothly, all seven or eight members of my family will move to Nanjiang County.”
Su Qing was relieved.
Bringing your whole family along shows sincerity.
Upon seeing Su Qing, He Huai immediately paid his respects, as he had long admired this female county magistrate.
When they actually talked, He Huai couldn't help but admire that a woman who could sit in such a position must have some real skills.
He was even happier when he heard that the dock was still under expansion.
Having lived near the dock for decades, how could he not have feelings for the boats and the dock?
The same applies to He Huai's side; he is temporarily serving as acting head, on a trial basis until the end of this year.
If he performs well, he will be formally appointed next year.
It was also agreed that his family would be brought over soon, and the government would arrange affordable housing for them.
With this major concern resolved, Su Qing felt much more relaxed.
Now, someone is specifically in charge of things at the dock.
After the initial excitement, Su Qing felt a headache coming on when she met Gu Congsi's gaze.
Sure enough, He Huai was led to the dock by Fei Kaiyu, leaving only Su Qing and Gu Congsi in the study.
Gu Congsi immediately said, "Why didn't you reply to me?"
Su Qing did write it.
But after thinking about it, he still didn't send it out, and deliberately joked, "My handwriting is too ugly to show to Chief Gu."
"By the way, you just got back, your family must be worried. Go home first."
Gu Congsi remained motionless, still staring at Su Qing, as if trying to find the answer in her face.
For example, what were her thoughts on the matter of finding a husband after passing the imperial examination?
For example, is she worried that he hasn't returned to Nanjiang County for a long time?
What would she think if he stayed at the academy?
"When I came back this time, the education commissioner was still trying to persuade me to stay and study at the prefectural school."
"They even said they could get my father a position at the prefectural school."
That's great!
Su Qing's eyebrows twitched, and though she didn't say anything, her meaning was already quite clear.
"Instructor Gu will be very happy to know," Su Qing said. "When do we depart?"
Gu Congsi's eyes turned cold, and he finally made up his mind. He stood up and said, "I refuse."
Whether out of spite or not, Gu Congsi threw down a sentence and left: "I'm going to stay in Nanjiang County."
Watching him slam the door and leave, Su Qing clicked her tongue and shook her head: "My fiancé has a bit of a temper."
Luckily, she's pretty.
Su Qing thought that Instructor Gu would be very angry if he found out about this.
After all, the Gu family couple dreamed of leaving Nanjiang County.
Being able to take a position at the prefectural school is a great promotion.
It is unknown how Gu Congsi persuaded him, but Gu Jiaoyu stopped mentioning resigning and continued to run his county school and conduct the county examinations.
Gu Congsi continued his preparations for the imperial examination, which was even more important in April of the following year, and he would not slack off.
Yunxi and Liu Xiaomei, who were studying at the county school, knew what was going on.
"Brother Gu said that the interpersonal relationships at the academy are complicated, and his father can't handle them."
"Furthermore, Nanjiang County has produced quite a few Juren this year, and it is expected that it will produce quite a few Xiucai next year. Brother Gu, please advise the instructor to stay for another year so that he can accumulate more political achievements."
This was said in private.
However, they did not hide it from Yunxi and her younger sister.
So, I suppose it was meant for her?
Anyway, after that private conversation, Su Qing agreed to let Gu Congsi go to the prefectural school to prepare for the exam, and he never gave him a good look, and he said a lot of things when they met.
Gu Congsi did not speak to Su Qing, nor did he keep talking about the marriage proposal as he had in the letter.
There was also a hint that he was avoiding her, perhaps because he was afraid Su Qing would bring up breaking off the engagement.
But he came to pay his respects to Mei Niang almost every day and kept her company. Everyone who saw him praised him, saying that a son-in-law was as good as half a son.
Su Qinggang had just used someone recommended by others, and his mother was being well taken care of.
Mei Niang wished she could praise Gu Congsi to the heavens.
Wouldn't it seem ungrateful of her to bring up the matter of breaking off the engagement now?
Putting everything else aside, He Huai is indeed very useful.
After taking over the canal transport office, he recruited dozens of clerks under his command, who were extremely reliable in their work.
