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Viewed from above, the road distribution resembled a sparse spider web connecting villages, paths between villages, and routes to the county town. Any road frequented by over a hundred people daily was paved with bluestone slabs.

Chu Qingzhi, accompanied by Tian Xiaoqiu, traversed all the roads.

Tian Xiaoqiu, gazing around, sincerely remarked, “Fifth Cousin, the people living in your fief are truly fortunate.”

Chu Qingzhi, surveying the lush landscape, reflected, “How well one lives depends on their own efforts.”

Although Tian Xiaoqiu didn’t fully grasp Chu Qingzhi’s meaning, she expressed her observations, “Everyone seems to be living well. Compared to before, it’s like being in heaven now.”

Chu Qingzhi smiled, “Let’s head back.”

Xu Xiaoyun was picking wild vegetables by the roadside and hurried over upon spotting Chu Qingzhi, excitedly waving, “Sister Qingzhi!”

Chu Qingzhi didn’t recognize Xu Xiaoyun, “Who are you?”

Xu Xiaoyun knelt before Chu Qingzhi’s horse, gratefully saying, “I’m Xu Dongguang’s daughter, Xu Xiaoyun. My father was taken to labor for not paying the land tax in full, but Sister Qingzhi saved him. My mother also recovered after taking medicine from Sister Qingning. Thank you for everything.”

“It’s all right now,” Chu Qingzhi dismounted and helped the young girl up. “No need for such formalities. Keeping a grateful heart is enough.”

“I’ll listen to Sister Qingzhi,” Xu Xiaoyun asked with concern, “Where are you headed? I’m familiar with this area and can guide you.”

Her gaze briefly swept over Tian Xiaoqiu, her eyes revealing a touch of envy. To be able to accompany Sister Qingzhi was indeed a great fortune.

Chu Qingzhi responded, “We’re just out for a stroll; it’s fine, go on with your tasks.”

Xu Xiaoyun nodded obediently.

Chu Qingzhi patted Xu Xiaoyun’s shoulder, “It’s getting late; we should head back, and so should you.”

“Okay.” Xu Xiaoyun stood watching as Chu Qingzhi and Tian Xiaoqiu departed, then bowed deeply to Chu Qingzhi. Without her, Xu Xiaoyun and her brother would have likely ended up homeless.

Back in Chu’s village, Chu Qingzhi and Tian Xiaoqiu went straight to the magistrate’s office.

Inside, a group was animatedly discussing something with Qin Yuming…

Xia Renfeng pleaded, “Sir, please let us join Chu’s village.”

Qin Yuming looked troubled, “Even if I agree to let you join, there are no houses or lands available here, rendering it pointless.”

Xia Renfeng said, “There’s no time to waste. Just agree, and we’ll build our houses and clear land for farming ourselves. That’s not an issue.”

Overwhelmed by the daily requests to join Chu Qingzhi’s fief, Qin Yuming found himself busier than ever.

As he was at a loss, Chu Qingzhi entered, “What’s going on?”

Upon seeing Chu Qingzhi, Xia Renfeng immediately turned to her, “Greetings, Marquise.”

Chu Qingzhi scanned the room, “What’s the matter?”

“We wish to join your fief,” Xia Renfeng looked at Chu Qingzhi with hope, “We are people of modest means, capable of paying taxes and living peacefully. Please consider our request.”

Chu Qingzhi sat down, “Why do you want to join my fief?”

Xia Renfeng earnestly replied, “Of course, because your fief is well-managed. Here, the common people are respected, there’s assistance for those in need, and the taxes are fair…”

After a pause, Chu Qingzhi added, “My fief might not be as perfect as you imagine. I enforce strict regulations, and any violations are severely punished. There’s also the ‘Spousal Law,’ requiring men to respect their wives…”

Hearing this, everyone’s determination to join only strengthened, seeing the strict rules as a form of protection.

Xia Renfeng declared firmly, “Please allow us to join.”

Chu Qingzhi nodded, “Yuming, let them join.”

Qin Yuming complied, “Understood.”

With this issue resolved, Chu Qingzhi moved on to Wang Yuanping’s office, “Have you finished reviewing all the records?”

Wang Yuanping stood up, “I’ve been examining the accounts, but haven’t gotten to everything else yet.”

“Let’s review them together.”

Wang Yuanping laid out the other three record books in front of Chu Qingzhi.

Chu Qingzhi picked up the top one and began reading.

Tian Xiaoqiu, curious, asked, “Fifth Cousin, may I look too?”

Chu Qingzhi gestured, “Go ahead. If you find any errors, I’ll give you a day off.”

Tian Xiaoqiu, thrilled, took the book nearest to her and started reading attentively.

The young girl, now several years older, had grown taller and fairer, wearing a deep purple cotton jacket, her hair tied in a high ponytail adorned with a red bead hairpin. Her simple but lively appearance matched her focused and serious demeanor as she read.

Wang Yuanping observed Tian Xiaoqiu, thinking how fortunate she was to be close to Chu Qingzhi, a blessing many desired but few received.

After a while, Wang Yuanlin entered, “Lady, I’ve chosen a location for the school.” He handed Chu Qingzhi a map.

The school’s proposed site was at the center of the grid, convenient for children from all four villages. Chu Qingzhi approved, “I’ll visit the site tomorrow. Have the workers survey it first to see if it’s suitable for a school?”

Wang Yuanlin assured her, “I’ll arrange it right away.”

He hurried off to make the arrangements.

Tian Xiaoqiu, puzzled, asked, “Fifth Cousin, is the fief building a school?”

Chu Qingzhi explained, “Yes, but it won’t be for imperial examinations. It’s a place for learning practical skills, like carpentry, pottery, construction, and so on.”

Tian Xiaoqiu admired, “Only Fifth Cousin truly cares for everyone. Others would just fill their pockets.”

Wang Yuanping chuckled, appreciating the girl’s insight.

Chu Qingzhi remained noncommittal.

Chu Rong arrived at the magistrate’s office, “Qingzhi, how’s the road construction?”

“The roads are fine. We’re currently reviewing the accounts.” After a thought, Chu Qingzhi added, “Dad, we’re building a school in the fief. Would you take charge of it?”

Chu Rong felt a surge of responsibility, “Of course, I’ll make sure everything’s perfect. But why a sudden decision to build a school?”

Chu Qingzhi briefly explained her reasons.

Chu Rong nodded in understanding, committing seriously, “Don’t worry, I’ll give it my all.”