Should I accept or decline?

If she declines the offer, things will be simple: it will show that she has no ulterior motives and prove that the emperor truly favors her.

This also put the minds of those old ministers at ease.

This avoids criticism and potential pitfalls in the future.

But who she is, she actually wants to accept.

Starving to death is a small matter, but being overfed is a sign of boldness; the power that is truly in one's hands is much more appealing.

Even if she is accused of harboring malicious intentions, coercing the throne, and being greedy for power, she is willing to accept it.

As I said before, she will prove herself worthy of her position.

If Zhao Yunqi dared to offer it, why wouldn't she dare to accept it?

Xiao Zhixing fiddled with the bracelet and finally made a decision.

We're busy right now; we'll talk about that matter once the imperial edict arrives.

Although there were few deaths after the earthquake, epidemic prevention remains the top priority.

With Bai Su coming in person and Xiao Zhixing overseeing the operation, a strict disinfection plan was implemented.

Meanwhile, reconstruction efforts were launched in the disaster area.

In ancient times, ordinary people asked for very little. When they learned that the government was helping them build houses, they were all grateful and would help out.

Xiao Zhixing stayed in Heiwu County for twenty days.

Temporary resettlement of disaster victims, post-disaster reconstruction, disaster damage statistics, disease prevention, resumption of work and production, and many other aspects.

She personally led everyone in making arrangements one by one, and taking advantage of this practical opportunity, she decided to compile a disaster prevention manual.

From initial forecasting to advance evacuation and disaster relief to post-disaster management, every crucial step is crucial.

How to do it, who will do it, who will be responsible, and what to do.

Write everything down in detail so that it can serve as an official guideline for future disaster relief efforts.

On the tenth day, Duke Li and Zhang Shanhai arrived in Heiwu County by fast horse with the emperor's edict.

When the Duke of Li publicly announced the imperial edict of reward, even the most foolish official felt uneasy.

Xiao Zhixing and Duke Li exchanged glances, and there was a clear expectation in the latter's eyes.

Xiao Zhixing smiled and reached out to accept the imperial edict, saying, "Thank you for your great favor, Your Majesty!"

Duke Li released his grip in surprise, looking at her intently. He couldn't understand what Xiao Zhixing was thinking.

I thought she would refuse.

Isn't she afraid of being overshadowed by the emperor and condemned by the people for her actions?

Xiao Zhixing smiled and handed the imperial edict to Li Wenxiu. "Duke Li and General Zhang have come a long way and must be tired. First, wash up, have a hot meal, and rest well for the night. We will discuss disaster relief tomorrow."

Duke Li composed himself and said with a smile, "The journey to Beizhou has broadened my horizons. The Prince handled the earthquake well, preventing it in advance and shocking the world. The silver we brought is to comfort the disaster victims."

No one died, just houses and fields were destroyed, and some stingy officials in the court were still clamoring that since that was the case, there was no need for disaster relief.

He was removed from office by the emperor in court.

Especially at times like these, the imperial court should exert its efforts to boost its reputation.

Therefore, Duke Li actually brought 300,000 taels of silver.

Xiao Zhixing cupped his hands in greeting, “Your Majesty is wise and has truly relieved the suffering of the people of Beizhou. With this silver, they can get through this difficult time for the time being.”

Building houses, cultivating fields, and repairing homes all cost money, so the imperial court's funds can help improve the lives of ordinary people.

Zhang Shanhai brought two thousand men, followed by escorting officers and soldiers.

When they arrived, they thought they had completed their mission, but Xiao Zhixing took them all to the site to help the people clear the ruins with the soldiers of Beizhou.

Zhang Shanhai sighed, "At first, the people were unwilling, but once the people regarded them as their great benefactors, they realized their mistake and worked with great enthusiasm."

Xiao Zhixing smiled and said, "Our soldiers in Beizhou come from the people, so it is only natural for them to give back to the people. This is called the close relationship between the army and the people."

Duke Li seemed to be deep in thought.

So this is why the people and officials in Beizhou are so obedient and the government cooperate so well?

Before his departure, His Majesty instructed him to take a look at the true situation in the Northern Prefecture, so even though he was in a hurry, he made sure to observe carefully along the way.

My first impression was: everyone was of one mind, and officials and the people were like family!

Wide, flat roads; content and at ease people; officials who are close to the people.

These are just the tip of the iceberg.

What impressed him most was seeing a group of village chiefs besiege the town mayor in a certain town.

He was also nervously convinced that a riot was about to break out between the two sides.

Unexpectedly, the young mayor lifted his robe and sat down on the ground, discussing matters with everyone on the spot, explaining the ins and outs of the matter to them in detail.

The crowd was surrounded by people who would raise their hands to ask questions after listening.

The young town mayor smiled and explained and replied to each question.

The people received a satisfactory answer and naturally stopped causing trouble.

The final storm has passed.

Seeing this, Duke Li quietly pulled an old man aside and asked, "Your town mayor is so young, do you all respect him?"

Unexpectedly, the old man looked him up and down warily and said irritably, "You must be from out of town, daring to question my town mayor."

Duke Li: "Uh... Brother, you have a sharp eye. I'm just curious."

The old man chuckled, "No wonder, things are different in our Northern Prefecture compared to yours."

"How are they different?"

"Because our town mayor was selected through a statewide examination. After passing the exam, he still had to go through an interview and practical experience. Don't let his age fool you, he's only nineteen; he's a truly capable person."

The old man said smugly, "But if he weren't capable, our prince wouldn't have given him such an important position."

"The first thing our officials need to do is learn from the prince's behavior, go deep into the people, and talk to us."

"What's it called... going deep into the grassroots."

Duke Li kept these four words in mind and gained a deeper understanding of them along the way.

"Lord Li, I heard that Wenxiu and Miss Li Ningxiu have broken off their engagement?"

At the welcoming banquet, Xiao Zhixing's words brought him back to his senses.

This chapter is not finished, please click the next page to continue reading!