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Chapter 366: Companion (Part )

Jiang Shaohua often went to the farm, and it was common for her to eat with Cui Du. Cui Du knew how much the princess ate, so he took the initiative to serve her rice and soup.

Song Yuan watched from the side and nodded with satisfaction in his heart.

Chen Jinyu was a little unhappy when she saw Cui Du snatching her usual job. However, seeing the princess smiling, she could not show it.

After breakfast, everyone rode out of the county government office and headed towards the mine.

Jiang Shaohua would inspect the mines every year when he came to Bowang County, and everyone was used to it. Only Cui Du came for the first time, and everything was new to him. Not only did he look around, but he also asked from time to time: "Princess, how far is the mine?"

"It's just ahead."

“The scenery along the way is very picturesque and beautiful.”

Master Cui must be in a good mood, and the scenery looks like a painting! Chen Jinyu silently complained in his heart.

The princess was patient and responded one sentence at a time: "Among the fourteen counties, Bowang County has the most mountains, followed by Li County. In terms of scenery, Li County is actually more beautiful. Our next stop is Li County, so you can go there and take a look."

Cui Du grinned and nodded in agreement.

Jiang Shaohua is an excellent rider, and the spotted horse under his crotch is full of energy. Cui Du has practiced for several years and now has a decent riding skill. He rides the docile mare leisurely.

When they arrived at the foot of the mine, everyone dismounted and went into the mountain.

The grand scene of open-pit mining deeply shocked Cui Du.

Cui Du exclaimed: "There are so many people digging for ore!"

Jiang Shaohua hummed. County Magistrate Chen, who was standing beside him, smiled and continued, "In the past three years, the scale of the iron ore mine has more than doubled, and there are nearly 3,000 people mining in the mine."

This is an extremely large number. Daliang has low productivity, vast land and sparse population. A county is considered a county if it has a population of over 10,000. Bowang County has a population of over 10,000, of which 40% are young and middle-aged. In other words, most of the young and middle-aged people have gone into the mines. In addition, some came from other counties, and some were selected from the young and strong among the hungry people they took in.

The mine provides lunch and daily wages. County Magistrate Chen is in charge of the iron mine and never allows oppression of the people. Therefore, in Bowang County, mining in the mountains is a good job and everyone is happy to come.

The mine was so huge that Jiang Shaohua spent half a day wandering around and only saw a quarter of it.

That night, everyone rested in the mine.

Jiang Shaohua was full of energy, and after dinner he wandered around the forest. The person accompanying him was Cui Du.

Chen Jinyu wisely avoided him, and Song Yuan led more than 20 personal guards to follow and protect him. Apart from the personal guards scattered more than ten meters away, at this time, it was Jiang Shaohua and Cui Du who accompanied him.

Deep in the mountains and woods, the moon is bright in the sky and the cool breeze is blowing.

A pair of young men and women walked side by side, talking and laughing from time to time. This picture was charming no matter how you looked at it.

In fact, Jiang Shaohua and Cui Du's conversation was very ordinary, and there was no private relationship between men and women. At this moment, she was talking to Cui Du about the county magistrates of the fourteen counties. "So many county magistrates are basically from the imperial examination. For example, County Magistrate Chen was a Jinshi. According to the rules of the court, County Magistrate Chen should not stay in Nanyang County to serve as an official. My grandfather spent a lot of effort to keep County Magistrate Chen in Nanyang."

"The mines in Bowang County are too important to Nanyang County. My grandfather only trusts County Magistrate Chen. Facts have proved that County Magistrate Chen is indeed a capable official. Over the years, the mines have produced stable ore and there has never been a riot."

Speaking of this, we have to mention the other mines in Daliang. The court sent officials to manage the mines, and most of the miners were prisoners in the prison of the Ministry of Justice. For example, the refugees who "attacked" the gates of the capital last time were all sent to the mines.

Officials want to achieve political achievements, so it is common for them to exploit miners. As for wages, they don't get a penny. Even the most basic food cannot be guaranteed. As a result, riots in the mines are not uncommon.

The stability of Nanyang Iron Mine is unique.

Cui Du sighed sincerely: "Mr. Chen is indeed a good official who works hard. However, this is also because of the good princess who cares about the people."

Jiang Shaohua smiled sweetly: "We were chatting peacefully, why are you suddenly flattering me?"

"I'm not trying to flatter you." Cui Du said seriously, "I speak my mind and say whatever I think."

Jiang Shaohua was in a good mood after being photographed, and smiled: "Even if what you said is true. In fact, I am just following my grandfather's example. When my grandfather was alive, he often taught me that people should cultivate their morals and judge others by their own standards. The people actually want very little. Not being oppressed or bullied, being able to fill their stomachs and live a stable life is a good life for the people. For those in power, it is enough to be less greedy and do more practical things."

"It's easier said than done." Cui Du said with emotion: "Greed is human nature. As an official, who doesn't want to get promoted and make money? Who is willing to really put down their status and think about the people and do things for the people?"

Jiang Shaohua restrained his smile and said softly, "So, I used both kindness and force, and used all means to make the county magistrates obey my orders and do their jobs. If they can't do it, I will ask them to get out of Nanyang. The Cai County Magistrate before Li County was used by me to kill the chicken to scare the monkey. This princess can give them fame and wealth, and I can also make them lose everything."

"I promoted Master Cai out of the ordinary so that everyone can see. As long as you work hard, I don't care about your background or whether you are a Jinshi or a Xiucai."

"Fortunately, County Magistrate Cai has done a good job and has done a good job in the past few years. He has shut up all the county magistrates who were waiting to see the fun and laugh at him."

Jiang Shaohua's admiration for County Magistrate Cai was beyond words.

Cui Du also laughed: "I have dealt with Magistrate Cai several times. He is indeed a wonderful man. He looks ugly and mean, but he is fair in his work. He is also smart and not pedantic at all. Every time he trains farmers, the people sent by Li County are the most."

Jiang Shaohua nodded with a smile.

At this moment, there was suddenly a strange sound.

Jiang Shaohua's eyebrows moved slightly, and he suddenly made a move. A silver light flashed, and a cold light streaked across the night sky. Then there was movement on the tree more than ten meters away, and a black object fell.

Song Yuan reacted the fastest, moving as fast as lightning, and was under the tree in a few breaths. He quickly picked up the fallen object and came over: "It's a fat wild pheasant."

Jiang Shaohua glanced at it and smiled: "It's really fat. Take it to the kitchen and make a pot of pheasant soup. Everyone can have a bowl tomorrow morning."

Song Yuan agreed with a smile and handed the pheasant to Qin Hu. Qin Hu swiftly took the pheasant and left.

Cui Du looked over with shining eyes: "What weapon did the princess use just now? I only saw a flash of cold light."

Jiang Shaohua smiled slightly, moved his right hand and turned over his palm.