CHAPTER 194: CHAPTER 194: SETTLING REFUGEES, BUILDING CITY WALLS

If you really must check the identities of these two people and can’t uncover anything meaningful, then you will certainly offend Pei Shu’er badly.

Official Liu and Official Zhang exchanged glances and ultimately stopped their comrades from investigating further.

"Let’s wait and see."

The others glanced at Tang Zan and didn’t dare to move.

They felt this person looked familiar, but for the moment, couldn’t remember where they had seen him before.

Yinxing took Pei Shu’er away, giving them no chance to investigate.

Before this, "Miss Pei" addressed everyone: "My cousin is the true owner of Deserted Mountain, henceforth, just listen to her."

When using the identity of "Miss Pei," she knew this identity had to be discarded.

Upon arriving at Deserted Mountain, everyone should focus on farming diligently.

And "Miss Pei," by staying by Pei Shu’er’s side for a while, could retire gracefully.

"Miss Pei" serves as a catalyst for integration.

As for Tang Qingrou and Aunt Lin, they were apprehended and imprisoned by Tang Zan’s orders.

Tang Qingrou said to the officers: "Lord, Pei Shu’er and Tang Zan truly disrespect you; what right do they have to detain us?"

Official Liu and Official Zhang exchanged looks as Pei Shu’er laughed: "Tang Qingrou, do you think the Lord lacks discernment? I’m bringing these refugees back to build a home, ensuring the officers can collect more taxes, securing the military’s income, and empowering everyone for war."

"Clearly, this deeply respects the Lords, considering their well-being, thus acting accordingly."

"Meanwhile, you consistently attempt to drive these refugees away; then who will cultivate all this land? I even suspect you might be an enemy spy."

The officers waved dismissively, having no tolerance left for Tang Qingrou, they just wished this bothersome woman would leave them alone.

Tang Qingrou and Aunt Lin, once incarcerated, were quite resentful, persistently cursing Pei Shu’er and Tang Zan, until the guards gagged them with a cloth, finally calming them.

Zhang Wu sneered: "You two, better behave, or don’t force me to cut off your tongues."

At these words, they stared wide-eyed but obediently quieted.

On the following day, Pei Shu’er and Yinxing, dressed as "Miss Pei," together went to the back mountain.

Pei Shu’er said: "I’ll allocate a mountain for everyone; the soil on that mountain is much better compared to Deserted Mountain."

She had sought permission from the officers to distribute it freely; however, one had to pay fifty percent in taxes later.

The reason Lin Mountain wasn’t assigned to the refugees was due to its immense size, making management impractical.

Pei Shu’er took everyone to view the land; although it was not black soil, it leaned more towards reddish soil, and the quality was excellent.

In fact, it was even better than the refugees’ homeland.

The soldiers, having cultivated slightly superior lands, couldn’t manage them, leaving these lands idle.

Pei Shu’er stated: "These lands belong to all of you now, but taxes must still be paid."

"Moreover, while allocating these lands, you must also go ahead and make bricks or construct walls; this is the exchange condition. All of this will be recorded as work points, allowing you to trade for items later."

The refugees nodded repeatedly; once the land was allotted, with food to eat, their minds could be at ease.

"Additionally, those bricks can also be used to build houses; later, you can exchange work points for bricks and tiles, having a roof to shelter from rain—that is the proper way to live."

"Everyone’s houses will be built on this mountain; given its vastness and abundance, they can also coordinate with people from Deserted Mountain."

"Rest assured, walls will be constructed around this mountain, ensuring everyone’s safety."

"Miss Pei" timely added: "My cousin is truly smart, surpassing me, follow her and you won’t regret it."

Everyone nodded repeatedly, recognizing the real authority here.

Initially dependent on "Miss Pei," their attention now shifted entirely to Pei Shu’er.

The hearts once unsure found solace.

This place, so remote, yet so unique.

Thus, "Miss Pei" would travel far to bring them here, with transport costs alone reaching staggering amounts.

On the way, some quietly wondered if there was some ulterior motive.

Yet, converting it into travel expenses, they realized it wasn’t worthwhile, so they could only wait and see.

Upon seeing the current situation, they understood, that it’s because this place is an exile area.

But as "Miss Pei" pointed out, this place does not conflict with them, the refugees.

Furthermore, likely only here would take them in.

The current Holy Emperor has lost his mind, solely fixated on keeping them away, never considering how to weather the desolation.

Now, they were taken in, grateful and unable to voice many demands anymore.

After settling everyone, Pei Shu’er organized the refugees to develop the land.

She arranged it methodically, removing trees as needed while preserving some on the mountain, preventing erosion over time.

Some refugees cleared the land; those less strong built cottages on Lin Mountain, receiving bricks only after they worked.

If given early, how could Pei Shu’er then exert control over them?

Several days passed.

The desolate lands were developed, cottages erected, and then help went to Deserted Mountain to make bricks.

With five hundred people accompanying her, additional kilns were built on Lin Mountain, significantly boosting brick-making efficiency.

Then, Tang Peixiao and Tang Peiyi selected suitable individuals for different roles, some for brick-making, others for wall construction.

The walls, initially three hundred meters long, extended to the rear mountain now.

Additionally, everyone discovered these walls weren’t like imagined.

The walls wide and tall, more akin to city walls, allowing people to walk atop, even patrol them.

Importantly, they seem to have fortifications, usable for lookout or combat.

Amidst ongoing construction, the back mountain was also enclosed.

The people from Deserted Mountain were delighted, this would be their home, despite the present danger from wild animals.

Yet Pei Shu’er assured them, a wall will soon enclose the animals within a certain range, so the wolves and boars won’t trouble them.

Indeed, following Pei Shu’er’s decisions wasn’t mistaken.

Earlier, on hearing Pei Shu’er’s plan to build walls, in city wall style, everyone thought she was crazy—who could accomplish such a feat?

But after Pei Shu’er brought back refugees, the progress accelerated greatly.