Recently, the flow of ships to and from the dock has been much smoother, and there have been fewer disputes.
While settling He Caoyun's family, Mei Niang took every opportunity to praise Gu Congsi for his excellent judgment in choosing people.
Su Qing's ears were practically calloused!
But she also knew.
Mei Niang was worried about her.
After all, there is no other female county magistrate in the world, and it is unknown what will happen to her when she gets old.
In Mei Niang's eyes, Gu Congsi was an excellent support, and her affection for him was quite obvious.
As for the Gu couple...
Mei Niang is not afraid.
Regardless of the other person's attitude, she always smiled, and since the other person respected her character, they didn't say much.
Seeing her mother happy, Su Qing had no choice but to swallow her words.
October has arrived.
The newly established Canal Transport Office and the Medical Training Department have both made progress. The medical staff trained by the latter will be able to start working by the end of October.
At that time, the Nanjiang County Wounded Soldiers Sanatorium will be able to accommodate and care for around two thousand people at the same time.
When Xue, the garrison commander on the other side of the river, found out, he wished he could come every day to inquire about the progress.
The wound medicine from the second half of the year has already grown, and another batch can be harvested before the end of the year.
Learning from the lessons of the first half of the year, releasing the news in advance will surely attract suitable buyers.
Besides that, Su Qing was also waiting for another piece of news.
Back in May of this year, Ye Shanming came over and said that Nanjiang County would become a logistics transit point.
It's already October.
Why hasn't the message arrived yet?
Isn't the imperial court's efficiency too slow?
There's no need to overthink whether this will succeed or not.
Several counties near the front line are either too close to the front line and could be affected at any time, such as Wuzhai County.
Or their economic development is poor, like Hexin County.
They have everything they should have.
They even expanded the dock in advance to prepare for the project.
If the imperial court doesn't choose this location, then one really has to question their judgment.
So it depends on when the order is issued.
Waiting on the left, waiting on the right.
Finally, on the ninth day of the tenth month, news came from the prefectural city, instructing Nanjiang County to prepare for the arrival of several batches of supplies from the front lines.
Prepare this place.
This news is not a secret.
But when it was finally confirmed, the people of Nanjiang County cheered.
The recently built restaurants and inns are in particular, as a preparation for this.
The Ye family went even further, first buying an old restaurant and then using it as a base to build the largest restaurant and inn in Nanjiang County.
Once merchant ships and wagons carrying goods from all over the country arrive here, the Ye family will have no idea how much they can earn.
"Keep a close eye on their taxes," Su Qing said to Wu Hufang, "especially the liquor tax; it can't be reduced."
Wu Hufang immediately wrote it down; she knew it!
There's fighting going on at the front, and war supplies are being transported at the rear.
As transit points, they also need to be fully prepared.
People from neighboring counties heard about this and volunteered to come and work for them.
He worked as a shop assistant and an accountant.
Or they can run errands or do small business; in short, they can find a way to make a living.
Women, especially those who have difficulty finding work, can learn how to care for patients here.
The already bustling Nanjiang County now sees even more people coming and going.
Constable Wu and Clerk Gong intensified their patrols, because the more people there were, the more likely trouble would arise, and they couldn't disrupt the peaceful life of Nanjiang County.
Therefore, Su Qing had no choice but to nod and have the Third Shift, Sixth Room recruit some more people.
Unbeknownst to them, the number of people in the government offices had already exceeded what it was before the war.
This was the result of Su Qing's careful selection.
She's a paid employee; she can't hire people who just want to freeload.
We are all eating grain paid by the people, so we cannot waste it.
Officials from the prefectural city were dispatched to inspect the area, and the military logistics officer also sent word.
Warfare is all about logistics.
There absolutely cannot be any problems in Nanjiang County.
In November, the two newly built berths at the dock were officially completed.
He Caoyun, who was already dark-skinned, became even darker now.
The first batch of medical and nursing staff trained by the medical training department, totaling fifty people, has also arrived.
The three of them—Dr. Bai, Dr. Hao, and Instructor Gu—work together quite well.
The second batch will consist of 150 people, and it is estimated that it will be completed after the New Year.
