"Zhao Fengming!"

  "Here comes the dwarf!"

  "You also have a job, these 300 mu of official land, don't worry about it for now. Of course, the county won't take away your job, you can find a brother or relative to help manage it. Your task is to find a few old farmers and plant these medicinal herbs in a few mu of land. First, learn how to plant them, and once they're planted well, not only will we buy them at market price, but the county will also give a generous reward!" Fang Xin said seriously.

  If the epidemic prevention Dan is made, it will naturally be a profitable business for both the government and the people. If it is effective, it can make this province no longer a place to be feared by the Central Plains and Jiangnan, and many Han people will enter this province, followed by trade and education.

  "I understand, I will definitely do a good job." Zhao Fengming said with a bow.

  "There's another thing, on the mountain slope in front, you plant the kudzu vines for me, fill up the entire mountain slope with them, and then raise fifty pigs. Next year, when the county purchases them, we can distribute them." Fang Xin said again.

  "Quandary?"

  "Yes, it's actually wild, when spring comes, you can plant it." Fang Xin said without explanation.

  In fact, potatoes were the dynasty's deadly weapon. Generally, an acre of land could produce around 3,000 catties (a unit of weight), whereas in this era, even top-grade paddy fields only produced about 400 catties per acre. The difference was staggering. That's why when potatoes emerged, all was peaceful under heaven.

  However, in ancient times, although there were no potatoes, there was kudzu, especially in mountainous areas and this province, which is almost suitable for growing kudzu all year round. Kudzu can grow on hillsides, valleys, shrubs, and forest edges. It has a strong adaptability to soil, whether it's red soil, yellow soil, sandy soil or barren slopes, rocky crevices, it can take root and grow. Moreover, its growth rate is extremely fast, under good climatic conditions, it can grow 5 cm in one day, and 15-30 meters in a year.

  Kudzu root powder - kuzu powder, pure white, delicate and smooth to the mouth, rich in starch, almost edible as food, and it is also a good brewing material.

  Of course. Fang Xin also has another meaning, the kudzu is a good feed. High protein and fat content, livestock love to eat, whether it's pig farming, cattle farming or even horse farming can be done, so let this family make a demonstration first. Farmers are stubborn because no one leads the way, someone does it and makes money, they will follow suit.

  Here are many mountains, casually scatter seeds. Every year they will automatically grow, and don't even need to be taken care of. In this way, food will naturally be abundant, and pigs, cattle, and sheep can also be raised.

  This is certainly not a one-year affair, Fang Xing's administration will never be ahead of its time. It is to set an example in advance, if you rush to succeed, forcing orders to plant, it will only allow small officials to manipulate power, and may even lead to family breakdowns and human tragedies.

  It's not just about doing this medicinal herb business, the intention is of course not just as above. The truly arable good fields in this county are very few, but there are many small slopes for planting medicinal herbs. If the villagers can plant more of these, they will naturally become a source of income and alleviate the difficulties of people's lives. As for the various spices produced locally, they also have great development prospects, with low weight, high value, easy to decompose and transport, and easy to store. If it is a luxury item, even consider extracting essential oils to make perfume, but these will be considered later.

  Father and son knelt down to thank him, Fang Xin's eyes were calm and peaceful. He accepted it this way, but in fact, he was not fully in charge, as the previous county head had died in office and he had taken over, so he shouldn't have made any moves. If he stayed in this position for five years, including the next term, he could then mobilize the masses to carry out several water conservancy projects throughout the county. The project wouldn't be a big one, but would be divided into several sections, and each section would be completed, benefiting one area, and opening up some good farmland.

  The county government has money and grain, and it's also necessary to repair the school, only then can education be promoted.

  All these are in my heart, and there is still time for governance, five years of time, benevolence to the people, it's enough.

  As for Yunnan Baiyao, there's no need to make it public. Just go back once, modify the formula and pass it on to your descendants. That's also a way to live up to the Li family of this world.

  At this time, the wife brought out a plate of meat and a plate of fish. Fang Xin smiled, picked up his chopsticks and said: "Since you're here, the county is our guest, come on, let's eat together."

  Two men thanked and sat down to eat, eating wine dishes, almost finished, Fang Xin said: "This afternoon, I still have to go to the county school to teach Zhang Qian's house, so I won't sit for a long time. You wait until after the New Year, do well." Just saying that, outside there was a burst of voices, going out to take a look, it turned out that Liu Jue Ming had come again, his body covered in snow, shaking off the snow, said: "Sir, the order has been passed down, Inspector Zhang has already gone to work."

  "Great, have you eaten? If not, sit down and eat something. It's cold outside and the office is poorly heated, but we still need to take care of ourselves!" Fang Xin said.

