Chapter 4, Testing

Zhou Kang gently pushed open the door and said: "It is of no concern. Those who can invest their efforts in building bridges and opening inns would not be so short-sighted as to be satisfied with merely one transaction. Moreover, most of the people in your establishment are women and children"

The former chief clerk was a person associated with the magistrate of Huang County, and he has also been implicated in the crime. Currently, the position of chief clerk is vacant

Zhou Kang was somewhat surprised: "Have you repaired it? When did you do it? Last night? Could it be that you, the shopkeeper..."

Liu Xie sighed, "It's nothing really. You went to visit them, as you mentioned to me, but you should have returned before dark. I know in my heart that you must have stayed there; Manager Wang is a good person and will certainly take good care of you. However, Aunt Gao has been worried about you all night! Now that you are back, you don't know how angry she might be. Remember to sincerely apologize to her."

Zhou Kang felt relieved upon hearing this and smiled, saying: "I see, your hesitation does have some reasoning behind it. In my opinion, it would be best to build a larger bridge, one that can not only accommodate horses but also withstand multiple heavily loaded carts passing over it." He walked to the entrance of the shop and gazed at the forest from which he had come: "From the dock to Huaicheng, there is only one large county, Qinghe, along the way, with a great number of merchants traveling back and forth. However, there are not many decent inns or stables along the route. Those who walk quickly might reach the outskirts of Huaicheng before dark, but ordinary merchants can only find places to stay along the way, and Qinghe County Town is a good choice. However, taking the official road from the dock to the county town requires a long detour, inevitably leading to wasted travel. If a new road could be opened through this forest, allowing merchants to enter the city through the west city gate, they could save several miles. Moreover, if there were a decent inn along this new road, merchants might not even need to enter Qinghe County Town, nor would they be subject to the closing hours of the city gate, making it even more convenient. As long as people are made aware of the benefits of this new road, who would be afraid that no one would come to patronize you?" He turned back and smiled at the shopkeeper: "You have indeed calculated well."

The shopkeeper was indeed suspicious that he was the new county magistrate, and almost approached him with a flattering smile. Suddenly recalling Jiang Qingyun's reminder, he quickly retracted some of his ingratiating demeanor and adopted a slightly more respectful attitude, rubbing his hands together and smiling as he said: "To be honest, my lord, this bridge was supposed to be repaired anyway; it’s just that I’ve been busy lately and didn’t get around to it. After hearing what your entourage said last night, I was quite vexed. Since it needs to be repaired regardless, I thought it would be better to fix it overnight to make it convenient for you to enter the city. You are so generous and treat us kindly; this small matter is indeed something we should take care of... After hearing what your entourage said last night, I was quite vexed. Since it needs to be repaired regardless, I thought it would be better to fix it overnight to make it convenient for you to enter the city. You are so generous and treat us kindly; this small matter is indeed something we should take care of..."

Qiu Da disdainfully said, "What is there to it? Our master is a person of great stature. With just a glance, he can see what you are thinking. Only a country bumpkin would believe that no one can discern your schemes." He truly felt proud of his master, though he himself had not anticipated it.

Jiang Qingyun was packing his luggage when he heard this and smiled, saying: "This is our good fortune. With this money, we can speed up our efforts to repair the road in the forest and build a more stable bridge. This way, more passing merchants will come here to stay in the future"

A night passed without conversation. The next morning, when Zhou Kang and the others woke up, finished their grooming, and came to the hall for breakfast, the innkeeper informed them that the bridge had been repaired and was passable for horses

Zhou Kang and others mounted their horses, preparing to depart. The shopkeeper then brought Jiang Qingyun over: "The area outside the west city gate has been burned and is somewhat chaotic, but there is a relatively smooth and clean path. This child also needs to enter the city, so let her guide you!"

