Chapter Thirteen: Improving the Situation

Wei Tianze and Ping Borui delivered one thousand catties of grain to Chengping County.

Xian Yuzhou was greatly surprised to see them actually bring the grain to repay the debt.

Wei Tianze said, "Magistrate Xian, we agreed at the time that as soon as the grain arrived, we would return it twofold. Now, the grain has been delivered in full!"

"I never expected the Imperial Court to actually send disaster relief supplies to Long'an County, and in such large quantities." He had heard the news that Long'an County received aid. He should have petitioned the court for relief supplies himself, but at the time, he assumed it was merely an excuse Wei Tianze had made up to borrow grain. He had not expected the court to truly send help.

Ping Borui said sarcastically, "I came to you time and again to borrow grain, but was turned away every time. It was nothing more than your fear that I would not pay you back. But you can set your mind at ease this time; here are exactly four hundred catties of grain, not a single bit missing. You had better count them carefully!"

Xian Yuzhou wore a smile, speaking in a conciliatory tone, "Magistrate Ping, please do not say that! How could I ever say you wouldn't repay a loan? You have greatly misunderstood me! Our county was simply in a difficult position."

Ping Borui let out a cold snort at this. He was well aware of the schemes running through Xian Yuzhou's mind.

Xian Yuzhou began to count the grain and ordered his men to store it in the warehouse.

Wei Tianze spoke up, "Magistrate Xian, do you remember what I mentioned to you that day? I suggested that you and Magistrate Ping join forces to work together and resolve the hardships of the people in both regions. I know you had your reservations then, fearing that Long'an County would become a burden. Now that the relief supplies have arrived, Long'an County is arguably more prosperous than Chengping County. I wonder if you have changed your mind and are now willing to cooperate with us, to stand together and seek the well-being of the people in both counties?"

Xian Yuzhou said in astonishment, "You still expect me to cooperate with you?"

He had indeed been filled with reservations when he refused that day. However, now that Long'an County had obtained sufficient relief, he had not expected Wei Tianze to still extend a hand of friendship, allowing Chengping County to share in the success.

"Of course! As local officials dedicated to the welfare of the people, our greatest wish is to see them live better lives under our guidance. Since our starting point is to benefit the people, why dwell on trivial past matters? The key now is whether you, Magistrate Xian, are willing to accept this kindness and work together."

Currently, Long'an County was suffering from a massive exodus of its population, and the remaining labor force was insufficient.

She needed to see rapid improvements in Long'an County, which required labor, and so she thought of Chengping County. A sufficient labor force could quickly solve Long'an County's water scarcity, and in return, silver would flow steadily into Chengping County. Since that was the case, she might as well take the initiative to win over Xian Yuzhou. This would not only let everyone know she was the one actively coordinating, earning her the gratitude of the people in both counties, but also ensure that both magistrates would remember her favor.

Xian Yuzhou turned his gaze toward Ping Borui with some hesitation, "I wonder what Magistrate Ping thinks of this?" With everyone present, he felt it was more appropriate to clarify things in person, lest Wei Tianze leave and Ping Borui suddenly change his mind, leaving his county as the fool who did all the work for nothing.

Ping Borui looked reluctant, but spoke slowly, "As local officials, we bear the heavy responsibility of being 'father and mother' to the people. I understand that what you did was for the sake of your own county's people to live better lives. I truly have no reason to blame you. If the same situation had fallen to me, perhaps I would have chosen to stand by and watch as well. Now that the court's supplies have arrived, and our two counties are neighbors, if I can develop smoothly, I genuinely hope you can too. Only when we all do well can the lives of the people in this entire region truly improve."

Hearing this, Xian Yuzhou felt his emotions stirred. He responded loudly, "Wonderful! Since Magistrate Ping and Mr. Wei are so generous and righteous, our Chengping County will no longer stand on ceremony and will gladly cooperate with Long'an County!"

The three drew up a written agreement on the spot, solemnly pledging that from this day forward, as long as any one of them had a bite to eat, the others would never go hungry.

A close and friendly cooperation began between Long'an and Chengping counties.

Long'an County actively hired a large labor force from Chengping County and purchased various building materials. Meanwhile, Chengping County did not hesitate to lend its unique, advanced production techniques and fine tools to Long'an County for construction.

In this manner, through mutual aid and support, after half a month of persistent effort, the once-blocked waterway on the mountain was finally cleared!

