The Exiled Villainess and Her Shopping Dimension

Chapter 177

Nevertheless, someone began to grasp the deeper meaning behind Mu Heng’s words.

"Wait, Governor. From what you’ve said about taking care of all your citizens, if we were to become citizens of Red Earth City, would we also receive the medicine?" A man asked.

He seemed to be an intelligent scholar. Hearing Governor Mu’s words, he pondered them until he understood the other party’s intentions.

As a scholar, he knew things that common villagers did not. For example, when the population increases, the Governor’s achievements are recognized positively.

There was an opportunity to send petitions to the capital, and his petition would have more weight.  When resources were distributed, the cities with more people would receive more goods. Therefore, Governors would often have plans to retain their population or attract talented individuals to work in their cities.

Previously, as a scholar, he had been well-treated by his Governor to keep talent within the city. The more scholars listed under their name, the more power and influence they wielded. If scholars from their city passed the civil service exams and served in the capital, it would be a testament to the Governor’s accomplishments.

 Not only that, when distant Governors traveled to the capital, the scholars they had once supported would, in turn, support them. In times of need, their opinions would favor the other party. Some even helped elevate the Governor’s status through the help of scholars they’re close to.

Mu Heng heard the question and looked at the well-dressed but emaciated man suffering from the epidemic. He immediately recognized him as a capable person.

From the information he had read in the Governor’s office, Mu Heng knew that the struggling town of Red Earth City had never had scholars. It was a remote place where people barely survived day by day, focusing only on food and shelter without the time to study, and had no opportunities to pursue the future benefits of becoming scholars. Hence, this man in front of him was likely a scholar from another town.

The intelligent eyes of the man intrigued Mu Heng. Moreover, he was the only one who understood the meaning behind Mu Heng’s words. Not only did he comprehend, but he also had the courage to ask for clarification amidst the recent violence. It seemed this man was someone he should indeed recruit as an ally.

"What I said is what I meant. I take care of the people of Red Earth City according to the royal decree, and I will not defy it. As for whether you will receive medicine if you register as a resident of Red Earth City, according to the royal decree, I must provide you with medicine because you would be one of Red Earth City’s citizens," Mu Heng did not admit that he had devised a scheme to attract people to this small town.

He spoke indirectly and cited the royal decree. Naturally, many villagers became very excited upon hearing this. They felt like they had found a ray of hope and saw an advantage in this opportunity.

As long as they became residents of Red Earth City, they would receive the medicine. They wouldn’t lose anything but would instead gain benefits. They wouldn’t have to fight for the medicine, no need to join battles, suffer injuries, or await punishment. Suddenly, they felt clever and saw Governor Mu, who had let this slip, as a fool!

The other side had been so protective of the medicine, but in the end, they would still have to give it to them. With their plan, the other party seemed pitiable.

Fools are like this; when they become victims of the clever without realizing it, they believe themselves to be the smart ones. However, many understood the situation well. They had no choice; if they wanted the medicine, they had to become citizens of Red Earth City.

Besides, looking at it from another angle, this Governor had a great attitude. He stood up to protect his own citizens, and it seemed that soon, Red Earth City would no longer be such a difficult place. Becoming one of its residents didn’t seem bad. On the contrary... it might be their greatest gamble.

If they bet correctly, not only would they survive by getting the medicine, but they might also have a promising future here.

Nevertheless, they needed to watch Governor Mu’s actions further. Although he mentioned the royal decree, he didn’t seem fully willing to accept them wholeheartedly, did he?

Ah... of course, this was the thinking of the ordinary villagers.

"Since we’re on this topic, let me add a few more details."

"You can become citizens of Red Earth City, but you need to follow the rules first. These are general regulations for moving to a new city. To relocate, you must have land and a residence in Red Earth City. Even if you own land in another city or work elsewhere, it doesn’t matter. But when it comes time to pay taxes, you must pay your taxes here in Red Earth City," Mu Heng said firmly.

"In the future, when the city makes announcements or requests cooperation, you must participate as citizens for at least five years. During this period, you cannot move to another city."

"If you want to register as citizens of Red Earth City, you need to get permission from your current city first. Without this, you cannot become citizens of Red Earth City."

Mu Heng outlined all the conditions. Though the process might seem difficult, it wasn’t overly complicated. Getting the Governor’s signature for relocation wasn’t hard, especially with many villagers pressing the matter. With their lives at stake, Mu Heng believed the process would be completed swiftly.

