Be a small county magistrate in ancient times

Chapter 685 is a treasure.
Looking at Xiao Wuzi in front of him, Meng Changqing thought to himself that this child was a treasure.

At such a young age, he has already effectively improved two machines. What about the future?
They might be able to build bicycles and tricycles.

Improving the speed of movement of people and goods is the first step to economic growth.

In Beishan County, most people still rely on their own feet for transportation. A slightly wealthier family might own a donkey, while the county government might have oxen and horses, but how could an average family afford to keep them?

Meng Changqing asked Xiao Wuzi, "Are you still studying at school? Which class were you assigned to this year?"

Xiao Wuzi's joy froze for a moment. He was called a child only because he was small. In terms of age alone, Xiao Wuzi was only one year younger than Meng Changqing and was not included in the school's free education program.

“I learned a few characters while following along last night,” Xiao Wuzi said.

Upon hearing this, Meng Changqing understood and then asked, "Did you enjoy what the gentleman was saying?"

Xiao Wu scratched his head. "The teacher teaches me to recognize characters. I don't really like or dislike it. Anyway, recognizing characters is definitely better than not recognizing them, so I go to listen to the lessons whenever I have free time."

Meng Changqing then asked, "How many people are in your family?"

"It's just me," Xiao Wuzi said with a smile. "If one person is full, the whole family isn't hungry."

Meng Changqing felt a pang of sadness upon hearing this, and felt even more pity for the child in front of him. "How have you been making a living since you came to Beishan County?"

“When I first came here, I would take any job the yamen offered. I’m small and weak, so I didn’t earn much money, but I could eat my fill on the construction site, and that was enough,” Xiao Wuzi said. “But now I don’t have to work anymore. Last year I changed my silk reeling business, and you rewarded me with ten taels of silver, sir. That’s enough for me to get married!”

“Good boy, you’ve improved your iron plow again this year, so I’ll reward you with ten taels of silver.”

Xiao Wuzi's eyes lit up when he heard this; he'd made money again!
He knelt down to pay his respects, "Thank you, Magistrate." Meng Changqing grabbed his elbow, helped him up, and asked intentionally, "Are you saving this money to get married, or are you thinking of starting a small business?"

"I'll keep it." Xiao Wuzi couldn't suppress his smile. "I'm bad with words and have no eye for business; I can't make a sale."

Meng Changqing also thought that since the child was all alone and young, and had a sum of money in his hand, he might accidentally go astray. Otherwise, he might as well bring the child to the county government office, where he could do whatever he wanted and might come up with some good things.

But from another perspective, what if someone gets into the county government and thinks they have something to rely on, and then stops striving for improvement, thus stifling their talent?

Choosing the right option really requires a gamble.

"Little Wu, would you be willing to work in the yamen?" Meng Changqing asked.

He was somewhat prepared for the ten taels of silver reward, but this news was a complete surprise. "I can become a constable too?"

“Not a constable,” Meng Changqing said. “The county government has various departments, and I want you to go to the engineering department. Your job will be to do what you are interested in. The county government will also pay you a salary every month, but it won’t be much. You don’t have to go to the county government every day. If you need anything for your work, just go to the county government to ask for it.”

So, what do you say? Are you willing to go?

Xiao Wuzi agreed without hesitation. There was no reason for him not to agree; what he had just heard was only beneficial to him.

But Xiao Wuzi was an ambitious person. He asked, "Sir, if I do a good job, can I become a constable in the future?"

“Of course!” Meng Changqing said.

Anyway, the county government is short of people everywhere, so go wherever you can do a good job.