Making money, taking exams, and raising a family in rural imperial examinations

The action of the imperial court was faster than Lin Ze imagined. As soon as the three apprentices set off, the imperial court's imperial decree for the West-to-North Water Diversion Project was issued to all counties.

This operation involved a very wide range, and the scope of the plan was not small. The long canal ran through the northwest direction, and there were also small tributary canals during the period. There were seven or eight barren mountains that needed to be flattened.

The entire project can be said to shake half of the country. Although the people in the southeast and southeast are not affected by the project, other aspects are also more or less affected, but this is only temporary. Once the project is completed, the drought and flood that have plagued everyone for many years The problem will be solved.

In order to prevent the people from panicking and bewitched by rumors, the imperial court first issued an imperial decree to do positive publicity everywhere, so as to prevent the ignorant people from being incited to make trouble when the construction was underway.

After the new prince took the official team in place, countless materials and manpower began to be mobilized. With the help of explosives, digging mountains and quarrying stones was no longer difficult, and repairing canals was also very easy. Blow up ravines that lead to water, and level the barren hills that are useless to block the way.

This is also the official launch of Daji Explosives. When the common people saw the officers and soldiers blowing up ravines and leveling barren hills effortlessly, rumors of heavenly soldiers spread throughout the country and neighboring countries in a very short time.

Such appalling news naturally attracted the attention of all countries, and they sent people over to secretly investigate the truth of the news.

The emperor didn't stop the news when he heard the news, and let the spies see it. This was a deliberate attempt to show the country's power and frighten the surroundings. Otherwise, with the development of Daji, it would be a matter of time before it became a thorn in the eyes of all the countries.

These people don't know that everyone's attention is on the project, and ordinary people at the bottom just want to live a good life.

Under the positive publicity of the imperial court, the common people are very supportive of this large-scale construction project. As long as the related Northwest people can have people from their families, they will take the initiative to work and support them, and they don't even care about the wages.

The people in the southeast have generously donated money. A few copper coins for a family are not much, but there are a lot of them together. The support of the people has greatly reduced the burden on the imperial treasury.

Coupled with the 12 free Nanyang slaves and the help of explosives, although the west-to-north water diversion project is a big one, the actual cost is very easy to calculate.

When the financial and material resources are in place, the food for the coolies will naturally be much better. All the steamed buns are good food mixed with white flour, and the corn rice is even more filling. Occasionally, they can eat a meal of noodles. Eat the fatty pork five or six times.

This food is definitely very good, and the officers and soldiers who supervise the work will not urge the whipping for no reason. Even slave coolies, as long as they abide by the rules, they will be treated with respect, and they will have proper rest time after work. Human nature oppresses everyone to work.

This made the slaves from Nanyang feel touched like never before. The rumor at the beginning was right. Even if they were slaves in Daji, they could live their dreams of having enough food and not worrying about dying at any time.

On the construction site of the West-to-North Water Transfer Project in full swing, strong laborers sang songs while working, and officers and soldiers supervised the delivery of water.

"Come on, everyone, finish the work on your hands, and eat fatty pork at noon today! Last month, everyone's efficiency was rewarded by the above, and today's meal is a special reward for everyone. When this month is over, we will still have bonuses... "

The chief supervisor waved his hands to encourage the laborers, and announced the good news loudly.

"Oh oh oh."

When the strong men who worked heard it, they yelled to express their happiness.

In order to improve the efficiency of the project and at the same time prevent the workers from feeling disgusted and resentful, the above adopted an efficiency reward system. As long as everyone completes the work beyond the prescribed progress, they can get welcome rewards in terms of food and wages.

Although many of the common people came voluntarily at first and didn't care about the wages, but the imperial court couldn't really pay them casually. The common people don't think there is anything in a short time, but they will change their minds after a long time.

Therefore, the normal reward and punishment system is the best way. It is also necessary to feed the workers. If you want the horse to run, how can you not feed the horse.

