He tricked his amnesiac partner into becoming crippled.

Chapter 247 The Marquis Has No Clever Heart 24

Suddenly, a lot of outsiders appeared in Shaliu County digging in the ground. They were tall and strong, with taut muscles that exuded power. Strangely, they were all dressed in black.

Those unfamiliar with the situation might be puzzled at first glance: "What are they doing?"

If anyone knows, please kindly tell him:

"You mean them? They're kind people the county magistrate found to help us dig the land and plant crops. The magistrate also said he has a way to improve this land, and in less than half a month, it will be as fertile as the land in the neighboring county!"

The man exclaimed in surprise, "Really?"

"Of course it's true. By the way, the master also opened a workshop that produces soap. They're hiring now, five coins a month. Want to go?"

"Five coins!! That's so much! Let's go, let's go, or we'll miss it!"

As they talked, the two of them started running like the wind, afraid that if they were late, all the positions would be filled.

In the vast, irregularly shaped sea fields along the coast, the man in black looked up blankly, large beads of sweat obscuring his vision. He wiped them away and his vision gradually cleared. The boundless sea fields appeared exceptionally silent amidst the constant sound of the crashing waves.

The man in black wore a tearful expression; his legs, feet, and hands were all numb. He turned to the head of the man who was silently digging in the ground and said:

"Boss, we're ruthless killers, how dare she make us treat us like peasants! Boss, just give the call, and we'll charge out with you to the death!"

Damn it, he can't stand this miserable digging life anymore!

The leader looked up, bewildered: "Don't you guys think digging is a good thing? No fighting and killing, how fun!"

The brothers didn't understand: "This is something only lowly people do. We are suicide squads; killing people is what our blades are worthy of."

The leader glanced at him sideways, coldly asking, "Oh, where's your knife?"

The brothers fell silent.

The eldest brother added, "Lord Liang is here."

The flesh on everyone's faces twitched, and they quickly picked up the improved hoes and dug with all their might, soon surpassing the leader by a large margin.

Sharp-eyed people noticed Liang Jinglan approaching and began to discuss loudly, the main topic being:

"Digging makes us happy!"

"You absolutely must let us dig!"

"We get restless if we don't dig for a day!"

Liang Jinglan, who came over to let them rest, fell silent.

Do you really enjoy digging?

Then I'll grant your wish.

He turned and left.

The men in black breathed a sigh of relief as they watched him walk away. The man who slapped them was gone; how wonderful!

In May of the eighth year of the Yuanli era, Yangsheng Pharmacy opened and business was booming. Wen Yan set about expanding the pharmacy nationwide. Wherever Yangsheng Pharmacy opened, it was packed with young and strong people, and no one could stop them.

In July of the eighth year of the Yuanli era, all the saline-alkali land in Shaliu County was restored. The square sea fields were stacked together and planted with lush green crops that grew very well.

When the men in black received Wen's monthly salary and bonus, they felt as if they were walking on clouds.

From then on, they became an important part of the construction of Shaliu County, and even more so, they were like bricks in Wenyan, moving wherever they were needed.

In September of the eighth year of the Yuanli era, Wenyan developed a tourist attraction, the highlight of which was the sand willow. The sand willows in Shaliu County are different from those in other places. They have thick roots and grow close to the ground, with a winding root system that looks like a dragon soaring. The willow branches sway and a faint fragrance follows, making them popular among literati and poets.

In December of the eighth year of the Yuanli era, an upgraded version of the steamship was launched.

In June of the ninth year of the Yuanli era, Liang Jinglan led his troops to attack the sea area, and the pirates who had been rampant for decades were cut down so badly that they were unrecognizable.

In October of the ninth year of the Yuanli era, Wen Yan exceeded his mission targets and was granted permission to return to the capital ahead of schedule.

When he left, the people of Shaliu County saw him off for ten miles.

On the 20th of the tenth month of the ninth year of the Yuan calendar, after a year and a half, Wen Yan once again began the miserable life of going to court at dawn.

He was filled with resentment, and as soon as he stepped into the palace, he greeted many officials with great "friendliness".

Are there any complaints?

Hold it in.

The ministers dared not be angry or speak out, and simply grunted twice to let it go.

Wen Yan's popularity was so high that they stopped competing to see who was more dazzling.

Of all the officials, besides the teacher, the emperor was the one who most wanted her to return. He called her "my dear minister" with a radiant smile, as if the two brothers had never left the capital.

The emperor was in excellent health, and several more concubines in the harem were pregnant. This was all thanks to his beloved minister. Thinking of this, the emperor's gaze towards Wen Yan softened and became more kind.

A reward, raindrops given away for free, scattered at will.

Official positions and imperial favors, numerous as hairs, can be mentioned at will.

The ministers secretly grumbled, holding back their grievances for a long time, but finally couldn't hold back any longer and offered their advice.

"Your Majesty, isn't this move too grand? I fear that some people with ulterior motives will be indignant."

The Emperor said calmly, "Oh, so Minister Liu is questioning Minister Wen's abilities?"

It's obvious who is more important, Liu Qing or Wen Aiqing, just by listening.

Damage to Liu Qing: -100

The emperor glanced at the assembled officials below and spoke in a low, sarcastic tone: "Someone is indignant? You wouldn't be referring to Minister Liu, would you? Oh, I didn't mean to say Minister Liu was petty."

This wave is targeting Liu Qing again.

Damage to Liu Qing: -1000

That wasn't all; the emperor added, "I've learned that Minister Liu is a major client of Yangsheng Pharmacy!"

Liu Qing was struck hard, his face and neck turning red. He rubbed his old face on the ground and went to find a corner to cough up blood.

The emperor smiled: "Does anyone else have any objections?"

The ministers looked around and said, "No."

"Alright, if there's nothing else, let's adjourn the court. Oh, by the way, Minister Wen, please stay a moment."

The ministers were miserable, cursing inwardly: Wen Yan, you shameless succubus!

They thought that once Wen Yan left, they could seize the opportunity and push her out of the emperor's heart if they put in a little effort.

So all those nice things they said over the past two years were for nothing?

What is it about Wen Yan that makes her so captivating? Her teacher made an exception to accept her as a disciple, Marquis Liang accompanied her on a foreign mission, and even the emperor held her in high regard.

It's okay, if you can't beat them, just join them.

Civil officials have no shortage of face.

He attended court the following day.

Wen Yan realized something was wrong; she felt like someone was watching her all the time, and the closer she got, the more eyes she saw.

She turned around abruptly, and the prime minister, being old, couldn't focus his gaze quickly enough, catching her red-handed.

Wen Yan raised an eyebrow: "Prime Minister, what brings you here looking at me?"

It can't be because she's pretty, can it?

The prime minister stammered, "Minister Wen is handsome and pleasing to the eye."

Wen Yan:......! ! ! !

Her shock was so intense that the prime minister coughed uncomfortably, inwardly lamenting his predicament—he simply couldn't find a suitable reason!

He also wanted to win the emperor's favor!