Reborn as a bride, pretending to be virtuous, the prince held his waist and regretted

"My son is back, and our family is saved." Grandma Sun said with sobs, "The county magistrate is so kind. I want to set up a longevity tablet for him."

Old Man Sun smiled and said, "Yes, he should be established, but not now. My son hurried on his way early in the morning and went to work when he got home. He hasn't eaten yet. Now he is helping the village with work. You should hurry up and cook."

"Oh, by the way, our son brought back some food. Cook more so that he can have enough food to work. After the meal, make a hand warmer for him. Otherwise, his hands will get frozen while working outside."

Grandma Sun wiped her tears and nodded, "I'll cook right away. Old man, you can boil some ginger water for your son in another ceramic pot. He can wash his hands and feet later to prevent frostbite."

"Okay!" Old Man Sun agreed and started to work.

After the meal was ready, Old Man Sun went to call his son home for dinner.

The elderly, the weak, the women and the children in the village were frightened at first when they saw the criminals who had been sent to labor reform in the county town coming back from the village. They thought they had escaped and come back to rob.

Unexpectedly, these people did not rush into the house to steal things, but climbed onto the roof to sweep the snow.

After finishing their work, these people left in a hurry and went to the next one.

Old man Sun came over and shouted, "Son, it's time to eat."

Sun Laoda replied, "Dad, I'll finish sweeping the snow off Aunt Wu's roof and will be back soon."

Aunt Wu was worried about her granddaughter and grandson, so Big Brother Sun came over to help.

She was busy in the yard, and when she saw Old Man Sun coming, she asked hurriedly, "Brother Sun, what's going on? Don't run away, Boss!"

Old Man Sun told the county magistrate about his decision, and Aunt Wu clasped her hands together, "May God bless Lord Zhou to live a hundred years. We in Qingshui County can finally live a good life."

Old Man Sun nodded, "Yes, everything will be fine. You take care of yourself, and your grandson will grow up in a few years."

Aunt Wu wiped away her tears and choked up, "I am still able to breathe with my old bones now, just because I can't let go of my two children at home."

After talking for a while, Boss Sun and a few other people quickly cleaned up the snow in the yard.

"Dad, okay, let's go home and have dinner." Boss Sun said with a smile.

Aunt Wu was a little embarrassed, "Look at me, you guys come to help, I should cook and eat at my house."

Boss Sun smiled and said, "No need, Aunt Wu, our county magistrate has given us food and asked us to help the villagers clear the snow. It's cold outside now, please go in quickly!"

"Just take care of the three children. We will keep an eye on the snow. If the snow is too thick, we will come over to help."

After saying this, Boss Sun and the others left one by one without waiting for Aunt Wu to thank them.

Aunt Wu wiped her tears and said, the county magistrate is a great judge, how great!

When they got home, Aunt Sun hurriedly urged, "Son, quickly soak your hands in ginger water, I'll serve you some rice."

"Thank you, mother." Boss Sun expressed his gratitude with tears in his eyes. He didn't expect to be able to go home at this time.

His father was there to see him before, but his mother had to stay at home to take care of the children and didn't go.

After the government took control of the stronghold, he was about to be beheaded, but he didn't expect the county magistrate to be so kind that he let them go and only asked them to work to atone for their sins.

Now that he can return home and reunite with his family, Boss Sun is convinced by the county magistrate.

Old man Sun ate the hot meal, although it was simple, he enjoyed it very much.

The two children were timid, but they soon became familiar with their father. The house was very warm.

Such scenes appear in many villages in Qingshui County.

Half a month after the snow stopped, Boss Sun took the initiative to bring everyone back instead of staying at home.

If Lord Zhou lets them go back, they cannot make things difficult for him.

All the prisoners, without exception, returned, and not a single one escaped.

When Zhou Jin heard the report from below, his anxious heart felt a little relieved.

Yuan Zhen bowed, "Brother Zhou is very talented. It has been snowing for half a month now, but no houses have been crushed. All the prisoners have returned."

Zhou Jin smiled and said, "I just gave you some advice. Fortunately, you and Xie's brother-in-law helped me. Otherwise, this matter would not have gone so smoothly."

Xie Jin smiled and said, "Brother-in-law, I can see that you are trying to win their hearts. After these people go back, they can reunite with their families and help with disaster relief, so that they can be more peaceful."

Zhou Jin nodded, "Yes, Qingshui County originally had few young and middle-aged people, so there is so much land, and now only a small population is needed."

"Before Zhou came, His Majesty required Qingshui County to reach a population of 120,000 within three years. After six years, it must reach a population of 200,000."

"The task is arduous and long. Zhou's scalp tingles when he thinks about it. Therefore, when clearing out those bandits, only the ringleaders are executed in order to preserve the population to the maximum extent possible."

Xie Jin was stunned, and asked in a low voice: "Brother Zhou, is His Majesty..."

"Brother-in-law, the emperor's will is hard to guess, but with a larger population, it will be much easier to deal with foreign invasions." Zhou Jin said quickly, "We only need to encourage agriculture, water conservancy, and childbirth. Your Majesty will decide the rest."

Although Zhou Jin did not answer, Xie Jin and Yuan Zhen both understood.

Your Majesty, this is going to do something big!

But to get things done, we need people and food.

Both men were very excited at the thought that they might be able to participate in the feat of expanding the territory.

Just as the three were chatting and laughing, Wang Shiwen came in from outside.

"Brothers, what are you talking about?" Wang Shiwen asked.

Zhou Jin smiled and said, "It's nothing. Now that the snow has stopped, we can finally take a breath. If it keeps snowing like this, I'm afraid the snow will be taller than a person."

Wang Shiwen smiled and said, "Brother Zhou, you have a good idea. According to the soldiers' reports, the criminals have not escaped."

Zhou Jin nodded, "Yes, I hope that through this, everyone can let go of their hatred and live in peace. And also prepare for a big fight next year."

Wang Shiwen cupped his hands and said, "I was over-worried before. Now my admiration for Brother Zhou is like a surging river..."

Yuan Zhen looked down on Wang Shiwen the most and mocked him, "Wang Shiwen, stop flattering me. The documents we submitted for our petition did not include our three names, so when the higher-ups were discussing merits and rewards, you were not included either."

Wang Shiwen's face flushed. "I... I didn't think of taking credit. I just wanted to apologize. I am short-sighted and timid."

Xie Jin drank tea and pretended not to hear.

Zhou Jin smiled and said, "Brother Wang, forget it this time. You have to be more active next time. Otherwise, we will make great contributions again and again, but you will never get any. We are rising step by step, but you are standing still. Then you will stay here for the rest of your life."

Wang Shiwen particularly dislikes this place. His favorite place is the water town in the south of the Yangtze River.

The mountains, waters and people there are beautiful, and there is also fine clothing and delicious food. It is much better than Qingshui County.

"From now on, whatever Brother Zhou says is what I will listen to." Wang Shiwen promised that he would not fall behind any further.

He was eager to accomplish something meritorious and leave here as soon as possible.

He didn't know at this time that he would be here for at least six years.