The strong laborers who work are happy, and the officers and soldiers who supervise are even happier, because they are rewarded more.

"Boss, is there any chocolate in this reward? Last time I brought something home, my daughter and daughter loved it!"

Some of the soldiers who knew the chief supervisor were rewarded as soon as they heard it, so they rushed over to inquire about the news.

Every time the imperial court rewarded the coolies with copper coins, but for their officers and soldiers they received two kinds of money and supplies. Among them, the supplies were all good things, including food, clothes and clothes, and many of them could not be bought with money.

Take chocolate, for example. This is a food that is only widely circulated among the upper class, and it is circulated in the military camp. It is difficult to buy it outside. Even if it is sold, the price is very high, because it is needed for armaments and cannot be distributed in large quantities. to the outside.

"Yes, as mentioned above, although it is necessary for military equipment for military camp operations, the soldiers we supervise and manage the project are also very hard, doing all physical work, and the efficiency we completed last month ranked among the top ten of all supervision teams Yes, each person will be rewarded with a box."

The supervisor continued to tell everyone the good news.

This is really good news. They are just supervisors. They don't need to go to the battlefield. They don't need to eat chocolate to replenish their strength. Most people won't eat the rewards, but sell them. , The exchanged money sent home can make the family live for a long time.

The overseers are in a high mood, and their attitude towards the working slaves is naturally better and more patient.

"Everyone has worked hard during this time. Let's rest for half an hour longer today. Everyone, go wash your hands and prepare to eat, and then take a nap before doing it..."

Washing hands before eating is one of the strict sanitation conditions above, and there are other things that are not allowed to defecate and spit anywhere.

The higher-ups are more concerned about the health of the working people and slaves, and the living environment than everyone else. It is said that maintaining good hygiene habits can prevent the occurrence of diseases, especially when so many people gather together and the living conditions are so poor, it is easy to cause disease.

Although everyone doesn't quite understand it, but the above strict regulations are still followed honestly, because those who don't listen will be severely punished.

In addition, everyone has to drink medicine regularly, even if they are not sick.

However, after following the practice for a period of time, everyone really found that there are many fewer sick people around them, and people who are cleaner are more comfortable and energetic, and they have begun to have the awareness of self-care about hygiene.

Maier is a slave from Nanyang. When he heard the meal, he felt as if he had been beaten with chicken blood. He cleaned up and speeded up his work, then washed his hands and face and ran to line up with everyone.

There are many others like Maier. In fact, as long as they are slaves from Nanyang, they are the most active when it comes to eating.

Although Daji's eating habits are very different from those in Nanyang, it does not prevent people who have been hungry for a long time from eating delicious food. Since everyone arrived in Daji, they have not responded to the slightest acclimatization, and their full stomachs have overcome all difficulties. .

"Meat! I really ate meat today! I scooped up three pieces!"

"Hahaha, I have four yuan! Thank God, oh no, His Majesty Daji's gift..."

"Today is a special reward, and tomorrow is the time for us to eat meat officially, so have we eaten meat for two consecutive days?!"

Almost every Nanyang slave who got the meat made a sound of exclamation and gratitude.

I think that when they were in Nanyang, meat could only be enjoyed by the upper class nobles. Even before their own tribe was defeated, it was difficult for ordinary people to eat meat. Generally, everyone would use it to exchange for cheap food in order to survive the winter. .

Now they can eat meat several times a month. It is said that people in some places live better than Daji. People only eat meat once a month. These slaves are treated so well.

"Didn't His Majesty Daji tell us at the beginning that as long as we work hard, the imperial court will let us have enough food and clothing. You didn't believe it at the time, but look now, all the slaves we came with are alive, none of them If you are sick, you can still see a doctor..."

Maier came to Daji with a good life from the very beginning. At the beginning, he heard and saw with his own ears how good the life of the slaves who came to Daji was. Daji is a message from heaven, and he is One of the first-hand communicators.

Facts have proved that he is right, Daji is really a good place, it is better to be a slave here than in their native hometown, not only can they have enough food, but also have a doctor to see them when they are sick.

