Xiao Yunying packed some marinated meat for them: "This is all marinated meat that I prepared. You can have a meal when you get home tonight. I've put the dipping sauce next to you."

With Chen Yuancheng's approval, Ling Qi carried the things to the carriage first. Xiao Yunying handed the siblings cloaks: "When you go back, tell Ling Qi to be careful. The snow from the past two days hasn't completely melted, and the roads are icy. Don't let the carriage go too fast."

Chen Yuancheng put on his cloak and walked to the door: "By the way, the Imperial Observatory said a while ago that there would be extremely cold weather in the north and heavy snow. They were probably referring to this period. This snow is expected to last for a few days. You'd better stock up on some food in the next couple of days just in case."

Upon hearing this, Xiao Yunying's expression turned serious: "If it snows heavily for several days in a row, wouldn't that become a snow disaster? Since the Imperial Observatory has detected a snow disaster, why hasn't it sent any information over? It would be good if people could take precautions."

She knew about the Imperial Observatory; it was an official agency responsible for observing celestial phenomena, calculating solar terms, and formulating calendars.

Chen Yuancheng explained, "These kinds of things cannot be said carelessly, lest they cause unrest among the people and turmoil in the court."

Now, some influential families in the city have received the news and have made all the necessary preparations. I didn't come to tell you in a hurry because I know you don't lack anything. The charcoal was only delivered yesterday and should be enough for a while. If you really need anything, you can tell me and I will have someone deliver it to you tomorrow.

I've already told all the shops to close for a few days if the snow gets too heavy. Also, tell your staff not to rush to deliver vegetables; I'll have someone notify you a day in advance when they'll reopen.

Xiao Yunying recalled that the capital city was indeed in dire need of disruption. The ancients were superstitious and could attribute any natural disaster or man-made calamity to the throne.

But after hearing what Chen Yuancheng said, she felt that this snowfall was not insignificant and could very well develop into a snow disaster.

Now that she knows, she can't pretend not to know and just think about herself.

Xiao Yunying asked, "Can I tell the villagers quietly?"

Many families in the village were related to her family, and most of them had a good relationship with her. The snow disaster was serious and people could really die, so she really couldn't just sit idly by.

Of course, she could only take care of the villagers; as for people in the surrounding villages and other places, she couldn't help them.

Chen Yuancheng had anticipated her question: "Keep the announcement low-key and don't make a big fuss. If it causes any unrest, the higher-ups will hold you accountable."

"Okay, I understand. I'll be very careful."

Chen Yuancheng said, "It would be too conspicuous for the whole village to suddenly go out to buy grain, and besides, there probably isn't that much grain left in the city."

"Here's what I'll do. I'll have someone send over a few cartloads of grain tomorrow, and your Xiao family relatives or close associates can buy it from you."

Xiao Yunying was still struggling with how to inform the villagers, and subconsciously replied, "No need, I have plenty of food."

Chen Yuancheng said helplessly, "No matter how much grain you have, you still need a reason to take it out, right?"

Xiao Yunying then understood his intention: "I didn't expect that. Then I won't stand on ceremony. I'll settle the money with you directly when the grain arrives tomorrow."

"Sure, just hand it over to the head driver when the time comes."

After the two had discussed the matter, Chen Yuancheng and his sister boarded the carriage and left.