The former county magistrate Huang Nianzu has already scoured the local area thoroughly, leaving many affluent families significantly weakened, with little profit remaining

Although Qiu Da was somewhat unconvinced, he still agreed

In just half an hour, Zhou Kang had formed a basic understanding of his future subordinates, developing a favorable impression of a few among them. He felt more confident about future endeavors, and with a sense of relief, he noticed that they were approaching the city gate. He turned to Jiang Qingyun and revealed a warm smile, saying: "Sister Qing, where will you go after entering the city? Do you need us to escort you for a while?"

The shopkeeper sighed: "Although I feel that those people should not be in this situation, to be honest, those days were truly hard to endure. We couldn't even fill our stomachs, and people were dying every day. The elderly and children had escaped from the north, enduring great dangers along the way, only to arrive in this prosperous land and face starvation. To avoid death, they had to sell their sons and daughters; it was truly tragic! While there are a few who are instigators and genuinely want to rebel, many are simply helpless." After expressing this sentiment, he smiled and said: "Now things are better. The court has shown mercy; as long as they are willing to be good citizens, they will no longer be pursued. This is their fortune. From now on, they should remain law-abiding and repay the great kindness of the court."

Zhou Kang smiled and glanced at him, then said to the shopkeeper: "Yesterday when I entered the forest, I saw many signs of trees being cut down, and the felled trunks were piled by the roadside. Now I have also heard that the suspension bridge over the river was built by you, so I guessed your intentions."

Jiang Qingyun was well aware of the situation and feigned an innocent and carefree demeanor as she shared what she knew about the county office. She introduced the character and governance of the previous county magistrate, the criminal cases he was involved in, the temperament and abilities of the county deputy, as well as several other prominent figures in the county office. She spoke with great caution, offering only praise for everyone except the former county magistrate, occasionally interspersing her account with some juicy local gossip that the townsfolk relished, making it all the more engaging, even capturing the attention of Qiu Da and the Jiao brothers.

Jiang Qingyun did not dwell on it for too long

Qingyun was somewhat surprised and also felt a bit guilty: "I apologize for causing you concern. Yesterday, I helped Uncle Wang and the others clear the forest, and I momentarily lost track of time. By the time I realized it, the city gates had already closed, so I thought I might as well stay at the inn for the night."

Jiang Qingyun smiled sweetly and said: "Thank you, my lord, but it is not necessary. My home is not far from the city gate"

If Sister Qing's godfather is a person from the county office, how much of what she just said is true

He thought again that since last night, Qing Jie and the innkeeper had been very attentive to him. If he were just an ordinary guest, this attentiveness seemed a bit excessive. Could it be that someone has guessed something and then deliberately prompted her to say what she just said to him

Jiao San hastily stuffed two steamed buns and went to inspect the suspension bridge. Upon returning, he reported: "The bridge has indeed been repaired, and there is no problem leading the horse across. Just now, I saw from a distance that the west city gate is already open."

Qiu's face changed completely as he stepped forward to stand in front of Zhou Kang: "Are you refugees?!"

The clerk Ge, known for his slippery demeanor, is able to befriend anyone. He has established connections with numerous merchants; however, he is under the strict control of his wife, who is famously known in the county as a fierce woman, often chasing him down the street.

Zhou Kang was having breakfast and felt quite pleased, so he quietly instructed Qiu Da: "It is commendable that they have served so attentively; later, give them a generous tip, and also increase the room fee."

The shopkeeper's eyes widened in shock: "My lord, how could you possibly know this?"

Zhou Kang detected something unusual: "Are you saying... you are..."

Indeed! In the past, I had some concerns, fearing that no one would come, but now I no longer fear! The shopkeeper suddenly remembered something, "Just now, I told that gentleman about our background..."

Zhou Kang noticed that Liu Xie was dressed simply, yet he exuded the aura of an educated person, so he tentatively asked, "Who is this..."

