After being exiled, I led my whole family to rebel.

Xu Zhenying glanced briefly, and then rubbed his brows tiredly.

The people below didn't say anything, they all looked at her quietly, as if waiting for her decision.

The Xu family was even more excited.

There are fifteen counties. Xu Zhenying has to allocate several counties to the Xu family to serve as county magistrate, right?

Although the younger generation of the Xu family is in decline, at least people like Xu Huijia and Xu Anping can still be used.

Besides, Xu Zhenying hires people regardless of gender. This time, even the fourth-fang Zhao family has vague expectations in her heart.

Xu Zhenying spread his hands and said helplessly: "Let's take the official examination. Let Fang Ningmo, Xu Anping, and Da Zhuang jointly come up with a set of papers, and then arrange an interview and political review. The three processes are to admit students according to their scores. By the way, where’s Hu Wei——”

Hu Wei immediately stood up and said, "City Lord."

"I remember that you seem to be a scholar. You should also participate in the work of setting questions. Don't copy the imperial examinations of the Zhou Dynasty. Don't take the exams on classics and meanings. Come up with some policy topics, which should be practical and related to people's livelihood. It's operable. When the questions are ready, show them to me. Fourth Aunt, could you please go back and tell Anping that she and Fang Ningmo will be solely responsible for this recruitment work, and they must be fair, just, and public."

The fourth room happily agreed.

Although I didn't get the county magistrate, it was still a great job to get an examiner!

Huang Cui'e was jealous.

Hu Wei said, "City Lord, may I ask what the recruitment conditions are?"

Xu Zhenying pondered for a while, "Three years and above, but under fifty, regardless of gender. It is required that the family background is clean and there are no major crimes in the immediate family."

Hu Wei added: "In the Zhou Dynasty imperial examination, those with physical disabilities and ugly faces were not allowed to take the exam. Can the city lord consider this?"

"No, as long as they are not deaf-mute, have obviously disabled limbs, or have other diseases that affect their work, they are welcome to apply."

Hu Wei sighed: "The city lord is so kind!"

"Is there any other agenda? If not, call Xu Anping back immediately to start the official assessment. The others will leave the meeting first. Dad, mother, you go back and prepare your luggage. We will have a light meal together as a family in the evening."

Everyone was speechless for a moment and all retreated.

After everyone left, Qian Zhenniang came to report: "City Lord, there is a letter from the research institute, saying that the cement you requested may have been produced, and Dean Luo sent a bag of samples for you to confirm."

Xu Zhenying almost jumped with joy.

This was really the best news she had heard in days!

"Why are we talking about such an important thing now? Come on, come on, bring the cement up and let me take a look."

Qian Zhenniang immediately called for someone to come up with a sack of cement. This bag was delivered by Dean Luo in an express carriage, and he arrived at Jinzhou Mansion without any delay.

The soldier untied the sack and dumped it on the ground. Xu Zhenying knelt down and rubbed it with his fingers. Then he was overjoyed. At least it looked similar from the outside!

Qian Zhenniang seemed to be infected by this excitement. She knew that the city lord was thinking about this cement. The city lord also mentioned the use of cement, but he had never seen it before. Qian Zhenniang couldn't imagine it.

She could only ask over and over again: "City Lord, is it like this? Is this cement?"

"Wait a minute."

Xu Zhenying led the soldiers to fetch a basin of water from the yard outside. When the soldiers were about to topple over, they stopped him.

Qian Zhenniang immediately came over and said, "City Lord, what else do you need?"

"I'm thinking that this is the first thing made of cement in the Zhou Dynasty. I have to think about what shape to make it memorable."

Qian Zhenniang also immersed herself in thinking, "How about becoming a stone lion?"

"Do you think I have such good skills?"

Qian Zhenniang scratched her head.

Xu Zhenying said: "I can only make something simple, just a flower pot."

Xu Zhenying ordered someone to pour water, and then took a stick and kept stirring.

Seeing Xu Zhenying's serious face, even the five-man personal guard who had always been taciturn came over curiously, as if they wanted to witness what kind of magical object the cement that the city lord kept talking about was.

"City Lord, what can this cement do? Is it really as magical as you say?"

Xu Zhenying laughed, "This thing can change the world!"

Everyone couldn't hide their surprise, "How can you change the world?"

Xu Zhenying thought for a moment and said, "It will change the world just like humans discovered fire and seeds for the first time."

