Chapter Six, Under the Sophora Tree

Zhang Zhengxin took the banknotes, moved his lips slightly, and ultimately said nothing, turning around to leave

Master, what should we do with these little ones?" Suddenly, Zhang Zhengxin, who had barged in, interrupted his thoughts. Behind him followed several children, ranging from five or six years old to teenagers.

"I will go out for 52," said Team Leader Li

The treasure notes were used by the government to forcibly buy out the immovable properties of villagers during mass migration. Each villager had some, but in private transactions, the value of the treasure notes fluctuated daily. Particularly in this border region, no one wanted them at all. Seeing that Wu Anguo remained silent for a long time, the old man thought the amount was insufficient, and tremblingly took out a few more notes, pressing them into Wu Anguo's hand, saying, "Sir, please show some mercy. I, an old man nearing the grave, have no worries, but my children cannot suffer this fate." His voice was already choked with emotion.

At this moment, Wu Anguo has also lost his regulations. Winter is approaching, the river surface has frozen, and the ironworks will have to rely on animal power for blowing air, which will significantly reduce smelting efficiency, and it will not be possible to arrange for too many workers. Other emerging industries, such as lime and primitive cement (lime, sand, and gypsum fired in proportion), do not require so many people. Moreover, these immigrants also include the elderly, women, and children

"I have adopted these children and settled them in the charity school, Zhengxin. From now on, you will take care of them," Wu Anguo instructed Zhang Zhengxin, who was wiping away tears beside him. "First, buy them a few pieces of clothing and give them a bath. In the afternoon, see if you can hire a kind-hearted woman to help you take care of them, and also ask Shisanlang to arrange their studies according to their individual situations."

Upon arrival, Guo Pu heard a cacophony of noise mixed with cries. He stood up and quickly walked outside the hall. The open area outside the hall was now densely packed with people, stretching out onto the long street. Men, women, and children alike had their right arms bound with ropes, resembling a string of candied hawthorns, while countless soldiers, fierce as wolves and tigers, wielded whips, shouting and striking to organize the ranks. Everyone in the line had pale faces, their heads covered in dust, unaware of the hardships they had endured to reach this place. The leader of the troops, seeing the county magistrate come out, swaggered forward and loudly proclaimed: "Under the command of General Wei Guogong Xu Da, the total flag of the Shanxi Right Guard, Xie Yuanliang, is here on imperial orders to escort 3,000 households from Hongtong County to Huairou. There were originally 15,000 people leaving the territory, with 3,705 lost on the way, leaving a total of 11,295 people now present for handover"

In a moment of silence, Zhao Dezhong, the village head of Daliushu, stood up and said: "There used to be a village ten miles away from Daliushu, where the Mongolians 'reduced the population' during their massacre. The villagers were caught off guard and were all killed. To this day, that place remains deserted. Our villagers wanted to cultivate the land there, but found it too eerie, and no one dared to go. The soil is quite fertile, enough for over twenty households to farm. Although the houses are all in ruins, they can be repaired for habitation. The lord can send a few households over. Before this winter, the young men from our village can help them settle in. The lord can rest assured; we cannot just watch them starve to death"

The details of the capital contributions have been recorded, and a portion has been allocated for purchasing rice to be distributed to the immigrants. Those immigrants who are able to work must repay the rice through labor, using their work to offset the cost of the rice from the commercial bank. For those who are unable to perform physical labor, the debts incurred will be recorded by the county, and repayment will be made from the county's tax revenue next year. Those willing to engage in agriculture will be lent rice for one year by the county, to be repaid after the autumn harvest next year. It is stipulated that the county must, within three years, purchase the banknotes acquired by the commercial bank in full with cash. Various taxes owed to the commercial bank may be offset with banknotes of equal face value until all banknotes have been fully redeemed. Those willing to engage in agriculture will be lent rice for one year by the county, to be repaid after the autumn harvest next year. It is stipulated that the county must, within three years, purchase the banknotes acquired by the commercial bank in full with cash. Various taxes owed to the commercial bank may be offset with banknotes of equal face value until all banknotes have been fully redeemed

"Let everyone have food to eat, money to earn, and not be bullied," Guo Pu said, looking at Wu Anguo with red eyes. Apart from this occasion, he had always been unaware of why his brother Wu, who had never cared about fame and fortune, earned so much money. No matter how he looked at him, he did not seem like a greedy person. At this moment, he finally understood Wu Anguo's aspirations. "When one is poor, one should cultivate oneself; when one is successful, one should benefit the world," the realm of brother Wu is far higher than this.

A slightly larger child standing in front of the station was turning his big, shiny black eyes to observe him. He gently walked over and patted the child's head. "Little one, what is your name"

Currently, Wu Anguo has established regulations whereby local gentry will fund the equivalent exchange of all banknotes held by the immigrants. The banknotes will be collected uniformly by Li Shanping, who will issue receipts that serve as proof of shareholding for the group. Every two silver dollars will be equivalent to one share in the banknotes. Those wishing to acquire more shares may contribute additional cash, with each gentry member allowed to purchase a maximum of three thousand shares. Thus, the Huanrou Hanyuan Trading Company is hereby established

Wu Anguo looked at the villagers in the room, their eyes almost devoid of life and filled with confusion, and felt a deep sense of compassion. He handed the banknotes to Zhang Zhengxin and said, "Ask your master to open my cabinet and exchange it for silver in full. First, buy rice for everyone to cook some porridge to drink"

In the early morning, Guo Pu, the magistrate of Huairou County, brewed a cup of tea and enjoyed this rare moment of leisure alone in the second hall. Ever since the Wu brothers arrived in the county town, it was as if a stone had been thrown onto the surface of a lake covered with fragile thin ice in spring. It shattered all tranquility and brought forth vibrant vitality

"Do you have ambition? Do you know where you come from?" Seeing the adorable way the child spoke, Wu Anguo couldn't help but take an interest in him

This autumn, the taxes and grain submitted by Huairou County are the highest among all counties in Beiping Prefecture, which has earned commendation from the governor. The governor has already recommended Guo Pu to the Ministry of Personnel. The acting chief of Wu'an County has also received a notice from the Ministry of Personnel, removing the title of acting. There has been a significant shift in the views of the Confucian scholars regarding the promotion of industry. Earlier this year, some Confucian scholars jointly submitted a petition to the governor, impeaching the magistrate of Huairou County: "The establishment of moral schools disrupts the teachings of Confucianism, the promotion of metal industries competes with the people for profits, and the establishment of factories delays agricultural seasons," which indeed kept Guo Pu quite busy for a while. Ultimately, he heeded Li Shanping's advice and visited the governor with generous gifts. He then invited all the leading figures of the Confucian community from the prefecture and county to stay in Huairou for a few days, taking them to visit the moral schools and factories. They observed the teachings of the "Analects" and "Mencius" being imparted in the workers' school. He also promised that the factory would allocate a certain amount of silver each year to sponsor gatherings of the Confucian community. Before leaving, he arranged for vehicles to deliver Huairou's specialty, the carved wooden artifacts from the craftsmen's district, to each household, which gradually calmed the unrest. He also promised that the factory would allocate a certain amount of silver each year to sponsor gatherings of the Confucian community. Before leaving, he arranged for vehicles to deliver Huairou's specialty, the carved wooden artifacts from the craftsmen's district, to each household, which gradually calmed the unrest.

Poor child, Wu Anguo could no longer contain himself, and he held the child in his arms, tears streaming down from his fierce eyes

"I am a child who came from under the locust tree." The child handed a blackened branch to Wu Anguo, as if to prove something. It was a branch from a locust tree, long since withered. "The official told my father that those who were unwilling to move should stand under the locust tree, so my father took my mother, me, and my younger sister there. That official was a bad person; he deceived us and brought many uncles with knives to surround us, then went from house to house exchanging paper for valuable items. My father argued with them and was beaten, and my mother was also beaten. When we left, everyone broke off branches from the locust tree. That official was a bad person; he deceived us and brought many uncles with knives to surround us, then went from house to house exchanging paper for valuable items. My father argued with them and was beaten, and my mother was also beaten. When we left, everyone broke off branches from the locust tree. Later, my father fell asleep, and my mother went to be with him, telling me to take care of my sister. My mother said that when I grew up, if I followed the locust trees along the road, I would be able to find my way home"

"That works. Let's do this: gather all the village heads from the various villages in the county, as well as all the gentry. They should convene at the yamen in three days to discuss the arrangements for the immigrants," Wu Anguo suggested after some thought. "For these three days, let the three of us cover the food expenses for the immigrants. In any case, we cannot allow them to starve before our eyes"

With someone taking the lead, the atmosphere gradually became lively. Some villages already had wasteland, so accepting a few outsiders was not a difficult task. In other villages, similar to the large poplar trees, the Mongolians were wary of the Han people, fearing that they would be difficult to manage, leading to the massacre of entire villages. This time, they could barely arrange for immigrants to settle there. Although it was somewhat eerie, it was still better than having no place to settle. In many other areas, there was originally no ownership, which could be designated as villages, with nearby villages temporarily providing support. In the blink of an eye, over 1,000 households were arranged.

