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The charitable hall was located on the outskirts of the county, next to a bamboo forest. Through the bamboo forest lay a small plain covered with wild grass, bordered by a stream, beyond which was a forest.

Chu Qingzhi cleared some of the wild grass to inspect the soil. The black color indicated high fertility, and the soil texture was between clay and sandy, ideal for growing rice.

Chu Qingzhi went back to find Elder Zhang, “I’ve found a piece of wasteland suitable for rice cultivation. Would you like to take a look?”

If the people at the charitable hall didn’t show initiative, she wouldn’t interfere further after the building was repaired. Support can’t lift up those unwilling to help themselves.

Elder Zhang was pleasantly surprised, “Really?”

Chu Qingzhi nodded, “I’ll take you there now. We have some time. If we clear the land and plant rice next year, the yield should be enough for everyone here.”

Elder Zhang was nearly moved to tears, “That’s wonderful, let’s go right now.”

Tang Jinghong and the Emperor and Empress, standing aside, heard everything Chu Qingzhi said.

Tang Jinghong thought to himself, compared to Chu Qingzhi, the officials in the court who only looked after their interests were utterly inadequate!

The Emperor thought, if only someone like Chu Qingzhi could join the government. Officials like her would be a blessing for the nation and the people.

The Empress thought, she had always prided herself on her battlefield achievements, believing no woman could do better. Today, she realized she still had much to learn from Chu Qingzhi.

They all went to see the wasteland Chu Qingzhi had found.

Chu Qingzhi asked Elder Zhang, “What do you think? If you decide to clear the land, I can immediately have someone purchase farming tools for you?”

Elder Zhang eagerly responded, “Yes, let’s start clearing right away.” Having faced ups and downs, he was not one to sit idle. Now that a way forward was presented, he would be a fool not to take it.

Chu Qingzhi was satisfied with the response. Before she could say more, Tang Jinghong offered, “I’ll take people to buy the tools.”

The Emperor wanted to learn more about the common people’s lives, so he added, “I’ll go with you.”

Tang Jinghong nodded, “Let’s go.”

Chu Qingzhi instructed them, “Get the money from He Wen Yong and Duan Qi Dao.”

These two were meticulous and incorruptible, had the people’s interests at heart, and would not misuse public funds. If they did, she would be the first to know.

Tang Jinghong acknowledged, “Understood.”

The Empress approached Chu Qingzhi, “With your help, their lives will surely improve.”

Chu Qingzhi modestly replied, “My help is just a small factor. The main effort must come from them.”

The Empress remarked, “Even so, your small contribution has lifted them from the abyss to the cliff’s edge.”

With a smile, Chu Qingzhi began helping to mark the boundaries of the wasteland.

After marking the boundaries for easy measurement and registration with the government, the crop grown there would be protected by the government.

Elder Zhang and the children began to pull weeds. The recent rain had softened the soil, making the task easy and allowing for complete removal, root and all.

After marking the area, Chu Qingzhi estimated it to be about ten acres. Given the current yield of 400 pounds per acre, ten acres would produce over three thousand pounds of rice, more than enough for their needs.

Tang Jinghong and the Emperor returned with the purchased farming tools, including hoes, sickles, and baskets.

Tang Jinghong naturally started to loosen the soil with a hoe.

The Emperor, seeing Tang Jinghong’s ease, wanted to try but quickly realized the task was not as easy as it appeared, his hands aching after just a few attempts.

The Empress rushed over with water, suggesting a break, but the Emperor persisted, reminded of his hard military training days.

Tang Jinghong and Chu Qingzhi continued their work, occasionally amused by the Emperor’s perseverance, which, surprisingly, he maintained.

The Empress, wanting to help with weeding but deterred by the Emperor worried about her delicate hands, was offered gloves by Chu Qingzhi.

The Emperor, “…”

And so, the Empress began to pull weeds alongside Chu Qingzhi, with the young prince helping but mostly causing a playful mess, displaying the innate curiosity and exploration of a child.

“Did I do well, Sister Chu?” the young prince eagerly sought praise.

Chu Qingzhi affirmed with a smile, “Very well done, keep it up.”

Without mentioning it directly, Chu Qingzhi hinted at the need for official measurement and registration of the land.

Tang Jinghong, focused on his work, and the Emperor, after some thought, took on the task, “I’ll handle it.”

The Empress suggested, seeing the potential for tax exemption for the charitable hall’s cultivation, which the Emperor agreed to consider.

By afternoon, the Emperor had secured the land’s title for the charitable hall, exempt from taxes, though this was to be kept quiet.

Elder Zhang and the children kneeled in gratitude, unaware of how the tax exemption was achieved but knowing anyone associated with Chu Qingzhi was capable of such feats.

The Emperor reflected on the deception by his officials regarding the nation’s prosperity.

Over the next three days, they all helped with the farm work. After clearing the land and setting aside an area for vegetables, planting seasonal crops left everyone feeling fulfilled.

On the way to the school, the Empress expressed surprise, “Qingzhi, you’re also planning a school?”

“Yes,” Chu Qingzhi handed over the school’s design plans, “The land has been surveyed, and now I’m bringing the plans to them.”

The Empress paused to examine the designs closely.

“Did you draw this?” the Emperor asked, amazed by Chu Qingzhi’s talents.

Chu Qingzhi nodded, “Yes, I haven’t named it yet. Can you help think of one?”

The Empress suggested, “It’s your school; you should name it.”

The Emperor inquired about Yunfei School’s awareness of her plans.

Chu Qingzhi explained, “They know. But my school focuses on learning crafts, not preparing for the imperial examinations, so there’s no conflict.”

“Learning crafts?” The Emperor and Empress were intrigued anew.