This metaphor stunned everyone.

Man discovered fire.

Humans discovered seeds——

What an extraterrestrial creature this must be!

And they were about to witness this miracle with their own eyes. Even An Peilin, the unsmiling captain of the Guards, held his breath and stared blankly at the pool of mud and water.

Just such a gadget can change the world?

"That's it." Xu Zhenying piled the mud-like cement into the shape of a flower pot, and wrote a sentence seriously with branches, and everyone came over to take a look.

——Xu Zhenying came here for a visit.

Qian Zhenniang asked: "City Lord, what does this sentence mean?"

Xu Zhenying smiled enigmatically, "Just write whatever you want. It's time to visit the human world."

Qian Zhenniang only felt that sometimes she really didn't understand Xu Zhenying's cold humor at all, but as a subordinate, she still laughed in cooperation.

"City Lord, is this all right?" An Peilin stared at the flowerpot motionless, "What next?"

"Just wait for it to dry. Depending on the weather, it will probably take two days. But I feel that Luo Qingzhou has made something this time. This thing should be similar to cement. Let's wait for the effect after it dries. "

Without waiting for Xu Zhenying's instructions, An Peilin immediately waved to the soldiers to surround the flower pot, and said: "Take careful care of it! This thing is very important!"

Xu Zhenying stood up, stretched, and said to An Peilin: "This is my first time entering Jinzhou Mansion. Let's go and see what our city looks like."

As soon as Xu Zhenying walked to the door, he met Hu Wei.

As if he was specially waiting for her, he came forward from afar and said respectfully: "City Lord, where are you going?"

Xu Zhenying didn't answer but asked: "You want to see me if you have something?"

Hu Wei nodded.

An Peilin and the others naturally formed a circle of encirclement, forming separate camps at the front, rear, left and right, and quietly enclosed the two of them inside.

The two of them walked towards the main street of Jinzhou Mansion.

Sure enough, we should not have too many illusions about ancient cities. Even the capital city of Jinzhou seemed to Xu Zhenying to have an inexplicable sense of depression. The people here mostly use wood to build houses. On the rows of streets, people as skinny as firewood can be seen everywhere. Even if the sky is clear and the sun is bright, it is rare for people to come out for activities.

In Jinzhou Prefecture, commerce is not developed.

This was the first conclusion Xu Zhenying came to. Of course, she did not forget Hu Wei beside her, "Secretary Hu, if you have anything to do, you might as well tell her."

Hu Wei then cupped his hands and said: "City Lord, I want to remind you that we now own two places in Jinzhou and Qianzhou, and we have killed the officials of the Transportation Department, which will definitely attract the attention of the court soon. Has the City Lord thought about how to deal with it? Of the policy?"

Xu Zhenying pretended to be all ears.

Hu Wei felt comfortable with Xu Zhenying's attitude. He stroked his beard and said, "I have something to say, please accept it from the city lord. Nowadays, princes are everywhere, not only in our southwest, but also in the southeast and coastal areas. There are not a few who call themselves kings and emperors. As long as the city lord Send a letter to the court proclaiming your vassalship, promising to pay tribute to the court a certain amount of money, and bribe officials in the court to operate it. The court will definitely recognize the city lord's position as the king of Jinzhou Prefecture. At that time, the city lord will be awarded the city lord's treasure book and seal. He is the legitimate official of Jinzhou's parents." Xu Zhenying smiled and said: "Secretary Hu, I don't believe you don't know that I am a daughter. Will the Great Zhou Dynasty set a precedent for a woman to be an official?"

Hu Wei smiled meaningfully, "There will be information about the city lord on the application form, but no one has ever written down the gender."

Xu Zhenying's eyes lit up. There were no women serving as officials in the Zhou Dynasty. Therefore, as long as she submitted a letter to request a title, the court would naturally acquiesce in her identity as a man.

Who would have thought that a woman would dare to openly bribe a court official?

This is a good way to take a different approach.

Xu Zhenying had to sigh at this time. The people under her were all young people, and there were few old youtiaos who were involved in the officialdom of the Zhou Dynasty. Although this old youtiao was oily, if he could find a loophole that others could exploit, then the old youtiao would certainly be successful. Good old fried dough sticks.

"Secretary Yihu understands, if I want the position of Prince of Jinzhou Prefecture, how much will it cost?"

Hu Wei stretched out two fingers.