  "Thank you, sir!" As soon as he came in, Liu Jue Ming felt warmth all over his body and stomped his feet.

  "Go up to the ridge and give your boots to the woman of the house to dry by the fire; they'll be warmer when you put them on later."

  "Sir, how dare I?" Liu Jue Ming was resolute in his refusal. Fang Xin knew he was adhering to the rules and gave up. The woman of the house then brought out a pair of old shoes, exchanged them for his boots, and placed a basin of hot water by his feet.

  Fang Xin knew that if he didn't eat, Liu Jue Ming wouldn't overeat either. He poured himself another cup of wine and drank it slowly, occasionally eating a little food. Meanwhile, Liu Jue Ming was pacing back and forth, extremely hungry, truly devouring his food like a wolf.

  Half an hour later, I went out to take a look and the snow had stopped. In front of me was a vast expanse of white, but the wind had picked up. The cold was piercing as the wind blew.

  In fact, this province has always been warm, I don't know why it's so cold this year. Liu Jue Ming was frozen to the point where his lips were dark purple and said: "Sir, let's hurry up and walk, otherwise we'll freeze."

  Fang Xin nodded silently, this year's Da Han was indeed beyond everyone's expectations.

  At the moment, Lu Zi walked along the road with one foot high and one foot low, heading forward to the home of Zhang Qian, the county school teacher, which was not in the county seat but in the countryside, so it was more difficult to get there.

  It took another half an hour before they finally arrived at the home of County School Instructor Zhang Qian.

  If one were to pay a special visit to someone, unless it was for official business, the county magistrate would somewhat lose face. However, visiting this person was an exception, because although the position of county school instructor was lowly, only ninth rank, all the scholars in the county called him "teacher", and he was already nearly eighty years old. His virtue and prestige were great, his influence very considerable.

  This is a three-entrance, three-exit large courtyard. Although it looks old, it's also a green-tiled house. Liu Jue Ming carefully walked forward, knocked on the door, and after not much time, the servant lit a fire in the brazier next to Qianlong. The people who had just come in from the rain got warm from this heat, and County School Instructor Zhang Qian slowly came out leaning on his cane.

  "The Magistrate has arrived. Sorry for not welcoming you from afar."

  "I don't dare, Master Zhang teaches the whole county, his teachings have merit, our county has always admired him, and I came to visit especially before the new year, also to receive some guidance." Fang Xin said with a smile.

  This man is related to the public opinion of the scholars in this county. It's still unacceptable to be slow.

  Upon entering the door, he found that the room was just right, neither luxurious nor shabby. Fang Xin was very satisfied with this kind of person, who were actually the easiest to get along with. At this moment, he felt extremely comfortable.

  "How dare I? As a mere licentiate, how could I possibly be compared to the illustrious Bangerong?"

  "Director Zhang is a man of virtue, what is there to fear?"

  Two men clasped their hands and bowed. After distinguishing between host and guest, they sat down and spoke for a moment. "Sixty-year-old sells charcoal outside the city, cutting firewood and burning charcoal in the south mountain. His face is covered with dust, smoke, and fire color, his temples are gray, and his ten fingers are black. What does he do with the money from selling charcoal? The clothes on his body and the food in his mouth. Pitifully, the clothes on his body are thin, and he worries about the cheap charcoal, wishing for a cold winter." Zhang Qian read it out in a low voice: "The poem written by the great man that day has a great deal of concern for the country and the people. The old man knew that this county would have a good parent official, fortunately. Fortunately, the old man is old and weak, but he may not necessarily see it."

  Zhang Qian is a seventy-six-year-old man, who in this era is considered to be of advanced age and should have retired long ago. However, the county is extremely poor, so there are few scholars willing to come and serve as a teacher at the county school, which is why he has not been able to retire yet. In fact, his performance has already become somewhat unsatisfactory.

  Fang Xin then clasped his hands and said: "This time I came to this county, there is indeed something to discuss with Lord Zhang."

  "Oh, please speak, Honorable Magistrate."

  "The county magistrate visited the county school and found it to be in disrepair after many years. He felt a deep sense of regret. Next year, after the spring rush, shouldn't we repair it?" Fang Xin stared at him, saying.

  "Oh, great! If adults have this kind of heart, it's really a blessing for all the scholars in the county!" Zhang Qian's eyes suddenly lit up.

  This man is indeed a lover of talent and good literature. It's said that in the past, he had helped many poor scholars several times. Recently, he received fifty taels of silver, but it was because he was old and couldn't help but think about his children and grandchildren, which is also a common human sentiment.

  As soon as he heard this, his heart was moved, and after thinking for a moment, he asked: "The county government's silver and money have always been insufficient, what about this?"

