The saying goes, new officials start reforms with three fires.
Prefect He wanted to collect more taxes to impress his superiors, which was not too outrageous.
But the previous prefect was extremely benevolent and cared for the people like his own children. In contrast, Prefect He seemed exceptionally cold-blooded and ruthless.
"Master Xu, do you have any ideas?" Out of habit, Wang Xi still addressed him formally.
Xu Mo knitted his brows and glanced at his siblings in various postures.
Frankly speaking, they were all ready to confront the new prefect, to defend the workshop, the Wang family.
But unexpectedly, Prefect He waved his hand and targeted Xieyang County hundreds of miles away.
"Is this beating the grass to startle the snake?" Jiang Sheng exclaimed.
To be precise, he punched a cow over the mountain. The cow was fine but its pen collapsed.
Xieyang County was their hometown, the place they loved. Their friend Bian Wenxuan was the county magistrate. Zheng Ruqian also owned dozens of mu of land there.
For the public, they could not watch Xieyang decline with its talents leaving and prosperity vanishing.
For self interest, it would not be cost-effective for Zheng Ruqian to pay more taxes even if he could ship red beans.
But how could they save Xieyang County without provoking Prefect He to target it again?
Xu Mo fell into deep thought.
After a long while, just when he felt his mind was about to run dry,
Chang Yan said gently, "Exempting a county from entrance and exit taxes was unreasonable to begin with. The new prefect merely restored the original regulations. We have no grounds to criticize."
That was the crux.
Although Prefect He's decision provoked public outrage, it was lawful and procedural without any flaws.
Even if they appealed, other counties that paid taxes would scoff, "Why should we pay and you don't?"
No one would care about Xieyang's geographical disadvantages, or how the ruthless policy would drain its talents until it vanished.
"This new official is so disgusting," Zheng Ruqian's face was full of contempt, "resorting to any means to deal with us."
One key phrase - any means.
Chang Yan's eyes lit up. She looked to Xu Mo, whose expression also brightened up.
The direction they pondered earlier was all by the book.
But many issues could not be resolved properly like that.
Moreover, Bian Wenxuan was not a by-the-book person either.
Xu Mo smiled coldly and moved next to Wang Xi, whispering for a bit.
The loyal servant Wang Xi gasped, "This...this is not appropriate."
But it seemed there was no other way.
After two meals of Zhang Auntie's cooking in Hairpin Courtyard, and taking ten catties of sausages, Wang Xi returned to Xieyang County teary-eyed, and presented Master Xu's idea.
Upon hearing it, County Magistrate Bian's expression was said to have frozen for a very long time, like he had just eaten shit.
But for the people, for the county's future, he gritted his teeth and prepared the equipment, crying all the way to the prefectural city. Finally he squatted tearfully at the prefectural office's entrance.
When Prefect He appeared, Bian Wenxuan leapt and clung onto the prefect's robe, grabbing and wiping his snot all over it.
As he did so, he cried and complained, "This official has failed his people, failed Xieyang's residents. This official cannot face heaven, and can only hang himself in front of Prefect!"
Accustomed to prestige, Prefect He had never seen such a shameless monkey. After vigorously kicking his legs for half an incense stick, he reluctantly acquiesced, "Fine, it will not change."
Poor Bian Wenxuan's throat was hoarse from wailing before he finally obtained the promise. He really cried then, bawling and sobbing while still expressing gratitude, "Prefect loves the people so much, this official thanks Prefect on behalf of Xieyang's residents."
Prefect He's mouth twitched as his complexion turned ashen.
After all, Bian Wenxuan was a county magistrate without any crime. Clinging onto his superior's legs crying grievance was not unlawful, so the yamen runners could not apprehend him, and the prefect could not punish him.
The new official's first fire had just burned for two days before being extinguished.
Prefect He did not look very happy.
The vigilance in Hairpin Courtyard doubled. The six siblings were highly vigilant, cautious when going out, and ensured hygiene when doing business. Even Wen Zhiyun was more prudent than usual when practicing medicine.
Yet they did not experience anything.
Instead, when the August imperial examination results were announced in late month, Wang Haoran was impressively on the list, having genuinely become a xiucai.
The long dormant Third Master Wang was elated, eager to celebrate his illegitimate son's achievement with drums and gongs in the Wang residence. He even claimed he would hold a flowing feast at You Ran House.
Wang Fufeng made no comment regarding this.
Third Master Wang kept his word and prepared thirty flowing feast tables at You Ran House, introducing talented and prestigious friends to his illegitimate son.
Deeming it inappropriate to attend in person, Prefect He sent a gift to convey his support.
It was nothing precious, just a common ornament. Yet it signified Prefect He's backing.
Third Master Wang instantly felt inflated. At You Ran House, he clamored for the heir to hand over power and for Wang Fufeng to get out of the Wang household.
The newly appointed prefect seemed adept at inciting discord.
After being thwarted in Xieyang County, he sowed discord within the Wang family again, seeming to believe internal strife would distract Wang Fufeng from other matters.
Indeed, that was the right move. Although Wang Fufeng ruled with an iron fist, Third Master Wang was still his father, and Wang Haoran was still of the Wang bloodline. He could only suppress them, not eradicate them.
With the two making a ruckus, although it did not impact Wang Fufeng, it troubled him considerably, forcing him to divert some energy to father and son.
Astute people knew the Hairpin Courtyard would be targeted next.
Yet the siblings remained oblivious, unable to even be on guard.
Fortunately, Chang Yan and Wen Zhiyun made a decisive gambit.
Although Dr. Wen's clinic had just opened, and Wen Zhiyun was still unknown, he had a medical attendant Xiao Zhu. Her massage skills were said to not only relieve fatigue, but nourish complexion and preserve beauty.
Xiao Zhu would modestly decline, "You praise me too much."
These were all spread by the fifth young master to draw attention.
Initially, Xiao Zhu was also apprehensive, afraid of being exposed as utterly useless.
After massaging a few madams and seeing they were just as clueless, she realized as long as her technique felt relaxing, that was sufficient.
Gradually, medical attendant Xiao Zhu gained some reputation among madams.
Upon referral, the thirteen year old Xiao Zhu nervously entered the inner residence of the prefectural office with her bamboo basket.
