Tang Dynasty Bandits

Chapter 265 State Affairs
After arriving in Fengzhou, Zhu Wen seemed to have become addicted to farming, and had been working in the fields for half a month.

Thanks to the proper depth of planting and appropriate watering, the wheat seeds, under Zhu Wen's diligent cultivation, quickly sprouted into green seedlings, swaying gently in the winter wind, resembling a green ocean.

Newly sprouted wheat seedlings look very similar to chives. People who have never grown wheat often can't tell the difference.

Zhu Wen, however, knew perfectly well that wheat seedlings were lighter in color and had a very mild smell, lacking the pungent aroma of chives.

As for why, after becoming the governor, he acted like an ordinary farmer, only caring about cultivating wheat seedlings and neglecting state affairs.

By grasping the essentials, the details will naturally fall into place; by focusing on the fundamentals, the branches will naturally follow.

If we want to improve people's lives in an immediate way, what could be more effective than setting an example and promoting rice-wheat rotation?
Mediating water disputes, apprehending bandits, and resolving complex cases?

Those tasks can be delegated to subordinates.

Although Zhu Wen was an outsider, he had no need to establish his authority through such means.

The thousand elite warriors he brought were stationed outside the city.

Zhu Wen was actually happy to see anyone trying to cause trouble.

"Why fight like palace maids when a matter can be resolved with a knife? Do I, Zhu Wen, look down on people who would fight even a stray dog?"

Zhu Wen said this to Huo Cun.

Huo Cun, Zhu Zhen, Lan Suting, and others gradually became more adept at handling state affairs. This experience would greatly benefit their future development.

One day, after finishing his official duties, Lan Suting went to the fields to deliver water to Zhu Wen.

She carefully used a plain silk handkerchief to wipe the sweat from Zhu Wen's face and body, and then fed him water from a water bag.

The girl, as beautiful as a white orchid, was so considerate and caring, which immediately made the onlookers envious.

Zhu Wen looked at everyone and smiled without any airs, "The clerk is my adopted sister, and she is the most meticulous and sensible person."

He appeared approachable, but the common people dared not inquire about the governor's private affairs.

Naturally, many people wondered whether she was a sworn sister or a romantic sister. But who would dare to say it out loud?
However, the young women present, even those who were already married, often revealed a hint of secret delight in their eyes.

Handsome, fit, young and promising, and in a high position of power.

Such a status was something these young women, even if they were willing to be concubines, were not worthy of.

However, when they heard that the beautiful woman beside Zhu Wen was only a sworn brother and sister, and that the governor currently had no wives or concubines, they couldn't help but feel a stirring of romantic feelings.

Women are naturally inclined to dream.

An ordinary man who fantasizes all day about being favored by a princess or noblewoman who is as beautiful as an angel and tells others about it is easily regarded as a pervert.

"Have you finished all your official duties?" Zhu Wen asked Lan Suting.

Lan Suting nodded: "Fengzhou is not a large prefecture, so there are limited matters to attend to. Once you get used to it, you'll be quite fluent."

She suddenly revealed a joyful expression: "Today, Su Ting resolved a troublesome matter in the village." Zhu Wen showed an interested expression: "Oh? Tell me about it."

Lan Suting parted her lips slightly and began to speak. Her lips were small and thin, and her speech had a delicate and refined quality that was pleasing to the eye.

There were two villages a dozen miles north of the city that were arguing over a water source.

The villagers from Dongzhuang claimed that Xizhuang had built a dike, cutting off their water supply. Xizhuang countered that the dike was originally built fifty years ago and was merely undergoing repairs. They argued that their ancestors had already reached an agreement regarding water use, so why were they only starting to argue now?

Dongzhuang also stated that rainfall has been less than before in recent years, resulting in insufficient water supply downstream and poor rice harvests. Xizhuang, while not advocating for the demolition of the dike, at least suggested releasing more water downstream.

Xizhuang said that when their ancestors built the dike, they gave up a piece of land to Dongzhuang in order to get Dongzhuang's consent. Upstream water is less than downstream; without the dike, Xizhuang would have died of drought long ago. Now Xizhuang is also short of water, and Dongzhuang wants more. Fine, give them back that piece of land!
Dongzhuang naturally refused: the land was uncultivated fifty years ago, but it has long been cultivated into arable land. How can it be returned?
Dongzhuang said that they were not unwilling to compromise. There was a small dry field in the north of the village, which was also a clan-owned land, and they could give it to Xizhuang as compensation.

Xi Zhuang said: "That dry land is far from any water source and can't be irrigated at all. It can only grow low-yield millet or beans. With the recent lack of rain, planting there could even lead to disaster and losses. You think you can get us to give in over such a trivial matter? Dream on!"

The dispute between the two villages had dragged on for over two years, with five or six armed clashes, yet no resolution had been reached. Neither the previous governor nor Liu Qian, who had declared himself governor, could offer a solution.

These past few days, the two villages have once again clashed at the yamen (government office). Since Governor Zhu Wen was not present, and this area fell under the jurisdiction of Lan Suting, the Registrar of Households, Lan Suting personally went to investigate with his entourage.

She reviewed the case files and discovered that the two villages had engaged in several armed clashes, resulting in some injuries but no deaths. Although they shouted harsh words, they were clearly leaving each other room to maneuver.

The reason is simple: the two villages are close to each other, and it's inevitable that men and women will marry each other, becoming related by marriage. Naturally, people will be more careful when they do it.

"In that case, it will be easier to mediate."

As Lan Suting spoke, a sly, fox-like glint suddenly appeared in her eyes, something this innocent girl had never shown before.

Zhu Wen knew she was keeping him in suspense, but he feigned interest and asked, "And then? What ingenious plan did you use to resolve this?"

"After checking the land records and conducting on-site inspections, Su Ting discovered two things. First, the total amount of land in the two villages was similar, and the fertility was similar; second, there were many inaccuracies in the land they reported."

It's quite normal to underreport the land area, as the land tax, one of the two taxes, is levied based on the amount of land. Underreporting can help avoid a lot of taxes.

"I asked them, 'Do you think the other side is taking advantage of you and living a better life than you?'"

"They nodded vigorously, of course."

"Su Ting then said to them, since your two villages are close to each other, why don't you exchange places? After the land is measured and its size and fertility are clear, if there are any differences, we can find a way to compensate."

At this point, Lan Suting chuckled lightly: "As soon as these words were spoken, they all suddenly changed their expressions and refused to agree no matter what."

“I also said that all relocation expenses would be borne by the government. This is a beneficial and cost-effective solution that would satisfy both of you, so why don’t you agree?”

"At this moment, they suddenly calmed down and said that even if they suffered some losses, they would not be able to leave their hometown. If they were to go elsewhere, even if it was only two or three miles away, they would feel very sad."

“I advised them that since they value their hometown so much, they should stop arguing about this. Both sides are neighbors and relatives, and many are related by marriage. If they keep making a fuss like this for three years, it will only make them a laughing stock.”

"After thinking it over, they agreed and swore an oath at the entrance of the government office, signed a document, and declared that they would never fight over this matter again. If they changed their minds, they would be punished by heaven."

(End of this chapter)