Royal Gold Medal County Magistrate

After a full day of persuasion, Fang Zheng finally managed to salvage the Crown Prince.

Wouldn't it be utterly humiliating to be defeated by a pile of excrement?

The next day, the two of them once again set foot on the streets of Banshan Ward, this time accompanied by Zhang Biao.

To ensure Li Yuanzhao's safety and minimize his influence, he would continue to use the identity of Li Yuan while in public, and Fang Zheng would still be addressed as Master Sai.

Daily management would be handled by Zhao Gang, which would also avoid a lot of trouble.

Standing on the street, Li Yuanzhao frowned, "Lao Fang, why do you think they relieve themselves in the street?"

"Because it's convenient."

Although public toilets have existed for a long time, large-scale implementation didn't happen until the Qing Dynasty.

While there were some public toilets in Banshan Ward, their number was extremely limited, which was clearly insufficient for the common people.

In less particular places, the vast majority of people would simply find a corner to relieve themselves.

Although the capital had measures such as sewers and drainage ditches, they were not very effective.

Modern people often think that having complete facilities like sewers solves everything.

Little do they know that this is like the tactile paving for the blind in modern times; if you trust it, you're doomed.

Lacking scientific management, planning, and technical support, sewers are prone to blockage and are only cleaned every two or three years. If it rains... forget about it.

Even modern drainage systems can experience severe flooding during a heavy rainstorm, let alone Jing Country.

Therefore, the best solution is to find night soil collectors to transport the waste as much as possible.

Fang Zheng said to Li Yuanzhao, "For now, the first thing we need to do is lay the groundwork. We need to build more public toilets, arrange for people to clean them daily, and increase street sweeping efforts. We can address other issues gradually."

Li Yuanzhao wondered, "Lao Fang, how did we end up dealing with poop and pee! Can't we do something else? I think it would be more practical to demolish some old houses and rebuild new ones, or repave the roads! I'd like to see who dares to defecate on a stone road!"

Fang Zheng patiently explained, "You're right, those old houses do need to be renovated, but now is not the time yet."

"Hygiene may seem like a small matter, but it is of great importance, as it relates to the people's morale. If people lose their spirit, they can't accomplish anything."

"Moreover, the current environment is very prone to spreading diseases, which needs to be addressed as soon as possible."

"In addition, don't underestimate environmental sanitation. If the environment is improved, the crime rate will also drop significantly."

"Currently, there are hundreds of recorded criminal cases in the City Garrison, but what about those that are not reported? There must be countless, although the vast majority are petty thefts."

"Crime should decrease as soon as the environment improves. Let's make a bet!"

Li Yuanzhao curled his lip and said, "No bet. Whatever you say, goes. You have experience in Taoyuan County. I won't fall for your trick!"

Then he turned to Zhang Biao and asked, "Zhang Biao, is Lao Fang right?"

Zhang Biao glanced at this "brat" who was always disrespectful to the young master, but he forgave him considering his mental condition!

He said in a deep voice, "That's right! That's how it is. When I was a constable in Taoyuan County, I discovered that the number of lawbreakers decreased when the environment became cleaner. I don't think it will be difficult to solve this problem. Anyone who dares to relieve themselves in the street should have their butthole sewn shut!"

"Sew up two of them and everyone will be honest!"

Upon hearing this, Li Yuanzhao became completely disoriented, and his mind began to conjure up images of Zhang Biao carrying a person, holding a large needle, and constantly piercing their buttocks.

Fang Zheng patted Zhang Biao on the shoulder with emotion, "Biao-ge, forget it, forget it."

"Keep your handiwork to yourself. The capital is not like Taoyuan County. It would be embarrassing if word got out."

Zhang Biao puffed out his chest and said proudly, "Don't be afraid. After following the young master, I have no shame!"

"Shut up!"

..............

Spending a day, Fang Zheng and Li Yuanzhao began to conduct a survey in Banshan Ward to understand the specific situation so they wouldn't be clueless.

Zhao Gang also assigned another person to Fang Zheng, the Deputy Commander Ding Quan.

Ding Quan was thin and small, with a sneaky, rat-like appearance, but after a brief conversation, Fang Zheng discovered that he was a talented individual.

He was very familiar with everything, big and small, in Banshan Ward.

Unlike Zhao Gang, who had to look up records temporarily when asked about something, it seemed that he was a hard worker in the City Garrison, although he was somewhat cunning and constantly flattered Fang Zheng in his speech.

After a brief chat, Fang Zheng said to Ding Quan, "Give you two days to recruit people to build public toilets. I want a public toilet every 150 zhang in Banshan Ward, separated for men and women."

"At the same time, recruit another group of people to clean the streets. I want to see results in half a month. No one is allowed to defecate or urinate in the streets. Anyone caught will be severely punished!"

Ding Quan readily agreed, then smiled and rubbed his hands, whispering, "Sir... who will pay for the recruitment of these people?"

"You don't have to worry about that. I will be responsible for all expenses. In addition, I will send someone to assist you."

Fang Zheng had already thought about this and decided to send Lu Fa over. There were no clues about the sea merchant matter.

That guy leaves his wife at home every day just to go whoring.

He had worked in the Taoyuan County government before and possessed some basic qualities.

The main purpose was to keep an eye on Ding Quan, fearing that he would take the opportunity to profit.

"Sir... if a public toilet is to be built every 150 zhang, it may occupy the location of residential houses. What do you think about this...?"

"It doesn't matter. If it encroaches on the people's houses, negotiate a good price with them. I will buy them directly. Remember, be polite when you go out to negotiate."

"Also! Arrange for another group of people to collect feces and transport them out of the city every day. As for whether they sell it or dump it, I won't interfere, but it must be transported every day without fail!"

Ding Quan looked embarrassed.

"Sir... I'm afraid I can't help you with this last matter. The gold juice business in the city... the City Garrison can't afford to offend them..."

Li Yuanzhao widened his eyes and shouted, "What! The City Garrison can't even afford to offend a bunch of night soil collectors? What are you guys doing!"

Ding Quan said awkwardly, "Your... ah, Young Master Li, you don't understand."

"It's okay if it's just one night soil collector... but it's a big problem when a group of them get together. Now, the gold juice business doesn't even put the government in their eyes..."

"If the cesspools are full anywhere, everyone relies on these people. If they don't care, no one can stand it... so the City Garrison has always been very troubled!"

Fang Zheng waved his hand and said calmly, "It doesn't matter. Do as I instructed, and I will find a way to deal with those people."

...............