Chapter 844: Heart Burning
Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation
The people of Yang County were happy and excited when they found out that Yang Zhengzhi was still alive and that he was the new magistrate. Everyone was relieved with him in charge.
Furthermore, they did not need to worry about others harming them because Prince Ruozhu and Princess Binglan would support the commoners. The people only needed to work hard to improve their lives.
As for the hot spring villa’s construction, Su Binglan had already entrusted Yang Zhengzhi with managing it. She even gave him the plans and blueprints.
Yang Zhengzhi looked at Su Binglan’s proposal and excitedly said, “Princess
Binglan, this hot spring villa will change Yang County forever.”
He could imagine how prosperous the county would be with the villa, not to mention the three factories. Additionally, Yang County had plenty of medicinal herbs.
Yang Zhengzhi knew people from all over the world would visit the villa for sightseeing. With the villa around, many secondary industries would develop alongside it. If Yang County prospered, its people would live much better lives.
The commoners’ businesses would thrive, and the villa would create job opportunities for many people. Yang Zhengzhi was excited when he imagined the improvements that would occur to the county.
Su Binglan smiled, saying, “I’ll get someone to transport some cement over later. The roads will be smoother if we use cement to pave them.”
The people of Yang County also focused on repairing their dirt roads. However, it would not be as smooth compared to cement. With better materials for the roads, they would be smoother, even on rainy days.
It would then be safer for people to traverse, whether on foot or via carriages and oxcarts.
Su Binglan had initially planned to build a cement factory in Yang County.
After some thought, she decided to build it elsewhere instead. That way, Lan Ruozhu could have complete control over it.
Then, he would have the final say in where to build cement roads. It was also beneficial to the prefecture. Since Yang County had a villa and three factories, many subsidiary industries would also develop in the future. Su Binglan believed it would not take long for Yang County to prosper.
“Cement, Princess Ruobing?” Yang Zhengzhi admired Su Binglan the most. He felt he could learn a lot from her, which made him excited. Moreover, he had gone to the river and saw the waterwheel.
He was shocked, not expecting to see something that exquisite. After all, it solved the land irrigation problem. Yang Zhengzhi’s enthusiasm for learning was on the rise.
Su Binglan smiled and said, “The cement is a raw material for building roads.
We typically add water to cement and mix them before pouring them on the roads. Then, the cement mixture will harden and bond to sand, stone, and other materials.’
Su Binglan gave Yang Zhengzhi a brief explanation of cement.
Yang Zhengzhi asked curiously, “In that case, the ground would be flatter and more manageable to traverse, no matter if it rains or snows, right? It won’t become muddy if it gets wet?”
“That’s right. Cement roads are much sturdier than gravel roads.”
Yang Zhengzhi!s eyes lit up as he said, “I’m looking forward to seeing cement roads, Your Highness.”
“I’ll also get someone to build a brick factory in the local area. After that, the people can build brick houses for themselves.”
“Your Highness,” Yang Zhengzhi asked, “Can we use cement to build houses?
Will it be as sturdy as the roads?”
Su Binglan nodded with a smile. “That’s right. You can also use cement to build houses. You must apply cement between every brick to make the structure even stronger.”
Yang Zhengzhi was anxious to see what the houses would look like once the people began using bricks and cement. “Your Highness, I wonder if Yang County can get some cement when it’s ready.”
Su Binglan said with a smile, “Don’t worry, I’ll send the cement over as soon as possible.”
She could imagine how high the demand would be for cement after building the factory. The profits would be high, too. However, Lan Ruozhu would get someone to do it for free if he wanted to repair the roads for his people.
Still, he would charge any merchant who was interested in purchasing cement. Since the demand would be high, Su Binglan planned to build a massive factory.
She would build the factory in the prefecture to create job opportunities for those living in the prefecture. Eventually, it would also make the prefecture even more prosperous. Perhaps it would even surpass the capital at its best.
Su Binglan had some selfish motives, hoping the place Lan Ruozhu lived would be more prosperous than anywhere else.
Su Binglan stayed in Yang County for a while longer until the construction of the hot spring villa was on the right track. Then, she prepared to return to Su Teng Village with her brother and the others.
Although she wanted to leave quietly, she did not know that someone had told the commoners about her departure. As she and the group got into the carriage, many came to send the group off.
“Take care, Your Highness!”
Everyone shouted and chased after the carriage as it went off. Some even stuffed some food they made into the carriage.
“Your Highness, thank you for everything you’ve done for us!”
“Visit more often, okay?! We’ll miss you, Princess Binglan!”
“Long live Princess Binglan!’
The commoners stood on both sides of the road and cheered for Su Binglan.
Their eyes were full of gratitude as they watched the departing carriage. Everyone knew she had brought great changes to the county.
Thousands of people had jobs in the factories there. Furthermore, their jobs were not tiring, and they had more than enough rest periods with considerable wages.
With the new county magistrate overseeing the hot spring villa construction, everyone in the team would receive daily wages. The commoners could feel their lives getting better by the day.
Yang County had regained its order without the merchants causing trouble for the people. Yang Zhengzhi was also a perfect magistrate for the commoners.
Su Binglan was shocked by the people’s enthusiasm. She felt she had not done much. Still, she became emotional when the people thanked her. She became teary-eyed, thinking her actions were significant.
Su Binglan felt warm inside, and even Su Wenxiu began to tear up..