Even though she had been away for so long, the Xie family business in Shangjing City was still running well, thanks to the careful arrangements she made before she left.
The shopkeeper and his staff were overjoyed to see their boss return, but they were also worried about their companions still trapped in Mobei. Xie Wanyun also felt guilty. If it weren't for her decision, these people wouldn't be in danger. Now that there was no news, it was unknown whether they were dead or alive.
The Ministry of War releases battle reports every day. Although the information is not very timely, it is better than knowing nothing.
As the war deepened, more and more refugees flocked to Shangjing. The news they told was so diverse and so alluring that it was hard to tell who to listen to.
But one thing is certain: Blue Moon Pass had not been breached and was still holding out. The reason people fled was mainly because the scene when the pass was breached was too tragic, and they were worried that if it fell again, it would be another hell on earth, so everyone who could escape fled.
The massive influx of refugees had already overwhelmed the capital. Those who arrived early and had some money in their pockets could still rent a house or stay in an inn. However, those who arrived later found that houses were unavailable and inns were full. After fleeing all the way, they had run out of money and were forced to stay under other people's roofs.
With so many people, food, shelter, and shelter were a major problem. The streets were filled with a foul stench. When the refugees ran out of money, they began begging. At first, the citizens of Beijing were quite sympathetic and gave them some food, but after a while, no one could stand it anymore. The refugees could not get any food, and they became so hungry that they began to steal and even rob.
The governor of Shangjing was too busy catching thieves and robbers every day. If he caught someone, he would just scold them and release them because the prison was full. Even if someone was caught deliberately, at least they would be fed in prison.
The government had no choice but to turn a blind eye. Theft was rampant in the city, and complaints were rampant.
Later, the government stepped in, designated an open space as a refugee camp, set up simple tents, and distributed food daily. They also mobilized wealthy families in the city to donate food and supplies, opened porridge factories, and finally appeased the refugees.
Xie Wanyun, the wealthiest woman, not only donated the most but also personally visited the refugee camp daily to deliver clothing and medicine to the elderly, the weak, and the sick. The more news she heard from the refugees, the more worried and uneasy she became. Whenever she had a moment's free time, she would visit the palace to see the Empress Dowager and inquire indirectly about the war situation.
After so many visits, the Empress Dowager began to notice something was wrong. One day, she asked her directly, "Wanyun, I've noticed that you've been coming here so often lately and you've been quite distracted. Are you worried about someone on the front lines?"
Xie Wanyun also knew that the empress dowager would find out sooner or later, so she blushed and kept silent, which was considered as her consent.
The Queen Mother smiled and asked, "Who is it?"
Seeing that she remained silent, he continued, "Let me guess. You look down on ordinary people. Could it be—Yan Suizhi? I remember now. You went to Mobei for business, and he also went to Blue Moon Pass. I heard he even went to the royal court. Could it be that time? This is truly fate."
Women are born to love matchmaking, and the Queen Mother is no exception.
Xie Wanyun said helplessly, "Queen Dowager, please don't ask. I can't think about this in such a mess."
The Queen Mother smiled with her eyes curved.
"Why can't you think about it? Fighting is a man's business. The most important thing for a woman is to marry a good husband. You've divorced Qin Su'an for so many years, it's time to find someone else.
I think Yan Suizhi is a good person, capable and responsible. If nothing else, when all the civil and military officials in the court were retreating, he, a scholar, took the initiative to volunteer, which shows that he is a reliable person.
Besides, he is so handsome, and he hasn't married for so many years, as if he was waiting for you. Oh, and he was the adopted son of the Xie family back then. Could it be that he had a secret crush on you at that time?"
The more the Queen Mother spoke, the more it seemed to make sense, and she almost laughed out loud. She patted her hand and said, "Don't worry, Wanyun. Once the war is over, I will take care of the decision for you."
Xie Wanyun: “…”
It must be said that the Queen Mother's insight was truly first-rate. Xie Wanyun thought she had concealed her situation well; in the eyes of others, she and Yan Suizhi were still in a state of hostility, but the Queen Mother could see through the surface and see the essence.
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