The Female Assistant of Wei Yuyan Shuangfei

The atmosphere in the living room seemed a little solemn for a moment. Facing Chen Ping's explanation, no one dared to speak without authorization.

Although the probability of a severe drought is only 20%, they dare not gamble on this 20% probability, as they may risk thousands of deaths due to the disaster.

Laigu County was originally a large county with a population of 60,000.

This was all due to the great disaster in the 12th year of Jingyun that caused a complete crop failure, and frequent droughts and floods in many places, which led to a sharp decline in population and eventually reduced the county to a lower-level county.

Fortunately, thousands of people were relocated to fill the vacancies, and after several years of recuperation, it finally developed to Shang County.

Xie Tingwen didn't dare to gamble, and neither did anyone else present.

After a long silence, Xie Tingwen slowly said, "This is just my guess. As the saying goes, it's better to be prepared than to take precautions. Do you have any countermeasures?"

Several people looked at each other and shook their heads. They didn't dare to talk about it rashly. Not to mention whether the plan could be implemented, what would happen if it didn't work after implementation?

Xie Tingwen naturally saw their concerns.

He was naturally aware that once these decrees were issued, if they were implemented well, they would save the people from dire straits, but if they were implemented poorly, they would be cursed, and in the end, the people who would be blamed would naturally be the ones who came up with the ideas.

Thinking of this, Xie Tingwen said in a serious tone: "Don't worry, everyone. This is just a discussion. If you have any plans, please feel free to tell us."

Seeing that no one had said anything, Xie Tingwen reluctantly called out the name of the person, "Master Sun! You have experienced the drought in the twelfth year of Jingyun. Tell me what you think?"

Sun Cheng was stunned for a moment, but recovered in an instant.

He stood up and stroked his hand, saying, "Sir! I don't have a plan yet. However, if there is a plan, perhaps it can be adjusted based on the disaster in the twelfth year of Jingyun."

"What do you mean?" Xie Tingwen asked with a puzzled look.

"Sir! In the past twelve years of Jingyun, the most lacking thing in Gu County is water, and food is almost the same. If we dig a well in advance, maybe we can solve the urgent problem at that time. However, this will take time."

Xie Tingwen nodded approvingly and said, "We have plenty of time."

Seeing that everyone also had a positive expression, Xie Tingwen immediately changed the subject and said, "Master Zhu! This year's labor service will not be redeemed with money. Just dig wells for me in three townships and seven villages, and the clerks from the Gongya will be responsible for the survey."

"But sir, how do you dig it specifically?" Zhu Gui asked with a puzzled look on his face.

"You can discuss this matter with the village heads. I have only one request: every village must ensure that the people have enough drinking water, no more, no less."

"I obey your command." Zhu Gui leaned forward and responded hurriedly.

At this time, Shen Yancheng, who had not spoken, suddenly said, "Sir! If there is a severe drought next year, I'm afraid the tax collection will be poor."

Everyone fell silent upon hearing this, even Chen Ping looked embarrassed. He was originally assigned by the Minister of Agriculture to help cultivate the fertile fields in Laigu County.

But the land in Laigu County cannot be said to be barren. It's just that due to the climate, there is only one crop of grain each year, and the rest can only be grown with beans. The people can barely make ends meet.

However, he did not know that Laigu County owed the Ministry of Revenue taxes. This year's taxes plus previous years' taxes would have to pay at least 30,000 strings of silver to the Ministry of Revenue.

The remaining 20,000 strings of cash must be paid in full next year. If there is a severe drought next year, Xie Tingwen will not be able to give an explanation to the Ministry of Revenue just for the tax.

At this moment, Shen Yancheng, who was the head of the Household Department, woke everyone up with just one word.

Xie Tingwen was stunned for a moment, and said in a deep voice: "Since we have come this far, we are not afraid of what happens next."

"What do you mean, sir?" Shen Yancheng asked with a suspicious look on his face.

"I will issue a decree later. The government will coordinate the farming next spring. Director Shen! You will immediately use your government connections to buy up bean seeds. All of Laigu County will plant beans next spring."

"Sir! This will destroy the livelihood of the people! Sir, please..."

Before Shen Yancheng finished speaking, he heard Chen Ping say quietly, "Your plan is feasible. Many bean crops are drought-resistant, and soybeans are the best among them."

After hearing Chen Ping's affirmation, Xie Tingwen felt a little relieved. He then stroked his hand and said, "I'll leave this matter to Master Chen."

"Your Excellency is too kind. I am only cooperating with you to find a way out for the people."

Seeing that the matter was finalized, Xie Tingwen immediately looked at Sun Cheng and said, "Master Sun! The Criminal Court has nothing to do right now, and we also need to dig a few wells in the county. I'll leave this matter to you."

"I obey your command." Sun Cheng immediately responded.

Several people took their errands and left one after another. Just as Cao Zhen was about to leave, Xie Tingwen suddenly said, "Captain Cao! I have something for you to do as well."

"I am at your disposal, my lord." Cao Zhen immediately bowed his head and said.

"There is an empty space in the southwest outside the city. Gather people in the city to make ice for me until the empty space is filled."

Xie Tingwen used the word "convene" very obscurely, but fortunately with Cao Yue's reminder, he instantly understood what Xie Tingwen meant.

To put it nicely, it was a call to action; to put it bluntly, it was an arrest. As for the art of arresting people, after this period of exploration, he already had some of his own methods.

After receiving Xie Tingwen's order, Cao Zhen also went down to prepare.

Looking at the empty living room, Xie Tingwen, whose frown had been gradually relaxing, said with a serious expression: "Shu Ting! I hope your concerns are wrong. Otherwise, how many innocent people will die in this drought."

......

the other side.

After watching the execution, Xie Shuting, with a hint of anger, led her maid and walked towards Guanshan Bookstore.

As soon as I walked into the main street, I saw Lian Xi coming up to me, panting heavily: "Miss!~"

"Yeah!~"

Xie Shuting nodded in response, but her steps did not stop.

Lian Xi's expression froze. He naturally noticed that his young lady was acting strange. He then looked at the maid beside him and gave her a look.

The other party also understood and carefully pointed to the two people following behind him. Lian Xi looked up and saw Zhao Zhen and Yan Shuang.

At this moment, he probably understood something, so he didn't dare to say much and followed his young lady carefully.

Not long after, the master and his servant arrived outside Guanshan Bookstore, and the shopkeeper inside greeted them with a smile the moment he saw Lian Xi.

"Girl! What are you buying today?"

Seeing the shopkeeper being so attentive, Xie Shuting couldn't help but frown and asked, "Xi'er! What are you doing?"

Lian Xi did not dare to hide it and could only vaguely tell the matter of the Huitong Money House promissory note.

Xie Shuting nodded when she heard this, without any dissatisfaction. The promissory note was only circulated in a small range and had no significant impact on her identity.

The shopkeeper also noticed something strange at this moment. He raised his eyes and looked at the three people in front of him before he noticed Xie Shuting's figure.

He hurriedly bowed and said, "Thank you, Miss! I was careless and didn't realize you were here."

"No need to be so polite. I just came to take a look and buy some rice paper." Xie Shuting stroked her hands nonchalantly and walked towards the bookshelf beside her.