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“Everyone has worked hard during this period.” Chu Qingzhi gathered the four records and then took out two hundred taels of silver. “This is from my own pocket, please take it and share among yourselves.”

Being valued by Chu Qingzhi for management roles indicated their excellent character. Pei Yuan pushed her hand back, “Miss, we cannot accept this. We have already received the wages due to us.”

Chu Qingzhi insisted, placing the money into Pei Yuan’s hand, “This is what you deserve. Take it.” She wanted to properly thank them for their great help.

After several refusals, they finally accepted the silver.

None of them were wealthy, but they were good-hearted and literate, chosen by Chu Qingzhi to work on this road. They probably earned around a hundred taels of silver, which was a significant leap for them.

Chu Qingzhi said, “Let’s head back. I’ll need to check on the southern road in a

bit.”

“Alright.” Pei Yuan and the others were involved in other road constructions and needed to return to their tasks.

The group mounted their horses and headed back to Shuiyun County.

Coincidentally, just as Chu Qingzhi arrived in Shuiyun County, she ran into

Zhang Feng, the manager of the southern project.

Zhang Feng looked anxious. “Miss Chu, there’s a matter that needs your attention. Otherwise, it will surely delay the project.”

Without a word, Chu Qingzhi said, “Lead the way.”

“Okay.”

The two rode quickly toward the southern road.

On the way, Chu Qingzhi learned about the situation.

This was the road from Shuiyun County to Fengxin County.

A few days ago, surveyors found that changing the road’s direction could save half an hour of travel time. However, it would pass through a village and use

some of its land.

Thinking about the cost savings, Zhang Feng negotiated with the villagers.

The negotiations went well. They bought the land, compensated the villagers, signed a contract, and paid them.

But today, when they returned, the villagers reneged. It wasn’t an outright refusal; they now claimed they were underpaid. They blocked the road, demanding more money to allow the construction.

They had already constructed a mile along the new route. Now, demolishing and rebuilding would cost more than the detour. So, Zhang Feng went to reason with the villagers.

However, it’s hard to argue with obstinate people, and eventually, the issue escalated to the officials. Now, the road was blocked, and construction was halted.

This village was called Wang Village. Currently, all its residents were blocking the road, refusing construction without additional payment, indifferent to any argument.

The construction workers stood opposite the villagers, visibly angered.

Soldiers stood to one side, trying to mediate, but no one was willing to listen.

The rapid sound of horse hooves approached.

Everyone turned toward the source of the sound, and a strikingly beautiful young woman in green, with hair as dark as ink flying in the air and skin as lustrous as pearls, came into view.

For once, everyone agreed on something-the young woman was incredibly beautiful, like a delicate peach blossom blooming in March.

Chu Qingzhi dismounted gracefully in front of the villagers, her demeanor authoritative. “I am Chu Qingzhi, their chief manager. If there’s an issue, speak

to me.”

Seeing Chu Qingzhi’s posture, the villagers’ bravado instantly diminished.

Both the workers and the soldiers instinctively stepped back; Chu Qingzhi’s presence was overwhelming, making it hard for them to even look up.

The villagers pushed forward their village chief, a sixty-year-old man with overthinking-induced white and sparse hair, trembling as if about to fall at any gust of wind.

The village chief scrutinized Chu Qingzhi briefly, then said, “Little girl, better call your father. You can’t make decisions here.”

Chu Qingzhi calmly responded, “I can make decisions on behalf of my father. Speak up, village chief. I’ll give you the time of one incense stick to clarify things. If it takes longer, you’ll compensate a hundred taels for every half-hour of delay, and the loss will be charged to your village! ”

Wang Village’s Wang Ben shouted, “What a tone you have!”

Chu Qingzhi’s gaze shifted to Wang Ben, thinking him foolish for not knowing that the loudest gets targeted first, yet he dared to rebuke her, “How much silver did you receive?”

Wang Ben immediately deflated, stuttering, “Ten taels.”

Chu Qingzhi coldly asked, “So, you disagree with our road construction?”

Wang Ben, stiff-necked, replied, “Yes, you’ve given too little. Our land could yield much grain.”

Chu Qingzhi cut to the chase, “Then please return thirty taels of silver to us, and we’ll stop construction immediately.”

Wang Ben was bewildered, “You gave me ten taels. Why should I return thirty to you?”

Chu Qingzhi presented the contract, “The contract states any breach of agreement incurs a threefold compensation. Didn’t you listen when we talked?”

Zhang Yuan stepped forward, “I made it clear at the time. All parties were present, and there was no deceit.”

The villagers of Wang Village shifted their gazes, thinking they could overpower the construction team by banding together, not anticipating this outcome.

Chu Qingzhi focused on Wang Ben, “If we don’t build, return the money. If you take longer than the time of one incense stick, pay a hundred taels. Think carefully.”

Another villager protested, “We won’t accept this!”

Chu Qingzhi didn’t even look at him. She just needed to focus on Wang Ben, “Have you made up your mind? If so, go home and get the money.

Under pressure, Wang Ben quickly caved, saying in a panic, “Why only question me and not them?”

Chu Qingzhi surveyed the crowd with a sharp gaze, “After you, I’ll question the others. No one will escape.”

As Chu Qingzhi’s gaze swept over them, villagers avoided eye contact, unable to face her scrutiny.

Under intense pressure, Wang Ben’s resolve crumbled, “I won’t oppose anymore. Build as you wish.”

How could he possibly return the money he had taken, let alone pay an additional twenty taels? Impossible!

After declaring his position, he hastily fled, overwhelmed by being singled out by Chu Qingzhi; it was terrifying.

Chu Qingzhi then asked loudly, “Who else wants to obstruct?

The villagers of Wang Village all dodged away, unable to meet her gaze.

“I’ll count to three. Leave, and I’ll overlook this!” Chu Qingzhi paused before starting, “One!”

Immediately, some of the more timid villagers turned and ran.

“Two!”

Those still watching pulled their families and fled.

“Three!”

Seeing Chu Qingzhi’s stern look, they hesitated before scattering.

The white-haired village chief looked around and then slowly turned, shakily walking away.

Soon, the road-blocking villagers had all disappeared.

The officials, witnessing the scene, silently admired Chu Qingzhi’s handling of the situation, acknowledging that tough measures were sometimes necessary to deal with stubborn people.

The leading officer stepped forward to pay his respects, “Miss Chu, we will take our leave now.”

Chu Qingzhi nodded, “If these villagers cause more trouble in the future, or if they maliciously attempt to sabotage the road construction, handle it as I did, focusing on one person. Once they back down, the matter will be easier to resolve.”

The officer smiled in agreement, “We will remember your advice.”

“Take care,” Chu Qingzhi bid them farewell.