The shopkeeper smiled and waved his hand, seemingly a bit embarrassed: "I hope the master does not take offense. What do I know? I have only learned a few phrases from hearing others speak. " He then asked the kitchen, "It has been half a day already, why is breakfast not ready yet?" He hurried inside to urge them, and before long, he returned with two women carrying steaming bowls of noodle soup, along with freshly steamed white buns and side dishes. I do not know how they made it, but the buns were even more fragrant and sweet than those sold elsewhere, and the few side dishes were quite to my taste. Before long, he returned with two women carrying steaming bowls of noodle soup, along with freshly steamed white buns and side dishes. I do not know how they made it, but the buns were even more fragrant and sweet than those sold elsewhere, and the few side dishes were quite to my taste.

Jiang Qingyun busily waved goodbye to the people at Tongfu Inn, climbed onto the donkey, and led the way carefully along the mountain path, crossing the bridge and then heading towards the west city gate along a small path. Zhou Kang noticed that the small path was indeed much smoother than the surrounding areas, which lifted his spirits, and he began to engage in casual conversation with Jiang Qingyun. Initially, they chatted about everyday matters, but before long, he used the excuse of needing to go to the yamen after entering the city to inquire about the situation in the county office.

Zhou Kang is in a good mood: "Then let's quickly have breakfast, pack our luggage, and prepare to set off"

Zhou Kang felt somewhat moved upon hearing this, but still thought that the shopkeeper's attentiveness was a bit excessive: "Although it is said so, repairing the bridge overnight seems to trouble you too much. I am merely a passing merchant, and even if I reward you with a few more coins, it shouldn't be..." He paused, suddenly filled with suspicion: Could it be that he had inadvertently revealed something that led the shopkeeper to discover his identity? Or had the Jiao brothers or Qiu Da let something slip?

Zhou Kang felt very gratified and said: "Well said! If everyone could think like you, what worries would there be in the world for peace? Naturally, there would be no incidents of refugees turning to banditry."

Moreover, if she is doing well, it may also bring some benefits to the refugees

Are you from the Qinghe County government?" Zhou Kang was taken aback, his heart filled with uncertainty.

As she was speaking, she suddenly heard someone calling her from the city gate. Qingyun turned her head to look and was surprised to see her godfather, Liu Xie.

Zhou Kang and others went to pack their luggage, and the innkeeper quietly sought out Jiang Qingyun: "Sister Qing, the method you taught us is indeed effective. We repaired the bridge and provided attentive service, and that gentleman was so pleased that he paid us five taels of silver! Just this one transaction is worth more than a month's business from renting out labor in the past!"

Liu Xie rushed over with an anxious expression, as if he had just breathed a sigh of relief, saying: "You child, why didn't you tell me anything about not returning to the city yesterday?! You nearly gave me a heart attack!"

Jiang Qingyun felt a sense of admiration; the shopkeeper had seen the world, was clever, and had thought of things she had not. He performed even better than she had expected. As a result, she could return to the city with peace of mind

I think so too. The shopkeeper was very pleased, saying, "I even spoke well for those who were forced up the mountain. Although it involved some risks, that gentleman did not seem angry, and everyone can breathe a sigh of relief from now on"

I heard it," Jiang Qingyun said, "This is also good. If he is indeed the newly appointed county magistrate, he will eventually learn about our matters. By informing him first, we can gain a reputation for honesty, and he will not confuse us with those who have turned to banditry.

Zhou Kang glanced at the little donkey she was leading behind her, thought for a moment, and then waved his hand: "Then just come along." He instructed Qiu Da to take care of her. Qiu Da was quite unconvinced and shot her a sidelong glance for a while.

There are also the grinding shops, the six houses, and the yamen runners among others

Oh? Liu Xie scrutinized Zhou Kang a few times, then glanced at the attendants behind him. Seeing his extraordinary demeanor, he did not dare to act rashly. "May I ask what business this guest has at the county office? I hold a position within the county office and might be able to assist in some way"

"You are wise, my lord," said the shopkeeper. "We are a few people, all of whom have some skills. The cook used to be a chef in the north, and there are also a carpenter and a mason. The young one used to be a waiter in a restaurant, and there is another one whose father was a neighborhood leader in the north! We are all honest common folk. If it weren't for the disaster, we wouldn't have ended up here. Now that we are here and have miraculously survived, we naturally must earn a living honestly. We are all honest common folk. If it weren't for the disaster, we wouldn't have ended up here. Now that we are here and have miraculously survived, we naturally must earn a living honestly. We dare not engage in any wrongdoing!"

