Chapter 78 – Refusing the Reward

This wasn’t just the result of one village’s hard work. Under the influence of Tongshu Tun, the surrounding villages also became highly enthusiastic about planting trees, spreading this momentum even to farther villages.

Those located closer to water sources planted more trees, while those with more difficulty accessing water planted fewer. Regardless, all were doing their best to ensure the trees survived.

After Zhou Yu introduced rewards for tree survival rates, their enthusiasm increased even further.

With his hands behind his back, Zhou Yu gazed into the distance. On this recent trip, they had drilled forty wells. Once it was confirmed that water could be drawn, they arranged for personnel and follow-up efforts before heading to the next location.

The reason they returned so late was because they even went to the border areas between counties. Since their relationship with Xin’an County was the best, they ventured deeper into Xin’an to help dig four wells there as well.

They chose a different route for the return trip. Although it was a bit more roundabout, it allowed them to help more people solve their water issues.

It was tiring—but worthwhile.

Of course, the greatest credit went to An’an.

Fearing that someone with ill intent might target An’an, Zhou Yu didn’t dare get too close to her while they were outside.

But he couldn’t let her efforts go unrewarded. He specifically had someone purchase 300 mu of fertile land in the suburbs of the capital, as well as a hot spring estate in the Western Hills. In the future, if An’an and her mother entered the capital, they would have a place to stay.

Even if they didn’t live there, they could rent it out. It would also make a respectable dowry.

Still, that wasn’t enough. For An’an’s contributions, this reward was too small. But this was all the power he had at the moment. Once he caught his breath, he would purchase more properties and shops as well.

Zhang Jinzhi stepped closer and asked in a lowered voice, “My lord, do you still have money on hand? Is it enough to pay the villagers their rewards?”

Zhou Yu’s expression stiffened slightly. He pinched his fingers and replied, “It can be delayed a few days. I’ve already spoken with nearby counties. They’ll share some funds and grain with us later.”

“But we must inform the villagers in advance.”

“My lord,” Zhang Jinzhi smiled, “You needn’t worry about this anymore. Miss Qin has already resolved the issue.”

Zhou Yu looked puzzled.

Zhang Jinzhi explained, “Earlier, Madam Zhao went up the mountain with Miss Qin and An’an. They unearthed a wild ginseng root of considerable age.”

“Ginseng, a product of nature’s favor, is a spiritual item. And with the current disasters and chaos, its price has multiplied several times.”

“That single root fetched over ten thousand taels of silver…”

Zhou Yu frowned. He didn’t look pleased and asked in a low voice, “When did this happen?”

Zhang Jinzhi told the truth.

Zhou Yu’s face turned cold. “It’s been this long? Why are you only telling me now?”

“Please don’t be angry, my lord,” Zhang Jinzhi clasped his hands respectfully. “It’s just that you’ve been constantly busy, and I couldn’t find the right moment to bring it up…”

“Also, it took some effort to find the right channel to sell the ginseng. It only succeeded after several attempts, which is why I’m mentioning it today.”

Seeing that Zhou Yu was about to speak again, Zhang Jinzhi quickly added, “My lord, I didn’t want to accept it at first either. It was Miss Qin who insisted and said something very moving…”

Zhou Yu’s anger gradually subsided. He had thought Zhang Jinzhi had acted on his own and taken it, but it turned out Qin Ying was the one who insisted.

After pondering for a moment, he said, “Forget it. What’s done is done. But there must not be a next time.”

“My lord,” Zhang Jinzhi looked up with joy, “Have you found a way to solve the money shortage?”

Zhou Yu felt a tightness in his chest and replied gloomily, “Not yet.” Though nearby counties had agreed to give him some money and grain, after nearly four years of drought, they were struggling too. How much could they really offer?

He might be better off trying to request aid from the Ninth Prince.

Zhang Jinzhi sighed deeply. “Your private savings must be gone too, huh?”

Zhou Yu couldn’t help but feel a little dejected. Not only were his savings gone, but even the dowry his mother left him before she died had been poured into this.

And still, it was like a drop in the ocean.

Zhang Jinzhi offered a few words of comfort. “My lord, you needn’t worry too much. Things have improved greatly all around. I believe we’ll overcome this hardship soon.”

“Look, the recovery of production is already underway. As long as the people can survive, everything else will follow.”

Zhou Yu slowly nodded, though he couldn’t muster much emotion.

After dinner, Zhou Yu went to handle the backlog of official documents. Uncle Chen Jiu came in, leaning on a cane.

In truth, his health was very robust and he didn’t need a cane at all. But ever since he discovered how convenient it was for hitting people, he never let go of it. Wherever he went, the moment he raised his cane at someone causing trouble, they immediately quieted down.

Zhou Yu had someone invite him in and personally offered him a seat.

Uncle Chen Jiu quickly waved his hand. “My lord, you honor this old man too much!”

Still, he had Zhou Yu sit on the heated brick bed while he took a small bench below and, after offering some respectful words, got to the point. “My lord, before you returned, I gathered the villagers together and discussed something.”

“Not a single one of us objected!”

Zhou Yu smiled. “Uncle Jiu, what are you referring to?”

“Didn’t you say before that we’d get a reward if the trees we planted survived?” Uncle Chen Jiu grinned. “That was very kind of you. You just wanted to give us an extra source of income.”

“But these days, life is hard for everyone. You encouraged us to plant trees for our own good.”

“It’s something we do to survive. What reason is there to make you pay for it?”

“So we’ve all agreed—we don’t want that reward. You should keep it and spend it where it’s truly needed. We all know how many expenses you have.”

Zhou Yu was taken aback. “Uncle Jiu, since I already promised, I can’t go back on my word. Rest assured…”

“My lord,” Uncle Chen Jiu quickly waved his hand, “Our village’s good days are all thanks to you. We can’t take advantage of your kindness.”

“This old man may not be educated, but let me speak to you from the heart.”

“People’s hearts are never satisfied. Today you gave us grain. Tomorrow you helped drive away bandits. The day after, you fed us bone soup and shared the method for growing mushrooms…”

“Everyone is used to relying on you, expecting you to give more and more, believing that whatever you give is only natural.”

“But that’s not how the world works! Help should be given in emergencies, not long-term poverty. You’ve saved our lives—now it’s up to us to walk the rest of the path.”

“Yes, you’re our magistrate. It’s your duty to care for us. But we’re not your only people!”

“Qin County is vast. Everyone needs to be looked after. You carry a heavy burden.”

“It’s not right for us to be cared for by you without showing you any understanding!”

“We’re doing okay now, but there are still many who aren’t.”

“Use that money to help them. Only when everyone is doing better can the world truly improve.”

“If people start to feel things are unfair, trouble will surely follow sooner or later.”