Ma Xiaoxiao was very excited, "Really?"
"certainly."
Ma Youwei looked at his sister helplessly, "Xiaoxiao, be more reserved. Miss Su is a guest."
Su Huaiyue waved her hand and said, "It's okay. Sister Xiaoxiao has a straightforward personality and is a good match for me."
As the alcohol got stronger, the topic became more and more diverse, and they started talking about the future plans of Dongzhou.
Ma Youwei's eyes were determined: "I want to build water conservancy projects, reclaim more farmland, and fill the people's granaries; I also want to build a few more schools so that all children can have books to read."
His tone was full of determination, and he was wholeheartedly committed to the welfare of the people.
Su Huaiyue agreed, "This is a very good move. Knowledge can enlighten the people, and water conservancy can ensure a good harvest. The future of Dongzhou is promising."
Wei Che suggested: "Recruiting talented people is also essential. Capable people can lend a hand to Brother Ma."
Lord Li pondered for a moment and added, "We also need to exchange what we have with the surrounding counties and promote trade. Only in this way can we achieve long-term development."
Everyone discussed and made suggestions for the development of Dongzhou until night.
After the banquet, Ma Youwei wanted to arrange for everyone to rest.
Su Huaiyue stood up and said goodbye, "Thank you for your help, Brother Ma. However, it is not appropriate for us exiles to stay in the Governor's Mansion. Moreover, Lord Li has already placed the others in the inn. We must set off early tomorrow morning and cannot delay any longer."
Seeing this, Ma Youwei had no choice but to give up his insistence and simply asked, "Which direction are you heading next? If there are many of my fellow countrymen in various states, perhaps they can help."
"We are heading towards the southwestern border."
As soon as Lord Li finished speaking, Ma Youwei's expression darkened.
Su Huaiyue noticed something was wrong, "Brother Ma, what's wrong?"
Ma Youwei hesitated for a long time before finally saying, "The court has reported that there may be an epidemic in the southwest. Coupled with the enemy's powerful offensive, I'm afraid... things are not going to be peaceful."
When the three heard this, their hearts sank.
The southwestern border is already a place with high mountains, long roads and harsh environment. Now with such a disaster, the road ahead seems to be shrouded in thick fog and is full of dangers.
Su Huaiyue frowned slightly, a trace of worry flashing in his eyes, "Brother Ma, do you have any specific information about this plague? If we know the symptoms, we can make some preparations in advance."
Ma Youwei shook his head slightly, his face showing difficulty: "The secret report did not describe the symptoms in detail, only that the situation was critical."
Lord Li pondered for a moment and said, "The southwestern border is a strategic military location. With foreign enemies pressing in and the epidemic resurfacing, the imperial court will surely take action. Although we are ordered to escort the exiled, we must remain loyal and righteous. If we can help the military, we will also be helping the imperial court."
He was dressed in a blue shirt, standing with his hands behind his back, his eyes as deep as the abyss, and his words showed his responsibility.
Su Huaiyue then bowed to Ma Youwei and said, "Then we'll take our leave first."
After he finished speaking, he thought of something and turned back, pulling out a sachet from his sleeve pocket and handing it over. "Brother Ma, here are some fruit seeds. They're not common here. You can ask someone to try planting them. You might get a surprise."
"Thank you, Miss Su. Ma wishes you two a speedy redress for the Wei family. Your wisdom and righteousness should not be hidden in the streets. You should rise to the top and benefit the people."
Who doesn’t want to be vindicated?
Su Huaiyue turned her head to look at Wei Che. He said nothing, just bowed and turned away.
The three of them walked slowly towards the inn with slightly heavy steps.
At this time, the night had already fallen like a huge piece of black silk, gently covering the entire Dongzhou City, but the night market seemed to be reborn during the day, and it was amazingly lively.
On both sides of the street, colorful lanterns are hung in an orderly manner. They are like a shining dreamy light strip, illuminating every corner of the night market.
The stalls are closely connected and filled with a variety of exquisite goods that are dazzling.
The children were waving colorful windmills in their hands, laughing and running, while the adults were busy with their own things, sketching out a prosperous scene full of the flavor of life.
Su Huaiyue stood quietly in the midst of the noise, her beautiful eyes moving as she looked at everything in front of her, ripples forming in her heart.
The desolation and ruin of Dongzhou in the past and its prosperity today, like two contrasting paintings, alternately appeared in her mind.
She knew very well that behind these earth-shaking changes, not only was Ma Youwei's hard work day and night condensed, but it was also inseparable from the hard work of the people day after day.
However, in a flash, when she thought that the southwestern border was about to be shrouded in the shadow of the plague and the people there were about to fall into dire straits, a trace of worry flashed in the depths of her eyes and her beautiful brows unconsciously frowned slightly.
Wei Che also had a solemn expression on his face. He subconsciously clenched his fists, his knuckles turning white, and muttered softly, "It would be great if every state could be as prosperous as this."
He was tall and straight, dressed in black, blending perfectly into the night. Only his resolute face was clearly visible in the interweaving of light and shadow.
Lord Li's face was also filled with worry. He looked at Su Huaiyue deeply, and with a bit of urgency and expectation, he asked, "Miss Su, the situation in the southwest is now extremely precarious. In your opinion, do you have any good ideas to resolve it?"
His eyes were as deep as the sea, full of concern and anxiety about the situation in the southwest.
Su Huaiyue lowered his eyes and pondered for a moment, then said softly, "Ancient books say that this epidemic is most likely caused by the blending of miasma and dampness, so the key to prevention and treatment lies in clearing away heat, removing dampness, and detoxifying."
"Herbs like honeysuckle, forsythia, and patchouli need to be collected in large quantities, carefully made into pills or medicinal soups, and distributed to the people in the southwest as soon as possible to prevent the disease before it occurs."
Wei Che nodded slightly in agreement, then added, "The terrain in the southwest is treacherous, and the mountain roads are rugged and difficult to travel. Transporting medicinal herbs will be extremely difficult. As we travel, we must pay close attention to areas where herbs can grow well, so we can source them locally and prepare for emergencies."
Lord Li stroked his beard and added thoughtfully, "Not only that, but the southwest is now facing an enemy army outside and an epidemic raging inside. The situation is extremely chaotic, and the people must be in a state of panic."
Su Huaiyue's eyes were firm, and his tone was resolute. "Master Li is absolutely right. When we reach the southwest, we can unite with the local government and respected gentry to work together to appease the people. I can also impart some simple and practical epidemic prevention knowledge to everyone so that they can protect themselves."
The three of them discussed countermeasures as they walked, and before they knew it, they had arrived at the inn.
In front of the inn, the lights flickered, and the dim light gently reflected on their faces, which were slightly tired but full of firm determination.
Su Huaiyue paused, turned slowly, and looked far towards the southwest, as if he wanted to penetrate the endless night and see the suffering people.
They all knew that after a short rest, a more thorny and dangerous journey would be waiting for them.
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