CHAPTER 447: CHAPTER 447: SHE SEES RIGHT THROUGH THEIR SCHEMES

Xiao Shen’s mood was turbulent, and then he looked at Pei Shu’er.

"I don’t need thanks. If you want to thank someone, you should thank Manager Pei next to me. If it weren’t for her, I wouldn’t be distributing porridge."

Pei Shu’er smiled and looked at Tang Zan, bringing him close to everyone.

"I am the wife of the Border Defense General. My husband is General Tang of the Gulan Military Camp, just by my side here."

"If any of you want to have a full meal every day, go to the Gulan Military Camp and enlist. Your families can choose to go to the Deserted Mountain."

Tang Zan smiled and touched Pei Shu’er’s hair, his eyes filled with affection.

Even at this critical moment, Pei Shu’er was still advertising.

Sure enough, many among the refugees immediately realized, their eyes lighting up.

"Alright, we’ll go right away."

Some were moved but hesitated.

Some had relatives who had gone to the Gulan Military Camp. Letters had come from them a few days ago, saying they were doing well. Even though it was hard, life had hope.

Pei Shu’er looked at Lin Yu and Lin Hong, then at these refugees, and spoke.

"Today, you should first tally up the numbers of those who want to go. Tomorrow, we’ll have someone come here to take you to the Gulan Military Camp."

As soon as these words were spoken, those people nodded repeatedly. After all, whether staying here or going to the military camp, it was just a matter of dying sooner or later.

Here, they watched helplessly as they and their families starved to death.

Going to the military camp, the family would be taken care of in the Deserted Mountain, so they wouldn’t starve to death.

The Deserted Mountain is now the most famous place within the Jingzhou territory.

It is rich in grain and delicacies. Even in such a drought, the Gulan River hasn’t dried up and can be used for irrigation.

As long as they can plant, everyone has a chance to survive.

Moreover, once there, they can be allocated land, along with houses that can be built into red brick tile cottages.

Many people went for themselves, and many went for their families. However, this time, another 5,000 recruits were gathered.

Some even went because they wanted to have family members in the military taken care of, going both father and son to the camp.

Pei Shu’er didn’t expect that unintentionally planting a tree would result in an entire forest.

Tang Zan was naturally pleased too. Now the troops at the Gulan Military Camp had reached the number of 100,000.

Once everyone entered Jingzhou City, only then did Prefect Xie step out of the carriage.

If he had gotten out of the carriage just now, those refugees might have torn him apart.

But he actually had no choice. Without an order from the Emperor of Dayan, who dared to release them?

Wouldn’t that be asking for death?

At that time, all the refugees in Dayan would pour into Jingzhou, overwhelming it completely.

But at this moment, Prefect Xie, who had always been pessimistic about the refugee problem, had a face full of joy.

"Thank you both. These refugees, I think, can be fully guided to the Gulan Military Camp in the future."

Pei Shu’er smiled and looked at Tang Zan, and Tang Zan smiled at the corners of his mouth: "I’d be honored to assist Lord Xie in solving his predicament. Only, Gulan Military Camp may also have its capacity limits."

Prefect Xie laughed: "It’s alright. Gulan Military Camp is quite capable. I heard there’s still a large vacant area there."

Tang Zan pretended to be in difficulty, and Pei Shu’er subtly directed her gaze at Xiao Shen.

To be honest, going against the Tazi Camp, the more soldiers the better for the Gulan Military Camp.

However, Xiao Shen was present. He belonged to the Empress. If Tang Zan spoke the truth, he might be accused of treason.

Despite what Tang Zan said, Prefect Xie was still secretly planning how to use official powers to help recruit for the Gulan Military Camp.

Once the Gulan Military Camp was strengthened, the national border defense would be consolidated. There would be fewer refugees in Jingzhou, and public safety would significantly improve.

Thinking of such a scene, Prefect Xie’s smile deepened.

Pei Shu’er returned to her residence, and coincidentally, members of the Commerce Association came to find Pei Shu’er for a meeting.

Pei Shu’er usually didn’t attend, but now, with the cooperation of Prefect Xie, the waters of Jingzhou had to be stirred, and she had to attend the meeting.

To exercise her rights as Vice President.

Otherwise, it would be a loss.

Pei Shu’er got on the carriage, and when she arrived at the Jingzhou Chamber of Commerce, everyone was already seated neatly.

As she pushed the door open and entered, everyone was watching her.

The members were obviously pleased to see her.

Pei Shu’er smiled and nodded, then sat in the seat to the right of Chairman Liu.

The maidservant immediately poured tea for Pei Shu’er, then stood obediently by, waiting for instructions.

Chairman Liu was the first to speak.

"Anything major happening lately?"

Vice President Zhao said: "Not much. The restaurant industry in Jingzhou has regained its former vigor."

As he said this, he glanced at Pei Shu’er.

Pei Shu’er calmly drank her tea, and Vice President Zhao continued: "Besides, there’s another batch of foreign businesses wanting to join the Jingzhou Chamber of Commerce."

Chairman Liu said indifferently: "Reject them. Our Jingzhou Chamber of Commerce was founded to unite Jingzhou people. Even if outsiders come, they shouldn’t be allowed to encroach on Yehzhou citizens’ interests."

Pei Shu’er chuckled: "Chairman, mind if I say something?"

Chairman Liu felt a twinge; he knew Pei Shu’er’s intentions in attending this meeting were significant.

"Please speak."

Pei Shu’er said: "First, allow these foreign businesses to join the chamber, and give them equal rights with the local chambers; this way, Jingzhou will have more capital flowing in, which is beneficial for Jingzhou."

Chairman Liu said: "Beneficial for Jingzhou, yes, but not beneficial for Jingzhou merchants."

Pei Shu’er shook her head: "Whether these merchants join or not, you’re still exclusionary. Letting them join would merely show the chamber’s magnanimity, with no essential change."

Chairman Liu shook his head: "No, that’s the bottom line."

The Vice President stepped in, laughing, to mediate: "I won’t hide it; Manager Pei, you are the first non-local business to join the Jingzhou Chamber of Commerce."

Pei Shu’er said: "Has my joining the chamber been helpful to everyone?"

Once these words were spoken, the other merchants exchanged looks without saying much.

Help had indeed been provided. With Pei Shu’er, Jingzhou’s restaurant industry assets were preserved at 30%.

Pei Shu’er continued smiling: "If you think I haven’t been helpful, I could leave?"

No one dared let Pei Shu’er leave the chamber; she was competing against Xiao Shen after all.

Once Xiao Shen left, then Pei Shu’er could leave too.

By then, there would be no need for her to propose leaving; the others would urge her to do so.

Pei Shu’er said calmly: "My suggestion is to let foreign merchants join the Jingzhou Chamber of Commerce, otherwise, I’ll exit the chamber."

She was aware of the schemes these people had.

But she also needed to leverage the assets she held to fulfill her promise to Prefect Xie.

Otherwise, if she was expelled in the future, rejoining would be incredibly difficult.