General, you should rest now; the lady is even more ruthless.

Jiang Qiqi didn't notice Shen Luo's behavior.

She discovered this yesterday on her way home.

Longcheng is a fairly large city in Northwest China, but the roadsides are not clean, with garbage scattered everywhere.

"Sweep the roadside?"

This was another path Shen Luo had never considered.

He pondered for a moment, then nodded.

Although no one had ever mentioned it, he noticed: "The road was indeed dirty, which made people feel very bad."

Shen Luo said, "The road was built with government funds and is for public use. But precisely because of this, no one is willing to clean it. Usually, only street vendors will clean the road in front of them to make their stalls look cleaner."

As for why the government doesn't clean it up?

The government is responsible for maintaining public order; surely it can't be left to the county magistrate or the yamen runners to manage the city?

Jiang Qiqi nodded.

"If those who cannot afford medicine can clean up the garbage on the streets, it will not only make others who have spent money feel at ease, but also keep the city clean. It is a win-win situation."

The most important reason she didn't mention was—

The prevalence of infectious diseases in ancient times was largely due to the living environment. Roadside garbage heaps were practically giant breeding grounds for bacteria, and people passing by every day could easily contract diseases if they weren't careful.

The ancients didn't have this awareness, and even if she explained it, they probably wouldn't understand.

Bian Que said: "The best doctor treats illness before it occurs, while the worst doctor treats illness after it has occurred."

Prevention is better than cure.

However, the first two points were enough to convince Shen Luo.

"I'll pass the word down right away and have the Nineteenth and the others do it this way."

“And another thing,” Jiang Qiqi said.

“Those people who can’t afford medicine must be struggling to make ends meet. Such people are more likely to harbor evil thoughts and are a potential problem for the government.”

Shen Luo nodded: "That's true, which is why there's a system of joint liability in the national law."

The system of collective punishment originated in the Zhou Dynasty and, due to its effectiveness, has permeated the legal history of China's feudal civilization for thousands of years.

Jiang Qiqi remained noncommittal: "While the system of collective punishment is useful, it is only limited by external factors."

"If they had money, wouldn't their willingness to take risks be greatly reduced?"

"You mean..." Shen Luo seemed to understand what she meant.

Jiang Qiqi chuckled: "That's right. I think the government will formally sign contracts to hire them after their volunteer work ends."

Similar to modern public service positions.

"The government used the money from selling medicine to hire them to do some work that was beneficial to the public. On the one hand, it improved the living conditions of the general public, on the other hand, it solved the problem of food and clothing for the poor, and incidentally reduced the potential for crime. Moreover, it did not affect the government's finances at all."

Jiang Qiqi winked at him.

"Isn't this a win-win-win situation with no cost?"

……

Shen Luo was unable to describe the shock she felt.

He had seen court officials argue fiercely over the implementation of a new policy, sometimes for months or even years, without being able to introduce a law that would truly benefit the country and its people.

But Qiqi, having only been in Longcheng for a day, was already able to use their current advantages to compensate for their disadvantages.

She then proposed such a risk-free, highly profitable, and flawless plan.

His eyes grew even deeper, the emotions hidden within them seeming ready to burst forth at any moment.

Seventy-seven.

My 77th...

After Jiang Qiqi finished speaking, she saw that the other person was just staring at her without any reaction.

"Shen Luo?" she called out tentatively.

"Ah!" Shen Luo snapped out of her surging emotions.

He made no attempt to hide the joy and appreciation in his eyes: "Qiqi, this is a brilliant idea."

“Moreover,” he said, “the government doesn’t need to sign special contracts.”

"You may not know that there was a system of corvée labor in our dynasty. Adult males without serious illnesses or official titles had to go to the government office to perform corvée labor for half a month every year."

"Is it similar to military service, like helping the imperial court build things?" Jiang Qiqi asked.

“Exactly,” Shen Luo said. “The common people are usually paid for their daily labor service, but in the past two years, the court has not had any major projects, so the labor service has been suspended. If we want to implement it now, we can add another category to the types of labor service.”

"This is the best way; it will be easier for both the government and the people to accept."

The two smiled at each other, their eyes sparkling like stars.

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

When Nineteen entered, this was the scene that greeted him.

The warm light of the rising sun streamed in, and the two people in the room sat facing each other, smiling at one another.

A sense of emotion seemed to flow in the slightly chilly morning air.

He couldn't help but utter those words:

"It's been a long time since I've seen Master smile so happily."

……

"Nineteen?" Jiang Qiqi saw Nineteen standing at the door with a kind smile. "Is there something you need?"

Nineteen, regaining his composure, suppressed his aunt-like smile and said, "Madam, Cui Zhi, the Prefect of Longcheng, has brought his daughter to see you."

The other party did not say they wanted to see the general, but specifically requested to see the general's wife.

So he had no choice but to inform them instead of turning them away.

"So fast," Jiang Qiqi said, glancing at Shen Luo who was reading the memorials beside her, and said sourly, "The charm of the General Who Protects the Nation is still the greatest."

Shen Luo: "..."

"Let them in."

"Yes." Nineteen went out and brought the person in.

"I'm going to the study." Shen Luo said, not wanting to see them, when she heard they had arrived.

"No, please!" Jiang Qiqi quickly stopped him. "If people come and see that you, General, aren't here, and I'm sitting here all by myself, how regrettable that would be."

Shen Luo could easily tell that she was mocking him.

He could only smile helplessly and shake his head, then picked up the document and continued reading.

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

When Cui Zhi and his group entered, they saw that the General Zhenguo was also there. The father and daughter exchanged a glance and both revealed smug expressions.

You came to the right place.

"I have met the General Zhenguo and his wife."

"Your Excellency, no need for formalities," Jiang Qiqi said.

Shen Luo didn't speak or react, and continued reading the memorial.

The two got up and sat down.

Cui Zhi said with a forced smile, "Madam General, my daughter was quite offensive yesterday. Today, I've brought her here specifically to apologize to you. Ling'er—"

Cui Ling was stunned the moment she saw the General Zhenguo.

This is the legendary God of War of Mount Heng, who is even more heroic and handsome than described in the folk tales.

He exuded a cold aura that kept strangers at bay, and every seemingly unintentional move he made revealed his noble elegance.

Cui Ling lowered her head shyly. If she could follow the General Zhenguo, she would be willing to stay young and beautiful forever.

"Ling'er—Ling'er—"

Seeing that the other person was in a daze, Cui Zhi raised his voice, which finally woke Cui Ling from her reverie.

"Go quickly and formally apologize to the General's wife," Cui Zhi urged her.

Cui Ling glanced at the general's wife sitting next to her, and then at the imposing, handsome, and majestic general standing beside her.

She stood up demurely, took small steps over, and couldn't help but raise her voice.

"I, Cui Ling, apologize to Madam. I was unaware of your identity yesterday and offended you greatly. Please forgive me."