After finishing these two tasks, Su Qing held the account book with a pained expression.
It's finally done!
These jobs, which required huge upfront investments and offered little prospect of immediate returns, were finally completed.
Looking at the silver in the yamen treasury, Su Qing couldn't help but feel heartbroken.
Wu Hufang also said, "Especially medical staff, they need a constant stream of money."
"I don't know when the prefectural city will send a report."
Su Qing smiled and said, "It's probably around the time we pay our taxes."
I don't expect them to reimburse me; I just want Nanjiang County to pay less tax.
Su Qing suddenly realized that her trust in the army and the prefectural city had dropped to its lowest point.
Could it be because of the medicinal herbs issue in the first half of the year?
It's true that you learn from your mistakes.
To be precise, there was little trust in the military's logistics.
So when the medicinal herbs were about to be harvested, she simply asked Qi, the palace eunuch, as was her usual practice.
They also spread the word, inviting interested merchant ships to come and make the purchases, with the focus definitely on the latter.
In short, everything is ready in Nanjiang County.
They are just waiting for logistical supplies from other regions to arrive.
The first group of messengers who brought supplies here, upon arriving at Nanjiang County, a place that was little known but whose magistrate was famous, couldn't help but say, "I want to see what's different here."
“Counties governed by women have become of paramount importance.”
To enter Nanjiang County, one must first pass through the city gate.
The constable looked up and saw that the city gate and walls had obviously been newly repaired and were built very sturdily.
The soldiers patrolling and guarding the gate were all neatly dressed and had sharp eyes.
Are these the soldiers on the front lines?
Such imposing presence is awe-inspiring.
"Those transporting supplies line up on the left, and ordinary people line up on the right."
"Prepare your travel permits and identification documents in advance, so as not to waste everyone's time!"
The clerk, who was shouting back and forth, spoke in a stern tone.
However, when they arrived at the city gate for inspection, the soldiers became more lenient and said, "Are you delivering grain and fodder? Just keep going, it'll be a quarter of an hour to the warehouse, where there are military logistics officers to receive it."
“The yamen’s military office also sent people to garrison there. After the grain and fodder were handed over, the delivery documents could be processed immediately.”
The constable was stunned. The guard made him repeat it again, and only after confirming that it was correct did he let him pass.
Following the soldier's instructions, the group proceeded step by step, expecting to be busy all day.
Unexpectedly, within half a day, the transported supplies were handed over and all their formalities were completed.
During this time, they can even sit down, have some tea, and rest.
All of this was prepared by the Nanjiang County government. They said that the people had worked hard all the way and were all pillars of the country. If the war could be quelled, they would definitely deserve credit and would be heroes of Shunchang Kingdom.
"Us? That powerful?"
The constables were dumbfounded.
The government officials didn't want to do the hard work of transporting supplies; they kept passing the buck.
Finally, they brought these powerless and insignificant people.
Who would have thought that they would be treated with such courtesy in Nanjiang County?
Are they heroes for transporting supplies?
"Of course," the men replied sweetly. "While fighting on the front lines, we logistics and supply personnel are all heroes."
"I hope the war ends soon so we can all live in peace."
These guys are mostly from the neighboring counties.
Originally, everyone had a livelihood, but after the war, they began to travel around.
Fortunately, they were lucky; there was a place where they could work not far from home.
Moreover, the shopkeepers in Nanjiang County are not too demanding.
It seems they were sued by their workers, and the authorities sided with the laborers, making them afraid to mistreat their subordinates.
Anyway, as long as we can get by, that's fine.
Recently, the government has also stated that logistics is an integral part of the war effort.
By providing logistical support, they are fulfilling their duty to the country and protecting their homeland.
These words made everyone feel refreshed and their spirits lifted.
The clerks and runners who came to deliver supplies were also knowledgeable and laughed, "As expected of the first female county magistrate, she is truly remarkable."
It should have been a place where all sorts of people mingled and where trouble was easily caused.
Instead, they used the phrase "serving the country loyally and protecting the homeland" to unite everyone and prevent further trouble.
But what they said wasn't wrong.
Sun Tzu's Art of War states that an army without supplies will perish, without food supplies will perish, and without reserves will perish.
This is referring to the logistics team; those people are truly heroes.
Nanjiang County, which has become a military hub, has smooth roads and efficient government operations.
As Su Qing watched batches of supplies being transported to the other side of the river, He Caoyun said, "These two new berths will come in very handy."
Su Qing smiled, accepting the compliment, and then asked, "Are the medical staff ready?"
"After this batch of supplies is sent over, another batch of wounded soldiers will be transported back."
"Alright, we won't stay at the dock for too long," He Caoyun said seriously. "Our dock is still too small."
Su Qing knew what he wanted to say, but shook her head: "This place is different from the seaport, so we won't expand for the time being."
Why?
I'm still clearly a bit nervous.
Su Qing glanced at him, knowing that he was used to seaports and would naturally find riverside docks too small, and simply said, "The war will end sooner or later."
We cannot only focus on the present.
Now that it's expanded, what about the future?
Nanjiang County became a war hub due to special circumstances and special reasons during a special period.
He Caoyun was surprised; he hadn't expected that.
However, he then thought of Gu Anshou's examination essays.
The examiner praised him, saying that his policy essay was well-thought-out and that he was not just a theorist.
It seems that Chief Gu and Magistrate Su have similar ideas, but it's unclear who copied whom.
He Caoyun shook his head and brought up another matter, saying gratefully, "My wife, children and elderly family members came here, and it was all thanks to Mei Niang's help in settling them in. I am truly grateful to her."
Su Qing nodded: "My mother is very good."
Mei Niang would take care of any family members of these officials, as well as the clerks and runners of the yamen, if they had any problems.
If it weren't for this, the people in the government wouldn't be so united.
Recently, having had some free time, she even went to help out at the wounded soldiers' ward.
How could she possibly hurt her mother's heart?
Just then, a group of wounded soldiers were sent from the other side of the river.
Only by looking at them could the people of Nanjiang County and the passing merchant ships realize that a war was still raging ahead.
These soldiers used their flesh and blood to keep the rebels on the other side of the river.
Many people fell silent upon seeing the bloodstains left behind.
No matter how much people pretend to live normal lives, real people are bleeding and getting hurt.
They are no longer the "soldiers" everyone talks about, but living, breathing people.
To everyone's surprise, the soldiers looked at the shore with expectant expressions.
What's wrong?
How can someone so happy when they're so badly injured?
Those who have spent a long time at the dock know the reason.
"Because Nanjiang County is a place where you can catch your breath."
"Yes, once you're in the sanatorium for wounded soldiers, there are doctors, caregivers, and even people who prepare meals specifically for them. That's why the wounded soldiers all look forward to coming here."
"But only those with the most severe injuries are allowed to come here to recuperate."
Seeing the soldiers who needed to be carried off the ship, the officers who came to transport supplies were filled with awe.
Before they could speak, well-trained medical staff surrounded them.
They were divided into five teams based on the severity of their injuries.
For those who needed to be re-bandaged, a doctor immediately took action, with hot water, wound medicine, and bandages all prepared nearby.
We've seen plenty of wounded soldiers here.
The medical staff arrived immediately, but it was the first time they had ever seen anything like it.
Doctor Bai and Doctor Hao had already walked up to Su Qing, both with dark circles under their eyes: "Magistrate, everything has been done according to your requirements."
After saying that, he still harbored some resentment.
Aren't you being too harsh?
What have we trained them into?!
But the soldiers escorting the wounded on the ship turned red in the eyes; they couldn't believe what they were seeing.
Everyone says that Nanjiang County treats wounded soldiers well.
They also said that this place is training medical professionals.
So that's how things are done.
Even if they were seriously injured like this one day, they would not be afraid.
With Nanjiang County as their backing, they are truly not afraid.
Even the soldiers escorting them were treated this way.
Even the soldiers who were carried away for treatment were unable to speak.
Dr. Bai and Dr. Hao pursed their lips.
The medic who jumped off the ship strode forward and saluted the two doctors, saying, "Thank you."
