The First Auxiliary Road from the Imperial Examination

Although Shou'an City has improved its combat readiness level, the most important spring plowing for people's livelihood has not been left behind.

The common people, who faced the loess and turned their backs to the sky, relied on cultivated land for their main food rations throughout the year. Therefore, they did not need the imperial court to urge them and devoted themselves very actively to the work of plowing the soil and sowing seeds.

But at this time when spring planting was in full swing, the official in charge of field grain in the government office hurriedly asked to see Shengyuan with a book in his hand.

"Oh? Are you saying that all the wasteland has been emptied?" Sheng Yuan flipped through the booklet that specifically recorded the details of farmland and wasteland reclamation. "In previous years, cultivated land in various states and counties was mainly planted on cultivated land. As for the reclamation of wasteland and barren mountains, it was all done with open fields. Afterwards... is it too early for Chen Li to say anything now?"

"Your Excellency, I don't know. Although the reclamation of wasteland and barren mountains is put behind the scenes, each family usually asks their female relatives and children to do the weeding and picking of rocks before plowing the land, so that the time for reclamation and sowing is not delayed."

Chen Li elaborated on the inside story: "My subordinates saw that the amount of registered grain distributed by various states and counties was far less than before, so they asked the government officials to assist in the investigation. Most of the farmers in Juezhou County did not declare wasteland reclamation, let alone order the corresponding grain. What's more, It is the wasteland that was cultivated in the past two years, but it was abandoned because it was not fertile enough and the yield was far less than that of mature land."

Sheng Yuan listened carefully to what he said and closed the record book: "Food is the need for the survival of the people and the foundation of the development of the imperial court. Farmers love their fields and cherish food more than their own lives. Now the land is abandoned and the best are planted. Why is this Banya?"

Chen Li moved his lips, and there was a slight hesitation between his eyes and brows.

Sheng Yuan saw this clearly and said with a smile: "Chen Li has something to say, but it's okay to say it... It's just that you have concerns and don't want to say more, but you came to report today. Who in the government office doesn't know? I know the reason from other sources. , some people may also think that it is because of what you said."

When Chen Li heard this, he was stunned for a moment, and then he stopped hesitating: "My subordinates heard that people were farming as usual, but suddenly there were rumors that Arong would go south and attack the Central Plains. Guarding An City, a border area, is It is A Rong’s first choice.

There are no famous generals guarding Fucheng, and the terrain is uninhabitable. Its combat power is not as good as the three cities of Sizhou, Pingzhou and Chengzhou that were attacked by A Rong before. It is probably difficult to defend.

Instead of planting more grain to make A Rong's wedding clothes, it would be better to just keep enough cultivated land to pay taxes and satisfy hunger. "

"Is this the only reason?" Sheng Yuan looked over with a smile in her starry eyes, "I recently ordered that no one can enter or leave the city, but no one is dissatisfied?"

"This..." Chen Li didn't respond. He seemed to be confused about the explanation. Why did Master Sheng change the topic?

Sheng Yuan snorted softly: "Since the people have listened to these rumors, they should organize their family property and find ways to escape from the city with the elderly and children. Even if the people of Shou'an City are very aware, they have prepared a good place for peace in Fucheng. If you plan to live and die together, you will not find a way to send your young children out of the city. At least, you must go to this government office and ask for my favor."

Chen Li didn't understand it at first, but at the end he suddenly understood: "Master Fu Zun, are you saying that someone is deliberately provoking conflicts? They want to win people's hearts, but also want to hinder Master Fu Zun."

"The fight with me is just an internal struggle within Da Chu. I am afraid that some people have abandoned the country and surrendered to the enemy."

As soon as Sheng Yuan finished speaking, a bead of sweat appeared on Chen Li's forehead.     Is this what he should hear?

Chen Li felt bitterness at the corner of his mouth.

"Why are you afraid, Chen Li? Unless you also have other thoughts, you should be glad that I have pointed out the facts." Sheng Yuan stood up, walked to his side, patted his shoulder, "Chen Li, please confirm Who is the enemy and who is the comrade-in-arms? It is more important to distinguish the enemy from your own team. Otherwise, even if you are just a subordinate, how can you know that the other party will not easily get rid of them?"

Chen Li, who had already made Sheng Yuan break into a cold sweat, felt his buttocks tremble.

He is just an ordinary subordinate. Why should the Lord of the Palace give him such an arduous task?

As if she knew what he was thinking, Sheng Yuan raised the corners of her lips: "I am reorganizing the six houses. Ninety percent of the current subordinate officials have been replaced by people who are taking the examination. Only Chen Li is an old man. Son.

I heard that Chen Li’s family is prosperous and has many in-laws, and Chen Li, you yourself have made many friends, with relatives and friends all over the city, prefectures and counties? "

Chen Li swallowed silently.

If Sheng Yuan had not promulgated the responsibility confirmation and reward and punishment system before, how could he take the initiative to mention the reclamation matter?

Well now, with this ready-made tool, Baba has thrown himself into the trap!

He sighed in his heart, but Chen Li was not unwilling. He was always good at mediating emotions and very knowledgeable... Since Sheng Yuan mentioned this, he naturally couldn't shirk the blame.

After Chen Li thought about it clearly, he no longer hesitated and decisively expressed that he would do his part for Shengyuan and Fucheng.

Sheng Yuan admired him for being so straightforward.

She didn't expect this person to accomplish much, but if he had more help and understanding, he would have more eyes to help her keep an eye on Fucheng.

After ordering Chen Li to retire, Sheng Yuan asked someone to follow her out of the office.

"Sister Yuan, why are you going out today?" Anyu Dian'er, who still didn't know the whole story, chased after her.

Sheng Yuan smiled and winked at him: "I heard today that the people in the city regard A Rong as a tiger and a wolf, and are very afraid of his name, so I want to ask everyone personally - who is more scary, me or A Rong?"

(End of this chapter)