Exile after Divorce? Empty the Scumbag Husband First!-Chapter 272 - 264: Having Them Atone Through Labor Is a Sound Plan
"Now that he’s come to an untimely end, staying here is pointless. We’re also afraid his men will come seeking vengeance, so we fled."
"But... but we’re penniless, we..."
Before they could finish, Ruan Mian had already gestured for the soldiers to give each of them a beating.
Then she pulled Yuan the Fourth forward, recalled certain matters, and spoke, "I can leave you a way out."
Once the checkpoints were lifted, the villagers began bustling about, and a significant portion couldn’t find time to tend to their lands.
Sending them to dig up those hundred acres of fields, ensuring that even in winter, there would be sufficient land to plant winter crops.
Otherwise, if the villagers couldn’t spare the effort, waiting until next spring to plant would definitely yield less grain.
Making them work labor in exchange is not a bad strategy.
As for the stolen possessions, Ruan Mian collected them back to the house, then had the villagers who had lost items report how much they had lost, and after verifying, she handed the task of returning them over to Shaoxi.
As Cui Zhu passed by Yuan the Fourth and his group, she spat on the ground with disdain, glaring at them with utmost contempt.
"Miss thought it out well. I was worried we wouldn’t plant much this winter, now with them clearing and planting vegetables it’s perfect! Besides, they’re too afraid to act rashly; each one of them fears for their life. It’s like making full use of them indirectly!"
Ruan Mian smiled slightly; for petty bottom-dwellers like Yuan the Fourth, there’s no need to speak too much of lofty principles.
If they can find their value and benefits while creating value for her, they’ll be much more compliant in the future.
Moreover, they’re all prime age labor, it’s waste not to use them.
After returning the belongings, Ruan Mian and Cui Zhu stepped out of the house, just as heavy snow began to fall from the sky like goose feathers.
Cui Zhu wrapped her furry scarf tighter and couldn’t help but sigh.
"Miss, it’s winter again. This furry scarf was made by you on the road of exile; it’s so warm."
"That’s why Shaoxi and I thought about making these scarves, gloves, and hats at the Guishe Fang. Surely, the girls will like them. Warm and stylish."
"Oh, and our down vests sold particularly well, did you know?"
Having seen last month’s accounts, Ruan Mian naturally knew.
What she didn’t know was whether this winter would be plagued with natural and man-made disasters like last year.
This year’s snow came a bit late, and now that it’s here, the coming days will likely be spent in cold and snow.
Seems preparations for the village’s winter have to be made these days.
So that afternoon, Ruan Mian led some people to start the winter preparations.
They refurbished all the necessary fire pits, called Mr. Xue to help build more in the private school, and installed warm windows.
Regarding the crops, she allocated some unused land and tasked Yuan the Fourth and his group with planting winter wheat.
And most importantly, the clay coal that was stocked up last year can now finally be put to use.
Pretending to have purchased it from elsewhere, she hauled back a large cart of dry clay coal to the village, distributed it to households, and transported quite a bit into the military camp.
She had Huo Zong purchase it with relief silver to distribute to the townsfolk in need.
As soon as the payment was received, she ahead of time distributed New Year red packets to the goods transportation company, the Mulberry Garden, and the cloth workshop staff.
Everyone was surprised and filled with gratitude.
"Miss Ruan, how...how can we accept this? Our regular wages are ample, and now there’s also this extra silver, we don’t deserve it."
"Why wouldn’t you deserve it? This is what you should have. Because of your hard work, we can sell more and earn more silver coins."
"Next year when Wuheng City is rebuilt, I will find ways to do more business in the city, expanding our livelihood. After spring, I plan to build more houses in the village so everyone has shelter."
These words brought hope to many.
The warm red packets were just like their warm hearts.
With the consecutive busy winter days, no one in the village could afford to idle.
The underground storage rooms were filled with plenty of winter grain; Ruan Mian, too, stored the food supply of a dozen family members inside.
She took a trip to the garrison, bringing along many new goods from Guishe Fang to restock.
Unexpectedly, under her aunt’s management, the Guishe Fang became the favored spot for the garrison’s womenfolk, with word spreading rapidly.
During the days the goods were delayed, almost everything in Guishe Fang was sold.
Especially the winter clothing, which was completely out of stock.
Fortunately, Ruan Mian came with restocking, and the store quickly became crowded.
Her aunt was beyond satisfied watching this scene.
"Mianmian, in the days you were gone, I came up with an idea."
"Please tell me, Aunt."
"I want to open a health preservation hall in the garrison, offering massage, tea, foot baths, and music. What do you think?"
As for entertainment, as long as Aunt has the idea, she can decide and proceed.
"Auntie, have you decided on a location and specifics for operation? If you need anything, I’m ready to support."
Her aunt smiled broadly but said she didn’t need Ruan Mian’s capital this time.
"I’ve already found the location and a sponsor. Just wait for my good news, Mianmian."
"A sponsor?"
"Yeah, that stubborn Mr. Wang, he has plenty of tainted silver, so why not put it to use."
Talking about Mr. Wang, Ruan Mian found it amusing.
She wondered what her aunt did to make him so compliant and accommodating.
With this backing, her aunt’s business in the garrison was certain to thrive.
Upon leaving the garrison, she intentionally brought back some delicious garrison desserts and personally sewed an inner down vest for Xie Huai’an, delivering it to the post station.
However, unexpectedly, as soon as she reached the entrance of the post station, a servant came running out hastily.
"Oh no, oh no, quick! Get a doctor, Mr. Xie is coughing up blood!"
Upon hearing this, the servants at the door broke into a run.
Ruan Mian furrowed her brow and quickened her pace straight into the courtyard of the post station.
There she saw Vice Minister Dong supporting Xie Huai’an into a chair, surrounded by several government officers from the post station, all looking at Xie Huai’an with shock.
Vice Minister Dong also noticed Ruan Mian, "Miss Ruan?"
But before he finished speaking, Xie Huai’an suddenly coughed up another mouthful of blood, staining his light-colored cloak with blood, a sight that was truly shocking.
Ruan Mian hurried over, "Sir! Sir, are you all right?"
With her heart aching, Ruan Mian quickly called out to Vice Minister Dong, "Quick, get him to the bed, someone, get the medicine box from the west chamber."