Everything was understood without words; everyone knew what he wanted to thank.
The military doctor turned around and bowed even more solemnly to Su Qing: "Magistrate Su, this is a letter from the General."
"You are the benefactor of the soldiers on the front lines."
Su Qing shook his head: "Holding the front line is holding this place. Although I don't know how to deploy troops, I know that if the lips are gone, the teeth will be cold."
The military doctor was filled with excitement, and then he looked at the long queue of people transporting supplies.
It would have been so much better if we had done this sooner!
The frontline workers shouldn't suffer so much.
After settling the new batch of wounded, the medical staff were put into their duties.
With Dr. Bai, who was practically on steroids, watching over her, Su Qing finally returned to the yamen.
However, before returning to the yamen, the accompanying military doctor said, "Magistrate Su, you broke your promise to the army last time, but you won't do it again this time."
ah?
What's up?
Su Qing realized that they were talking about medicinal herbs?
Su Qing raised an eyebrow and left with the clerk, Xiao Fei.
"If we still believe them, our government office will go broke." Fei Kaiyu had a vivid memory of the medicinal herb incident in the first half of the year.
We shouldn't suffer the same loss twice.
After Su Qing read the general's letter, he said, "It's already the ninth day of the eleventh month. Are you sure you don't want to go and prepare for the exam?"
Fei Kaiyu was dejected.
That's too early.
The exam isn't until February next year, and he's already registered, so there's no rush.
Su Qing ignored him and read the letter again.
The general said that supplies had been flowing smoothly recently, and that they had won several battles. He expressed his gratitude for her efficient handling of the situation.
She also said that she had not misjudged Magistrate Su, and that she was more suitable for the position than anyone else.
They then mentioned medical staff, saying they thought the method was very good, and so on.
Although she has been praised by many people.
But this letter is different; the praise seems exceptionally sincere.
However, there was something else below the letter.
Su Qing opened it and found it was a calligraphy copybook.
Upon closer inspection, it turned out that the General himself had written and bound the document.
Su Qing snapped the calligraphy book shut.
We've been discovered?!
He was discovered practicing calligraphy with his letters?!
I feel so embarrassed.
The letter didn't say much, but it thoughtfully included a calligraphy copybook.
The calligraphy copybook contains two thousand characters from the "Discourses on Salt and Iron," discussing the debate on profit and loss.
I guess it's one of the books he usually reads.
Su Qing didn't like reading the Four Books and Five Classics, let alone such things.
Never mind, I'll practice when I have time.
Fei Kaiyu praised, "General's handwriting is truly excellent."
"I think so too."
As they were talking, Gu Congsi, whom they hadn't seen for a long time, appeared out of nowhere.
After Gu Congsi returned home, his complexion improved somewhat, but his face still looked grumpy.
Su Qing wanted to ask him what was wrong.
But then he looked at Xiaofei and said, "Your county examination certificate."
Fei Kaiyu quickly took it.
He's going to take the imperial examination again, and he'll definitely work hard.
“You’re already nineteen. If you don’t pass the exam soon, you won’t even be able to become a clerk,” Gu Congsi said slowly. “I suggest you start preparing for the exam as soon as possible. Your fellow villager went back to study a while ago.”
Su Qing's lips twitched.
What do you mean by "already nineteen"?
It's perfectly normal that he didn't pass the imperial examination at the age of nineteen.
As if knowing what Su Qing was going to say, Gu Congsi said, "I passed the exam at seventeen."
Oh, that's alright then.
However, Su Qing also looked at Xiao Fei: "Gu Anshou is right. Start preparing for the exam as soon as possible, otherwise you'll have to wait another year. The competition in our county is fierce."
Fei Kaiyu looked around, dejected, and said, "Okay, I'll hand over my current duties and then go home to cultivate in seclusion."
"No need," Gu Congsi said. "I can handle it."
No!
Su Qing was shocked.
It's not quite appropriate for a scholar who has passed the imperial examinations to become a clerk.
Besides, aren't you avoiding me?
Keep hiding, she won't mind.
Gu Congsi pretended not to see it and urged Fei Kaiyu to leave quickly.
