The moonlight was faint and night was falling.
The man's figure disappeared outside the courtyard wall. Rong Xi stood in the courtyard. He heard the deafening shouting outside the house, but inside the wall it was peaceful and harmonious.
Rong Lian and others were all awakened and walked towards Rong Xi's courtyard.
"Brother, what happened?" Rong Erlang's expression changed slightly.
Rong Xi shook his head, "I don't know yet. Brother Sizhi has gone to investigate."
"Aye?" Liang Siwen was a little worried. "I'll go take a look too."
Chen Chuangu stopped him, "What are you going to do? Your father is enough."
Rong Lian also disagreed.
Jin Jili's blue eyes were calm as he snuggled close to Rong Xi, as if the noise outside the house was as ordinary to him as the setting sun.
"My dear, it's cold, please go inside." Liu He comforted him.
Rong Xi nodded, and went to the main hall with a few others to wait.
He vaguely recalled that the book mentioned briefly that when Rong Lian was studying at his ancestral home in Linxi, he encountered refugees who looted and plundered him, and was later suppressed by the government.
It was precisely because he had personally experienced the sufferings of the people that Rong Lian had worked diligently and conscientiously for the benefit of the people after entering officialdom.
The book only contains a few sentences, without explaining why the refugees suffered or where they came from.
The candlelight crackled and the hall was filled with a depressing and dull atmosphere.
After a moment, Qin Ke came in with the wind, his eyes fell on Rong Xi's face, and said: "Yizhou was hit by a snowstorm, and the refugees broke into the houses to loot in order to survive."
Qingzhou and Yizhou are adjacent to each other, and Mount Meng is located at the junction of the two.
The county town was blocked by a city gate and refugees were not allowed to enter. The small town along the river was therefore attacked and looted by refugees.
Fortunately, the residence was guarded by guards and the refugees were unable to break in for a while. However, the number of guards is limited, and once their energy is exhausted, refugees will swarm in.
At that time, the master and servants of Rong's house will all be affected.
"The snow disaster in Yizhou has not been reported to the court?" Rong Lian asked in surprise.
Qin Ke glanced at him and said, "This matter has yet to be verified. The most important thing now is to prevent refugees from entering the house and wait for the government to suppress it."
It’s not that he ignored the refugees’ requests, but that the refugees had lost their minds, and Qin Ke could not let Rong’s house suffer any damage.
He saw Rong Xi's brows slightly frowned, worried about his fear, so he said: "Don't worry, just hold on tonight, and when Chen Yi leads the troops, everything will be fine."
But, can nearly a hundred refugees really survive tonight?
"Father, I want to leave the house to stop him." Liang Siwen said suddenly.
He couldn't let Rong Lian get hurt.
Qin Ke did not object and nodded, "Yes."
Later, he said to Liu Zishi: "I must protect Dalang."
Liu Zishi nodded vigorously. He would never let his husband lose a single hair!
The father and son turned and left the house. Rong Lian had just come to his senses when he saw the corner of Liang Siwen's robe disappear outside the door.
Rong Xi's brows were still furrowed, and Liu Zishi consoled him, "Don't worry, my lord. The prince is very brave and will definitely protect the house."
"I am not worried about Rong's house, but I am afraid that Master Gao will also be harmed by the refugees."
Although he sympathized with the refugees' plight, Master Gao was naturally more important to him than the refugees.
In the face of natural disasters, humanity is lost and refugees are already desperate. Food and clothing are their top priority. How can they care about the lives of innocent compatriots?
"Master Gao!" Liu Zishi just remembered and looked worried.
When the other people in the hall heard the news, except Jin Jili, they all felt worried.
Rong Xi was extremely worried. He suddenly stood up and hurried to the utility room, where he found a few fire bombs and placed them in the yard. He then told Liu Zishi, "Build a ladder."
"My dear, you can't take the risk. I'll go for you!" After Liu Zishi said this, he wanted to climb over the wall and leave.
Rong Xili shouted, "Come back!"
His expression was too serious and cold, so different from usual, even Jin Jili looked surprised.
Liu Zishi followed the instructions and walked down the courtyard wall sadly, "My dear, you must not take any risks."
Her eyes were already red, as if she was about to cry.
"Brother, what Zishi said is true. The refugees outside the house are fierce. If you leave the house, you may be harmed."
Rong Lian sincerely advised and resolutely said: "I will go!"
The master and servant rushed out of the house to rescue Master Gao. Rong Xi looked solemn and said, "Stop arguing."
After they were quiet, he continued, "I am not taking any risks. Although there are many refugees, they still value their lives. You all know the power of fire bombs. I put a ladder on the wall and want Zishi to drop fire bombs in an uninhabited place to intimidate the refugees."
Seeing that they were listening attentively, he sighed helplessly, "The refugees will surely be frightened when they see the bombing. Then you can go to Master Gao's house and rescue him."
Rong Xi knew that he did not have enough physical strength, so the only candidate he could find among Gao Fu's family members was Liu Zishi.
"I'll get the ladder right away!" Liu Zishi quickly ran to the backyard and brought the ladder over.
After the ladder was set up, Liu Zishi climbed to the top of the wall and saw chaos outside the house.
Rong's house is remote, and there are lights of fire in the town's gathering places. He bit his lip to catch the bomb, lit the fuse, and threw it with all his might.
The fire bomb exploded in an uninhabited place in the wilderness, and the flames shot up into the sky, as if to split the sky apart, which made people feel endless fear.
The noise suddenly stopped.
Liu Zishi quickly jumped off the wall and ran towards Gao Bai's house.
Rong Xi suddenly asked Jin Jili, "Did you see clearly what you did just now?"
Jin Jili was frightened by the power of the fire bomb. After hearing Rong Xi's question, he came back to his senses and said, "My dear, please give me your orders."
"You have good arm strength. Once you get on the ladder, wait for the refugees to start making a commotion again and throw one. Don't hurt anyone, understand?"
Rong Xi looked serious, and Jin Jili nodded vigorously, "I understand."
After saying this, without the slightest hesitation, he carried the fire bomb to the top of the wall.
After the bombing, the refugees were worried for a moment, but when they saw that nothing had happened, they continued looting.
Seeing this, Jin Jili, under the instruction of Yu Rongxi, lit the fuse and threw the fire bomb.
The small town of Linxi was once again exploded.
Residents and refugees were silent.
After a moment, Qin Ke appeared on the top of the wall and looked down at Rong Xi.
"The refugees were all weak and frail, so they had to rely on their momentum to loot," he said with a sudden smile. "Da Lang threw two bombs, and they all lost their courage and fell to the ground, no longer willing to fight."
Hunger and cold had already drained the refugees' energy to the limit. After being frightened, they were no longer able to support themselves and collapsed to the ground, which was understandable.
Rong Xi suddenly loosened his fist.
The situation was tense just now, and he clenched his fists so tightly that finger marks appeared on his palms, which were bright red.
Just as he was about to respond, he heard Qin Ke say, "Don't worry, Dalang. I have asked Si Wen to go to Master Gao's house to meet Zi Shi."
Rong Xi felt a little relieved.
Qin Ke entered the hospital, held Rong Xi's wrist, looked at his palm, saw the finger marks on his palm, frowned, and said to Chen Chuangu: "Do you have any medicine for the injury?"
"It's just a minor injury, nothing serious." Rong Xi pulled his wrist away.
Qin Ke's eyes darkened. "Rong Dalang."
"I'll go get the medicine!" