Farming Beneath the Changbai Mountains

"Mr. Lin, it's not that we are unwilling to contribute, but the money is too much and we really can't come up with it." President Jiang continued to say from the side.

Zixuan looked as usual and said in a steady voice, "Everyone, the construction of the dam and moat this time is a major event that benefits the people. The county government has never collected an extra penny in taxes in the past few years, so this money is a bit awkward. It's enough. I have no choice but to ask you to share the money. You should also understand that if something happens, I'm afraid you won't be able to continue your business here. It's beneficial." Zixuan looked around at the people in the room and smiled. "You are all smart people. I don't need to say anything more about this, right?"

Everyone's expressions were a bit unsightly. They didn't expect that Lin Zhixian would not be able to get enough food and salt. They also ate at the banquet and watched the singing and dancing, but when it came to business, they refused to give in at all. How can this be done?

"Sir, we are not the only ones who have workshops and businesses in Zhendong County. It seems that there are still people who are not here?" President Cui couldn't bear it anymore and said.

Zixuan naturally understood what he meant, "Zhuo Jing is not in good health, so he won't come to join in the fun on such occasions. Regarding the construction of the dam, Zhuo Jing has already given out five thousand taels of silver to show his concern. Zhuo Jing said, Although she is a woman, she will not be inferior to men when it comes to important matters such as family and country," Zixuan said very proudly.

When Jinghan decided to build the dam, she wanted to pay for it, but she refused. Later, when she heard that everyone from the Chamber of Commerce was required to pay, Jinghan took out five thousand taels and gave it to Zixuan. So at this moment, Zixuan can be said to be confident and confident, and not afraid of others making things difficult for him at all.

The people present were a little dumbfounded when they heard this. I originally wanted to use this to negotiate the price, but I didn't expect that the county magistrate's wife had already come up with the money.

Chairman Cui said with a dead smile, "Your Majesty said so, and we listen to it. However, the big guy didn't see whether there is this money."

Director Liu was eating at another table. At this time, he slapped the table and said in a cold voice, "President Cui, why don't you sound right to me? Madam, when you take money, you have an account in the Yamen." , I personally handled this matter. I will handle all the accounts for the county government's construction of the dam, and every money will be verified with real evidence. Why? Don't you believe me?"

When President Cui heard this, it seemed that the money provided by the county magistrate's wife was probably true. At that moment, he had no choice but to say with a smile, "I don't dare, I don't dare. How can a villain dare to think like this? Madam is really a hero among women, not inferior to men. I really admire you, I admire you." President Cui smiled dryly.

Zixuan stood up and said, "Thank you for your warm hospitality today. It's getting late, and I'm a little drunk, so I'll take my leave. As for the money for building the dam, I ask you to hand it over within three days. This matter will be handed over by Liu The chief clerk and Chief Wei are fully responsible. I will not say anything more about the importance of this matter. I hope you can help me a lot." With that, Zixuan walked out.

All the people in the county government office followed Zixuan out, and President Cui hurriedly sent them out. "Sir, can we discuss the amount of silver?"

Zixuan snorted, "Is my wife still inferior to you?" Then he walked away without paying any attention to these people.

The people left behind in the Chamber of Commerce looked at each other in confusion.

"President Cui, didn't you say it was absolutely foolproof? What does this mean now? We ate at the banquet, watched the singing and dancing, and still collected money as we should, and didn't give us any face. What is this whole thing called? What happened? Nothing was done, but I had to pay for a meal." Someone was complaining there.

Chairman Cui's face became even uglier, and he said bitterly, "I don't believe it. A small county magistrate can be so rampant. Wait, I will definitely tell the magistrate about this." After saying that, he ignored it. Everyone threw up their sleeves and left.

Everyone looked at his back and shook their heads, "Hey, don't say anything, just take the money honestly. We have been here for several years. If it were in other places, we would have got the money long ago. Take it out, this Lin Zhixian is already considered a good one. As for the business association, I won’t participate in it and run my own business honestly. "The man sighed. , also left.

Zixuan and Ziwen returned home all the way, and Ziwen asked, "Brother, your usual drinking capacity is not as good as today? You drank so much today, but you are still very sober."

Zixuan laughed, "Silly brother, you have to play tricks with these people. Look, what am I doing?" As he said that, Zixuan pulled something out of his sleeve, which turned out to be a leather water bag.

"I just poured most of the wine here and drank only a small part. When dealing with these old foxes, you must be sober at all times. Do they think they can use wine and sex to charm my eyes and make me listen to them? Just dream." Zixuan threw the water bag in his hand casually. "Okay, you should go and have some rest. You are tired from following me today."

