The strange look in his eyes made Tang Huan feel uneasy, and he suspected that this guy might have homosexual tendencies.

In Qihuai County, everyone praises my appearance, so it's not right that even middle-aged people in their fifties or sixties have such thoughts about me.

Tang Huan shivered slightly.

"Boss Wang, are you satisfied with what this young man said?"

"A single conversation with you is worth more than ten years of study. It seems this trip to Qihuai County has been worthwhile!" Wang Tianze exclaimed.

If I hadn't come here in person, it would probably have taken a long time to discover that such a city was hidden in the remote mountains.

There is another unexpected person hiding in the city.

With Li Daikui's answer, Wang Tianze was convinced from the bottom of his heart that coming to Qihuai County this time was the right decision, which was enough to confirm Tang Huan's ability.

However, before leaving Qihuai County, he planned to find out more about the county magistrate.

After thinking for a moment, Wang Tianze asked, "Your words are truly enlightening and I admire you greatly. However, I am very curious about Qihuai County's opinion on the recent famine in Kuizhou. What do you think, sir?"

By examining various aspects, it can be confirmed whether the other party is a genuine talent.

Although having outstanding talent in one area is enough to qualify for some important official positions, since Wang Tianze has discovered Tang Huan's talent, he certainly hopes that he will excel in all aspects.

Daqing is currently in dire need of talent, and no one would complain about having too many capable people.

They'll only feel that it's not enough.

Tang Huan had his own unique insights into governance, but what about disasters? The disaster in Kuizhou was a problem that had troubled the ministers in the capital for a whole month.

Wang Tianze looked intently at Tang Huan, observing the subtle changes in her facial expressions, not wanting to miss a single one.

However, Tang Huan's expression remained unchanged, as if she was completely unaffected by the famine.

This disappointed Wang Tianze.

Yes.

In order to become a high-ranking official, in addition to ability, one must also have a sufficient heart of compassion.

However, Tang Huan showed no pity for the disaster in Kuizhou, which seemed too indifferent and heartless, making Wang Tianze hesitate.

He is indeed a talented person, but his temperament is rather bland.

My opinion of Tang Huan has also quietly dropped a bit.

"Are you talking about the disaster in Kuizhou?" Li Daikui asked back.

"Yes, Kuizhou was ravaged by famine, and the people were suffering terribly. Urgent messages kept being sent to the capital, affecting the minds of the court and all the people. Fortunately, the problem was eventually resolved."

Wang Tianze still felt a bit scared when he said this.

Seeing this, Li Daikui laughed and said, "Since Boss Wang knows about the famine in Kuizhou, he should know how the disaster was resolved there, right?"

As the Minister of Revenue, Wang Tianze had naturally reviewed the specific case files.

Moreover, as the Empress's confidant, he was already fully aware of the urgent report from Kuizhou.

"It was only thanks to a mysterious caravan that brought enough food, seeds, and a large amount of supplies that Kuizhou was able to overcome its immediate crisis..."

After he finished speaking, Wang Tianze noticed that Li Daikui was smiling broadly.

He asked, puzzled, "What are you laughing at?"

Li Daikui curled his lip, "Since Boss Wang knows so much, why did you ask my master what he thought of the famine in Kuizhou? Can't you guess the identity of that mysterious caravan?"

Seeing Li Daikui's smug and arrogant appearance, and then looking at Tang Huan's calm expression, Wang Tianze was somewhat incredulous.

Could it be them?

Did that mysterious caravan come from Qihuai County?

He immediately wanted to deny the possibility, but then he realized that it was not impossible.

Qihuai County's development has now surpassed that of most cities; more accurately, only Beijing can keep pace.

If you include all the industries and businesses in Qihuai County, even the capital city might not be able to compare.

Tang Huan does indeed have the ability to carry out disaster relief and rescue.

"Although that caravan wasn't from our Qihuai County, Qihuai County still put in a lot of effort in the disaster relief effort."

Li Daikui laughed and said, "To tell you the truth, that caravan belongs to Boss Wu. Some time ago, she brought people to Qihuai County, wanting to buy a large quantity of potatoes for disaster relief. After the magistrate found out, he decided to give a large batch of grain to Boss Wu for free, and then have his people deliver it to the disaster area for relief..."

Boss Wu?

Isn't that the Empress?

The famine in Kuizhou was actually solved by the Empress herself?

No, to be precise, it was solved by her and Tang Huan working together.

No wonder she remained unmoved despite the constant pressure she faced in court; she had been prepared all along.

Even after accepting this, Wang Tianze still found it unbelievable.

Tang Huan is an extremely money-loving person, as can be seen from the various strange taxes levied in Qihuai County. Yet, this same person gave away a large amount of grain for free.

The amount of grain that could be sent to Kuizhou to help it overcome the disaster would be more than 200,000 taels of silver, even at the lowest possible value.

If other supplies are included, the number would be even larger.

This was only possible because the Empress and the people of Qihuai County personally participated in the disaster relief efforts, without any interference from lower-level officials. Otherwise, if someone had tampered with the process, the amount of money needed for disaster relief would have been much greater.

Why did Tang Huan donate so much money for disaster relief?

This made Wang Tianze feel a little guilty. He had just thought Tang Huan was an extremely cold and indifferent person, but in the blink of an eye, the facts proved that he had only judged Tang Huan with a petty mind.

Wang Tianze solemnly clasped his hands in a fist and bow to Tang Huan, saying, "If that's the case, then I thank you, Lord Tang. You have saved Kuizhou from a disaster and are the savior of the entire city."

"Mr. Wang, you're too kind. You should thank the people of Qihuai County, not me. That batch of grain was donated by them for disaster relief. I didn't do anything in this matter."

Tang Huan did not take credit for it and appeared indifferent.

After a further conversation, Wang Tianze took his leave as it was getting late, and left the government office with Gao Yi.

"Sir, do you believe the disaster relief is genuine?"

Gao Yi quickly caught up with Wang Tianze ahead.

Wang Tianze continued at full speed, "Judging from the appearance of the other people, it doesn't seem fake, and besides him, I can hardly think of anyone else who could do such a thing."

"Didn't they just say that the people voluntarily donated food for disaster relief? Why don't we go and find out more?" Gao Yi suggested.

Given his status as a former resident of Qihuai County, it wouldn't be difficult for him to inquire about certain things.

After getting used to the Qihuai County dialect, which they hadn't used for many years, Gao Yi led Wang Tianze to a family's home.

Gao Yi asked, "Grandma, I heard that you donated your family's food supplies for disaster relief some time ago? I wonder what your thoughts were?"

The elderly woman in front of him immediately smiled.

"To be honest, we are really willing to help with disaster relief, after all, Qihuai County also went through that process. But the reason we are actually donating so much grain is because Lord Tang promised to improve our welfare benefits for the next three years..."

Improving welfare benefits—in other words, ultimately this debt still comes from Tang Huan.