Zhu Yunwen's methods are truly admirable. After all, he had only been in the disaster area for a little over a day, yet he had already mobilized several surrounding counties to actively participate in the relief efforts for the displaced victims.

In just one day, they directly stockpiled three million catties of grain, which greatly alleviated the situation of the disaster victims.

The county of Hukou resolved the disaster on its own without even needing the imperial court's intervention, which is truly admirable.

However, from that moment on, the wealth gap between people in Hukou County was instantly averaged out.

In the past, the social hierarchy in these places was very strict, and the gentry and wealthy people had a lot of status and money.

Even though the place suffered a severe disaster, it did not affect their family property in the slightest.

Therefore, Zhu Yunwen tricked them into using the disaster to make money, and they took out most of their family property for disaster relief. Although he gained fame, he also emptied his originally solid family fortune in an instant.

This can be seen as a disguised form of weakening the scholar-official class.

Inside the county government office, Zhu Yunwen led Zhao Qingzhu to the dining room and they sat down.

The magistrate prepared a lot of good food today, since the disaster victims were not short of food, and the county government was able to provide some decent food to entertain Zhu Yunwen.

Zhu Yunwen looked at the table full of reasonably delicious food, smiled, and said:

"Only then can I eat this meal with a clear conscience."

Magistrate Li also laughed and said:

"This is perhaps the only meal I've had that I can eat with peace of mind in the past month or so. It's all thanks to Your Highness the Third Prince. If it weren't for you resolving the disaster situation, who knows how many more disaster victims would still be starving."

Zhu Yunwen took a deep breath and said:

"The problem is solved, so let's not bring it up again. Where's my dear second brother? Why isn't he out for dinner?"

Magistrate Li gave a wry smile and said, "I personally went to invite him to dinner just now, but he didn't seem to appreciate it and was unwilling to come out."

Zhu Yunwen smiled and said:

"He's not happy that the disaster victims are being helped, such a good thing."

Magistrate Li had long been aware of the various problems, and after hesitating for a moment, he still said:

"Forgive my bluntness, but is there some grudge between you and this second prince? You are focused on providing relief to the disaster victims, while he seems only interested in fighting against you and is indifferent to the situation of the disaster victims."

Zhu Yunwen snorted: "You're only seeing it now?"

Magistrate Li sighed and said:

"I was indeed blind before and failed to distinguish who was good and who was bad. Now I realize that His Highness was more of a detached observer. He seems to care more about finding fault with you than about the lives of the disaster victims."

But you were different. You didn't pay him much attention; you were only thinking about the disaster victims. Even when misunderstood, you didn't want to explain too much, which is truly admirable.

Zhu Yunwen waved his hand and said, "There's no need to say that. I came here to provide relief to the disaster victims, not to scheme against anyone."

"Your Highness, please rest assured, I will report the situation of this disaster relief truthfully. I will also impeach Your Highness for inaction, your various taunts, and your attempts to find fault with you in the report."

Upon hearing this, Zhu Yunwen shook his head and said:

"There's no need for that. Just report the disaster situation and the aftermath as they are. You don't need to mention anything about my affairs, Zhu Yunwen's actions, or his attitude."

Magistrate Li was immediately somewhat surprised:

"Your Highness, why is that? You have done so much; shouldn't I be the one to put in a good word for you?"

The Second Prince has accomplished nothing and is only waiting to laugh at us. Shouldn't we treat his attitude like food that's not good enough for His Majesty?

Zhu Yunwen: "You only need to report the disaster situation truthfully. As for what Zhu Yunwen and I did, you can just gloss over it or not mention it at all."

"What Grandfather wants to know, he certainly knows. Your attempts to elevate me and belittle Zhu Yunwen with excessive words may backfire."

Magistrate Li suddenly understood and said, "So that's how it is. His Highness the Third Prince is truly wise."

Zhu Yunwen smiled, picked up his wine glass, and said:

"Come on, let's make sure the disaster victims have a meal and a drink."

The two laughed and drank a glass of wine. Zhao Qingzhu, who was standing next to them, also took a small sip. Then Zhu Yunwen said:

"Afterwards, there are still many things to do regarding the management of the disaster victims and the follow-up arrangements. Magistrate Li, you must do a good job."

"Please rest assured, Your Highness. You have laid such a good foundation for me. If I were to fail to do well, it would be a disgrace."

Zhu Yunwen nodded and said no more.

After the meal, the six Imperial Guards sent out by Zhu Yunwen returned and truthfully reported to him the resettlement situation of the displaced people in the three surrounding counties they had visited.

Zhu Yunwen said to Magistrate Li:

"The surrounding counties are also quite proactive in resettling the disaster victims. I guess my example of making an example of someone has had a good effect."

Furthermore, these officials, eager to gain points in their performance evaluations, will likely treat the disaster victims well in the coming period. Having them manage the dispersing disaster victims is a good thing.

If they are unable to control the situation or the disaster victims return voluntarily, the money and food you have left will be enough to accommodate even more victims.

Magistrate Li nodded: "Of course. Even if all the disaster victims return, the money and grain we have now are enough to sustain them for more than half a year. We can definitely get through this drought!"

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