Chapter 358 Another Issue

Chapter 358: Chapter 358 Another Issue
Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation
However, no matter what, they couldn’t fight the imperial edict and could only listen to the command.
After that, Manager Liu followed them back to the village.
County Magistrate Kong sent Constable Zhang and the officers to return to the village with them. After taking the group of refugees away from the village, they were detained in prison.
Conversely, Manager Liu went straight to the couple’s house. The couple, who were about to head up the mountains to pick herbs, were surprised by his visit. Gu Chengrui immediately put down his basket and greeted him. “Uncle Liu, you’re here. Come in and have a seat.”
When Zhou Ying saw this, she greeted him and went to the kitchen to boil tea.
“Are you guys going up the mountains?” Manager Liu asked as he followed Gu Chengrui into the house.
“Yeah, we didn’t have much to do at home, so we decided to head up the mountains to try our luck and see if we could pick some herbs.
“By the way, how many acres of land were planted with those seeds we gave?”
“About 100 acres’ worth. County Magistrate Kong said he would like to thank you for solving one of his biggest worries.” Manager Liu sat down as he replied to his question.
Gu Chengrui looked at him and asked, “Could it be the refugees that are giving you a headache?”
Manager Liu nodded and told him in a low voice about the conscription, “The refugees are a small matter. This is the big issue we are facing.”
Gu Chengrui nodded in understanding.
People were struggling on the line between life and death, and conscription would undoubtedly add fuel to the fire. A single mistake could cause a riot, which was indeed a headache.
“You won’t be leaving this time, right?” he asked.
“I’m not leaving; I have to guard the manor.” Manager Liu nodded.
Qingshui town had the most crops in the county, especially in Shanghe and Xiahe villages. He had to ensure the safety of these two villages.
“That’s great. We can be at ease with you around.”
Manager Liu smiled and didn’t refute or disagree with his words.
This was mutually beneficial to them. After all, the food that his people were eating now came from the manor, so there was no need to be overly polite.
Soon, Zhou Ying made a pot of mint tea for them and offered, “Uncle Liu, why don’t you have lunch here? Brother Zhou brought some salted fish the last time he came here, and there’s also beef at home. Let’s have a good meal at noon.” “Alright, don’t mind if 1 do.” Manager Liu nodded.
“Lovely. You guys can continue chatting, and lunch will be done soon.” Zhou Ying then turned around and went back to the kitchen.
As she steamed the salted fish, she also started heating the lard.
She then stir-fried some chopped garlic and bok choy with the lard.
After that, she cut a piece of beef and made a black pepper beef fillet.
At last, Zhou Ying mixed a serving of white sweet potato vine salad.
Their carbohydrate staple was naturally steamed sweet potatoes.
After Manager Liu ate his meal satisfactorily, he stood up and said, “You guys go ahead with your day; I have to go to the manor.”
“Alright, we’ll leave everything in the manor to you.” Gu Chengrui stood up and said his goodbyes.
The couple sent him off and went up the mountains.
When Manager Liu returned to the manor, he saw that the manor had been fully guarded, so he went straight to Sun Hongliang.
After knowing that Gu Chengrui had already given some orders, he nodded and said, “We have to take this seriously. You can discuss with Li Si and the others and try to work four shifts daily to ensure that we have enough physical strength just in case.”
“I understand, uncle. But since everyone is here, should we set up tents again? Otherwise, it’ll be too crowded in the houses.”
“That’s true. It isn’t cold anymore, so let’s rebuild the tents. By the way, did General Zhou say anything?” Manager Liu asked.
“No, he just asked us to guard the village and brush up on our martial arts.” As Sun Hongliang replied, he got up and looked around. After ensuring no one was around, he whispered a few words in Manager Liu’s ear..