  "Magistrate Zhang, rest assured that this county will raise the funds itself and not take a single penny from the common people. Since I have said so, there is no need to worry about the silver. However, I still hope that Magistrate Zhang, as the elder gentleman, will preside over this matter." Fang Xin said.

  "The construction of a school building is indeed an important educational matter. I, as the elder, represent all the scholars in the county to express our gratitude. However, I am truly old and fear that I may not be able to do anything about it."

  "Respected elder, with high moral character and prestige, it's necessary for you to take the lead on this matter. As for the specifics, of course, there's no need for you to personally handle them. I wonder if you have a capable nephew or son who can take care of it? Let him do it, and please forgive me for being presumptuous, but considering your advanced age, this position as teacher, we could also discuss with the county magistrate in advance and make some arrangements." Fang Xin said so.

  Although the appointment of county school instructors is approved by the prefectural government and filed with the provincial education department, the county magistrate is actually the most crucial person in this matter. Generally speaking, recommendations made by him will not be rejected.

  Zhang Qian's eyes lit up, this was equivalent to giving him an official position. After some thought, although his eyes were somewhat dull, he still smiled and said: "This old man has a disciple, Pan Zhengfan, who passed the imperial examination as a scholar ten years ago. Unfortunately, he never passed the higher-level examination, but he is a man of good character and can be used."

  But he didn't recommend his own son, Fang Xin knew that his second son had already passed the imperial examination as a xiucai.

  "In that case, let's follow the elder's wishes. After the New Year passes, he will first take over the teaching from the ninth grade and temporarily replace Mr. You to preside over the affairs of this academy. When the academy is established and has some achievements, it can also be promoted." Fang Xin said resolutely.

  "Then I'll thank you on his behalf." Zhang Qian showed a hint of a smile: "He's in this village, wait for me to call him over."

  The atmosphere below was much more polite, and Fang Xin saw that he was still in good spirits, so he asked some classic questions. Zhang Qian was indeed a bookworm, and as soon as he started talking about this, he was immediately absorbed, and from time to time, he would bring up the classics.

  As they talked, they started talking about calligraphy. At this time, Zhang Qian wanted to see the second place winner's calligraphy and left behind a treasured family heirloom ink.

  Fang Xinyou did not hesitate, wanting to write some spring couplets, but heard Zhang Qian say: "If the master is willing, just write down that poem, and let future generations know about the virtues of a benevolent person."

  He took out the high-quality paper from his treasure, unfolded it, and stood in front of the desk, grinding the ink. After a moment, he was fully inspired, held the brush with his right hand, dipped it in ink, and started writing. With his wrist moving the brush, the strokes were like dragons and snakes, the spirit condensed and turned, and instantly the whole poem was written.

  Finally, he also wrote "From Jiangfu Li Rui", then took out his own private seal, applied the ink pad, and stamped it on.

  Zhang Qian, although respected in the county for his virtue and prestige, was after all limited in his learning. As soon as he saw these four lines of characters, he felt that the brushwork was strong and healthy, with a subtle turn at the fold, and an extraordinary spirit. For a moment, his soul was taken away, and he couldn't say a word. After a long time, he sighed and said: "This is indeed the writing of the top scholar, we are far inferior to him, this book can be a family treasure."

  Just then, a middle-aged man in his forties came in from outside. Although he was wearing a blue robe, it already had patches on it, and his face also showed signs of hunger and cold. Fang Xin suddenly realized that although the treatment of a county's top scholar was good, a poor county might not necessarily have such luxuries.

  After entering, after seeing the ceremony, Zhang Qian said this matter, Pan Zhengfan was overjoyed and repeatedly kowtowed: "Thank you, County Master, thank you for recommending my teacher, I will never forget it in my life."

  As she spoke, tears fell.

  Zhang Qian sighed and said: "Pan Zhengfan, if you have this opportunity, you should educate the scholars more, let our county produce several xiucai and jinshi. Since the founding of our county, we haven't produced a jinshi yet. This time's renovation is the intention of education from the adults, and we also need to make an effort, so as not to disappoint the imperial court, the adults, and the scholars."

  Pan Zhengfan bowed his head and listened to the teachings, saying in a respectful tone: "Teacher's words are indeed wise, student will remember them in heart!"

  Fang Xinye smiled and said, "Magistrate Pan, from now on, pay more attention to the county school. This year, I will send someone to deliver it, and you can have a good New Year's celebration. As you are already a ninth-rank official, there is no need for you to kneel everywhere in front of me, lest people gossip."

  "Thanks for your kindness in promoting me, sir!" Pan Zhengfan stood up and bowed with his hands clasped together.

  That's it, the scholars and public opinion of this county have basically been grasped. Fang Xin had a few complicated emotions and said some words, and finally he can go back home for Chinese New Year.