Maier is a gossip king, quietly sharing the news he got with everyone,

"Let me tell you, I heard from the officers and soldiers who supervised our work that after the completion of the West-to-North Water Diversion Project, His Majesty Daji may look at our performance and exempt us from being slaves, so that we can truly live in Daji. How about Anjia..."

"Really? Can we be exempted from slavery?"

As soon as these words came out, all the surrounding Nanyang slaves became agitated and gathered around one after another.

"I don't know, I've heard of it anyway. But I think the news should be true. Think about it, what about our 10,000+ slaves? When the coolies of this project are finished, what will the Daji court do with us? They can't keep them in vain. Or kill him, His Majesty Daji has always said that he is a benevolent king..."

"So I think this news is very likely to be true. You look at the north side, because there were few people in the dry land before. After the drought and flood problems are solved, can such a large piece of land be wasted after being irrigated and fertile? We are sure. Going to open up wasteland."

"A few days ago, didn't the authorities stipulate that we Nanyang slaves should spend an hour every day learning the language of Daji? If we don't want us to stay, why do we still let us learn the language of Daji? Are you right?"

"Yes! That must be the case. I am still worried that the Daji government will send us back after we finish our work. I really don't want to go back to Nanyang at all. I can have enough food here..."

"That's right, I don't want to go back. If this is the case, we have to learn the language of the Great Ji Dynasty as soon as possible..."

A group of Nanyang slaves don't care whether the gossip is true or not. For them, hope is the motivation to keep them alive.

*********************

Although the West-to-North Water Diversion project was just started, it was questioned and worried that the young prince led young officials to preside over it.

But with the start of the project, the performance of this group of young people made the old officials in the court slowly shut up.

Although the young people's experience is indeed lacking, everyone is serious enough, and the three cobblers are better than Zhuge Liang.

And the most important thing is to be flexible in thinking and not stubborn in dealing with things. If this method does not work, immediately change to another method, act vigorously and resolutely, and never procrastinate. Officials at the end are not soft on their hands.

The three of Li Sheng also had detailed experience and precautions presented by Lin Ze. As the project continued to develop, Lin Ze also sent letters to the past, looking for professionals who could help the project, as well as economic materials, and the funding continued far and wide.

There are many small problems among you, but overall the project is progressing very smoothly. His Majesty is very happy with the news and progress sent back to the capital, and there is nothing wrong with the ministers.

The fact that the young new crown prince and new officials are capable is beyond doubt.

The entire project is expected to be completed in ten years, and it is still early. After staring at the project for a period of time without any problems, and the affairs of the court and China are being dealt with on the right track, the emperor has a little rest and a little vacation for himself.

The strenuous efforts of the past few years are more tiring than the sum of the past few decades. The emperor is also a human being, so he has to be tiring.

Of course, it is more of a curiosity. There are new changes in the changes and news of Qingshan County every time it comes back. After all, imagination is not as good as seeing it with his own eyes. He really wants to see with his own eyes what his "real political land" has become. , By the way, take a look at your ghostly disciple.

Thinking about it this way, the emperor waved his hand without saying a word, and picked out a few officials from the court who often had objections to his disciples and planned to come to him for a private visit.

This proposal unexpectedly won the approval of several ministers. In everyone's opinion, Lin Ze is a person who is used to making superficial sycophants. They suddenly went to Qingshan County like this, and they might be able to catch each other. The little braids, save His Majesty from reprimanding them with the achievements made by the other party all day long!

Since it is said to be a private visit on a micro-service, it is natural to come quietly. Although the emperor is protecting Lin Ze, the other party is very principled in political affairs, and will not open the back door just because of the relationship. The premise of opening the back door is that the emperor is sure that you are capable.

As for the real changes in Qingshan County, the emperor was actually really curious, and wanted to see the most real changes in his country with his own eyes.

After arranging the affairs in Beijing, the emperor joined hands with his lover and took a few ministers directly to Qingshan County by boat.