Fortunately, after Fei Kaiyu was replaced by Gu Congsi, everything went smoothly and there were no major changes.
It's just that whenever Su Qing tries to bring up marriage, she's always interrupted.
Su Qing couldn't help but say, "You also need to prepare for the exam."
"The imperial examination will be held next April. After the New Year, I will leave after the Lantern Festival."
Gu Congsi was silent for a moment: "That's right."
She wouldn't say anything more.
Forget it, if I don't want to talk about it, I won't.
Gu Congsi looked at Su Qing, who was engrossed in processing official documents, and thought to himself, "She's going to take an exam after the New Year, so she wanted to come over."
Everyone outside is talking about Magistrate Su.
Unfortunately, he, the fiancé of Magistrate Su, couldn't say much.
Then I'll have to come by myself.
Su Qing suddenly looked up, remembering the army doctor's words.
The military will not break its promise this time.
Does this mean the logistics department will come to purchase medicinal herbs?
Being able to do business with the military would naturally be the best.
One advantage is that they are closest to the front lines, which is advantageous both for the military and for themselves.
Secondly, payments are processed relatively quickly there, so many people are not pressured to accept lower prices.
I only suffered a loss once.
Should we believe it again this time?
The Nanjiang County government office remains busy.
On the ninth day of the twelfth lunar month, Wu Hufang compiled the total quantity of medicinal herbs from various parts of Nanjiang County this year.
The output in the first half of the year was 420,000 jin.
It tripled in the second half of the year, reaching a staggering 1.3 million.
“Vendors from various regions have already placed orders for 300,000 jin,” Wu Hufang said. “However, there are still other vendors on their way.”
"We will definitely arrive before the 20th of the twelfth lunar month, both to deliver the goods and to check on the condition of the medicinal herbs."
Su Qing nodded: "Anyway, the warehouse is full now, and the government is not short of money. We can sell it after the New Year."
Wu Hufang nodded, then gave a detailed report on the task, and after confirming that everything was in order, he hurriedly left.
She's incredibly busy!
How can the government office have so many errands?
Just as the million catties of medicinal herbs were about to be stored, Qi, the eunuch from across the river, finally arrived.
On the eleventh day of the twelfth lunar month, the weather was already very cold.
Qi, dressed in a mink coat, arrived in Nanjiang County and, without any ceremony, greeted Su Qinggu, the chief of staff, before going to warm himself by the fire.
The eunuch Qi then asked, "Where are Yunxi and my younger sister?"
"School's not over yet," Su Qing said. "There's still half an hour left."
It's so cold, and they still have to go to school. How pitiful.
Qi, the palace official, was always aware of the children's current situation, as Su Qing would send letters to them every month.
After the two children learned to read, they were asked to write.
Over time, a bond naturally formed between them.
After all, they were Old Yu's godson and godson, so even the eunuch Qi had something to think about.
"I brought fur coats for the two children; it's cold in winter," said the eunuch Qi, deliberately avoiding the main topic.
After Su Qing sat down speechlessly and prepared to work, he said, "The army will take all of your one million catties of wound medicine."
"Look what this is." The eunuch Qi ordered his men to bring the items to him.
Then a wooden box was brought out.
Inside the box was a silver note worth 100,000 taels.
Su Qing picked up the silver note and was shocked.
A silver note worth 100,000 taels?!
She's never even seen one before.
No, that's not right. Although drug prices are skyrocketing these days.
But it didn't cost 100,000; at most, it would have cost around 70,000 or 80,000.
Seeing that Magistrate Su was unusually surprised, Qi, the eunuch, raised his head and said, "Use the remaining silver to reserve medicinal herbs for next year."
"So, you didn't break your promise this time, did you?"
Not only did they settle the payment in full at once.
Prepaying 20,000 or 30,000?!
Su Qing and Gu Congsi exchanged a glance, both seeing surprise in each other's eyes.
Nanjiang County, which is not short of money to begin with.
They've become much wealthier!
This is great news, but who can I tell about it to!
The freezing cold of Nanjiang County has turned into an exceptionally hot place.
All the hard work over the past year has finally paid off!
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