Pampered by the Toughest Man After Divorce
Chapter 873 Heading North (4)

Chapter 873: Chapter 873 Heading North (4)

The gentry smiled sycophantically, and Lu Jianxi couldn’t bear it any longer, asking just one question, "You just want money, right?"

The gentry’s smile turned his eyes into slits, and his mouth was wide enough to swallow an entire bun.

Seeing the look on Lu Jianxi’s face that she was about to blow up, Wild Brother gently pressed her shoulder, signaling her not to be impetuous.

But even that gentle press sent a jolt through Lu Jianxi’s heart.

His touch wasn’t forceful, merely a light pat, yet it had a calming effect, steadying her heart quickly.

Wild Brother, oblivious to Lu Jianxi’s inner turmoil, continued to ask the gentry, "How much money do you want?"

The gentry smiled again and said, "We have always followed the principle of chronology and quality. Here in Tiandu City, although it is not a land rich in fish and rice, and the wheat yield isn’t high, the soil quality varies. For instance, on the sunny side, the seedlings grow strong, while on the shady side, they tend to grow weaker. That’s why we re-planned the land, giving it first to those with the means, like yourselves. As for those poor devils outside, we’ll distribute to them what remains naturally. So, it’s not that we’re not giving out land, but there are certain principles..."

No wonder the land issue had not been settled for so long.

Lu Jianxi, who typically spoke her mind, said, "The refugees at best can do some miscellaneous jobs and generally have no money. After such a long and arduous journey back home, where would they get any money? This approach of yours doesn’t seem quite right."

The gentry replied, "What can be done about this? I’m acting on orders from above."

"Who is above?" Wild Brother asked.

"The county Yamen!"

Wild Brother stood up and said to Lu Jianxi, "Let’s go. We’ve got a good idea of what’s happening. Let’s find the Yamen."

"Eh, so you don’t want the land?" the gentry asked, but Wild Brother and Lu Jianxi hardly paid him any attention and simply strode out.

"Really now, just leaving like that? Not even a word of farewell, what’s with the attitude, just because you made some money outside? When you come back, you still have to divide land and fields!"

...

"General Lu, oh no, Lu... Inspector, what do you plan to do next?" Wild Brother asked Lu Jianxi, for she was the Inspector tasked with postwar reconstruction.

Seeing Wild Brother’s hesitation about how to address her made Lu Jianxi smile, "I already call you Wild Brother, but you still call me General Lu. I don’t expect you to call me Sister Jianxi, just Jianxi will do."

Wild Brother also smiled, "Sister Jianxi sounds strange. In my eyes, you are always the valiant and skilled General. Then, Jianxi it shall be."

"Right, and about your question on what to do next, my idea is this: we go straight to the person in charge at the Yamen. We don’t need to disguise ourselves as commoners anymore, we’ll just use our status to command the person in charge at the Yamen to reform. Finally, we’ll draft a report to the emperor, requesting his decree to improve things from top to bottom. Anyone found guilty of embezzlement or corruption will be stripped of their position and thrown into prison."

Wild Brother added, "At the same time, we should establish whistleblower points. If the common people notice any illegal activities from the Yamen or the gentry, they can report it. Those who can’t write could have scholars come over to write on their behalf, or we could simply create a position for scribes."

"Exactly. In this way, we might not completely eliminate such issues, but it will surely save many people. I’ll go back now and compose the letter."

"..."

The two were chatting with a growing understanding, just like on the battlefield.

...