The gentry deliberated for half a day, and seeing that they had suffered no losses, agreed and went home to fetch their silver without further mention. Wu Anguo also instructed the village heads not to bully outsiders, emphasizing that everyone is a citizen of China. The village heads all agreed.

"I will also take a share," said Captain Wang, stepping forward with a serious expression. He was not originally a stingy person; over the past six months, he had shared a considerable amount of profits while following Wu Anguo. When faced with such matters, he believed it was only natural for him to be generous.

Returning to the yamen, Guo Pu had been waiting for quite some time. How to arrange for over 10,000 people was indeed a headache. It was already late autumn, and although Huairou County had plenty of wasteland, distributing land to these commoners meant that collecting grain would be a matter for next year. How would these people survive this winter? Guo Pu thought and thought again but had no solution. Upon seeing Wu Anguo return, he quickly pulled him to sit down and discuss the matter.

The immigrants, filled with anxiety, could hardly believe their ears upon hearing that the banknotes could be exchanged for equivalent cash. No one had expected that these worthless pieces of paper provided by the government could actually be used, and everyone was overjoyed. Some families, who were originally wealthy in Shanxi, had their lands bought at a low price by the government during the immigration process, but this time they managed to recover a small portion of their assets, preventing their entire family from ending up on the streets, leading to tears of joy as they embraced each other. Those who were struggling to make ends meet were also very willing to hear that they could borrow rice first and then repay it by selling their labor. For those willing to work the land in the countryside, the government allocated them to various village heads, providing a year's worth of rice as a loan, with a written agreement to repay it after the autumn harvest next year

Others, seeing that the treasure notes could be used in front of the official, also took out treasure notes from their clothes, sleeves, and bags, asking the yamen and the clerks to help buy food. Wu Anguo had Li Bandou receive them and handed them over to Zhang Zhengxin, then took the yamen officials to the rice shop to buy rice for cooking. Regardless of whether there was money or not, the villagers were to be fed first. Li Ling agreed and took people away. Regardless of whether there was money or not, the villagers were to be fed first. Li Ling agreed and took people away

I will contribute 10 taels, I will contribute 15 taels, I will contribute 5 taels, and the officials all began to open their purses

Five days later, everything was arranged properly. Those willing to engage in farming borrowed rice and grain, received land deeds, and dispersed to the countryside. Those who were not arranged were taken by Wu Anguo to work as foremen, sent to various mines to expand construction according to Wu Anguo's designs. The mine shafts, reinforced with cement and steel bars, were much safer than before and had increased in size several times, significantly reducing the dangers of mining. The families of the miners uniformly rented cottages in the suburbs, with the rent advanced by the trading company, to be deducted from their wages later. Some families with more silver simply bought houses and land in Huairou's countryside, and with the land allocated by the government, as long as they managed it diligently, they would surely restore their scale in their hometown within a few years. The remaining hundred or so scholars and craftsmen were first dispersed to work as helpers in the homes of various gentry, and once a suitable arrangement was made, they would be organized together. The immigrants understood that they had encountered a good official, and some, before leaving, did not forget to bow in front of the county office, expressing their profound gratitude.

After Wu Anguo learned of this matter, he was not angry but rather pleased. He instructed Li Shanping that all newly developed civilian products should be installed free of charge and given priority in the government office. Fresh items should be periodically sent to various scholars as a sign of respect. Guo Pu looked down upon this, but Wu Anguo advised him, "It doesn't hurt; these are all advertising investments, and sooner or later, we will earn back a lot." Guo Pu had never heard of advertising, but soon he witnessed its true power. From then on, the government office praised Huairou County, and the scholars also changed their attitude towards the Huairou Steel Factory, occasionally composing poems to celebrate this grand event. Some items thus became popular, becoming objects of competition among wealthy families, leading to a surge in Huairou County's financial resources. All of this was beyond Guo Pu's expectations.