Only then did Ziwen understand what was going on, and couldn't help but laugh, "My sister-in-law must have taught you this trick, but my eldest brother can't think of such a unique method. Okay, I'll go back to rest, and my eldest brother should go back and accompany my sister-in-law as well." ”

The two brothers separated and went back to their rooms to rest.

Jinghan had a piece of her son's clothes in her hand and was sewing there when Zixuan opened the door and came in. "You're back so early? It seems that the matter has been resolved?" Jinghan asked with a smile.

"Then what else can't be solved? With my clever wife here, what kind of trouble can these people cause?" Zixuan stood next to Jinghan and put his arm around Jinghan's shoulders. "Didn't I tell you to sleep first? Why are you still doing needlework here? Just let the girls do these jobs. Just watch your eyes." Zixuan put the things in Jinghan's hands aside, and then Holding Jinghan's hand, the two of them leaned together and talked.

"You are tired enough. You have to be careful in the future. Do you understand?" Zixuan touched the thin callus on Jinghan's hand and said with some distress. "Look at you, you can't even grow this hand back."

Jinghan smiled, "My hands are not caused by work. We practice kung fu every day. These calluses are worn by bows and arrows." Jinghan and Zixuan have never stopped working. Martial arts training, especially Jinghan's archery, has not deteriorated at all. That's why the hands are like this. "Okay, you've been out for a day. You should be tired. Go wash up and go to bed. There is hot water over there. Do you need me to help you?"

"Okay, it just so happens that the two of us can take a mandarin duck bath." Zixuan felt relaxed and smiled teasingly.

"You are so beautiful, go and wash up and go to bed." Jinghan patted Zixuan for a while, then turned around to tidy up the bedding.

Three days later, Chief Liu handed over the bank accounts and other accounts from various merchants to Zixuan, "Sir, there are a total of one hundred and five merchants, and all of them have paid money."

"Well, these silver taels should be kept in a special account book, and all expenses must be recorded in detail. Chairman Cui will not give in, and will definitely tell the prefect. When the time comes, nothing will happen. As long as we can do it If the accounts are clear, you won't be afraid of anyone coming to check. Remember, the money paid by Madam is also recorded in it. "Zixuan knew that it would not stop. But he has such a temper that he can easily say anything unless he offends me. If you offend me, then I'm sorry and just wait to be punished. No matter what your background is? Is he still bigger than the emperor?

"Don't worry, my lord, this matter will be taken care of by the lower officials. By the way, we have reported it to the prefect to build the dam. It has been half a month since the official document was submitted, but the prefect has not approved it yet. Now that the spring plowing has ended, if it is still later, If we start construction, we will be delayed in plowing the ground." Chief Liu was a little worried about the approval from the prefect.

"No need to wait, we will start tomorrow and prepare to start construction. Now there is some momentum of drought. Let's deal with these diversion canals first, then pick the most important places to start drying, and do the rest slowly. Especially the gate of this diversion canal. It must be fixed." Zixuan said directly without raising his head.

"Then what if the prefect doesn't agree?" Chief Liu was a little worried.

"It's okay, there has been a reply from the capital. As you know, I have some other means, so I don't have to wait for the prefect's reply. I informed him out of respect for him, but I can't just wait for the prefect's approval and delay it. Timing." Zixuan didn't care at all. When the emperor left, he had given Zixuan some special rights. There was no need to worry about this.

"That being the case, then we are ready to take action. At this time, the weather is dry and the water is light, so it is easier to build dams and the like. Since we have to do it, we have to do our best so that the people have no worries." Chief Liu knew this. After talking about these things, he went directly to make arrangements.

Within Zhendong County, there are countless rivers and lakes, as well as large areas of swamps and wetlands. Winter snow will accumulate in various lakes after the ice and snow melt in spring. Therefore, even if there is a drought in spring, the local people only need to dig diversion canals and divert water for irrigation. This drought has little impact on the land.

The aqueducts have been dug long ago, so this part of the project does not require too much effort. The only thing is that now we need to build sluices on several major channels. To prevent crops from being destroyed when floods come.

The county government sent personnel to various places, recruited civilians, and began to build dams and sluices. Because we had communicated with the village chiefs and others in each village before, this matter was handled very smoothly. The people also understand that this is a good thing. Furthermore, over the years, Zixuan and his wife have done so much for the local people. People are grateful and naturally work enthusiastically.