When everything was ready and the facilities were fully operational, the massive waterwheel began to turn slowly in the stream. The villagers of Long'an County were ecstatic, gathering at the water outlet in eager anticipation. As time ticked by, after waiting anxiously for a long while, a stream of water as clear as a silver ribbon suddenly gushed out through the carefully laid pipes.

At that moment, a deafening cheer erupted, and the people's faces were filled with joy and satisfaction.

Subsequently, Long'an County purchased seeds from Chengping County again. To ensure the crops would thrive, Chengping County sent experienced personnel to guide the farmers of Long'an on how to plant scientifically and reasonably. These professionals not only patiently taught planting techniques but also went into the fields to help with the labor.

In the vast fields, the men worked with great enthusiasm, while the women gathered together, chatting and laughing as they cooked, then carrying baskets filled with food and water to the fields.

As the news spread, those who had once left Long'an County to seek their fortunes elsewhere heard that their hometown was undergoing earth-shaking changes and returned one after another. In no time, the population of Long'an County grew day by day, presenting a scene of prosperity.

One morning, an urgent letter from the Imperial Court arrived for Ping Borui. Upon opening it, he found an order to immediately go to the capital and face the Emperor. Ping Borui was shocked and quickly informed Wei Tianze and Xian Yuzhou.

Ping Borui said with great anxiety, "I have never seen the Emperor in my life. Being suddenly summoned to the palace, I am truly terrified." He rubbed his hands unconsciously, deeply worried that he might offend the Emperor and commit a grave error.

Seeing this, Wei Tianze comforted him, "Magistrate Ping, do not panic. You only need to report the facts. Magistrate Xian should accompany you to the capital so you can look after each other. I will take care of things here for now."

Hearing this, Xian Yuzhou instinctively shrank his neck and stammered, "B-but the court did not summon me to face the Emperor. It would be better if I did not go."

Wei Tianze frowned and said firmly, "No! You must go together. Chengping and Long'an have become brother counties; you should share both fortune and misfortune. Your acts of lending grain and other support to Long'an can be reported, and the two of you should be rewarded for your merits. As for me, there is no need to mention me, so as not to affect your rewards. You may claim all the credit for yourselves."

"How can that be?" Ping Borui quickly waved his hand in refusal. "If it weren't for your planning and advice, Brother Wei, Long'an County could never have progressed so quickly!"

"You need not worry about me; I was sent here by Prime Minister Wei. Once the work is done, the Prime Minister will reward me himself. As for my personal credit, it can be ignored. You only need to report the facts to the authorities, but remember one thing: your report must prioritize the Imperial Court! Be grateful for the Court's generous relief and also express sincere thanks for the assistance provided by Prime Minister Wei. Remember, place the Court first and the Prime Minister in a supporting role. Otherwise, if you draw too much attention or appear to outshine the authorities, you might invite unnecessary trouble. Do you understand?"

Hearing Wei Tianze’s words, the two suddenly realized the truth. It was likely that Prime Minister Wei had sent Wei Tianze to such a remote and desolate place in advance precisely to avoid suspicion.

"Very well, we will remember."

"Then I shall await your good news."

The two looked at each other, tidied up briefly, and set off together on the journey to the capital to face the Emperor.

Meanwhile, Kang Qilu had been secretly tracking where Wei Changlong was sending his gold and silver. After many days of observation, he keenly noticed unusual activity at the Prime Minister's residence—people were coming and going frequently, seemingly busy with an important matter.

Kang Qilu secretly followed them, traveling a long way until he arrived at a mansion on the outskirts of the city.

Peering through a crack in the gate, the scene inside left Kang Qilu dumbfounded; the mansion was filled with mountains of silver.

Kang Qilu did not dare to delay for a moment. He rushed back to the city without stopping and headed straight for the residence of Grand Tutor Song Hanlin, intending to report everything he had discovered.

When Song Hanlin heard this shocking news, he was greatly astonished and asked urgently, "Were you noticed when you returned?"

Kang Qilu replied quickly, "My lord, I acted with extreme caution. I remained hidden in the shadows from start to finish, leaving no trace. Please rest assured, my lord."

Song Hanlin said with confidence, "Very good! We have now obtained key evidence. We need only wait for the officials from the disaster-stricken areas to arrive in the capital, and I will expose Wei Changlong's true face before the Emperor! Magistrate Kang, from this moment on, send men to that mansion immediately. Keep the silver under strict guard; do not let anyone move it. If you see anyone attempting to remove the silver, you must act immediately to stop them!"

"As you command, my lord!" Kang Qilu acknowledged the order, turned, and hurried away to arrange for the protection of the crucial silver.