latelenovela Chapter 117: Rescuing the County Magistrate
Chapter 117: Rescuing the County Magistrate
Shen Wanning was stunned. Wasn't it just like someone brought a pillow just when she wanted to take a nap? Even if County Magistrate He didn't mention this matter today, she would still go to find County Magistrate He.
"Leaving those refugees wandering around is not a solution. I thought the prefect would make some arrangements, but who knew that several days have passed and there has been no movement from the prefect. The food donated by the wealthy in the city has long been gone. If the refugee issue is not resolved, it will become a major hidden disaster for Qinghe County!"
County Magistrate He's brows furrowed deeper and deeper, he rested his hands on the table, supporting his forehead, and couldn't help sighing.
Compared to County Magistrate He's gloomy face, Shen Wanning was becoming increasingly excited. If she had brought it up first, the County Magistrate would at most have remembered her kindness. But now that the County Magistrate had brought it up first, she could negotiate terms with him.
"I am not a talented person, but I am willing to help you out. However, my method may not be effective, so I hope you will give me some advice."
County Magistrate He raised his head, his face somewhat excited. "Don't worry, I came here to try my luck. If you can solve this matter, I will definitely give you credit."
"This is my humble opinion. If I'm wrong, Your Excellency, just treat it as a joke. To be honest, I went to Fuzhou a few days ago and bought a batch of saplings. My family and I plan to plant them on the hillside near our doorstep, but we're short of people to plant and manage them. I was wondering if we could hire some refugees to do this and pay them some wages."
"Good idea! But refugees are difficult to manage. Are you sure you can subdue them and prevent them from causing trouble?"
"Please enlighten me, sir!"
"Miss Shen is so kindhearted and willing to go this far for the people. Why should I stand by and watch? If Miss Shen really intends to do this, I am willing to dispatch all the officials in Qinghe County to help manage the refugees."
Shen Wanning changed the subject and said boldly, "Thank you, sir. However, it doesn't matter if these refugees cause trouble, but if they hurt the villagers, it won't be good. I am willing to accept these refugees, but the villagers may not be willing. Even if you use your authority to suppress them, they will not get along well with the refugees in the future."
"Miss Shen, what you said makes sense. I haven't thought of this yet. Let me think it over carefully. These refugees have no household registration, so I can offer them a favor. If they settle down in Daqing Village within three years and don't cause any trouble, I can resolve their household registration issues and register them as Daqing Village residents. As for the original residents of Daqing Village..."
Shen Wanning reminded him, "Your Excellency just mentioned resolving the household registration issue for the refugees within three years. I'm sure you've already considered that they'll stay in Qinghe County for three years. If a three-year deadline can be set for the refugees, can the same be applied to the villagers?"
County Magistrate He glanced at Shen Wanning and smiled, "So you were waiting for me here! You are really smart, but too smart. You won't suffer any loss! Well, well, I promise you, if Daqing Village can accept the refugees and handle this matter, I will exempt Daqing Village from taxes for three years. How about it?"
Shen Wanning didn't say anything else, just praised, "Master He is very wise! Both the refugees and the villagers of Daqing Village will definitely remember you and be grateful to you."
"You are forcing me to do this! And I have to credit you for this." County Magistrate He smiled and shook his head, pouring himself a cup of tea.
"You are joking, sir. I am just lucky enough to be able to help you out of trouble. As for the rest, I know nothing." Shen Wanning said modestly.
"Since this matter has been settled, when do you plan to plant the saplings? I'll post a notice so the refugees can prepare."
"Probably in these few days. I just came back from Fuzhou yesterday, and the saplings may take three to four days to arrive." Shen Wanning estimated the time and gave a rough estimate.
"Okay, then I'll try to hold off for a few more days until the saplings return. Send someone to tell me so I can issue a notice."
"Yes, I will remember this. I will inform you immediately."
"Okay, okay, the matter that I have been worried about for so long has finally been solved. I can sleep well today." County Magistrate He breathed a sigh of relief.
"By the way, I have received news that the imperial edict should arrive in Daqing Village tomorrow or the day after tomorrow. Remember to wait for it at home." County Magistrate He reminded him.
"Yes, thank you, Lord He." Shen Wanning stood up and bowed to express his gratitude.
"Okay, I've finished my tea, and it's time for me to leave." County Magistrate He put down his teacup and stood up.
Shen Wanning followed Magistrate He and escorted him out. When they reached the door, Magistrate He suddenly turned around, smiled mysteriously, and said, "I have another piece of news. Due to the severe drought, the court has allocated a large amount of money, and the treasury is currently depleted. Recently, due to a case in the capital, the emperor has ordered a thorough investigation. Any officials who have registered their relatives' land in exchange for tax exemptions will be severely investigated and punished! You've bought so much land, so the other villagers in Daqing Village can no longer register their land under Scholar Lin's name, right?"
Shen Wanning was startled, and quickly bowed again, her tone becoming more sincere. "Thank you for your advice, sir. I am deeply grateful."
In the past, it was common knowledge that officials could register land with their clansmen. For years, no one investigated, and the emperor simply turned a blind eye. But now, if they were to investigate, it would be a major event.
I have to go home quickly and tell Aunt Zhang and the others about this, and also discuss it with the village head, Shen Wanning thought to herself.
Finally, it was afternoon, the milk tea was sold out, and Mingyue Tower closed. Shen Wanning urged Lin Jingce, and the two of them hurried home.
The land registered under Lin Jingyou's name by the people of Daqing Village must be divided out quickly, otherwise if it is discovered, it will easily give people something to talk about when Lin Jingyou becomes an official.
After returning to Daqing Village, Shen Wanning immediately told Aunt Zhang about the incident. Aunt Zhang didn't take it seriously at first, but after Shen Wanning analyzed it with them, the whole family took it seriously.
"Then we have to go and tell the village head about this as soon as possible. If we are a step late, I will be very panicked, afraid that this matter will be discovered by the higher-ups and affect the third child's future." Aunt Zhang touched her chest, looking worried.
"Mom, don't panic. Since this matter originated in the capital, it must be dealt with first in the capital. It will take some time for it to reach us. We just need to solve this matter before then." Shen Wanning comforted her.
"No, no, Mom won't be at peace until this matter is resolved. While it's not too late, let's go and talk to the headman now. You can analyze the pros and cons with him later. I'm afraid he doesn't understand."