The First Great Ancestor of the Five Dynasties

Chapter 215 Holiday in the Reclamation Area
The administrative management system implemented in agricultural reclamation areas is different from that elsewhere.

In the late Tang Dynasty, the township system gradually weakened, the size of the "village" where people at the grassroots level gathered expanded, and the township structure began to transform into a rural structure.

As a grassroots residential community autonomous organization, the village's independence has been greatly enhanced. Zhu Xiu drew on the Baojia system of the Song Dynasty and established the agricultural reclamation area as a pilot area for administrative reform. Every fifty households were organized into a village, and the village was officially included in the grassroots government organization, headed by the village chief. Co-governed with two village elders recommended by the villagers.

The agricultural reclamation area is affiliated to Anding County and belongs to the "town" level in the administrative division.

The township government office will also be formally established in the agricultural reclamation area in the future, as the first important pilot project for the administrative division reform of Changyi Army.

The village chief is selected by the town office and submitted to the county government for approval and filing. Each village then elects two village elders to assist the village chief in taxation, field statistics and other work.

The town mayor is appointed by the county government, and a number of elders are selected from the village elders in the town to assist the town mayor in administration.

It is equivalent to bringing the township elder system into the scope of administrative management, and ultimately achieves the goal of co-governance between the public office and the village elders.

Zhu Xiu's visit to the agricultural reclamation area this time was a secret inspection, and he had an in-depth understanding of the implementation of the administrative divisions' rights and responsibilities formulated by him.

The position of mayor is still pending, and the two former Zhu Xiu who were tried were not satisfied. Either they lacked the enterprising spirit to reform, or they had difficulty understanding the advanced governance concepts he wanted to promote.

Zhu Xiu considered transferring Shen Xuemin back to serve as the mayor, but Shen Xuemin had already served as the county magistrate of Quaigu, implementing the free salt policy in Quaigu, implementing the Jiedu government's agricultural policy of building water conservancy and opening up wasteland. At the same time, he was also responsible for eliminating Xue Xuemin. The epidemic in the local area can be said to be a heavy burden on his shoulders, and he is busy and hardworking all day long.

Besides, it would be unfair for Shen Xuemin to be demoted from the position of county magistrate, so Zhu Xiu gave up the idea.

Xu Maocai is more in line with Zhu Xiu's choice for mayor, but he just needs to find a way to make him willingly and legitimately take this position.

Everyone in the Changyi Army knew the importance of the farming area in Zhu Xiu's heart, and there were many people who wanted to compete for the position of mayor.

Xu Maocai was not well known, so he was suddenly promoted to the top. I was afraid that it would be difficult to convince the public, and he had to think of a foolproof strategy.

The small village where Fu Jinzhan and Shi Lingyan live is located in the core area of ​​the agricultural reclamation area, and its administrative division is Xiba Village.

A main canal and two auxiliary canals pass through the small village. With the convenience of water conservancy, [-]% of the land in the small village is paddy fields. Last year's grain output ranked among the best in the agricultural reclamation area.

At the foot of the north slope, three spacious blue-tiled houses stand. A fence surrounds the front of the house, and there is a sheep pen, horse stable, and pig house behind the house. A small pond was dug outside the fence, and several lively grass carps were raised.

Flocks of chickens and ducks strolled leisurely in the courtyard, happily pooping anywhere in the courtyard.

There are also several jujube and almond trees planted in the courtyard, as well as several wild sea buckthorn plants.

At noon, the sun is shining brightly, the air is scorching, and the momentum of the Autumn Tiger has begun to show.

In Xiwa's room, Zhu Xiu was sleeping soundly on his back. His upper body was naked, and his lower body was only wearing a pair of baggy trousers sewn from fine linen. The thin quilt was pressed under him.

It has been seven or eight days since he came to the reclamation area. In the past few days, he has been busy visiting and inspecting. He summoned the village chiefs and elders at the town office to inspect, and he was busy for several days before he was able to relax.

Just as he was sleeping, the door of the room was kicked open with a "ding" sound, and Shi Lingyan rushed into the room like a storm.

In her sleep, Zhu Xiu felt that the house seemed to be shaken, so she turned over with a grunt and prepared to continue sleeping.

