Transmigrated into a female county magistrate during a famine, leading her country to prosperity

That evening, upon returning to her residence, Shen Zheng kept her promise and took Cui Jinyin to Mu Ruojue's courtyard.

Mu Ruojue was still awake. Her long hair was loosely tied back with a moon-white ribbon. Cui Jinyin only glanced at her before her face turned bright red. She stammered, "T-Teacher, I-I'll go to the back kitchen and have someone bring you and Young Master Mu some sweet soup..."

Shen Zheng couldn't bear to watch any longer and waved her hand, saying, "Go ahead."

Cui Jinyin walked away, her hands and feet moving in unison.

Shen Zheng chuckled and couldn't help but ask Mu Ruojue, who was engrossed in fiddling with the rubber, "Little Mu, what do you think of Jinyin?"

Mu Ruojue stopped what she was doing, gently placed the rubber back on the table, and asked softly, "Lord Shen, who is Jinyin...?"

Shen Zheng's pupils dilated.

At this moment, she was only thankful that Cui Jinyin wasn't there and hadn't heard those heartbreaking words.

After a moment's hesitation, she asked, "You don't recognize that girl? We went to Jingzhou together to pick you up. Didn't she speak to you at the county office a couple of days ago? How come you..."

How could you ask such a heartless question!

Mu Ruojue raised her eyes and looked in the direction Cui Jinyin had left: "I'm sorry, Lord Shen, I didn't pay attention before, but I'll remember this time."

"..." Shen Zheng choked for a moment, then added, "Her surname is Cui."

Mu Ruojue nodded: "I've remembered that too."

Shen Zheng remained silent.

After a while, Cui Jinyin returned with the sweet soup and gave each of them a bowl: "Teacher, this bowl is yours, it only has a little honey in it. Young Master Mu, this bowl is yours, I remember you like sweets, so I... so I added more honey for you..."

Mu Ruojue took the bowl and, under Shen Zheng's warning gaze, managed to stammer, "Thank you, Miss Cui."

Cui Jinyin said "You're welcome" and ran away, covering her face.

Shen Zheng sighed, finished her sweet soup in two gulps, and then discussed the progress of rubber products with Mu Ruojue.

......

The following day, the Liuyang Newspaper Office published its first issue.

The newspaper was rich in content, including not only government decrees but also information on people's livelihoods such as rice and flour prices, shop transfers, and free medical consultations.

The people gathered around the bulletin board, their faces full of curiosity: "The newspaper says that Tongan County is recruiting officials! Unfortunately... they only recruit people from Tongan County, so we have no chance!"

"Look! The government has added two new criminal law books! They are handwritten notes from our superior to the Ministry of Justice, and the Ministry of Justice just sent them over yesterday!"

"Oh my! Liuchang Academy has been renamed Quanyang County School! It must be the work of our Lord Shen!"

"Hey! The people in Tongan County are already paying their grain taxes. They're really enthusiastic!"

"Hiss—the God of Wealth Shop in the south of the city is for sale? Really? How can you lose money doing business with the dead?"

"Baiyun County School is recruiting teachers. Is anyone interested in giving it a try? The newspaper says the government will provide a subsidy."

"Wow, there are so many interesting things, I can't keep up!"

"Newspapers for sale!"

Suddenly, a girl carrying a cloth bag stood at the back of the crowd, holding up several newspapers and shouting, "Newspapers for sale! The first issue of Liuyang Newspaper, you'll make a profit if you buy it!"

The people recognized the girl: "It's Xiao Xue, the village official!"

The newspaper's first issue is indeed very meaningful and has collectible value.

Some were tempted, but worried about their wallets: "Xue Sheli, how much is this newspaper? Fifty coins... can I buy one?"

"Fifty coins?!" Many people hesitated.

This is equivalent to half a day's income for many people.

It's really not worth it to use that money to buy a newspaper.