Everyone saw the opportunity to make money, and their enthusiasm immediately surged as they eagerly requested to invest. Wu Anguo waved his hand, signaling everyone to remain calm, and said loudly: "There are not only iron mines in the mountains surrounding Huairou. To my knowledge, there should be other minerals here as well. Once the mines are fully operational, there will definitely be a shortage of labor. I suggest that everyone contribute a bit more money to support the immigrants through this year, so that next year we won't be delayed in making profits due to a lack of manpower"

With less than one thousand households remaining, Wu Anguo suggested that it would be better for everyone to invest together and open a few more industries, employing these people for work. The gentry unanimously agreed, but what to do still required Wu Anguo's decision. Seeing that everyone had no objections, Wu Anguo proposed that while the weather had not yet completely turned cold, they should expand the existing mine a bit, as mining required the most manpower. Moreover, if the ironworks were to expand next year, the current mineral output would certainly be insufficient. Wu Anguo noted that everyone had no objections and reiterated the suggestion to expand the existing mine while the weather was still manageable, emphasizing that mining was the most labor-intensive activity. Furthermore, if the ironworks were to scale up next year, the current mineral output would undoubtedly fall short.

Guo Pu felt a deep sadness within, suppressing the anger and grief in his heart. He instructed Wang Hao to take General Xie and the other military officers to the post station for proper hospitality. General Xie, who held a rank lower than a hundred households, was quite pleased to be addressed as a general by Guo Pu. He called his subordinates to follow him, leaving behind a group of bewildered commoners standing in the autumn wind, some of whom, with insufficient clothing, had already begun to shiver.

Standing in the mundane world yet not swayed by the currents, one can change people's perceptions by leveraging circumstances and benefits. In the face of significant events, one remains calm, and when witnessing great profits, one does not forget the fundamentals. This is not an ordinary person; by studying the management rules written by Wu Anguo for factories and schools, one reveals the extraordinary in the mundane and the meticulous in the rough. Even with thousands of people, they coordinate and unify as one. If this method were applied to military strategy, it would surely be a force against ten thousand enemies. If Brother Wu had been born thirty years earlier, the heroes of this world would be different. This is not an ordinary person; by studying the management rules written by Wu Anguo for factories and schools, one reveals the extraordinary in the mundane and the meticulous in the rough. Even with thousands of people, they coordinate and unify as one. If this method were applied to military strategy, it would surely be a force against ten thousand enemies. If Brother Wu had been born thirty years earlier, the heroes of this world would be different. Guo Pu dared not think further; the vastness in his heart was a unanimous evaluation of Wu Anguo shared by him and Li Shanping.

Wu Anguo turned his head to wipe away his tears and said to Li Shanping: "We need to find a few helpers. The business is increasing, and we need to place suitable candidates in every location. We cannot handle everything ourselves. Your disciples need to be trained early on, and I will look for suitable candidates among the workers for management roles. We must act quickly; one day, everyone in this world will have food to eat, money to earn, and will not be bullied"

Three days later, the gentry and the village head gathered together, and everyone took their seats after offering their apologies. Guo Pu explained the situation to everyone and asked for their suggestions. For a moment, the room was silent as a grave.

Damn it, even though Guo Pu had good self-cultivation, he couldn't help but curse inwardly. Were you not born of your parents? These common people are not goods, yet they are to be delivered. He took the roster handed over by Xie Yuanliang and flipped through it roughly; almost every page had a red mark drawn on it. Each mark represented a life lost on the road of migration. Almost every household was no longer whole

What about their families?" Wu Anguo asked in confusion

All the gentlemen agreed, saying: "It all depends on the county magistrate and the chief clerk to make the decision." One person remarked, "If Lord Wu comes up with a solution, we will just follow it. With Lord Wu leading, how can we not make a profit!"

"Died on the road." Zhang Zhengxin replied. On the journey of immigration, many parents leave the last chance of survival for their children, sacrificing themselves in the process. What remains unchanged through the ages is the love of parents.

In the Metallurgical Design Institute where Wu Anguo works, the distribution of mineral resources in Huairou is clearly depicted. At the invitation of several township enterprises during his tenure, Wu Anguo indeed put in considerable effort to study the prospects for the extraction and utilization of these ores; otherwise, the ironworks would not have been established so easily. In his memory, the iron ore around Huairou belongs to the sedimentary metamorphic type, with relatively low grades but excellent metallurgical properties. Non-ferrous metals are also relatively concentrated in the vicinity of Huairou, and metallurgical auxiliary materials such as dolomite, flux limestone, quartz, refractory clay, iron bauxite, and casting sand are abundant. Later, the state halted these enterprises to protect Beijing's water sources. Wu Anguo vaguely remembers the general direction of the mines. "This time, to make up for the losses, we must do our utmost to organize personnel to explore them; as for environmental protection, that can only be postponed for now," Wu Anguo thought while wrapping up the resettlement work for the migrants.