"Zhu Xiu! Get up quickly and accompany me to catch crabs!" Before Shi Lingyan arrived, the crisp sound of whirring had already reached his ears.

Zhu Xiu pulled up the quilt and covered her ears, groaning in pain: "No~"

Shi Lingyan jumped on the bed like a hungry tiger, straddled him, pinched his ears skillfully, and said angrily: "Are you going or not?"

Zhu Xiu took in a hissing breath, half asleep and awake, and resisted angrily: "I won't go!"

Shi Lingyan's pretty face was filled with anger. He opened his teeth and claws, yelled and snatched the quilt covering Zhu Xiu.

"Crazy girl! Let go! I'm not wearing any clothes inside!" Zhu Xiu resisted desperately.

Shi Lingyan sat astride his waist, laughing and tearing hard.

Zhu Xiu's face turned red and she felt extremely insulted.

The girl's tight round buttocks rubbed hard, Zhu Xiu's face turned red from holding back, and the slightest feeling of shame and excitement lingered in her heart.

There was a "stab!" During the fight, Shi Lingyan accidentally tore Zhu Xiu's pants.

Zhu Xiu panicked and pulled the quilt to cover her body, lying naked on her back on the messy bed, her torn pants falling to the floor.
A complex emotion of grief, anger, helplessness, and shame surged into my heart, and a teardrop fell from the corner of my eye.
A quarter of an hour later, Zhu Xiu walked out of the house slowly, carrying a basin to get water to wash up.

Shi Lingyan was playing with the fishing net in the courtyard. The blush on his cheeks had not dissipated. He stared at him fiercely and scolded: "Zhu Xiu! You are shameless!"

Zhu Xiu was angry and funny. She dipped some tooth powder on a horsehair toothbrush and put it in her mouth to tinker with it. She said vaguely: "You broke into the room where I slept, climbed into my bed, and even sat on me and tore my clothes. After all, what happened?" Who is shameless?"

Shi Lingyan was so embarrassed that he raised the pole of his net bag and tried to put it on Zhu Xiu's head. The two chased and quarreled in the yard, causing chickens and ducks all over the yard to flap their wings and run away in panic.

During the commotion, Fu Jinzhan was driving the sheep down the north slope. Zhu Xiu didn't even bother to wipe her face, but Pidianpian came up to him, helped open the fence of the sheep house and let the sheep in.

"I saw you two having a fight from afar. It really doesn't stop all day long."

Fu Jinzhan's black hair is tied into long braids and he wears a coarse linen robe, which is neat and refreshing, making it easier to ride and work.

Busy in farming and animal husbandry all day long, her complexion is tanned to a healthy wheat color, which is both wild and mature.

Zhu Xiu saw it and expressed sincere praise in her heart.

This kind of mature woman style is definitely not something that a young girl like Shi Lingyan can possess.

However, judging from her figure, Shi Lingyan is quite impressive, but she never cares about her own beauty.

The violent little lady who makes noises has no concept of female beauty in her mind.

"Sister! Zhu Xiu bullied me!"

Shi Lingyan threw down the net bag, ran to Fu Jinzhan with a pout, took her arm, and complained aggrievedly.

Zhu Xiu covered her heart in grief and indignation. The little girl actually learned how to complain first to evildoers.

"How did he bully you?" Fu Jinzhan seemed to be smiling but not smiling. Seeing Shi Lingyan's face flushed, his eyes became ambiguous.

Zhu Xiu was so anxious that she stamped her feet, and her old face was burning.

If Shi Lingyan talks freely and Mrs. Fu knows about this morning's incident, where will he put his old face in the future?
If the news reaches Lao Shi's ears, this black guy may really come to the agricultural reclamation area with the Phoenix Mouth Overlord Sword on his back.

Shi Lingyan pouted, a little embarrassed, and said angrily: "He is trying to scare me with something!"

Fu Jinzhan smiled, with curiosity in his eyes. Just as he was about to ask something, there was a sound of horses neighing outside the courtyard.

It was Yan Ping who arrived.

Zhu Xiu breathed a sigh of relief, picked up the net bag and stuffed it into Shi Lingyan, then took her hand and pulled Fu Jinzhan away.

