Be a small county magistrate in ancient times

Chapter 781 Bad Head
Spring planting is indeed extremely important.

Zuo Datou agreed, saying, "Several key sections of the city wall have already been repaired; other areas can be carefully repaired after the farming season."

"After the spring planting, the city wall will be repaired. That's settled. What else?" Meng Changqing then asked, "What other ways are there to increase the people's income? Or rather, what is something we must do right now?"

The people around the round table were thinking seriously.

After careful consideration, the man from Qi was the first to offer his opinion: "Sir, perhaps we could rebuild a market in the south."

Meng Changqing said, "Lord Qi's idea is good. Since there are people living in the south, the corresponding markets and streets will have to be built sooner or later. What about the others? What are their thoughts?" She added, "Whether it's appropriate or not, just say it. As for whether it can be done and when is the right time to do it, we can discuss it together."

“You are all on the same side, and you have been in Beishan County for quite some time now. You all have the answer to the question I am asking.”

Now that we're in this room, let's not stand on ceremony and just say what's on our minds.

Only when these people proactively identify and address problems can Meng Changqing save effort.

She was preparing for future laziness, but to others, it meant that adults trusted them and were willing to give them the opportunity to speak and make decisions.

This is such a rare opportunity.

Nobody wants to miss out.

Cheng Guang clenched his fist under the table and looked at Meng Changqing, saying, "Sir, we can recruit another batch of constables. Now that the area is bigger, there are more places for our men to patrol and guard, and we don't have enough manpower. Besides, if they join the county government, they can also receive a monthly allowance."

“That’s right,” Meng Changqing agreed. “You calculate how many people we need and arrange for their recruitment. This is entirely your responsibility. But let me remind you first, I will conduct spot checks after the people are on duty. You know I don’t like people who just coast along.”

"Yes!" Cheng Guang promised, "I'll take care of it right away, and I promise I won't let you down."

After Cheng Guang finished speaking, Mei Zi chimed in, "Aside from increasing income, perhaps we could reduce people's expenses. How about exempting some taxes?" This hit the nail on the head, and Meng Changqing was pleasantly surprised, "Your idea is excellent!"

This year, the county will not collect grain tax, which I promised the people before the war started.

As for the prefectural government, whether or not taxes can be reduced or exempted is not up to me, but I will try my best to advocate for it with Prefect Zheng.

Based on past experience, the imperial court would waive local taxes in the event of war.

"But there's one thing," Meng Changqing quickly changed the subject, "If the people are exempted from taxes, their lives will naturally be better. But without taxes, it will be difficult for the county government to get anything done. Not to mention the distant future, where will the monthly allowances paid to everyone and the wages paid to workers on various projects come from?"

Lack of money is always a problem, whether for individuals or organizations.

Meizi's opinion clashed with Cheng Guang's. Meizi felt embarrassed and wanted to say that she should pretend she hadn't said anything, but before she could speak, Zuo Datou said, "Sir, I can forget about my wages for now."

Meng Changqing looked at him.

Zuo Datou said frankly, "Over the years, I have managed to save some money. The county government provides me with food and clothing, so I don't have many expenses. There are many brothers in the government office who are in the same situation as me."

We can owe our wages; I think the brothers can understand. As for the workers' wages for their labor, those can also be owed in advance.”

This is a bad start. If Zuo Datou says he doesn't want money, then the others feel awkward about giving him money.

Cheng Guang quickly followed, "Me too..."

Before he could finish, Meng Changqing interrupted him, "We won't consider this method. Instead of cutting costs, we should focus on increasing revenue. Let's think of ways to make money."