Along the way, we walked along the river bank and saw the changes in the people on the bank, who were full of looks and lived and worked in peace and contentment. We nodded in our hearts. Judging from the income of the treasury and the memorials reported by various places in recent years, the life of the people should be better than that of others. It turned out to be much better.

But what everyone is more curious about is Qingshan County, which now has the title of the most 'advanced' county in Daji.

The word "advanced" was heard from the emperor in the past two years. In the past few years, the emperor always talked about "technological manufacturing, advanced development".

Speeding up the boat, the group arrived at Qingshan County Wharf.

"bang bang bang"

"Here, hello, the opposite ship with the flag 'Jing', turn left and dock!"

After everyone arrived, they hadn't found a place to dock the boats. As soon as they entered a cordon, they heard loud bang bang gongs.

Then there was the roar of several big men, and the other party waved a small red flag to command while roaring.

Everyone didn't know why, but they still turned left and docked as instructed, because when they saw the boats behind entering an area, they basically turned their heads and drove to the left waters to dock.

After the boat stopped, someone immediately signaled them not to disembark, and then a bunch of people with the word 'cha' on their hands boarded the boat.

"Is this the first time for you to come to Qingshan County? You don't even know that ships line up at the pier for inspection, and you don't even know the rules. It's really rare to go to Qingshan County. Well, this is the county handbook. It looks good, otherwise, if something goes wrong when you enter the city, you will be arrested and sent to the prison without discussing it..."

After the other party got on the boat, he frowned and muttered angrily, and then threw out a small thin book.

The words 'Code of the People of Qingshan County' are written on the small book, so it is easy to understand what it is for.

However, Qingshan County is not an important place for military camps and imperial cities, and there is still an inspection when entering the city. This rule is really troublesome. Except for Sheng Yongxuan, who has a general understanding of Qingshan County's system, several ministers in the same company are very muttering.

The inspector glanced at them, but patiently explained,

"Although our Qingshan County is not at the foot of the imperial city, it is developing rapidly. There are often many businessmen and tourists from outside, and the people are mixed. If we don't do a good job in security, what is it like to burn, kill, loot, steal and smash all day long? And our Qingshan County is your majesty. The hand-picked real government places often issue many new notices, and the people can’t live without rules...Anyway, if you come to Qingshan County, you’d better read the handbook before you go out for a walk, or you won’t say you don’t know if you get caught.”

"Then what if we can't read?"

Everyone has no objection to being so careful and safe, and it makes sense.

However, not everyone is educated. Compulsory education in primary schools was only implemented nationwide the year before last, and not all people have succeeded in literacy. It is unrealistic to require everyone to understand the manual.

"Someone on the illiterate side explained that this is for your sake. Otherwise, if you break the rules, you will not be punished severely, and you will be sent to the construction team to do coolies for a few days. Don't think it's a joke. No matter what status you are outside, you will be here. You have to abide by the rules. Didn’t you just say that we are the real government appointed by His Majesty, and we must strictly implement it. It is our duty to eat the king’s salary and worry about the king’s worries!”

Although the inspector looks like a rough guy, he still has a bit of cultural skills in speaking.

Now Qingshan County is able to work for the yamen, the first condition is a cultural examination, those who do not have a cultural foundation can only be errands, and every managerial and leading position needs a certain literacy and cultural foundation.

Looking at the few people in front of them who obviously came to Qingshan County for the first time and hadn’t completed the strategy yet, the inspection leader explained patiently for a while, and led his men to check that the cargo on their ship did not carry dangerous goods, and then let people disembark .

"In terms of safety, it is quite strict. It is a good food for the king to take care of the king. Let's go, find a teahouse to rest, and go shopping after reading the manual..."

Sheng Yongxuan glanced at the few ministers behind who were a little confused by the inspection, smiled and waved to lead them off the boat.

Although Qingshan County has changed a lot, he has been here many times before, and he can still find the specific direction.