"You're here just in time. Let's accompany Yan'er to catch crabs right away."

Yan Ping drove for half a day before arriving. As soon as he got off his horse, he was summoned by Zhu Xiu to catch crabs. He was a little confused and said: "Young envoy, my subordinates have not reported the county affairs yet."

"We'll talk about it later! You go catch crabs first, I'll be right over." Zhu Xiu couldn't help but said, half pushing and half pulling Shi Lingyan out of the yard.

When Shi Lingyan heard that Zhu Xiu agreed to accompany her to catch crabs, he immediately forgot about what he had just done and said with a smile: "You have to come quickly! If not, humph~"

The little lady shook her fist at him.

After sending the two of them away, Zhu Xiu breathed a sigh of relief, returned to the water tank, scooped out water, and finished washing his face.

Fu Jinzhan walked out of the simple kitchen, holding two hot steamed cakes and handed them to him: "I just made them early in the morning, eat them while they are hot."

"Thank you Madam Fu." Zhu Xiu thanked him, took a big bite of the pancake, gave a thumbs up, and said emphatically: "It's delicious!"

Fu Jinzhan rolled his hair around his ears and said with a smile, "It can't compare to Taihelou's Dalang Cake."

Zhu Xiu licked the sesame seeds at the corner of her mouth and said vaguely: "The lady is beautiful, and the cakes made by her own hands have their own fragrance."

Fu Jinzhan smiled, and gave him a coquettish look: "You are the only one with a sweet mouth."

Zhu Xiu smiled innocently and chewed the cake.

"Is it because of Yan'er that you don't want to marry me, the Fu family?"

Fu Jinzhan asked suddenly as he used a broom to clean up the chicken and duck droppings all over the courtyard.

Zhu Xiu hesitated and nodded: "Not bad."

Fu Jinzhan smiled and said: "It can be seen that Yan'er is completely concerned about you. Maybe even she herself doesn't know about this feeling."

Zhu Xiu scratched her head in embarrassment and sighed: "Yan'er has a carefree temper. I'm afraid even she herself doesn't understand what love is."

Fu Jinzhan couldn't help laughing: "What do you mean by your words, you are an expert in love? Don't forget, you are one or two years younger than Yan'er."

Zhu Xiu said seriously: "Being young does not necessarily mean you are ignorant."

Fu Jinzhan chuckled: "So, how many relationships did you have that ended in vain? Was it when you were studying in Tanzhou? Or was it a marriage arranged for you in your hometown when you were young?"

"Oh, everything happened yesterday is like water without a trace, so why do you need to ask again?"

Zhu Xiuqing waved her sleeves, raised her head and sighed, remembering the several relationships she had experienced in her previous life, all of which ended in haste.

Fu Jinzhan smiled and bent over, feeling more and more that Zhu Xiu was pretending, which was very interesting.

Zhu Xiu is only a young man of sixteen or seventeen now, even if there is Su Hui, it is impossible to experience too much gossip in the world of mortals, and he really regards himself as a prodigal son in love.

After laughing, Fu Jinzhan said seriously: "Yan'er and you are a perfect match. I sincerely wish you two a happy marriage."

Zhu Xiu grinned: "Miss Cheng Fu said auspicious words."

Fu Jinzhan added: "However, my second sister is already on her way to Jingzhou. You should think about how to deal with it then."

After a pause, Fu Jinzhan helplessly smiled and said: "Uncle Guo and my father agreed on the marriage, and I have no right to interfere, so I can't give you much help.

My father basically agreed with Uncle Guo's proposal by sending his second sister to Jingzhou, but it was a life-long matter for the second sister, so she still had to like it.

If the second sister doesn't get along with you, I don't think my father will force her in the end.
But if the second sister falls in love with you, go to Shi Jieshuai and Lady Yan."

Fu Jinzhan smiled bitterly: "You should know that it is impossible for Fu's direct daughter to be a concubine."

Zhu Xiu had a headache, patted her forehead and murmured: "Don't worry, Madam, I will never let Madam Fu Er fall in love with me."

Fu Jinzhan was stunned, unable to laugh or cry.

