Hearing Lu Baichuan's accusations, everyone wanted to refute him but couldn't utter a single word.

Some people even secretly observed the emperor's expression, and when they saw that he indeed had a sullen face, they instantly felt a chill run down their spines.

The emperor sneered and said, "My trusted ministers have truly opened my eyes. At a time like this, they actually want to push a woman out to deal with it. What use are you in this court?"

He was very angry and slammed his hand on the table.

He knew perfectly well that sending Lu Baichuan and his wife was the most appropriate option in this situation, as it would not only solve the local problems but also help the people recover from their injuries.

But Jiang Jiuniang's body wouldn't allow it; she was pregnant. Even if he were the most depraved, he couldn't do such a thing. He never expected that these people in the court could be so shameless, saying such disgusting things with such righteous indignation.

Who gave them the guts?

The court officials knelt on the ground, and the emperor continued, "You all heard what Lady Lu did for the people without taking a salary from the court. You all take salaries from the court, so you can't do nothing. Starting today, the court will start donating money from top to bottom, and all the money raised will be sent to the disaster area. Anyone who dares to embezzle even a single penny during this period will have their entire family wiped out!"

He even had his ministers discuss how much they should donate at the minimum, based on their official rank.

The requirements aren't high; anyone can do them. It all depends on how the officials actually do them.

Not only that, the emperor waved his hand and ordered all the officials who had just stood up to question the disaster to go and provide relief, so that they would personally experience the hardships involved and dare not speak recklessly next time.

This operation brought joy to some and sorrow to others, because most of those sent were civil officials. Their posts could not be left unattended, and their absence for several months would delay things. At first, they wanted to use this as an excuse to refuse, but the emperor said that there was no shortage of people and that others would naturally take their place.

Everyone felt a chill run down their spines; this meant they were about to be demoted.

Although they say nice things on the surface, once they leave, their original positions are instantly replaced, and when they come back, who will remember them?

No matter how much the people pleaded, the emperor did not soften his heart. This was an opportunity to make an example of Lu Baichuan and also to give him an explanation.

It's shameful that these people are using Jiang Jiuniang, a woman from the inner quarters of the house, to make a fuss about her.

To compensate Jiang Jiuniang for her emotional distress, the emperor gave her many fine gifts.

When Jiang Jiuniang learned about these things at home, she was overjoyed. This dog emperor finally had some conscience, and all the help she had given him before was worth it.

The emperor's act of taking the opportunity to get officials to donate money was also quite good. This could help the people in the disaster area and also serve as a warning to these officials.

"If he can maintain this wisdom, I can let bygones be bygones. After all, it's normal for an emperor to have some suspicions."

Jiang Jiuniang carefully examined the gifts the emperor had given her, and was so fond of them that she naturally didn't want to worry about them anymore. After all, the more she worried, the more tired she would become.

Lu Baichuan nodded. He had thought the same thing in court this morning, and he was very happy to see that his wife thought the same way.

"It's just that Prince Jing is preparing to go to provide disaster relief, but I always feel that it's not going to work out. He's going with these emotions in his heart, so it's unlikely that things will go well."

It's always risky to do something so important right after a breakup.

"His Majesty has agreed and has arranged for his entourage and doctors. They should arrive soon. You should go and make preparations."

Time is of the essence; Prince Jing needs to settle his affairs before setting off, so teaching medical skills here needs to be done as quickly as possible.

This wasn't difficult for Jiang Jiuniang, because she knew the emperor wouldn't refuse the proposal, so she started preparing last night.

"Hmm, it's okay, I'll just change my clothes."

However, some people arrived even faster than the doctors.

After Qin Jian returned from court, Peng Yuan learned of the matter immediately and rushed over after dinner.

She was experienced in treating external injuries, and Jiang Jiuniang had personally taught her how. Although she was heavily pregnant and couldn't be of much help, she could still offer some small assistance.

Jiang Jiuniang was also pleasantly surprised to see her. It was the tacit understanding between close friends. The two didn't say much and started discussing where to start teaching.

They only have three days at most, so it's crucial to teach them the most important life-saving techniques, such as suturing and cutting.

"I understand, I'll go prepare the pigskin."

Qin Jian listened for a long time and immediately expressed his opinion.

Both he and his wife came to help, so naturally they couldn't let his wife do all the work alone.

Lu Baichuan didn't plan to do anything. He just decided to stay here and watch over the two pregnant women. He would help them with whatever was on hand, and leave the rest to the servants. With so many people around, he didn't feel comfortable letting his wife out of his sight.

All the preparations were complete, but the doctors still hadn't arrived, so Peng Yuan talked to Jiang Jiuniang about the donation.

“Sister Jiu Niang, why didn’t you tell me about something this big? Why are you being blamed? This is something we should all do together, why should you be the only one to pay for it? My sister must have the same idea, so please don’t treat us like outsiders.”

She only learned that Jiang Jiuniang had donated wool sweaters to the disaster area after Qin Jian returned. When she sent someone to inquire, it turned out that it was indeed recorded on Jiang Jiuniang's tab. She never intended for Peng Yuan and the Empress to help bear this cost.

Peng Yuan felt a little disappointed, sensing that Jiang Jiuniang didn't seem willing to play with her anymore, so she couldn't wait to bring it up.

Jiang Jiuniang found it amusing and said, "This was originally my own idea, and I didn't intend to tell anyone. If Bai Chuan hadn't argued with someone in court and told everyone, I was planning to do good deeds quietly."

As she spoke, she touched her flat stomach, saying that she should do more good deeds to accumulate merit for her unborn child.

Now that Lu Baichuan had inadvertently revealed it, it made it seem as if they had done it on purpose.

Jiang Jiuniang was somewhat troubled; those people would surely think this was another scheme between them and the emperor.

But it doesn't matter. She doesn't care what others think, as long as she has a clear conscience.

"No matter what, you can't pay for this. We should do it together. I'm sure my sister thinks the same way."

Peng Yuan still insisted on her own idea. She was worried that Jiang Jiuniang wouldn't play with her, and she always felt a sense of loss.

Seeing her anxious expression, Jiang Jiuniang found it somewhat amusing and said, "Alright, let's donate the sweaters in the name of the workshop, that way all three of us will get a share."

That's better. Peng Yuan was finally satisfied and assured her, "I'll talk to my sister about it, so don't worry."

Jiang Jiuniang nodded. She understood the Empress's temperament; the Empress would naturally agree, which was obvious without much thought.

The doctors arrived shortly afterward, but both Jiang Jiuniang and Peng Yuan couldn't help but widen their eyes when they saw them.