After finishing breakfast, Qiu Da went to find the innkeeper to settle the room and meal charges, which surprisingly amounted to a very reasonable total of less than 6 coins of silver. He decided to pay a full 1 tael and also rewarded the innkeeper with a purse containing silver coins weighing at least 4 taels, leaving the innkeeper dumbfounded. Qiu Da, feeling quite pleased with himself, said: "You have served us well; this is a reward from our master for you."

This statement made Zhou Kang regard him with a higher opinion: "The shopkeeper is an understanding person, and has a good heart"

She quickly came to realize that she was just a ten-year-old girl, without family or connections, without wealth or power. She had already done quite a bit for this group of refugees and was not responsible for their future lives. She had her own life and her own aspirations. In this unfamiliar time and space, she was not content to be an ordinary commoner, struggling daily for three meals, waiting a few years to marry a decent man, raise children, manage household chores, and live a mundane life. She hoped to make her life a little better, so she would still seek out the powerful connections she needed and acknowledge the benefactors she should recognize.

Qingyun hurriedly introduced him: "This is my godfather, his surname is Liu." Chong Liu smiled and said, "Godfather, this gentleman is a passing merchant who needs to go to the county office to handle some business."

Liu Xie lived in the official residence of the county office, which consisted of only one room. Qingyun found it inconvenient to live with him, so she rented a room from a tall woman on the street behind the county office. This tall woman's son was also a local official who died in the line of duty, and the people in the office held her in high regard. She made a living by renting out rooms, and Qingyun could keep her company while also learning some needlework and cooking skills. The elderly woman had a quick temper, and when she did not see Qingyun return last night, she must have been quite anxious. Qingyun felt somewhat guilty and agreed to Liu Xie's request.

Jiang Qingyun also raised a pleasing smile: "I have a donkey of my own, and I will not hold back the master."

County Magistrate Zhong Huai is a talented and resourceful individual with a relatively upright character. Recently, he successfully persuaded two groups of bandits to surrender, leaving only the largest stronghold remaining. At present, he has taken people to negotiate their surrender and is not in the city.

The shopkeeper busily said: "We are all law-abiding citizens! We are not like those outlaws! Ever since we arrived in Qinghe, we have been honest and straightforward. If you don't believe it, feel free to ask the people in the county!"

The shopkeeper appeared somewhat uneasy: "Please do not take offense... The area outside the West City Gate was originally a thicket and wasteland, which was used to accommodate refugees. Since the refugees took to the mountains and settled there, many of the huts have been abandoned. The county magistrate said that if we left them standing, there might be trouble in the future if someone were to hide there, so he ordered the huts to be dismantled and the forest to be burned down. After the forest was gone, we discovered this shortcut to the dock; we just need to build a bridge. The county magistrate said that if we left them standing, there might be trouble in the future if someone were to hide there, so he ordered the huts to be dismantled and the forest to be burned down. After the forest was gone, we discovered this shortcut to the dock; we just need to build a bridge. Originally, I only intended to set up a tea stall, but there are not many passersby, and our families can no longer stay in the huts, so we need a new place to live..."

The shopkeeper's eyes shifted, and feeling somewhat embarrassed, he scratched his head and said with a smile: "To speak honestly, please do not be angry. This bridge was actually built by us for the convenience of entering the city. However, as more people began to use it, there were complaints that the bridge was not stable enough. We thought about reinforcing and widening it, but some advised us that it would be better to simply build a larger bridge. This way, it would be more convenient for the carts and horse-drawn carriages passing through. We were still hesitating; building a new bridge would certainly be good, but funds were tight. Yet, if we did not build a new one, it would be very inconvenient for the merchants passing through here in the future. We were still undecided when you arrived..."