Fu's daughter, the world's talented people can only compete for the top spot, how can there be any reason to extrapolate?
Why did the Fu family woman become a scourge when she arrived at Zhu Xiu's place?
"By the way, I heard that Hou Zan, the deputy envoy of Jiedu sent by the imperial court, has also arrived. Isn't it difficult for you and Shi Jieshuai?" Fu Jinzhan asked with concern.

Zhu Xiu sighed: "How can we not be embarrassed. As soon as this guy arrived, he meddled in the internal affairs of the Zhangyi Army in various ways. First, he ordered the blockade of the begging road leading to Binzhou, and no more people from Binzhou were allowed to enter.

Houzan also served as the post of Liuzhou of Pizhou. Now he is clamoring to move the original people of Pizhou back. Shi Jieshuai and I strongly opposed it, so we didn't let this guy succeed.

I think this matter is not over yet, Houzan will definitely make a fuss about it. "

Fu Jinzhan stopped what he was doing, frowned and said: "The relocated people have now settled in Jingzhou. If they move back again, wouldn't it be a waste of people and money?"

"Who says it isn't?" Zhu Xiu shook his head.

Fu Jinzhan tugged at the sideburns of his hair: "The root of this matter is you. Who made you so bold that you dared to forcibly relocate people from neighboring states, harming others and benefiting yourself? There are dozens of prefectures and states in the world, and I have never seen anyone as daring as you !”

Zhu Xiu argued: "Wang Shouen went against the grain in Binzhou. While fighting against private salt, he forced the people to buy official salt at a high price. This made the people feel miserable and complained. The people had no way out, so they spontaneously flowed into Jingzhou!"

Fu Jinzhan sighed: "Wang Shou'en has done many unjust things, but what you did is not in line with the law."

Zhu Xiu said with a smile: "In extraordinary times, extraordinary measures should be taken. Jingzhou's population growth is slow. If we don't act like this, we will lack a large number of young and strong labor forces in a short period of time, and it will be impossible to speed up development."

Fu Jinzhan said, "What are your plans now?"

"I discussed with Shi Jieshuai that no matter how we delay it, Houzan cannot be allowed to move the people away again, otherwise the good situation in Jingzhou will collapse in an instant."

Fu Jinzhan said solemnly: "I have heard of Houzan. From a humble official, he rose to the high position of Feilongshi in more than ten years. He is known as a cruel official in Kaifeng, which makes people talk about him. Houzan is the emperor. Favorite minister, you must be careful when dealing with him, and you must not let him get the handle, lest the emperor have an excuse to attack Zhang Yi's army."

"Thank you for your teaching, Ma'am."

Fu Jinzhan smiled and went to prepare sheep fodder with a dustpan.

Zhu Xiu looked at her busy back and said suddenly: "Madam, I received a letter from Chai Shuai a few days ago, saying that he will be able to meet us in Jingzhou in early September at the latest."

Fu Jinzhan looked back at him and said with a smile: "Chai Rong, you, Zhao Kuangyin, Zhang Yongde, and Li Chongjin, I think you are very like-minded and can talk well. When they come, you can get together."

Zhu Xiu smiled and said: "The eldest lady is also a member of our gang, why did you let yourself out?"

Fu Jinzhan rolled his eyes at him and said with a smile: "You guys, why should I join in the fun?"

Zhu Xiu said sternly: "The eldest lady is heroic, outstanding in martial arts, and her magnanimity is not inferior to that of men. Our group of people all admire the eldest lady's style! When we get together in Jingzhou, we can't leave out Madam Fu!"

Fu Jinzhan smiled: "My second sister will be here by then. If we compete in drinking capacity, we sisters are not afraid of you!"

"Haha~ You are so brave!" Zhu Xiu extended his thumbs with both hands in admiration.

Fu Jinzhan got into the sheep shed and was busy, and bursts of "bleeping" sounds came out.

Zhu Xiu watched her pick up a little lamb and tease it affectionately, with a gentle smile on her beautiful face.

Zhu Xiu felt that the scene that was frozen in an instant was very beautiful.

Boss Chai, Boss Chai, brother, I have helped you pave the road to Jingzhou. Whether you can win the heart of a beauty depends on your ability.
(End of this chapter)