However... Sheng Yongxuan soon found out that he was too confident, and completely muttered about the changes in the entire Qingshan County. In Qingshan County, which was re-planned by Lin Ze, many road directions have changed.

After getting off the boat and walking for two laps, they lost their way. As a last resort, they had to find a local to lead the way temporarily, and the other party was a young boy.

The boy obviously did a lot of things to guide the outsiders. Seeing that they should have just arrived and were tired from the journey, he first took them to a restaurant for dinner.

"Where did the masters come from? Is the food taste salty or sweet and spicy? We have all the tastes in the four directions of the southeast, the north, and the west. You can eat whatever you want. Our Qingshan County also has its own special food... "

"We just came to Qingshan County to play, so let's eat the specialties of Qingshan County."

Everyone looked at each other, and decisively chose to eat local specialties, dishes from other places, can people of their status still lack food?

"Okay, the masters are very knowledgeable, I will take you to the special food restaurant in our Qingshan County right away. Our special food restaurant is different from ordinary restaurants. It is in the form of self-service..."

The young guide was a flatterer, he yelled at the master very well, and then he started to introduce the characteristics of the restaurant as he walked.

Everyone didn't understand or understand the self-help form, but it was still very rare and novel.

When they got to the place, they realized what the guide boy meant by self-help. To put it bluntly, it meant the superficial meaning of the words, helping themselves.

The entire special food building has four floors, and each floor has different charges due to different foods. The higher you go, the more expensive it is, but the more you spend, the better you can enjoy nature.

There is no ordering here, all the dishes are placed outside, and you can eat whatever you want, as long as you don't waste it.

The first to third floors are such self-help, but there is a difference in the fourth floor, which is said to be an auction.

This made Sheng Yongxuan and his party dizzy, can this food be auctioned?

"Of course, the food auctioned on the fourth floor of the gourmet building is delicious that even the imperial palace does not have. The most important thing is that our Master Lin made it himself. Master Lin is Master Sasuke, a top-ranking official, and Master Lin can eat it himself. What kind of honor is that to eat?"

The corner of Sheng Yongxuan's mouth twitched.

Several ministers were furious, "He, a high-ranking official of the imperial court, actually went into the kitchen to cook? And put it up for auction? It's an insult to gentleness!"

"What's insulting to the gentleman? Masters, we don't care about you because you are from outside, but if you say such things again, Qingshan County doesn't welcome you..."

The young guide, who was still smiling just now, suddenly changed his face, with a look of disdain for a 'backward element',

"As the saying goes, the emperor commits the same crime as the common people when he breaks the law. Our lord Lin said that the officials of the imperial court are all serving the people. They must not take the common people's stitches and stitches, 1.1 meters of grain, and set an example. Lin lord surrendered his status to make food and sell it for auction. All the silver is a donation.”

"Donate?"

"Yes, Master Lin said that although the imperial court is kind to our people, but there are so many people in the country, it is impossible for everyone to wait for the rescue from the treasury. Your Majesty is worried about the people all over the world. There must be unexpected omissions sometimes. We You have to find a way to be self-sufficient, so that you can save yourself at a critical moment and not add burden to the court."

"In order to take the lead, Mr. Lin set an example and set up this gourmet auction, so that rich people can voluntarily pay for it without using power, and can raise money to help poor people in the county. Isn't it the best of both worlds. "

"Then he can do other things..."

Everyone still can't understand, what does it look like when a genuine first-class official comes to cook food for the Baiding people and even businessmen outside.

"This is our Master Lin's hobby. Master Lin is busy with noble and noble official duties all day long, so why don't you allow him to have a down-to-earth hobby to decompress? Are you masters really running out without doing any strategy? But let me tell you, if you dare to disrespect our Master Lin again, I really won't lead you the way!"

The young guide despises some idiots who don't know how to keep up with the times and come to Qingshan County to play without doing any strategy for the first time.

Several ministers: ... It was also the first time for him to see such a fresh and refined guide who turned his face quickly.