Xu Zhenying said directly: "Two hundred thousand?"

Hu Wei nodded, "This fee also includes the official fees for up and down management. After all, we are different from other officials. We were previously occupied by rogue bandits in Jinzhou Mansion. If we want to erase this layer, we must find someone to use it. "

Xu Zhenying was speechless, "Two hundred thousand taels, this is as much as Lan County's annual tax revenue."

Hu Wei smiled, "But the money is well spent. It can keep us stable for at least two or three years. Two or three years will be enough for us to develop and grow. I think with the wisdom of the city lord, in two or three years, Jinzhou Mansion I’m afraid there will be earth-shaking changes.”

Xu Zhenying said thoughtfully, "Thank you, Secretary Hu, for reminding me. I will consider it."

Xu Zhenying laughed in her heart. Hu Wei's words were probably a sign of sincerity to her.

This little old man, who is worried about the world being in chaos, has no idea what he has in mind. Will he really stand by her side?

After visiting several streets in Jinzhou Prefecture, Xu Zhenying had no choice but to go home.

She didn't want to face her parents, which always made her feel guilty.

But Miao and Mei Xiao were leaving tomorrow, and she had to go see them one last time. From now on, she didn't know when she would be able to see them again.

The courtyard where Xu Zhenying lived was the house of a wealthy family in Jinzhou. It was a four-entry courtyard, and there was even a gatekeeper.

The boy didn't recognize Xu Zhenying, but he saw that she was very dignified, calm and powerful without being angry.

Even so, the young man dared to come forward and ask: "Who is it? This is the residence of the new Lord of Jinzhou. There are many people waiting here. Please leave quickly!"

Xu Zhenying admired the boy's neither humbleness nor arrogance, but An Peilin beside him had an angry look on his face: "This is our city lord! Get out of the way!"

The boy immediately turned pale with fright!

Xu Zhenying said: "You have done a good job! Since you have become a janitor, you should perform your duties like this! I will tell my fourth aunt that I will give you a monthly salary increase in the future!"

The young man burst into tears of gratitude and immediately wanted to kneel down to thank him, "Thank you City Master, thank you City Master! I will open the door for you!"

As soon as Xu Zhenying entered the house, he found that everyone in the big room and the fourth room had come to see him off. The whole family was standing in the main room with red eyes. Miao's luggage had been packed. However, as soon as Xu Zhenying entered the house, she was hit by Xu Meixiao's little bomb. He rushed over and gave him a hug!

"Sister! Sister! You are finally back!"

Xu Meixiao hugged Xu Zhenying and refused to let go. Xu Zhenying touched her head guiltily, "Have everything been packed?"

Xu Meixiao looked up at her, "Sister, we have packed up. Mom said we are going to Qianzhou, won't you go with us?"

Xu Zhenying sighed, as if she didn't know how to explain it to Xu Meixiao. Mrs. Zhao immediately waved to Xu Meixiao, "Xiao Meizi, come here and see which of your toys you want to take away. Fourth Aunt will pack them for you."

Xu Meixiao's attention was immediately drawn away.

As soon as Xu Zhenying entered the room, the room seemed to be silent.

It was Zhao who was discerning and spoke first: "Let's not stay here anymore. The city lord has finally come back. Let's have a good reunion as a family."

Huang Cui'e also nodded in agreement. Now she had no chance to talk to Xu Zhenying about Xu Huijia, so she could only be pushed out by Mrs. Zhao.

Miao's eyes were slightly red, and she said to Xu Zhenying: "I asked the small kitchen to cook a few of your favorite dishes. You have lost a lot of weight this time. In the future, if your mother is not with you, you have to take good care of yourself. .”

Xu Zhenying squeezed Miao's hand, "Will mother blame me?"

Miao wiped the corners of her eyes and said, "What's so weird? There's nothing we can do about it. Besides, didn't you say that Qianzhou Chieftain will also send hostages over? We both are trying to hold each other accountable, and no one can do anything about it." Will act rashly."

"Mother, I give Mo Jinchun to you——"

Miao immediately refused: "Mo Jinchun is your right-hand man because he is talented in both literature and martial arts. Moreover, he is already the deputy chief instructor in the barracks. Wouldn't it be a waste to follow us?"

