Lu Feng stood at the ten-mile pavilion to see them off, wishing he could burst into tears.
The young master is imprisoned, and the family has no intention of rescuing him. What is the steward supposed to do?
The strategist was furious that he hadn't stopped the prince from making a mistake, nor had he informed the family in time, nor had he offered any words of comfort.
At this time, the princess sent people to deliver things, mostly dry food and some medicinal herbs.
Regardless of the value of these items, they delighted the strategist and made him feel more at ease on his journey.
If the princess is still thinking about fulfilling her duties as a daughter-in-law of the Lu family, then the young master's life can be guaranteed!
Most of the people in the new capital were rejoicing over the victory of the northern expedition, while a smaller portion were relieved that the Empress's funeral had taken place, ending their arduous task.
All of this combined resulted in a strange and unusual calm in Xindu.
Officials with a less sensitive sense of smell might think everything was fine.
However, some shrewd and experienced people become even more restrained in their family members, making them cautious in their words and actions.
The calm before the storm is the most terrifying!
Sure enough, a grand court assembly was held the day after the funeral.
The emperor and his ministers gathered together and discussed all the recent matters, both big and small, intending to deal with them collectively.
We drove from morning until noon, and everyone was starving.
Just when everyone thought the court session was about to end, an official from the Ministry of Rites jumped out.
"Your Majesty, the natural disaster has lasted for more than two months. If it doesn't rain soon, the people will panic, and it may shake the foundations of the country. I request that we offer sacrifices to pray for rain!"
Offering sacrifices to pray for rain?
Everyone frowned as they listened, after all, the Empress had just been laid to rest, and no one wanted to kowtow in the scorching sun again.
Moreover, kowtowing might be useful if it were, but most of the time it's a waste of effort and resources!
However, no one dared to say such a thing, for if they were accused of having ulterior motives, it would be impossible to clear their name.
With the Emperor and Crown Prince above them, and at the very least, the six ministers, it wasn't their place to speak...
As expected, the Emperor asked the six ministers, "What do you think, my dear ministers?"
The six ministers, of course, had to compromise and give vague, perfunctory responses.
"Your Majesty, praying for rain is certainly a good thing, but how to pray is a problem."
"Yes, this is no small matter; we need to be careful."
"Perhaps we should go back and think it over; we must be on the safe side."
The Emperor did not press further, and nodded indifferently.
Thus, the court assembly finally adjourned.
The officials wiped the sweat from their brows as they walked out of the palace.
Someone tugged at Li Lao Er's sleeve and asked, "Lord, what do you think of praying for rain?"
Li Lao Er laughed and said, "I come from a peasant background and know nothing about praying for rain. Whether it's a rainmaking ritual or not, we'll have to rely on you gentlemen to make the arrangements."
"However, the number of refugees outside the city is increasing, and if this continues, chaos may ensue. If it rains, the people will feel at ease, which would certainly be a good thing."
After saying this, he bowed and hurriedly headed out of the city.
Whether it was the emperor or the court, a single, casual remark was enough to hand over thousands of refugees to him.
Little do they know how enormous the task of feeding, relieving, and comforting displaced people is, and how much effort it requires!
Fortunately, he was only gone for a morning. Although the area outside the city was still crowded, it was also well-organized.
On the large stove inside the thatched hut, porridge had already been cooked. The refugees lined up to receive it, then found a corner to squat in and slowly eat it.
People from the city sent horse-drawn carts one after another to donate grain and goods. They stayed as long as possible, and the horses, irritated by the sun, pawed at the ground and refused to leave.
The purpose is obvious to everyone!
Yesterday, the Crown Prince personally commended the Gu and Jia families; the news had already spread.
Families hoping to become the Crown Prince's father-in-law couldn't help but come and try their luck!
Li Lao Er looked around, exchanged a few pleasantries with the families who donated grain and goods, and performed all the proper courtesies.
When he finally sat down to drink his porridge, the household steward approached him with a grin and asked, "My lord, is the Emperor going to arrange for a rainmaking ceremony?"
Li Lao Er replied, "You're quite well-informed, aren't you?"
The steward, unfazed by his master's anger, continued to smile.
"Your Excellency is too kind. There are no secrets inside or outside the city! Besides, this is a big deal, and everyone is happy to hear about it! If it rains, these refugees can get back to their hometowns."
Li Lao Er slurped up a mouthful of porridge, but his brows furrowed slightly.
"This matter is still undecided; it might not even happen. Keep an eye on things, and report to me immediately if the refugees show any signs of trouble!"
"Understood, Your Excellency!" the steward quickly replied.
Another afternoon passed, and at dusk, Li Lao Er and his nephew Jia An met and agreed that Jia An would stand guard here that night in case of any unexpected situations.
Li Lao Er was about to get on the carriage to return to the Earl's Mansion.
My mother has been busy ever since she came back from the south. I finally have a little free time, so I should spend some time with her and have a good meal and chat.
Jia'an stood by the car and instructed, "Second Uncle, please go back and tell Fu Niu'er not to send food over anymore. It's too hot, she'll get heatstroke if she cooks all the time."
I'm a grown man, I won't go hungry if I eat anything!
Just as Li Lao Er was about to respond, the steward who had been gossiping at noon rushed over.
"My lord, didn't you ask me to listen to the gossip of the refugees at noon? I overheard a few things just now, and something seemed off!"
Li Lao Er turned to the side and beckoned the steward and Jia An to get into the car, where there was an ice basin, which was cooler than down below.
The manager was covered in sweat, and the sudden change in temperature caused him to sneeze violently.
He didn't bother to apologize and said, "Lord, Fifth Young Master, I don't know where this rumor came from, but some refugees have already started to spread it."
"It is said that the sky is not raining because the northern expedition has lasted for many years, and too many people have died, which is against the harmony of heaven. Only by sacrificing a blessed young girl can heaven be merciful and send rain to revive all things!"
A lucky virgin?!
Li Lao Er and Jia An exchanged a glance, their expressions filled with shock and anger!
This statement sounds so familiar!
When the Empress's family was deceived, didn't they also need to drink the heart's blood of the blessed maiden in order to conceive a prince?
Is this all for the good news again?!
The steward hesitated for a moment, then said, "I sensed something was amiss in the conversation, so I came to report this. Is someone trying to cause trouble again? Should we inform the princess?"
Li Lao Er waved his hand and instructed him, "This matter still needs to be investigated. Don't make a fuss about it for now. All of you should pay close attention tonight and try to find out who started this rumor."
"Yes, sir." The steward accepted the task and left.
Jia'an immediately said, "Second Uncle, when you go home, please remind your sister that I'm here. If anything happens, please send someone to let me know."
Li Lao Er agreed, and after Jia An got off the carriage, he quickly rode into the city.
But instead of returning to the Earl's mansion, he went to the relief agency.
Most of the elderly and children in the relief department beg for food on the streets, so any rumors would definitely reach their ears.
Sure enough, after Zheng He and his men asked around, they found that several young men had heard similar things.
Li Lao Er's face turned ashen.
It should be noted that the request for rain was raised in the imperial court, and by the time the court adjourned at noon, rumors were already circulating.
This speed is nothing short of miraculous; no one would believe it if someone hadn't been pulling the strings behind the scenes!
Today's update is here!
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