However, as a Governor, doing this would create enemies all around. It was essentially a declaration of war!!

The villagers understood Mu Heng’s words and immediately sought representatives to handle the matter. A few days later, the villagers returned, this time accompanied by several Governors who wanted to condemn Mu Heng’s actions or negotiate for benefits.

Everyone knew Mu Heng was from the Du Region, and their view of him wasn’t favorable. Besides, they believed that someone from the Du Region wouldn’t dare act too harshly. If they, as fellow Governors, filed a petition to the emperor, the other party would likely be dealt with swiftly.

Therefore, they saw this as a bargaining chip. Seeing him as beneath them, they showed him no respect.

On the day they arrived, Mu Heng invited them to the Governor’s office. This large room had been sectioned off by Yueqian. Adjacent to it was a study area, a quiet workspace and library. This room was used for discussions, planning, and other work, providing privacy but still not far from research tools.

After inviting them to sit down, Qu Yi brought tea and a sweet treat for the guests. Yueqian sat behind Mu Heng, holding paper and a brush, ready to diligently act as her husband’s secretary.

Such meetings required detailed notes. If they only spoke and forgot things later, it could lead to problems. To protect their interests, Yueqian was prepared to document the meeting and have the attendees sign off on the minutes once it was over. This way, if there were any disputes or objections, they could be addressed immediately.

This approach ensured a thorough and complete record.

However, Yueqian’s initiative wasn’t immediately welcomed.  It could be seen from the gazes of the Governors and representatives of the surrounding four cities. They did not speak and stared at Yueqian with dissatisfaction.

“What is this? Is this woman your furen?” One man asked. He even rudely pointed at Yueqian, who sat comfortably with her legs crossed.

“Yes, she is Furen Mu,” Mu Heng responded, his voice steady and devoid of emotion.

“So what? Is she not leaving?”

“There is no need for her to leave. My furen will be taking the minutes for this meeting,” Mu Heng clarified.

“Helping? Haha, are you joking, Governor of Red Earth City? For such an important matter,  are you saying that you will ask for women to help?”

“Exactly. Or is this how it’s done in the Du Region? Letting women interfere only ruins things.”

“Indeed. A woman should be outside enjoying nature, sipping tea in the garden. In the Bai Region, our culture respects such roles.”

The Governors and representatives spoke out, looking at Mu Heng with disdain. Well... Their beliefs about women were deeply ingrained, and since Mu Heng insisted on having Yueqian assist, it led to him being looked down.

Mu Heng himself, if it were any other matter, could have explained or handled it calmly. However, when it came to Yueqian, he had never been one to compromise. Hearing the derogatory comments about his wife, the young man stood up and immediately slammed his hand on the table with a loud "bang."

“Dear,” if it weren’t for Yueqian’s cold voice, Mu Heng might have thrown his own punch.

In his mind, if someone who dared to insult his wife, they deserved a punch or two. His wife was incredibly capable and willing to help, yet these people still criticized her? However, Yueqian, more accustomed to dealing with the behaviors of these arrogant individuals, spoke up.

"It’s unbelievable how different the culture of the Bai Region is. If you are not interested in cooperating, you are free to leave. After all, you came here today for the medicine I prepared, didn’t you?" Yueqian put down the paper and brush she had been holding.

Her demeanor was dismissive. If they didn’t want to cooperate, they could simply leave. It would not harm her or her husband. It was they who needed to ask for something this time.

Yueqian’s show of superiority surprised the Governors and representatives.

"Furen Mu, it seems you truly do not understand the customs of the Bai Region. Speaking so lightly in such a situation, even though you are the one who prepared the medicine, your status is no different from that of any other apothecary."

"You may not be fully aware of the situation in Red Earth City, as you are new here. Let me tell you, Red Earth City is in a very dire state. If it weren’t for our assistance in the past... Red Earth City would have faced much greater calamities."

"Exactly, as the Governor said. If you disregard our cooperation, do you think you can truly take care of Red Earth City’s citizens? Just imagine if we stopped trading with Red Earth City—how much would your villagers suffer?""We’ve explained enough. I guess both of you understand by now, right? Therefore, I request that the Governor of Red Earth City change his attitude toward us."