roccoschili Chapter 280: The Prefect of Lingzhou
Chapter 280: The Prefect of Lingzhou
This...this is clearly a very detailed job posting.
"Starting today, three hundred refugees will be brought in daily, with those in poor condition being admitted first. The government will provide them with food, medical care, and rest areas."
"The expenses incurred in arranging refugees will be registered at the lowest price, and the refugees will need to work to repay the debt once they recover."
"A certain amount of government land will be temporarily allocated for grain cultivation. Anyone who participates in grain cultivation will receive five coins per person per day, and the government will cover their food and lodging expenses."
“Those who maliciously plant bad crops or disobey orders to eat the seeds will be severely punished, but if the yield is excellent, they will be rewarded according to the circumstances.”
"The influx of a large number of refugees has led to an increase in the population of Suzhou. In addition, preparations are being made to build housing for the refugees. The people can participate in the construction of the housing, and will be provided with food and lodging, as well as a daily wage of eight copper coins."
In addition, there are a wide variety of solutions to address the current situation in Suzhou.
The people who initially gathered around lingered in front of the notice board for too long without uttering any angry shouts, which attracted the curiosity of others who came forward to watch.
Upon seeing this, they were stunned.
More and more people gathered in front of the notice board, and more and more people quieted down. They realized that people were coming from behind, and they couldn't squeeze in anymore. They couldn't even see what was written on it.
"Make way, everyone's gathered here!"
"Has something happened to my husband? Tell me quickly."
"What heinous thing has that corrupt official done this time? Was it those people from yesterday? What did they do...?"
The urgent calls from those who couldn't squeeze in finally brought those inside back to their senses.
Is this for real or fake?
"Could it be that corrupt official pulling some trick again?"
"But is it really necessary for him to go to such great lengths just to fool us with something so detailed?"
At this point, there was a moment of silence in front of the notice board, but then everyone started discussing it again.
"Do you dare to go? I certainly don't."
"Officials protect each other, and that prince is no good either. He might be trying to lure us in so he can devise a way to get rid of us."
"But at least I can have enough to eat, right? Even if I die, I want to be full before I die."
Upon hearing this, the scene fell silent.
How many of those present hadn't had a proper meal in days?
Lin Rusi and her companion waited in the yamen for a long time, but no one came to register.
"It seems that yesterday's events left a deep impression on them."
Li Jingyang looked at the prepared registration ledgers on the table, but after waiting for several hours, they were still blank.
"There's no other way. If we don't do that, we won't get the official seal, and then even more people will suffer."
Lin Rusi held Li Jingyang's hand and comforted him softly, "At least, no one has been hurt because of what happened yesterday."
Besides the two men, there were a dozen or so bailiffs standing ramrod straight in the yamen.
The two men spoke without any regard for the people around them, but strangely enough, the yamen runners were only wary of their surroundings and showed no intention of reporting them to the Suzhou prefect.
They waited from dawn until dusk, but not a single commoner came to the government office to be enthroned.
Just as the two were wondering if there were still some problems with this plan and whether they should make some further plans that night, an official announced that a group of people had arrived and were requesting an audience with Prince Jinglie.
Are they refugees?
Lin Rusi perked up: "Just let it in."
"Sir, those people don't look like refugees, and some of them..."
The officer pondered for a moment before saying, "I have a feeling that they have ill intentions."
Are they up to no good?
Lin Rusi frowned, somewhat puzzled.
Could it be that the people of Suzhou were so angry that they came directly to the government office to cause trouble for them?
"It's alright, let them in."
Li Jingyang was much more decisive and allowed them to come in directly.
He'll use whatever tricks he has up his sleeve.
A short while later, a large group of people walked in through the lobby entrance.
Lin Rusi finally understood why those officers and soldiers said they came with ill intentions but were not refugees.
These people were dressed in tattered clothes, had a fierce demeanor, and their faces were blackened, as if they hadn't washed themselves in a long time. Their hair was also a messy tangled mess.
As for why they don't look like refugees...
The refugees were starving and barely able to breathe when they spoke; how could they possibly have so much energy?
"You are……"
Li Jingyang looked at these people and they seemed somewhat familiar.
Lin Rusi frowned, and for a moment, she also had this feeling.
"Boss, no, Your Highness, Your Highness, don't you recognize us?"
The leader scratched his messy hair sheepishly: "I'm so sorry, I've been busy traveling these past few days and haven't had time to clean it up, hehe, hehe."
Hearing the familiar voice and the awkward laughter, Lin Rusi and Li Jingyang exchanged a glance and instantly remembered.
Isn't that Li Xiao Kui?
"Why are you back so soon?"
Lin Rusi quickly told the yamen runners to prepare more water. She picked up a teapot from the side and handed it over without even taking a teacup: "Have a drink of water, it's a little cold, don't mind it."
"Thank you, Your Highness."
Li Xiao Kui took the teapot, tilted his head back with a hearty laugh, and poured the tea into his mouth, gulping down several mouthfuls before catching his breath and handing the teapot to his brother behind him.
The princess personally served tea, which moved Li Xiao Kui deeply, making him feel that all his hard work over the past few days had been worthwhile.
Li Jingyang, who had originally intended to say something, sat behind the desk and looked at Li Xiaokui staring at his princess with teary eyes, and suddenly felt a little jealous.
He tapped the table lightly: "How's the situation in Lingzhou?"
Originally, I wanted him to rest a little longer, but the petty Li Jingyang changed his mind all of a sudden.
Who told this guy to stare at his wife the moment he arrived?
"Although there are also refugees in Lingzhou, they are much better off than in Suzhou."
After drinking a few mouthfuls of water, Li Xiao Kui felt much better: "The prefect of Lingzhou is indeed a good official. When my brothers and I went there, he was squatting on the side of the street drinking porridge with the refugees who had just been settled."
Speaking of that official, Li Xiao Kui's eyes showed more respect: "That official really had no airs at all. He ate whatever the refugees ate. He barely ate any of the pickled vegetables that were distributed to him, and he even put some on the refugees' plates. While eating, he also inquired about the situation of other refugees."
He was filled with deep emotion.
If it weren't for the fact that he still needed to follow Li Jingyang on his great endeavors, he would have wanted to stay in Lingzhou and wait...
The refugees were all settled in, and they even became sworn brothers with the prefect of Lingzhou.
Of course, someone as easygoing as Li Xiao Kui wouldn't consider whether bandits could actually become sworn brothers with the prefect.
Upon learning of the situation in Lingzhou, Li Jingyang sighed, "Compared to Suzhou, the people of Lingzhou are truly fortunate to have such a good prefect."
"But it seems that Lingzhou doesn't need our help, which is a relief." The yamen runner brought over a fresh cup of tea.