I have already established my power and prestige, so how did Li Shimin come back to life?

Rui'an cleverly went out to investigate. Not long after, he ran back with a look of surprise on his face, excitedly shouting, "County Magistrate Wu! There's still money in the government warehouse!"

When Wu Meiniang heard this, a light flashed in her eyes, but she regained her composure in an instant.

She gently put down the paperwork in her hand, stood up, straightened her clothes, and said to Ryan, "Come with me to the warehouse."

When they arrived at the warehouse, they saw that although there was some dust inside, there was indeed a certain amount of reserves of food, cloth, gold and silver.

The Jinyiwei didn't take these valuables away?

Although these supplies are not abundant, they are an important basis for governing Shou'an County.

She turned to the yamen runners and ordered, "First, sort out the warehouse and make a detailed inventory."

Wu Meiniang looked around the county government office and found a deserted vegetable field and several dilapidated stables in the backyard of the government office.

She had a plan in mind, called Rui'an, and whispered, "Go find a few people who understand farming. If we can cultivate this vegetable field again, it may help alleviate some of the food pressure in the future.

Also, repair the stables; they might be useful in the future."

Rui'an took the order and left. Soon he brought back a few people who looked pale and thin but still had a glimmer of hope in their eyes.

Wu Meiniang said to them gently, "My fellow villagers, I am the newly appointed county magistrate."

"Although Shou'an County has gone through hardships, as long as we work together, we will be able to rebuild our homeland."

"I know you've all suffered, but I want to reopen the vegetable patch in the backyard of the county government office. If anyone is skilled in farming, I can provide seeds and a small reward. When the harvest comes, I'll distribute the harvest fairly."

When the people heard this, they looked at each other. One of the old men said tremblingly, "My Lord, please don't blame us for speaking frankly."

"Although you are the county magistrate, you are a woman after all. Farming work is arduous, and we are really worried about whether you can really govern Shou'an County well."

Wu Meiniang was slightly startled, then smiled calmly and said, "Old man, what about a girl?"

"Though I am of small stature, I have a heart determined to work for the welfare of the people. I will prove myself capable of this responsibility."

The old man sighed and said, "Sir County Magistrate, if that is truly possible, we are willing to do our best."

"It's just that the land hasn't been cultivated for a long time, and it's barren. I'm afraid the harvest is hard to guarantee."

Wu Meiniang smiled slightly and comforted him: "It's okay, as long as you are willing to work hard, there will always be rewards."

"I will also seek out some agricultural methods to improve this land."

After arranging the farm affairs, Wu Meiniang began to deal with the government affairs of the county government.

She found that the household registration books at the county government were in a mess. Many people who died of dysentery had not yet had their household registrations cancelled, and newborn children were not registered.

So she summoned the yamen runners and said, "From today on, you will split into groups and visit each household to re-sort out the household registration, ensuring it is accurate and correct."

"This concerns Shou'an County's future taxation, corvee labor, and the implementation of various government decrees."

Although the yamen runners looked hesitant, seeing Wu Meiniang's firm attitude, they could only nod in agreement.

While the yamen runners were visiting, Wu Meiniang personally received the people who came to file complaints or seek help.

……

When the first few people walked towards the county government office trembling with fear, their hearts were filled with anxiety.

"Can this female county magistrate do it?"

"Shou'an County has become so dilapidated, what can a woman like her do?"

"Previous county magistrates have always come and gone without caring about the lives of our people. I'm afraid this time will be no different."

Another old man tugged at the corner of his clothes, his eyes filled with anxiety: "If we go in, will she find us annoying and just send us away?"

The threshold to enter this government office is very high for ordinary people like us.”

When they stepped into the gate of the county government office, they all lowered their heads unconsciously and did not dare to look around.

After seeing Wu Meiniang, Wang Er mustered up his courage and stammered, "My Lord, County Magistrate, I...I'm here to ask for your help."