Royal Gold Magistrate

After a full day of persuading, Fang Zheng finally managed to talk the Crown Prince around.

Getting defeated by a pile of shit would be too embarrassing and humiliating!

The next day, the two stepped onto the streets of Banshan District again, but this time they brought Zhang Biao along.

To ensure Li Yuanzhao’s safety and minimize his influence, he still used the identity of Li Yuan when out and about, while Fang Zheng continued to call himself Mr. Sai as usual.

The daily management was left to Zhao Gang’s hands, which would also avoid many troubles.

Li Yuanzhao stood on the street, feeling troubled. “Old Fang, why do you think they relieve themselves on the streets?”

“Because it’s convenient.”

Although public toilets have existed for a long time, large-scale promotion didn’t happen until the Qing Dynasty.

Although there were public toilets on the streets of Banshan District, the number was extremely low, clearly not enough for the common people.

In uncivilized areas, the vast majority of people would just find a corner and take care of business on the spot.

Although there were sewers and drainage channels in the capital, they were really not easy to use.

Modern people always think that with complete facilities like sewers, everything will be fine.

Little do they know, this thing is like the blind sidewalks of today. If you trust it, you’re doomed.

Without scientific management, planning, and technical support, sewers are extremely prone to clogging, and they’re only cleaned every two or three years. When it rains… let’s not even mention it.

Even modern sewer systems can experience severe waterlogging in a heavy downpour, let alone in Great Jing.

So the best solution is still to find latrine cleaners to transport this filth out of the city as much as possible.

Fang Zheng said to Li Yuanzhao, “For now, the first thing we need to do is lay a solid foundation. We need to build more public toilets and arrange for people to maintain them daily. Street cleaning also needs to be intensified. Other things can be done gradually later.”

Li Yuanzhao asked in confusion, “Old Fang, how did we end up dealing with piss and shit! Can’t we do something else first? In my opinion, it’s better to demolish some old houses and build new ones, or repave the roads. I’d like to see who dares to shit on stone slab roads!”

Fang Zheng explained patiently, “You’re not wrong. Those old houses do need to be renovated, but now is not the time.”

“Although sanitation seems like a small matter, it’s of great importance and relates to the people’s mental state. If people lose their spirit, they can’t accomplish anything.”

“Moreover, the current environment is very conducive to spreading diseases, so it needs to be resolved as soon as possible.”

“Also, don’t underestimate environmental sanitation. If the environment improves, the crime rate will also decrease significantly.”

“Currently, there are hundreds of recorded crimes at the City Garrison, and if you count the unreported ones, it’s probably innumerable, although the vast majority are petty theft.”

“If the environment improves, crime should decrease immediately. If you don’t believe me, let’s make a bet!”

Li Yuanzhao pouted, “No bet. Whatever you say goes. You have experience in Taoyuan County, I’m not falling for your trick!”

Then he turned to Zhang Biao, “Zhang Biao, is what Old Fang said correct?”

Zhang Biao glanced at this “unruly kid” who always acted so casually with the Young Master, but forgave him considering he was mentally challenged!

He said solemnly, “Correct! That’s how it is. When I was a constable in Taoyuan County, I discovered that when the environment became cleaner, fewer people broke the law. I think solving this problem isn’t difficult. Whoever dares to relieve themselves on the street, just sew their buttholes shut!”

“Sew up a couple and they’ll all behave!”

Hearing this, Li Yuanzhao became completely flustered. He started imagining Zhang Biao carrying a person and repeatedly piercing their buttocks with a large needle.

Fang Zheng sighed and patted Zhang Biao’s shoulder, “Brother Biao, forget it.”

“You should put away that skill of yours. The capital isn’t like Taoyuan County. If word gets out, it’ll be humiliating.”

Zhang Biao puffed out his chest proudly, “No worries. After following the Young Master, I’ve become shameless!”

“Shut up!”

…………..

After spending a day, Fang Zheng and Li Yuanzhao started to investigate Banshan District to get a specific understanding of the situation, so they wouldn’t be clueless.

Zhao Gang assigned another person to Fang Zheng, the Deputy Commander Ding Quan.

Ding Quan was thin and small, with a crafty face. However, after chatting briefly, Fang Zheng discovered that this person was talented.

He was very knowledgeable about matters big and small in Banshan District.

In contrast to Zhao Gang, who had to consult files whenever asked about anything, Ding Quan seemed to be someone who actually did practical work in the City Garrison, even though he was a bit sly and constantly flattered Fang Zheng in his speech.

After a short chat, Fang Zheng said to Ding Quan, “I’ll give you two days to recruit civilians to build public toilets. I want a public toilet built every 150 zhang throughout Banshan District, with separate facilities for men and women.”

“At the same time, recruit a group of civilians to clean the streets. I want to see results in half a month. No one should be allowed to relieve themselves randomly on the streets. Catch them and punish them heavily!”

Ding Quan readily agreed, then smiled and rubbed his hands, saying in a low voice, “Sir… who will provide the silver for recruiting manpower?”

“You don’t need to worry about that. I will cover all expenses. Also, I will send someone to assist you.”

Fang Zheng had already thought this through and decided to send Lu Fa over. There was currently no progress on the overseas merchant matter.

That guy left his wife at home and went out whoring every day.

He had at least worked in the Taoyuan County yamen before, so he had some basic competence.

Fang Zheng’s primary reason for sending Lu Fa was to have him monitor Ding Quan, as he was concerned that Ding Quan might try to profit from the situation.

“Sir… if a public toilet is to be built every 150 zhang, I’m afraid it will occupy the location of residences. What do you think about this…”

Fang Zheng replied decisively, “It’s not an issue. If people’s houses are affected, negotiate a fair price with them, and I will personally buy the properties. Just remember to be polite and reasonable during the negotiations.”

“Also! Arrange another group of people to collect feces out of the city daily. I don’t care if they sell it or dump it, but they must transport it out every day without fail!”

Ding Quan looked troubled.

“Sir… I’m afraid this last matter is beyond my ability to handle for you. The capital’s latrine cleaners are not a group the City Garrison can afford to offend…”

Li Yuanzhao widened his eyes and shouted, “What! The City Garrison can’t even offend a group of shit collectors? What are you eating for!?”

Ding Quan said awkwardly, “Your Hi-… ah, Lord Li, you are unaware of this.”

“One latrine cleaner is no trouble… but when a group of them gets together, it becomes a big problem. Now this group of latrine cleaners doesn’t even take the government seriously…”

Ding Quan continued with a sigh, “When someone’s cesspit is full, they have no choice but to rely on these latrine cleaners. If the cleaners ignore the job, it creates an unbearable situation for the household. That’s why the latrine cleaners have always been a headache for the City Garrison!”

Fang Zheng waved his hand and said lightly, “No matter. Do as I instructed you. I will find a way to deal with those people.”