Exchanging useless land for money could greatly alleviate a county's financial woes, while the constables could also skim some off the top, which was why everyone was so enthusiastic.
In the back courtyard of the yamen, the county magistrate was in his study, looking at the disaster report submitted by his subordinates, feeling a great headache.
The drought had begun, and it hadn't rained in half a year. Most of the crops in the fields had already withered from the drought. It was conceivable that if there was no grain in the autumn harvest, it would lead to a situation of widespread refugees. And the national treasury couldn't produce any money to relieve the disaster at the moment. If the refugees caused trouble, he, as the county magistrate, would be in a difficult position!
My lord, a young gentleman is here to see you. He said he wants to buy the land belonging to Magistrate Ma in Yunmen Township.
The constable entered and knelt on the ground, speaking to the magistrate.
Oh? Quickly, invite him to the study, and prepare tea!
The magistrate's heart leaped upon hearing this, and he quickly told the constable to go and invite the person.
After the constable left, the magistrate straightened his attire and went to the main hall to sit down.
Fang Er was brought in by the constable not long after.
Looking at the simple study and the worn official robe on the magistrate, Fang Er bowed and said, "Your humble servant Fang Er, pays his respects to the County Magistrate."
Quickly, please rise. Come, come, sit and talk. Someone, bring tea!
The magistrate walked to Fang Er's side, took his arm, and led him to a chair to sit down.
Tea had already been prepared on the table.
Fang Er was stunned. Was he this enthusiastic?
Was a county head this approachable?
After being led to a chair by the magistrate, Fang Er opened his mouth and said, "Magistrate, you are too polite. I am merely a humble commoner, how can I deserve such treatment from the magistrate?"
The magistrate waved his hand at him: "Young Master Fang, there's no need to be reserved. I heard from the servants that you are interested in Magistrate Ma's land in Yunmen Township?"
Fang Er was stunned again. Was he this direct?
Why did it feel like this magistrate was eager for someone to buy that land?
"Exactly. I just don't know if the magistrate permits it?"
Fang Er asked tentatively.
"Permit! Why not permit it? To be honest, Young Master Fang, there is a great drought now, and the national treasury is unable to provide disaster relief. I, this county, am worrying about how to raise money and grain. At such a time, what use do I have for land that cannot be eaten or worn?"
The magistrate said helplessly.
"Damn, even if that's the case, shouldn't you be less direct? Shouldn't a business opportunity that comes knocking be met with feigned ignorance to fleece me?"
However, Fang Er also felt admiration for this magistrate. He lived so frugally, yet he was still devoted to the people. This was truly a rare good official.
"Alright, then, how much silver do I need to pay for the Ma family's land?"
Since the magistrate was not beating around the bush, Fang Er asked straightforwardly.
"Normally, for over a thousand mu of land and the courtyard, seven thousand taels of silver would be a fair price. But with the urgent need for disaster relief, Young Master Fang, you only need to pay six thousand five hundred taels, and I will have people prepare the documents for you. What do you say?"
The magistrate stroked the small mustache on his chin and looked at Fang Er.
"Magistrate, to be honest, I don't even have six hundred taels right now. But I have a plan. Would you like to hear it?"
Fang Er picked up his tea, took a sip, then put down the cup, and said slowly.
"No money? Then tell me your plan."
The magistrate was instantly enraged upon hearing the first part of Fang Er's statement. He was prepared to arrest and punish Fang Er if his plan was useless after he finished speaking.
"Magistrate, please calm your anger. Let me explain. For you, this disaster situation can be addressed from two aspects. First, you need to bribe those above to prevent the court from blaming you for ineffective disaster relief. Second, you need to appease the disaster victims to prevent them from causing trouble. Am I right?"
Fang Er said with a smile.
"You are correct. But without money, how can I provide disaster relief?"
The magistrate's eyes widened as he looked at Fang Er.
"May I ask, Magistrate, how many people are there in Yunmen Township?"
Fang Er asked.
"Yunmen Township has one thousand three hundred and eighty-one households, and six thousand one hundred and thirty-two people!"
The magistrate casually reported a number.
"Magistrate, you always keep the people in your heart. I admire you!"
Fang Er stood up, bowed to the magistrate, and then sat down to continue.
"Magistrate, I have a treasure here. As long as you present this to the palace, I guarantee that the court will not blame you for ineffective disaster relief. The national treasury is empty, and it's not your fault. Also, as long as you agree to give me the Ma family's land and courtyard, I guarantee that not a single refugee in Yunmen Township will cause trouble!"
Fang Er said firmly.
"Oh? What treasure is it? Can you show it to me so I can broaden my horizons?"
The magistrate suppressed his anger and asked curiously.
Fang Er reached into his embrace and pulled out a piece of clothing, which was the qipao he had given Xiao Qing, the one that had terrified her half to death.
He handed the qipao to the magistrate: "Please, have a look."
The magistrate took it and carefully opened it. He felt the fabric was incredibly smooth, yet very tight and strong. Upon opening it and seeing the embroidered pattern, the magistrate completely forgot his anger.
"This! This! This! Is this a phoenix embroidered? The magistrate stammered.
Then he directly picked up the garment and spread it out.
On the fiery red qipao, a golden phoenix was shown with its wings spread high in flight. The dazzling golden-yellow feathers were rendered with exquisite detail, and its perfect form exuded the majesty of the king of birds, appearing lifelike.
"This is truly a phoenix, Young Master Fang, where did you obtain this treasure?"
The magistrate asked him, his eyes full of longing.
"No! It is a grave crime to embroider a phoenix without permission, punishable by the destruction of one's clan! Fang Er! Do you know your crime!"
Before Fang Er could answer, the magistrate suddenly stood up and roared, pointing at Fang Er.
"Magistrate, please calm your anger! The Great Tang has just been established, and the national treasury is empty. I heard that the Empress, with her virtuous character, wears patched clothes all day long to save expenses. Is this true?"
Fang Er looked into the magistrate's eyes and asked.
"Even if what you say is true, it does not justify you privately embroidering phoenix robes!"
The magistrate showed no leniency and was about to call for guards to seize Fang Er.
Fang Er quickly said, "Magistrate, the Empress is the mother of the nation. She will inevitably receive foreign envoys. However, if there is no attire that can match her status at that time, will it not cause our Great Tang to lose face? This garment was made to be presented to the Empress. Legally, it violates regulations! But what about in terms of sentiment? Magistrate, if this garment is presented to the palace, what will you gain? I don't need to say it, do I!"
The magistrate looked at the garment in his hand, then at Fang Er, and then sat back onto the chair with a thud.
Fang Er was right.
Empress Changsun was virtuous and saved expenses by weaving and farming in the palace. This was not a secret; everyone in Chang'an city knew about it.
If he could present this garment, the Emperor would be greatly pleased, and perhaps he would no longer blame him for the ineffective disaster relief.