Shall we call the gentry from the county together to discuss this?" Li Shanping suggested

Wu Anguo sighed, is this the great migration recorded in the Ming history? It is ridiculous that historians from hetushu.com have recorded that the government provided the common people with fertile land and plowing oxen. Where would the government find so many plowing oxen? Wu Anguo couldn't help but smile bitterly, laughing at how historians have perpetuated such errors for so many years. He laughed at the helplessness and sorrow of the common people in this feudal society. In such a country, what is there to love? He gained a profound understanding of why the common people do not care which ethnic group the emperor belongs to. He laughed at the helplessness and sorrow of the common people in this feudal society. In such a country, what is there to love? He gained a profound understanding of why the common people do not care which ethnic group the emperor belongs to.

Guo Pu was somewhat moved. Not to mention the Ming Dynasty, which official in any dynasty has ever donated money to the common people? He stood up, performed a circular bow to his brothers, and choked with emotion said: "On behalf of the common people, I thank you all"

"I am not a little kid; I can take care of my sister now," the child protested. "My name is Jiang Ye. My father said I should be like the sword Ganjiang and Moye, sweeping away all evil in the world," the child said earnestly.

"Logically, it shouldn't be this simple. How is it that we have acquired so many banknotes and distributed so much grain, yet it seems everyone has profited? It's truly strange." Taking advantage of the fewer people around, Guo Pu and Li Shanping discussed these issues. Wu Anguo overheard them and felt amused, saying, "This 'karate' of the twenty-first century, how can one learn it without suffering a few losses? Many foreign enterprises played this trick back in the day. You haven't even seen a foreigner, so of course, you wouldn't understand. After all, you are 700 years behind in history!" Turning to Guo Pu, he continued, "These banknotes should be kept for future county taxes and donations. Didn't the court stipulate that they must be recognized? We will circulate them back and see how those big shots in the court will slap themselves in the face."

At this moment, Wu Anguo did not anticipate that a casual remark he made would alter the lives of Guo Pu, Zhang Zhengxin, Jiang Ye, and others. From this point on, the Ming Dynasty embarked on an entirely different historical trajectory, one that was remarkably distinct from the original.

On ordinary days, Guo Pu is reluctant to disturb Wu Anguo; nowadays, the public security in the county is so good that people can almost leave their doors unlocked at night. Only when significant matters arise will someone be sent to fetch him from the factory, and this time, it is the most troublesome of all matters.

Guo Pu surveyed the more than ten thousand common people. Winter was approaching, and they had no clothes, no food, and no roof over their heads. The officials in the court casually declared, "The people of Shanxi will be relocated to bolster the border," and they were all forcibly brought here, unaware of how long it would take to traverse the thousand miles of mountain roads on foot, and how they would settle once they arrived. Having endured hunger and satiety along the way, it was already a stroke of luck to have made it here alive. Setting aside his feelings of compassion, Guo Pu ordered the officials to immediately release the common people from their bindings. Meanwhile, Wu Anguo had already organized the classroom with the students from the charity school, instructing the villagers to group themselves according to their original settlements and settle in the classroom first.

In several classrooms, where can so many people fit? It is barely enough for everyone to find a place to sit on the ground, which is certainly better than freezing in the wind. Li Shanping took the roster and led people to check each classroom one by one to see how many people were left. After much confusion, a semblance of order was finally established. An elderly man, dressed in such dirty clothes that the original color was unrecognizable but seemed to be of decent material, trembled as he took out a few sheets of paper from his bag and handed them to the constable, saying, "Sir, could you do me a favor and buy some food first? The children haven't had a drop of water or rice for two days." After much confusion, a semblance of order was finally established. An elderly man, dressed in such dirty clothes that the original color was unrecognizable but seemed to be of decent material, trembled as he took out a few sheets of paper from his bag and handed them to the constable, saying, "Sir, could you do me a favor and buy some food first? The children haven't had a drop of water or rice for two days." The constable saw that it was a banknote and, feeling troubled, handed it over to Wu Anguo.