Chapter 948: Changes in the Border Province

Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation  Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation

As Su Binglan was about to reach the border province with her husband, she saw her eagle in the sky and waved it over. Yingying then descended and landed on Su Binglan’s shoulder with a letter tied to its leg.

Su Binglan patted its head and said, “You must’ve traveled far, huh?”

She and Luo Jin’an found an inn to stay in for the time being and even let Yingying rest. The couple even brought Yingying to have dinner with them. Su Binglan also knew that Yingying enjoyed the food she gave it.

Whenever Yingying delivered a letter, Su Binglan would make some food for it and let it rest for a few days before letting it return to the palace. Through Lan Ruozhu’s letters, she was able to keep up with the Imperial Court.

Su Binglan knew that the country was developing perfectly. Moreover, the government had completed building many factories and inns in the capital.

She told Luo Jin’an, “Ruozhu said that they’ve finished building the factories and inns in the capital. Guests from all over enjoy staying at the inns because of how beautiful they are inside and out.

“Ruozhu has also started making use of the surrounding wastelands. He uses most of them to grow food and leaves the rest for upcoming residential areas. After building the food street, many more people rented shops to do business.”

Luo Jin’an could envision the changes in the capital as he listened to his wife. He said, “Now that the capital is bustling with activities, many people are willing to visit.”

“You’re right.” Su Binglan nodded. “Ruozhu has arranged for his people to build several residential areas there, too. He’ll allocate the rest of the residences to future government officials who perform well in the Imperial Exams.

“The houses are in excellent locations since they’re close to the food street and supermarkets.”

“That’s good,” Luo Jin’an said smilingly, “That way, students who used to be poor can live in the capital and make an excellent living.”

“That’s why so many people are eager to serve the government. I feel at ease leaving these things to Ruozhu.”

Several days later, Su Binglan and Luo Jin’an reached the border province’s gate. Su Binglan pointed at the gates and asked, “Jin’an, do you remember how the gates looked last time?”

“Of course I do. It looked abandoned and dilapidated back then, but they’ve renovated it. They must’ve reinforced it with cement.”

Su Binglan squinted and said, “Yeah, I think so, too. I wonder what it looks like beyond those gates.”

“Well then, let’s go in and look,” Luo Jin’an said as he held his wife’s hand.

Su Binglan nodded. “My mood is utterly different from when I first came here.”

“How did you feel last time?” Luo Jin’an asked gently.

Su Binglan pouted. “You have no idea how concerned I was about you then. I didn’t know how you were doing. Before you left, you only told me that you were going out to do something. You didn’t tell me what it was or where you were going.”

“I’m sorry for making you worry.” Luo Jin’an sighed.

Su Binglan shook her head. “Don’t blame yourself. It’s all in the past now. Look, there are no more wars in the country. The farmers have plenty of grain and won’t go hungry, especially after harvesting their potatoes and sweet potatoes.

“By then, everyone in Chu Country can grow potatoes and sweet potatoes. Every household will have more than enough grain, too. Ruozhu will also build many more factories in various places. Oh, I forgot about the greenhouse.”

Su Binglan had yet to arrange for anyone to prepare the vegetables for the greenhouse. She had visited many villages and towns on the way to the border province.

She thought she could grow vegetables in greenhouses in those places. Since that was the case, she decided to write to Lan Ruozhu about it soon.

“What are greenhouse vegetables?” Luo Jin’an asked curiously.

Su Binglan explained, “It means to build a shed and plant vegetables in it. That way, we’ll have fresh vegetables to eat all year round instead of waiting for specific seasons.”

Luo Jin’an quickly understood her meaning. “I see.”

“Once we establish that, everyone can have vegetables even during winter. The demand for vegetables should be much higher in the capital,” Su Binglan said, “Everyone can afford to buy vegetables now, right? Winter vegetables will be even more popular.

“Still, everyone mainly eats radishes and cabbages during winter. With the greenhouse, we can have those and even tomatoes. I’ll write Ruozhu a letter and tell him about it.

“I’ll even give him a detailed plan so that he can prepare the materials and his people to grow vegetables for the greenhouse.”

Lan Ruozhu would know what to do if Su Binglan provided all the details. He would then find people who were experienced in growing vegetables and entrust the greenhouse to them.

Su Binglan’s eyes sparkled with excitement as she said, “If we find fresh vegetables in the Black Forest, we can collect and plant them in the greenhouses.”

She realized there were quite a few types of vegetables the people of this era typically grew.

“Okay, I’ll follow your lead.” Luo Jin’an nodded and smiled when he saw how energetic his wife was.

After entering the gates, the couple saw many people on the streets. Su Binglan was shocked as she stood rooted. “I didn’t think this place would change so drastically. It’s no longer as lonely as before. It looks like a small town now.”

Last time, there were several abandoned houses and buildings here. Not even a shadow of a person was on the streets, either. However, there were repaired houses and shops on both sides of the streets now.

There were also waiters at each door waiting to welcome new guests while many others walked around with shopping baskets. Although the people’s clothes were still a little worn out, they looked clean.

Luo Jin’an said, “Most of the locals fled when it became a dangerous place to live. Ruozhu’s beneficial policies have encouraged the people to return to their homes.

“Those who did will enjoy some preferential policies. It seems most of the locals have returned after hiding for so long. The government has also sent a significant number of troops to guard this place.”

Su Binglan looked around and saw the smiles on everyone’s faces. She felt emotional, saying, “The location of the border prefecture is excellent. It can become an economic trade hub. We can build this place up, you know.”

Luo Jin’an knew his wife’s thoughts. He said, “Of course, dear. Remember that I have family here, too. They can help you with whatever you need.”