The villages and factions in the surrounding area had approached Li Qing’s father several times to discuss jointly mining the rich ore deposit, but they were rebuffed every time.
Although this place was a small, self-contained world of its own, it was still part of the nation and had to abide by the law. Since the county had issued official mining permits, those other factions didn't dare to seize the mine by force. Even when some of them pulled strings or brought in the county magistrate to pressure him, Li Qing’s father simply used delaying tactics to hold them off.
Zhaobali Village was considered the weakest among the surrounding villages. This was primarily because Li Qing’s father refused to exploit the villagers for their blood and sweat. The neighboring villages and factions were similar to the heartless mine owners of later generations, maximizing their profits and expanding their influence solely by squeezing the laborers dry.
Chapter 336