novelraw Chapter 830: Guiliang Side Story (Part 3)
Chapter 830: Guiliang Side Story (Part 3)
After County Magistrate Cai left, General Fan sighed to his confidants, "Nanyang is a place where the dragon thrives, and talents emerge. This County Magistrate Cai, who has earned the Emperor’s favor, is indeed no ordinary person."
Isn’t that so?
These tens of thousands of people come from different places, some of them can’t even understand each other’s dialects. Having suffered mistreatment in various Rouran tribes for years, some have grown apathetic, some fearfully anxious, and others exceptionally guarded like porcupines ready to prick at any moment. They are more unruly than ordinary refugees.
The Left General brought them back from the grassland, relying entirely on military might to keep them in check along the way. To have them quickly settle down and start a new life is a beautiful aspiration yet immensely challenging to implement in reality.
County Magistrate Cai has been in Guiliang County for only a few months, and he’s already managed to house the people and organize them to clear land and farm. Most importantly, the panicked hearts of the people have settled swiftly.
County Magistrate Cai may not have a striking appearance, but he is truly a capable minister!
County Magistrate Cai is unaware of General Fan’s high regard for him. Even if he heard, he would merely smile and continue his busy efforts.
Within Guiliang City, the order is decent, but the problems in the villages outside the city are far more complex. Some are restless and flee, and there are even incidents stirring chaos secretly. Though they don’t affect the broader situation, even minor issues must be swiftly dealt with. No harmful tendencies should be allowed to grow.
County Magistrate Cai, who has rich experience in settling refugees from his previous time in Li County, knows he must first get the people moving. Once busy, they can’t afford idle thoughts or cause trouble. Clearing new farmland is an excellent method.
County Magistrate Cai "borrows" elite soldiers from the border army, firstly to repair canals and build fences, and secondly, to use strong military presence to intimidate all the people.
Combining kindness and authority, using both toughness and softness, is the best strategy. Excessive gentleness is unacceptable.
The court is also giving special attention to Guiliang City. Like the past support for Pingzhou and later Yu State, they continually send grains, seeds, and various supplies.
County Magistrate Cai is not shy, writing to the Capital City for whatever is lacking, complaining to the Emperor, pleading with Chancellor Chen, and finally lamenting to Minister Feng.
Hence, the supplies sent to Guiliang only grow richer, and the court also dispatched many astute and competent low-level officials. No matter how capable County Magistrate Cai is, he is just one person. With a team of subordinates, the efficiency of work has increased significantly.
In the autumn of the Seventh Year of Zhao Ping, Guiliang City’s citizens harvested their first batch of grain.
The land that had been abandoned and left fallow for a long time was plowed and planted again, producing thriving corn stalks laden with corn, and abundant sweet potatoes were dug from the ground.
The people embraced the food they cultivated themselves, feeling a joy and excitement beyond words, bowing towards the direction of the Imperial Palace.
"The Emperor rescued us and provided us with stable lives."
"County Magistrate Cai said that in the past half-year, we’ve been eating the grain sent by the court. It was the Emperor who saved our lives."
"We’re bowing to the Emperor, praying to heaven for his safety, health, and longevity."
The phrase ’live a thousand years’ is a blessing and not to be taken literally. Long life is the most sincere and simple wish from the people.
...
"Emperor! County Magistrate Cai of Guiliang County has sent a memorial."
In Zhaohai Palace, the increasingly composed Lu Sheren brought the memorial forward.
Jiang Shaohua nodded slightly, reading the memorial and showing a delighted smile: "In Guiliang County, for the past half-year, they’ve been clearing land and farming. This year is the first autumn harvest, the yield isn’t high. However, it’s barely enough for the people to eat and drink."
Lu Sheren smiled and chimed in: "That’s wonderful. The court finally doesn’t need to send more grains."
In total calculations, the court has supported tens of thousands of people for almost a year. The consumed grain is a daunting and shocking figure, such that viewing the records is distressing.
The National Treasury has long been emptied, the Ministry of Internal Affairs has spent all its reserves, and palace expenses have been reduced repeatedly. The entire court has been living frugally. Thankfully, they’ve finally weathered through.
Jiang Shaohua relaxed his brows, smiling: "County Magistrate Cai is indeed efficient."
Lu Sheren held great admiration for County Magistrate Cai too: "Yes, in less than a year, he’s stabilized the people’s hearts, directing their loyalty to Da Liang. This is what truly makes it Guiliang City."
Jiang Shaohua, in a buoyant mood, personally penned his approval on the memorial and during the grand court assembly, praised County Magistrate Cai before all the ministers.
The Empress’s authority grows more impressive, her emotions rarely expressed. There are few occasions where she has such a joyful countenance, even fewer where she openly praises a minister.
County Magistrate Cai, already renowned, became even more famous after that day.
The court no longer needed to transport grain to Guiliang County, and Minister Feng also breathed a sigh of relief. However, the minor support still had to continue, such as ensuring high-yield seeds are sent to Guiliang City, and skilled craftsmen must also be dispatched. Little by little, each and every detail still needed attention.
Jiang Shaohua personally wrote a letter to County Magistrate Cai, praising his loyalty and competence, encouraging him to govern Guiliang County diligently.
Receiving the letter from the Emperor, County Magistrate Cai was filled with surging emotions. Facing the direction of the Imperial Palace, he respectfully bowed three times: "Rest assured, Emperor. I will wholeheartedly strive to let the people of Guiliang County live peaceful lives."
He has unspoken ambitions. He wants Guiliang County to thrive peacefully under his governance, becoming Da Liang’s second county.
The first county of Da Liang is, of course, Nanyang County. No other county can surpass it.
Next to him, Lady Cai also bowed, silently reciting a few wishes.
County Magistrate Cai helped his old wife up, casually asking, "What wishes were you making in your heart just now?"
Lady Cai, in her fifties, wasn’t accustomed to having a maid and usually managed the household herself. As the county magistrate’s wife, her hands were as rough as a village woman’s. Her attire was also very plain. Walking out like this, she wasn’t as dignified as the stewards in noble households in the Capital City.
Lady Cai chuckled softly, "I wish for the heavens to protect Da Liang, bless our Emperor with health and strength. Oh, I also pray for Guiliang City, for its people to live well, so you can have a few days of respite as the magistrate."
It’s the old wife who understands him best.
County Magistrate Cai smiled, then sighed deeply: "This is just the beginning. For the people to have a place to live and food to eat, they’re still far from settling into prosperous lives."
"How can I be idle, I still have to run about every day. I can’t manage anything at home, thank you for your efforts."
Lady Cai gave him an affectionate glance: "At your age, still saying such sappy words. You’re doing what’s important, you don’t need to worry about these little household matters."
County Magistrate Cai felt warmth in his heart, holding his old wife’s hand, wishing to speak some tender words. Outside, urgent voices called out: "Lord County Magistrate, there’s a dispute in the village concerning the canal."