"Fifty coins?" Xue Li quickly shook her head, holding the newspaper even higher: "Lord Shen personally set the price! One newspaper is only five coins! In the initial phase, the prefectural city will have a daily limit of fifty copies! The county town will have a daily limit of ten copies!"

"A newspaper for only five coins?!"

The crowd instantly erupted into a tidal wave of turmoil.

Five coins, which is only the price of two steamed buns, probably wouldn't even cover the cost of writing materials!

The government office is definitely making a losing deal! Just as Xue Sheli said—buying this newspaper is a sure win!

What's there to hesitate about?

Instantly, several scholars rushed towards Xue Li: "Xue Li, I need one!"

"I want one too!"

"I want ten!"

"No!" Xue Li paused, her hand holding the newspaper still. "One newspaper per person! Anyone who dares to resell newspapers at a higher price will be severely punished once the government discovers it!"

The person who wanted ten tickets secretly slipped out of the crowd.

Half a quarter of an hour later, Xue Li sold all fifty newspapers without even moving an inch.

Those who couldn't buy newspapers left disappointed.

After standing there pondering for a while, Xue Li ran towards the government office.

Fang Xianyue was not at the household office, so she stood obediently at the door and said to the household clerk, "I won't disturb you. I'll wait for Lord Fang here."

The officials told her to bring a stool and sit down to wait, but she shook her head.

Two quarters of an hour later, instead of Fang Xianyue, she was greeted by Shen Zheng.

"Xue Li?" Shen Zheng handed the booklet to the approaching clerk and asked, "Why are you standing here? Is something the matter?"

Xue Li was completely mesmerized by the fragrance, her mind filled with the thought, "Today is a good day."

"This humble servant has come to pay for the newspaper sales!" She forced a smile, straightened her back, and handed the money bag to Shen Zheng: "Sir, fifty newspapers, a total of two hundred and fifty coins, please take a look!"

Shen Zheng took the heavy money bag. "Fang Xianyue sent you to sell newspapers?"

That's suitable.

This girl is quick-witted and eloquent; she won't be bullied when she's out and about.

Xue Li stood even straighter: "Reporting to Your Excellency! It was I who volunteered! Lord Fang has not treated me badly!"

Shen Zheng laughed: "Okay, thank you for your hard work. Once the newsstand is built, you won't have to carry newspapers around anymore."

Xue Li scratched her head: "It's not hard work..."

She would be willing to run two laps around the city every day just to see Lord Shen every few days!

"By the way, sir..." She looked at the money pouch in Shen Zheng's hand and couldn't help but add, "A newspaper only costs five coins... isn't that a bit cheap? I was only outside for less than a quarter of an hour when it was all sold out."

Shen Zheng pondered for a moment upon hearing this.

Today isn't too busy, so I can talk to Xue Li.

She led Xue Li towards the end of the corridor.

The benches on the veranda were often used and were fairly clean. After smoothing her robe and sitting down, she raised her hand and called out, "Come, sit down and let's talk."

Xue Li was bubbling with happiness. Without any hesitation, she obediently sat down, her eyes sparkling as she looked at her.

“From now on, the newspaper will be published daily.” She led Xue Li through the calculations, “If people buy one a day, how many coins will it cost per month? Around one hundred and fifty coins, right?”

Xue Li nodded quickly, a look of regret gradually appearing on her face.

“One hundred and fifty coins is not a small sum for many families,” Shen Zheng continued. “That amount of money is equivalent to more than ten catties of rice, several catties of meat, or a bolt of cotton cloth. You think the price of five coins is low because, firstly, there are few newspapers available right now, and secondly, it's the first time people have seen one, and the novelty hasn't worn off yet. Once this period is over, fewer and fewer people will be willing to spend their money. Besides, you also know that our government's original intention in setting up the newspaper office was not for profit, so even if we lose money, it won't matter…”

Shen Zheng's voice was gentle, but Xue Li's face gradually turned red.

She seems to have... asked an extremely stupid question, wasting Lord Shen's time.