He spoke frankly and offered advice on the people's suffering.
The early summer wind, carrying scorching heat, swept across the southern land of Dajing. Three months without rain had dried up the riverbeds, causing them to crack and dry. Rice seedlings in the paddy fields withered and collapsed, turning the once fertile land into scorched earth. Refugees, young and old, struggled along the official road, their faces pale and emaciated, their clothes tattered. The cries of children mingled with the sighs of the elderly, a heartbreaking sight.
The news arrived in the capital with an urgent message, and the atmosphere in the Golden Palace was heavy. The Emperor, looking at the words "thousands of miles of land are parched, and the people are suffering terribly" on the report, frowned deeply: "Do any of you ministers have a good solution?" The ministers offered various suggestions: some advocated opening granaries to distribute grain to temporarily alleviate the crisis; others proposed reducing taxes to allow the people to recuperate; still others suggested relocating people to other places to find food, easing the pressure on the disaster-stricken areas. The debate raged on, but no conclusion was reached.
"Your Majesty, I have something to say!" Shen Chengyou stepped forward from among the officials and bowed. Although he was only a compiler in the Hanlin Academy and relatively inexperienced, his previous memorials, which had repeatedly struck at the heart of the matter, had already earned him the emperor's favor. At this moment, his expression was solemn, and his gaze was firm: "What you gentlemen have said are all expedient measures, treating the symptoms but not the root cause!"
Upon hearing this, the court fell silent. Many senior officials showed displeasure, secretly thinking that this young man was too arrogant. Shen Chengyou, however, remained unmoved and continued, "Opening granaries to distribute grain can only solve the immediate crisis. If the disaster continues, the granaries will eventually run out. Reducing taxes can alleviate the burden, but it cannot solve the fundamental problem of water shortage. Relocating people to other places for food is a waste of resources and manpower, and it is likely to cause chaos."
The emperor nodded: "In your opinion, what should be done?"
"In my opinion, we should proceed in three steps!" Shen Chengyou said firmly. "First, we should immediately allocate grain and fodder, set up soup kitchens along the main roads of the disaster area, and strictly prohibit officials from embezzling funds to ensure that the people have food and water. Second, we should organize the military and civilians to build water conservancy projects, dredge existing river channels, dig new canals, and draw water from distant mountains to irrigate farmland, fundamentally solving the water shortage problem. Third, we should severely crack down on hoarders, regulate grain prices, and at the same time encourage wealthy households to donate grain and reward them, so as to unite all forces to overcome the difficulties together!"
No sooner had he finished speaking than an imperial censor stepped forward to retort: "Editor Shen is too idealistic! Water conservancy projects are time-consuming and labor-intensive. The people in the disaster area are already suffering from hunger and cold. Where will the manpower come from?"
Shen Chengyou was prepared and calmly replied, "Your Excellency is mistaken! Although the people in the disaster area are suffering, they long to return to their homes and rebuild their fields. The court can promise that those who participate in the canal repair will be provided with daily rations, and their taxes will be reduced for three years after the disaster. The people will surely be willing to contribute. I am willing to volunteer to go to the disaster area to oversee this matter and share the joys and sorrows with the people!"
His words were clear, logical, and to the point, addressing both immediate relief and long-term governance, leaving the previously arguing ministers speechless. Looking at this young yet responsible minister, the Emperor, recalling Shen Qingci's integrity from years past, felt gratified and immediately approved: "Granted! Shen Chengyou, I appoint you as Deputy Disaster Relief Envoy, to go to the disaster-stricken areas in the south to assist the Chief Envoy in implementing various measures. I bestow upon you the Imperial Sword, which allows you to execute first and report later, severely punishing those who are corrupt and derelict in their duties!"
"Your subject obeys the decree!" Shen Chengyou knelt to receive the decree, his eyes filled with determination. He knew that this mission carried great responsibility, but he also understood that it was an excellent opportunity to put his grandfather's and father's teachings into practice and do practical things for the people.
On the eve of leaving the capital, Shen Nianqing handed a folding fan left by his grandfather to his son. The four characters "plead for the people" on the fan were still clearly visible in ink: "Chengyou, this journey will be arduous. You must not only help the people, but also be wary of the wickedness of people's hearts. Remember, an official should put the people first. Even if the road ahead is full of thorns, you must not waver in your original intention."
Shen Chengyou accepted the folding fan and nodded solemnly: "Father, rest assured, your son will certainly not fail in his mission!"
At dawn the next day, Shen Chengyou, carrying provisions and documents allocated by the imperial court, embarked on his journey south. He knew all too well that a fierce battle concerning the lives of countless people had only just begun.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com