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

Three days later, early in the morning, Yu Shizhang sent someone to the Shen residence to take the book.

The books that Yu Shizhang had sent before were divided into three categories by Shen Zheng.

The first category is the "lucky ones" selected by Tongan Printing House, whose books can be printed in the printing house and sold in bookstores to benefit people all over the world.

The second category is those books that are not in a hurry to be "printed and published". To sum it up in one sentence, it is - "there are things, but not much, and you can wait in line for selection."

The third category of books are those that caused Shen Zheng physical and mental discomfort.

Excessive repression, suppression of women, pseudo-theology, animal abuse, excessive glorification of the achievements of historical emperors, covering up the current social situation, glorifying the lives of the lower class people, etc.

Every book hits her sore spot.

She didn't understand why these books were considered as part of the collection, and she thought she had a good temper by not burning them.

The man who came to the Shen Mansion to take over was named Huo. He was the son of the chief steward of the Yongning Marquis' Mansion and now he was also the steward of the Marquis' Mansion. He was also involved in setting up a branch of the Seal Shop in Shangjing.

Countless books were loaded onto the carriage according to categories, but the pile of books stacked randomly on the ground was particularly eye-catching.

Steward Huo looked at the ground several times and finally asked, "Master Shen, those books..."

What happened to those books? They weren't even packed in boxes...

"Take those books back to the Earl's Mansion and let the Earl dispose of them. Don't let them flow into the market." Shen Zheng kicked the pile of books casually and asked, "What has the Earl been busy with these past two days?"

Manager Huo retracted his gaze and said quickly, "Your Excellency, the Lord has been selecting a site for the printing house these past two days, and he also asked me to pass on a message to you."

Shen Zheng looked at him and he said, "Yesterday, Principal Deng of the Western Suburbs School got the news and came to visit us. He said he was willing to lend a piece of vacant land next to the school to the printing house. He also said he had many students who were interested in working in the printing house."

This is an unexpected surprise.

Shen Zheng thought about it seriously.

Principal Deng was an upright person, and the students who were able to study under his guidance in his early years should not have bad character.

If this group of people are willing to come to work in the printing house, the scale of the Shangjing Printing House will probably be larger than that of the Tongan Printing House.

Shangjing was the capital of the Great Zhou Dynasty, and many scholars and merchants came and went...

"What does Uncle think?" Shen Zheng asked.

"The Lord is also interested." Steward Huo said, "After the court session today, the Lord took people to the Western Suburbs to check the site. But the Lord did not want to borrow the land from the Steward of the Western Suburbs. He said that it should be rented or bought, and he also said that you... you have money."

Shen Zheng paused and scratched his head.

Most of the money she brought with her was confiscated. She even gave away her pocket money for the "charity competition" a few days ago. How could she have any money left?

Is it too late to write to Xiao Xu now to ask for some money?

Just as I was thinking about it, the entrance to the mansion suddenly became lively.

Nanny Gu ran over with her skirt lifted, her usually calm expression now tinged with a hint of anxiety, "Sir, someone is coming from the palace!"

Shen Zheng raised her eyes and heard the familiar voice of Eunuch Hong before she saw anyone.

"The imperial edict arrives——"

She turned her head sharply to look at Steward Huo, "Is this what Master Bo meant by 'I am rich'?"

So something happened again during the morning court session today, and she also participated remotely?

Without time to think about it, Shen Zheng led everyone in the mansion to kneel down.

Eunuch Hong announced with a smile: "The Emperor, by the Mandate of Heaven, proclaims: Shen Zheng, the magistrate of Tongan County and the inspector of the Ministry of Works, is intelligent and upright, and performs his duties conscientiously. Since taking office, he has assisted the government diligently, promoted benefits and eliminated malpractices, and his achievements are obvious, which makes me very happy."

Only then did everyone in the mansion feel relieved.

The current decree is different from that of the previous emperor.

When the late emperor asked people to draft an imperial edict, no matter whether it was about reward or punishment, the edict would start with a few words of praise, mentioning the achievements of the official receiving the edict, and then get down to business.

For example, the late emperor wants to punish you, but you can’t tell the beginning of the imperial edict at all, and after a turn, the word “but” may be followed by “confiscation of property and extermination of the clan”, which makes people’s emotions soar to the sky, but then fall back in an instant.

Today it is more realistic.

If the emperor wants to punish you, the beginning of the edict will scold you. If he wants to reward you, the beginning will praise you, so that the person receiving the edict will suffer less.

"Now, Shen Zheng, in his post at the Ministry of Industry, has devoted himself to research and invented the method of blast furnace, and finally obtained fine steel. Its quality is harder than gold and stone, and its luster is as bright as stars. It is truly a groundbreaking achievement! Once this steel is produced, it can strengthen city defenses, improve agricultural tools, and strengthen armor and soldiers. It will be a great contribution to the country and the people. In the past, Duan Ye forged swords, which were only useful for a while; now Shen Zheng forges steel, and it will benefit generations to come. I am very pleased!"

Eunuch Hong recited the poem in a rhythmic manner. Shen Zheng opened her eyes slightly and looked up. "Eunuch Hong, has the steel... been refined?"

How long did it take for the blast furnace to be completed? How come she didn't hear anything about it?

"It was refined yesterday!" Eunuch Hong was also very happy today, and said with a smile: "Shangshu Yue kept it a secret from everyone, and suddenly brought steel to the palace today, which surprised everyone! The emperor was very happy and said that he would reward Shangshu Yue and the Ministry of Works. Guess...what did Shangshu Yue say?"

Shen Zheng thought for a moment, "Master Yue will not ask His Majesty to... reward me, right?"

"That's what I said. Minister Yue has been asking for credit for you!"

Eunuch Hong thought for a moment and quickly added, "But don't get me wrong, His Majesty didn't issue the decree just because of what Minister Yue said. His Majesty immediately said, 'I know better than you who should be rewarded. The Ministry of Works has made an indelible contribution, but in essence, Mr. Shen is the one who has the overall plan.' Oh, the decree hasn't been announced yet, Lord Shen, let's get down to business first..."

Shen Zheng was somewhat looking forward to it.

Money comes, money comes——

"In recognition of his outstanding contributions, I have granted him the following: 1,000 taels of gold, 5,000 taels of silver, 100 pieces of cloud brocade, 100 pieces of flowing brocade, 100 pearls from the east, 10 sets of head ornaments, and 500 acres of fertile land in the suburbs of Beijing..."

Just when Shen Zheng thought it was almost done, Eunuch Hong took a deep breath and said, "You are specially allowed to wear the goldfish amulet and enter and leave the palace freely with three servants. You are also granted a golden plaque with the words 'Wisdom and Helping the World' which can be hung on the door of your house. Three of your relatives can be promoted to official positions. I hope you will continue to display your talents. I decree this—"

Goldfish charm?

Upon hearing this, even Nanny Gu, an old lady in the palace, stared.

The goldfish amulet was a status symbol for court officials. Apart from princes, only officials of the third rank and above could wear it.

Although this imperial edict did not promote her family member, but "special permission to wear the goldfish charm" was also another form of "promotion", wasn't it?

His Majesty treats her family very well...

Everyone's attention was attracted by the "Goldfish Talisman", but Shen Zheng was thinking about something else.

"Her relatives can help three of them enter the officialdom," meaning that she can help three of her relatives enter officialdom and become relatives with connections to the imperial court.

It sounds beautiful, but...she has no blood relatives.

So Your Majesty is... urging me to get married?

Never mind, just accept the reward first.

This time's reward is even more generous than the previous two times!

"Your Highness Shen Zheng, I accept your order——"