In a chaotic world of infrastructure development, a woman's path to survival after being reborn

The people in the city weren't worried about who would be in charge; they were worried about how they would live their lives from now on. Life was already hard enough; what would they do if an even harsher regime came along?

The city of Beicheng was not considered wealthy, and the people there lived in poverty. So, although they were anxious, they had no way to get help.

The anxious people only dared to gather at a distance outside the prefect's mansion, worrying about each other, and dared not go forward to inquire about the truth.

The guards of Prefect Su have been taken control of the men brought by Zhao Zexuan, so those guarding the gate are now Zhao Zexuan's men. The civilians hiding outside the gate and constantly looking around are now being taken seriously by the soldiers, no matter how much they pretend not to see them.

Knowing that they had just entered the city and could not be too harsh on the people, the guards at the gate specifically reported to Zhao Zexuan that the people had gathered outside the mansion.

Having just taken over the city's internal affairs, Zhao Zexuan had many things to deal with. Upon hearing this, he paused, his hand holding the account book pausing, before asking, "Have you found out what the people are doing gathered outside the mansion?"

Ordinary people, especially at times like these, generally wouldn't dare to wait outside the government office. Since they dare to come now, there must be a reason.

The soldier wasn't simply stunned; he had already gathered information beforehand. He then said, "These people didn't dare get too close to the mansion. They stayed a short distance outside. I secretly sent people to inquire. They want to know more about us, and they want to know what kind of person you are, General, and whether you are even more demanding than Prefect Su!"

"So they're worried that things won't be easy after the person in charge changes?" Zhao Zexuan stopped what he was doing and asked.

Feeling pressured by Zhao Zexuan's gaze, the soldier nodded and continued, "The people are worried because they don't know what's going on. General, should we disperse them?"

Upon hearing this, Zhao Zexuan remained silent for a moment, then said, "No need. Since they are worried, let's just tell them frankly!"

"They're outside the manor right now, aren't they? Perfect, let's take this opportunity to clarify things with them," Zhao Zexuan said, standing up. He then instructed the soldiers to lead the way.

Outside the mansion, some residents of the northern city were gathered together, quietly discussing their worries about the future. At this moment, every face bore an unyielding sorrow.

“Do you think we should go up and ask what’s going on? How come Prefect Su was suddenly replaced by an official we’ve never heard of before? What if this person is even more greedy than Prefect Su?” said Passerby A.

Upon hearing this, a passerby said, "We're worried about the same thing. What if this person is even worse than Magistrate Su? How are we going to survive? Our family isn't well-off to begin with, and we're almost starving. What if he asks us to donate something else? How are we going to live?"

This statement resonated with many people, as this is precisely why they are gathered here today.

Looking at the gate of the mansion not far away, many people thought about whether they should take a chance and go to inquire, but the next second they were brought back to reality by a few words and dared not go forward.

"You want to ask? But what good will it do? Will asking change anything? What if the new manager gets upset and arrests us all?" Passerby C analyzed calmly.

"What should we do then? Are we just going to wait like this?" Many people said with worried expressions, they really didn't know what to do.

Just as the group hesitated whether to step forward and ask, the gates of the mansion opened, and Zhao Zexuan, surrounded by soldiers, came to the entrance. Looking at the hesitant group in the distance, he said, "If you have any questions, you can tell me!"

Upon hearing this, the people who were talking nearby were startled and looked up at the gate of the mansion. They saw a tall, handsome, and imposing man being surrounded by soldiers and looking in their direction.

When the people saw the soldiers surrounding Zhao Zexuan, they knew that Zhao Zexuan was the master of this group. They were a little nervous and wondered whether they should leave quickly. However, they were worried that leaving would anger people and that they would be caught again. So they were caught between not leaving and not leaving.

Even without getting close to these people, Zhao Zexuan could sense their fear and unease, so he said again, "You are all people of Beicheng, so naturally you are under my jurisdiction. You can rest assured, I am not one to make things difficult for people."

“The soldiers told me that you were gathered outside the mansion, looking very anxious. I suppose there’s something you’re worried about, or something you want to say. I’m here now, so you can tell me what it’s all about.”

Upon hearing this, the people gathered nearby cast uncertain glances at those around them, unsure of what to do.

Because of the people's hesitation, the scene was somewhat deadlocked for a moment. Just as Zhao Zexuan was considering whether to have the soldiers "invite" them over, these people mustered up their courage and cautiously walked out of the mansion.

As they approached, Zhao Zexuan's brows relaxed slightly, and he asked, "Since everyone is here, then ask away. Ask whatever you want."

Upon hearing this, many of the still hesitant people exchanged glances, some not daring to speak.

While some dared not speak, others did. At this moment, someone boldly asked, "Sir, I wonder if you will collect taxes and levies upon taking office? Will everything be done according to Prefect Su's regulations, or do you have other ideas?"

Early this morning, Zhao Zexuan checked the account books in the mansion and learned how much grain Prefect Su had collected from the people of the city, as well as how Prefect Su managed the northern city.

Looking at the absurd reasons for collecting money in the ledgers, Zhao Zexuan now fully understands the concerns of these people and knows where their anxieties lie.

Looking at the fear on the faces of the people, Zhao Zexuan said, "It will be different."

Upon hearing this, many people turned pale immediately. Remembering the taxes and grain they had paid in the past, they instantly lost the strength to even stand.

Seeing the people below panicking because of his words, Zhao Zexuan quickly added, "It is different, but the difference is that I will not levy taxes like Prefect Su did. I understand that everyone's life is not easy."

"Now that I have taken over the North City, I hope that the lives of the people in this city will get better and better."

These words were sincere; at least Prefect Su had never said them before. The people below were incredulous and could not believe what they were hearing.

Some people were so eager to see this scene that they couldn't help but ask to confirm, "Sir, is what you said true?"