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“Understood, County Princess.”
“You two discuss this matter further. Once you have any ideas, inform me after I receive imperial brother’s edict. You can freely share any thoughts you had but couldn’t execute before. I hadn’t considered other areas in Fuan County until recently.”
It wasn’t until she began considering the workshop and school that she realized many people in Fuan County were struggling. This prompted her to think about developing the county, introducing unique products, and seeking Su Yu’s help to attract merchants from other regions. This approach would stimulate the county’s economy, leading to improved livelihoods for the people.
“County Princess, could you share any other ideas besides what you mentioned earlier? It will help us provide additional input.”
“I plan to cultivate mulberry trees for silkworm rearing, plant fruit trees, flowers, and some miscellaneous items, preferably unique ones. When it’s time for harvest, I’ll ask Su Yu to introduce some merchants to us.”
“That’s a feasible approach, and the cotton you’re having people plant.”
Cotton is a valuable commodity in the north, and even though the yield isn’t very high, the cotton-made quilts are said to be very comfortable. They are sold in the capital, but the prices are too high for them to afford. If the County princess can produce them, they could finally afford to buy a few quilts.
Just the thought made them feel elated.
Observing their excitement, Wang Jinhe asked, “Are you both happy?”
“Naturally, we are. When we have more cotton next year, we can buy cotton-made quilts, which are only sold in the capital and are quite expensive.”
Wang Jinhe looked at them with a strange expression, feeling somewhat helpless. Their expectations seemed too modest.
“I thought it was something significant, but it turns out to be this,” Wang Jinhe said, shaking her head in resignation.
“There’s no need to wait until next year. I can sell it to you this year.” She had used up all the cotton harvested last year, or she could have shared more with them.
The two men were certainly delighted. “That’s great.”
After discussing everything, Wang Jinhe prepared to return home, taking the joint petition from the people with her.
Upon returning home, Wang Jinhe shared the matter with her family. They were surprised to hear about it, especially when they saw the densely packed fingerprints on the joint petition.
“The county magistrate has truly fulfilled his duties,” Yu Qingfeng remarked.
Gaining the support of the people is what many officials aspire to achieve. Some officials, after spending a long time in the political arena, forget their initial intentions, but some still remember.
Thinking about this, Yu Qingfeng sighed softly. The county magistrate and the governor here are both good people, and it’s a blessing for the people of Fuan County.
“Dad, I’m going to write a letter to imperial brother, there are some things I need to discuss with him.”
“Alright.”
Wang Jinhe wrote about the tax exemption for land cultivation in the letter, also mentioning Steward Song’s matter, and included the joint petition from the people.
Five days later, Xuan Feiran, who was far away in the capital, received Wang Jinhe’s letter.
The first thing Xuan Feiran read was about the tax exemption for land cultivation, which was a minor matter, as the tax revenue from uncultivated land for three years wasn’t substantial.
After reading the first letter, Xuan Feiran then read another letter, which detailed Steward Song’s matter, the county magistrate’s dereliction of duty, and the joint petition from the people.
This was the first time Xuan Feiran had seen a joint petition from the people, and it was solely to plead for a county magistrate.
As he touched the fingerprints on the letter, a smile appeared on Xuan Feiran’s face. Having officials like the county magistrate was a blessing for the country. The county magistrate had done many things for the people, and he wouldn’t be foolish enough to punish a meritorious official.
Su Jiu came to discuss matters with Xuan Feiran and saw him holding a letter, looking quite pleased.
“Is this a letter from Chang Le?” Su Jiu asked.
“No, Su Jiu, take a look,” Xuan Feiran handed all the letters sent by Wang Jinhe to Su Jiu.
After reading them, Su Jiu was also surprised. “I didn’t expect there to be such officials in the country. That’s really good.”
“Yes, the people may have been overly worried. Do they think I’m an incompetent ruler who can’t distinguish right from wrong?” Xuan Feiran chuckled.
“They are probably concerned that the county magistrate might be implicated by the steward,” Su Jiu said, understanding their perspective.
“Let’s consider this matter settled. As for Steward Song and his nephew, let the Governor there handle their punishment,” Xuan Feiran stated. Such disregard for human life didn’t deserve to be tolerated.
A mere steward dared to exploit the county magistrate’s reputation to such an extent. It was truly audacious.
“What does His Majesty think about Xiao He’s plan to help the people of Fuan County earn money?” Xuan Feiran inquired.
“It’s a good thing. Over time, the country will only get better,” Xuan Feiran said with great conviction.
If Xiao He wanted to do it, it was just the beginning. There might be opportunities in other places in the future.
Su Jiu chuckled as he looked at Xuan Feiran. “You do trust that girl.”
“Of course, I do. Earlier, there was news from Yuan Bao that Qi Ming from the Kingdom of Qi came, but Su Yu managed to send him away,” Su Jiu said, his eyes clouded with concern.
It was all because of that scoundrel Qi Ming that Su Yu had suffered so much. If it weren’t for that despicable person, Su Yu wouldn’t have had to endure such hardships.
“What did he come for?” Xuan Feiran frowned slightly.
“He was poisoned and came to find a divine healer to cure him, but it seems the divine healer couldn’t help. He also came for Su Yu,” Su Jiu explained.
“For Su Yu?” How did Su Yu know the prince of the Qi Empire?
“I know a bit about this,” Su Jiu began. “Qi Ming met Su Yu when he was in his teens and doing business. Later, he asked him to leave Xuan Empire and go to the Qi Emmpire to help him, but Su Yu refused, as he didn’t want to get involved in politics. Yang Shanshan and the others treated Su Yu that way because of Qi Ming’s influence,” Su Jiu said, visibly upset.
Xuan Feiran’s expression darkened. He never expected that this would be related to Qi Ming.
“According to what you’re saying, Su Yu and he should be friends. Why would he do this?” Xuan Feiran asked, furrowing his brow.
He knew about Su Yu’s experiences, and if all of this was related to Qi Ming, what was his purpose in doing this? Weren’t he and Su Yu friends? What benefit did he gain from ruining Su Yu?
“He’s afraid that Su Yu will help you, and he wants to have one less opponent in the end,” Su Jiu explained.