Chapter 295. Thinking quite well
The officials in Shanggu Town are still good. Some people have relatives who escaped from the neighboring town, saying that over there, no one even asks about you. The environment is extremely poor, it’s like a living hell. Only those who are ruthless and unite have a chance of survival; otherwise, they may become living food for others.
Because of this, many people with timid dispositions, wanting to survive, fled the town, and a significant number of them came to Shanggu Town. Hence, there are so many people here.
But although people from outside the town can get rations, the amount is half of what the townspeople receive.
This is unavoidable, as grain seeds are too scarce, so naturally, we must prioritize the townspeople; otherwise, there would be no need to painstakingly record everything.
Even so, the county magistrate still went around to the major households to collect a wool tax, though it wasn’t for free.
At the same time, he actively persuaded a few large shop owners in town to open for business.
With the help of the townspeople, the cleanup in Shanggu Town obviously went much faster, and in just two days, all the mud and garbage in the town disappeared, gradually revealing the roads as they once were.
Some shops only require a little tidying and can indeed open for business.
Lord Liu’s intentions were good, but: "..."
Unfortunately, the effect wasn’t great. After experiencing such a dark period, who’s daring enough to expose that they have grain and goods? That’s just inviting robbery!
Those who are able to build a family business aren’t fools; they live transparently and cautiously. Even though the county magistrate in Shanggu Town is relatively trustworthy, no one dares to take the risk. After all, two fists can’t fight four hands, and there are too few patrolling officers in town.
Another factor is that although it seems the disaster is over, it’s just for now. Last year’s catastrophe was unprecedentedly terrifying, making people anxious and cautious.