County Magistrate Zheng acted quickly and immediately passed on the news that the market outside the city was going to be expanded.
These merchants had seen how good the business at the market outside the city had been over the past six months. However, due to the restrictions imposed by the county magistrate at the time and their own hesitation, they had missed the opportunity.
This time, the county magistrate informed them that the market was going to be expanded, so they were naturally more enthusiastic than anyone else!
On the second day, all the wealthy businessmen in the city who had some assets gathered in the inner hall of the county government office.
When everyone had gathered, County Magistrate Zheng got straight to the point and said, "I'm sure you all already know the purpose of my invitation to you. Without further ado, I plan to build three more restaurants, three inns, and a teahouse outside the market. Each shop is priced at one hundred taels, and the highest bidder wins!"
"There's one more thing I want to clarify. Not only will you be responsible for the construction costs, but I'll also need to designate the people who will do the work. If you have any questions, please ask now."
"We should cover the construction costs ourselves, but what about the wages?"
"Don't worry, the wages are the same as on the market, and you won't have any trouble working here!" replied County Magistrate Zheng.
After hearing this, everyone felt relieved and decided not to make a fuss about the wages!
"Excuse me, sir, after we win the bid, will this shop belong to us?"
County Magistrate Zheng nodded, "Of course!"
The conditions for this purchase were much more stringent than the first time. Not only did one have to pay for the purchase of the shop, but one also had to bear the cost of building the shop.
For merchants who don't have a lot of wealth, today's trip is probably just to watch the fun!
There is no way, there are not many shops!
Of course there have to be some restrictions!
After the final bidding, the biggest winner was the Qian family, who eventually purchased a restaurant, an inn, and a teahouse for five hundred taels.
Each of the remaining shops was eventually sold for around 150 taels!
After considering factors such as construction costs and consumables, this price is still affordable for merchants, so both parties are quite satisfied with the transaction!
Expansion matters are subject to discussion.
Next, strict inspections began at the city gate, and many refugees coming from other places were stopped outside the Rongcheng Gate.
The refugees who were still holding on to the last glimmer of hope saw this situation and showed a look of dejection and despair in their eyes. Could it be that God really would not give them a way to survive?
Just when they thought their last hope was about to be shattered, the gatekeeper pointed to a group of people at the foot of the city wall and said to them, "You can go over there and sign up. Our county magistrate is kind and is hiring people for work. If you go, you will get food and wages. Go quickly!"
When the group of people saw this, they saw a circle of people gathered under the city wall. Through the crowd, they could vaguely see several police officers working at their desks, recording something.
Without hesitation, they rushed over there with their wives, children and the elderly.
When they got closer, they couldn't wait to ask the person next to them, "Hey, bro, what are you doing here?"
The man spoke frankly, "I heard the county magistrate is looking for someone to build a house. As long as you're willing to work, not only will you get food, but you'll also get wages!"
Upon hearing this, a woman asked anxiously, "Do women also accept it?"
The man shook his head. "I just got here too, so I'm not very clear on this!"
Those who were on the periphery of the crowd were anxious. They stood on tiptoe and stretched their heads to look inside. One could see the urgency on their faces.
The people standing inside were squeezed by the people outside, and they pushed outside a few times in dissatisfaction. They pushed and shoved each other, and cursed from time to time. For a moment, there was even a smell of sparks!
Fortunately, at this time, Li Erlang came with his officers to inspect. He saw that the place was in chaos and the clerk was surrounded by the crowd, and he couldn't even see his figure!
He immediately stopped them, "What are you doing? What are you doing? Why are you making such a mess?"
The originally noisy crowd became completely quiet. Looking at the shining swords on the officers' waists, the refugees' originally rising anger suddenly deflated like a deflated balloon.
Seeing that everyone had quieted down, Li Erlang spoke up, "Those who can read and write should stand in one place, those who are skilled in carpentry and house-building should stand in one place, all men should stand in one place, and women and children should stand in one place!"
Soon the crowd stood in line as Li Erlang said.
Li Jianmin had them line up and gather at the clerk's office, reassuring them: "Just focus on doing the things the master has told you to do. The master will not only provide you with food, but will also pay you. As long as you work hard, you don't have to worry about going hungry!"
"Sir, how much can we earn for a day's work?"
Everyone looked at Li Erlang with burning eyes. This was what they were concerned about at the moment.
"Those with skills can earn twenty coins a day, and those who only do manual labor can earn ten coins a day."
"Does the woman accept it?"
Li Erlang nodded, "As long as I can do it, I'll take it!"
After hearing this, everyone was very happy. For a family of four like this, at least two of the workers could earn money, and their meals were also provided.
In this way, with the money they earn now, it is more than enough to support two children!
After hearing Li Erlang's comforting words, the tired people finally felt at ease. This time they really found a way to survive.
After registration, these people were divided into groups of five households and led by servants to settle in nearby villages. After they were settled, they were assigned jobs.
One wave built inns, restaurants, and teahouses outside the city, while another wave built the county lord's mansion.
After the market began to expand, the originally deserted market outside the city became lively again.
My dear, there is more to this chapter. Please click on the next page to continue reading. It will be even more exciting later!
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