Although this is a good thing that benefits the people and the country, the three-year drought meant that every household was starving, so how could they have the strength to work?

"That's why I said I'd take care of the supplies. You just need to post a notice that anyone who comes to participate in the construction of the Mohe River diversion project will be provided with three meals a day and will receive five coins a day."

Zhang Wen suddenly realized, his worried expression vanishing. "Your Excellency is wise! I will give the order immediately."

This approach ensures that refugees are fed and have work to do, providing a permanent solution.

"I've finished drawing up the blueprints and tallied the number of people. We'll start construction on a chosen date."

Zhang Wen, "So fast?"

"What's wrong? Is something the matter?"

Zhang Wen nodded and lowered his eyes, "No, no, I'll give the order right away."

Zhang Wen took two steps at a time and walked out in a hurry.

Xiao Yun hurriedly went over and poured the tea. After changing the tea into a fresh cup, she sighed, "Sir, Zhang Duwei lives a truly frugal life; he is a blessing to the people."

Mingyue sipped her tea, a slight bitterness lingering on her lips and teeth. "Where is Chenyu?"

"She went to learn cooking from the imperial chef, and Sister Chen Yao went with her because she was worried."

Mingyue smiled gently, "Go and call General Ji over."

Xiaoyun bowed and said, "Yes."

A moment later, Ji Yong'an strode in. "Sir, what brings you here?"

"Find two reliable people to secretly investigate the situation in Huaizhou, focusing on whether the largest shops in Huaizhou have any dealings with Zhang Wen."

Since the bandit suppression incident, Ji Yong'an has been completely convinced of Mingyue's abilities. Without asking why, he trusts Mingyue completely and simply says, "Yes!"

Ji Yong'an received the task and went out. Mingyue went to find Shen Yu and called her out, saying, "Shen Yu, come with me for a bit."

Chen Yao wanted to go too, but Mingyue pointed at Xiaoyun and said, "You two stay here and help with the accommodations."

"yes."

The two of them watched longingly as Shenyu followed Mingyue.

"Put on a hat to cover your face, and the many refugees in the city will inevitably become restless."

Shenyu took the hat from Mingyue and put it on her head.

The two walked one after the other, with Mingyue occasionally stopping to buy a few bags of pastries. "Were you born mute?"

Shen Yu waved her hands to indicate that it was not true.

The veil concealed Shen Yu's forlorn expression. She could still speak when her mother was alive, but after her mother passed away, she became mute.

"Since that's not the case, practice your voice more often. When Chen Yao speaks, touch her neck to feel the vibrations of her voice."

This was discovered by an inspiring woman in some other world.

Shen Yu was confused and subconsciously touched her neck, opening her mouth and making two "ah ah" sounds.

Mingyue looked at Shenyu with comforting words, "There's no rush. You came out today to accompany me."

——

Zhang Wen locked himself in his study, took the note tied to the carrier pigeon, read it, and then burned it over a candle with two fingers.

Killing the Grand Preceptor within a month is no easy task.

Zhang Wen sat silently in the chair. The candles in the dimly lit study flickered. The fact that the emperor had sent the imperial advisor to provide disaster relief this time probably meant that the emperor had sensed something.

It seems the only way to take action is to strike before the Grand Preceptor is on guard, otherwise it will be over once the Grand Preceptor realizes what's happening.

"Someone, secretly deliver this letter to the Li family's shop tonight under cover of darkness."

The servant took the letter and stuffed it into his pocket.

Zhang Wen then asked, "By the way, where are the Imperial Preceptor and the others?"

The servant smiled broadly, "The Imperial Advisor and his entourage went out for a stroll. Don't worry, Master, as you instructed, we had people secretly keeping an eye on them early this morning."