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

"Is it really true!" After this question was asked, many people looked at Zhao Zexuan with a mixture of nervousness and anticipation, hoping to get an answer.

Zhao Zexuan had seen the people's behavior and said, "There is absolutely no falsehood in this."

Upon hearing this, the people below were extremely excited and knelt on the ground, repeatedly saying, "Thank you, Your Excellency."

Looking at the people outside the mansion kowtowing sincerely, Zhao Zexuan asked, "Is there anything else you would like to know?"

Upon hearing this, the people shook their heads and said, "No, we have been troubling you, sir."

"In that case, everyone should go back and prepare plenty of food, clothing, and firewood for the winter, so that we can get through this winter safely," Zhao Zexuan reminded them.

Unexpectedly, upon hearing this, many people's eyes lit up, and they excitedly asked, "Sir, do you mean we can go up the mountain to chop firewood now?"

At first, Zhao Zexuan was a little taken aback by these words, but then he remembered the numbers recorded in the ledgers and understood why the people were so agitated.

“Sure, as long as you promise not to deliberately damage the trees inside, you can freely enter and exit the mountains between the south and north of the city. I won’t object if you want to collect firewood,” Zhao Zexuan said.

Upon hearing this, the people below exchanged glances, their excitement palpable.

Seeing the people's excited expressions, Zhao Zexuan realized what they were thinking and said, "Since you have nothing to ask, you can all leave now. You can still get a lot of work done."

Most of the people thought the same way, and upon hearing Zhao Zexuan's words, they didn't even bother to say goodbye and hurriedly went home.

Because of this incident, Su Li and her group were somewhat bewildered when they drove into the city and saw the empty streets. What was going on?

The moment Su Li saw Zhao Zexuan, she voiced her doubts.

Logically speaking, this place hasn't been ravaged by war, so there shouldn't be no one on the streets. It's illogical that there aren't even any vendors selling their wares.

Hearing Su Li's question, Zhao Zexuan explained, "They all went up the mountain to chop firewood. In the past, Prefect Su controlled the nearby mountains and required them to pay money every time they entered the mountains, and they also had to pay money to bring things out. So the people in the city hardly ever went up the mountain."

"I took over this city in a hurry and only then did I learn about this. So I told them not to charge them for going up the mountain and to let them come and go freely. Now, all the people in the city have gone up the mountain to collect firewood."

"So that's how it is," Su Li realized. Looking at the long line of vehicles at the back of the group, she asked, "Where are we staying? Have we been arranged to stay?"

Upon hearing this, Zhao Zexuan said, "I have only taken over the affairs of the North City. The South City has not yet been dealt with, so everyone should stay in the North City for now."

"The North City is divided into an inner city and an outer city, centered on the Prefect's Mansion and extending outwards. You, your mother, and your sister-in-law will live together in the Prefect's Mansion. The rest of you will be assigned to different places based on the availability of housing. Wang Zong has a list of available housing."

Upon hearing this, Su Li nodded and said, "Now that everyone has their lodgings, how should we arrange the food and supplies for the team?"

"We'll keep it at the manor for now and discuss it again once everyone has settled down," Zhao Zexuan replied.

“Yes, this arrangement might allow the team to integrate into the city’s population more quickly. I have no other ideas, except that I hope you can provide me with some conveniences!” Su Li said.

Upon hearing this, Zhao Zexuan became serious and asked, "What is it?"

“I hope you can arrange for Aunt Liu and the others to live nearby. They are currently in charge of some matters within the team, and it will be easier to discuss things if they live nearby,” Su Li said.

“Sure, I’ll have Wang Zong arrange it. Is there anything else?” Zhao Zexuan said gently.

"That's all, not for now!" Su Li said.

Upon hearing this, Zhao Zexuan nodded and then instructed Wang Zong to arrange the whereabouts of everyone in the team.

With so many people in the group, it would probably take some time to settle them down. Since food and supplies were being arranged, Su Li decided not to join in the fun. After saying goodbye to Aunt Liu and the others, she was led by a soldier into the former prefectural governor's mansion, which is now the general's mansion.

"Are there any empty rooms next to your general's?" Su Li suddenly asked.

Upon hearing this, the soldier leading the way quickly nodded and said, "Yes, the general is staying in the main house, and there are several empty side rooms next door. If you wish to store anything, Madam, I will immediately send someone to clean it up."

Hearing this, Su Li became happy and said, "Take me to see it first."

Noticing that Su Li's mood had clearly improved, the soldiers were a little confused. Why didn't they go to the main house first, but instead went to the side room next door?

Although somewhat confused, the soldier still dutifully led Su Li on a tour of the main house's several side rooms, explaining the house's advantages and disadvantages as they went.

Su Li looked around carefully, then stopped in the east wing and said, "I'll stay here then. I really like the layout."

Upon hearing this, the soldier leading the way was completely dumbfounded and asked uncertainly, "Madam, you're staying here? Aren't you staying with the general?"

Upon hearing this, Su Li nodded and said, "I'll stay here. Your general won't say anything. Just put my things in the room."

Upon hearing this, the soldier could only nod in agreement, and then hurriedly called for people to come inside and clean.

This place was originally the prefect's residence, and maids regularly cleaned it. The rooms were very clean and didn't require much tidying up before people could move in, so Su Li quickly settled in.

Zhao Zexuan only learned of Su Li's choice that evening. After listening to the soldier's report, he silently nodded, said he understood, and asked no further questions.

The soldier who came to report the situation was puzzled by this scene. Taking advantage of the moment when he was about to leave, he quietly found Mo Nan and asked, "General Mo Nan, what do you think the general means by this? Does he mean to let the lady stay in the next room? Why is the general not surprised at all?"

Seeing the soldier's puzzled look, Mo Nan patted him on the shoulder with an inscrutable expression and said, "We shouldn't interfere in the general and his wife's affairs. Who knows if the young couple is just having a tiff!"

Upon hearing this, the soldier immediately felt a sense of unease and replied, "I know, just like my father and mother, they quarrel in bed and make up in bed. I guess the general and his wife are the same."

Hearing the soldier's look of sudden realization, Mo Nan was silent for a moment, then nodded and said, "Yes, so maybe the general and his wife will make up tomorrow and live together again. Don't go around telling everyone, or you'll be in big trouble if the general finds out."

Soldier: "I understand, I understand everything..."