Chapter 371 - 371 Conscription
Fortunately, the other party didn’t say anything and left.
He heaved a sigh of relief and returned to his camp.
Seeing that the refugees had retreated, he informed the soldiers that they could look for Zhang Ping if they had any difficulties before hurriedly returning to the county administration.
Seeing this, Gu Chengrui and Zhou Ying were relieved.
The next day, the county issued a notice for conscription. Suddenly, the entire county was in an uproar, but it soon calmed down.
It became terrifyingly quiet as people started to sign up one after another.
Constable Zhang and Bai Jingping had also rushed to Qingshui town. With the cooperation of Constable Zhang and Tian Jingzhong, they went to villages to recruit soldiers.
Bai Jingping, on the other hand, returned to the campsite and was in charge of recruiting soldiers for the three nearby villages.
When he returned, Bai Jingping did not immediately begin his work. Instead, he went to the manor and said to the refugees who had been captured, “Ever since the disaster, the Yunhe County was instructed to deal heavy punishment as instructed by the Dongyang Manor.
“I think you should have heard of it.
“With the crime of gathering as robbers, there are only two paths for you all. One is to accept the conscription and head to the north for war.
“The other was to join the county’s labor force for half a year.
“I’ll give you fifteen minutes to think about it and decide.”
“May 1 ask what kind of labor work this entails?” At this moment, a weak voice asked.
“Repair the river and road.”
Just as Bai Jingping finished his sentence, someone shouted, “We didn’t have anything to eat or drink for the past few days. Isn’t giving us such heavy work trying to kill us?”
“Not really, but you’ll definitely suffer. Of course, if you want to eat well, you can accept the conscription. You won’t go hungry.” Bai Jingping replied.
“There’s food in the military camp?”
“Yes, the country’s current food supply is mainly supplied to the various barracks to ensure our country’s safety.”
The crowd immediately started discussing amongst themselves. Although they felt it was unfair, most knew their situation.
Otherwise, if the border was lost and invaders from all sides came in, they would have even worse days.
However, some people were still unwilling and asked, “Why the discrimination? They should at least give us some soup if there’s meat for the soldiers.”
“Discrimination?” Bai Jingping scoffed, then continued, “They’re risking their lives for a living. You can join the army if you’re envious. The opportunity is right in front of you.”
The man immediately shut up.
However, with Bai Jingping’s words, everyone felt more at ease. Finally, most of them chose to go to the military camp.
In any case, they would suffer the threat of death, so they might as well eat their fill.
Only a few people who could not let go of their families chose to join the labor force.
When Bai Jingping saw this, he immediately led them back to his camp.
He then went to the refugee camp and recruited another hundred or more people.
As for the three villages, Xin’an village had 23 people who signed up.
Five from Xiahe village.
There were only three people from Shanghe village.
However, Bai Jingping did not ask for more, as many other places had many more people wanting to join the army.
At night, Constable Zhang came to Gu Chengrui’s home.
Gu Chengrui gestured for him to sit down and said, “We’ve collected a total of 200 pounds of dried white potatoes and 300 pounds of dried vegetables.
“The dried vegetables can be considered a gift, so the silver you gave is just enough.”
Constable Zhang nodded and handed him another tael of silver. “Thank you so much, Doctor Gu. Otherwise, I would really go hungry.”
“It’s not a problem. We’re only doing this for your sake.” Gu Chengrui stood up after that. “Do you want to transport it now? Or…?”
“Let’s do it tomorrow morning. 1’11 stay at Lord Bai’s place for the night.” Constable Zhang replied and laughed. “Doctor Gu, please help me ask for your sister’s opinion. I’ve already spoken to my two children, and they’ve agreed..”