"Okay, don't worry too much about us." Mrs. Miao looked worried and took Xu Zhenying's hand. She wanted to say something, but she sighed, "Son, I didn't expect that a girl like you... would have... With such great ambitions, although it’s too late to say this now, why did you rebel at that time? If the people from the court come over, we won’t have enough heads to chop off!”

Xu Degui scolded: "You are a woman with long hair and short knowledge. Your daughter is now a hero. Jinzhou and Qianzhou have been occupied by us. What are you going to do with these words that shake the morale of the army?!?"

Miao now had a temper, and retorted with a cold face: "If you say I have long hair and short knowledge, then your daughter is not the same? Are you scolding your daughter as well?"

Xu Meixiao clapped her hands and said: "Mom, you are wrong, my sister's hair is twisted and very short——"

Mei Xiao's childlike words instantly eased the somewhat explosive atmosphere in the room.

"Xiao Meizi, take your toys and go outside to play. Dad and mom will say a few words to your sister."

"Alas!" Xu Meixiao responded happily. She didn't seem to know what was going on with the hostages. She just thought she wanted to change places to play, so she happily prepared her toys and luggage.

Xu Degui then realized that he had said the wrong thing, and for some reason, he always felt a little uncomfortable seeing his daughter again.

Is it because Xu Zhenying has been deliberately hiding the rebellion from him?

Thinking about it now, she sent Xu Huiming and Feng'er away to open up trade routes at the beginning of spring. Maybe she had her thoughts on it at that time.

However, in the past six months, Xu Zhenying remained calm and kept the whole family in the dark. He only waited for the people of Lan County to beat the people from the Transportation Department to death. Only then did their close relatives realize that Xu Zhenying had always had thoughts of rebellion!

Does this also mean that Xu Zhenying never believed them from beginning to end.

Xu Deyuan always knew that Xu Zhenying was hiding things in her heart. From the time they killed Liu Jiejie, he had been vaguely aware that Xu Zhenying was different from other girls!

But she never expected that she would directly rebel!

This makes Xu Degui feel terrible every time he thinks about it.

He seemed... to have never understood this daughter.

But now, there is no other way. Both he and Miao can only accept having a rebellious daughter!

Xu Degui coughed twice, "Zhenying, did your second uncle really help Sun Qingchen carry a message to the general of the Zhou Dynasty?"

"It's not a letter, it's a blood letter handwritten by County Magistrate Sun. It's very touching. Would you like to read it, father?"

Facing the smiling Xu Zhenying, Xu Degui was always a little scared unconsciously. He waved his hand and said, "I won't watch. I just didn't expect... that he could do such a thing."

"What's surprising about my father? Second uncle has always been like this, hasn't he? From that night when he left you to face Liu Jiejie alone to escape, you should have known what kind of person he was. Father, you shouldn't be soft-hearted, we should have done it at that time If we kill him, we won't cause so many troubles today."

Xu Zhenying's tone was not serious, not even accusatory, but for some reason, Xu Degui felt that she had been scolded by her.

Miao looked at her father and daughter with confusion on her face: "What are you talking about?"

Only then did the father and daughter remember that they had not told Ms. Miao what happened at that time.

Miao looked at Xu Degui and asked more and more, "Second uncle, what else did he do?! Why did he leave you and run away alone?"

Xu Degui was hesitant, and even now he refused to say anything wrong with his brother. Xu Zhenying simply said: "When we fled to the small village, it was raining that day, and my second uncle was hurt by a stone. Do you still remember?"

Miao nodded blankly, then seemed to think of something, and her face changed slightly!

She remembered!

Xu Degui and Xu Deyuan came back very late that night, and they looked weird!

The strangest thing was that Liu Jie disappeared that night!

"That night, Liu Jiejie fell behind and prepared to kill his second uncle. The second uncle actually asked Liu Jiejie to kill his father, and he left his father and ran away. If I hadn't appeared, my father would have been killed by Liu Jiejie that night!"

Miao's face suddenly lost all color, her eyes were full of frightened tears, and she almost couldn't breathe!

No wonder, after that night, Xu Degui's attitude toward Xu Deyuan was no longer as close as before, and the two brothers actually seemed to be vaguely enemies!

Even though Miao had a good temper, her chest was heaving with anger at this moment, and she cursed in a high-pitched voice: "That Xu Deyuan who killed a thousand swords! We regard him as our closest brother and sister, but he doesn't care about family ties and wants us to die again and again! How can there be such a ruthless person in this world!"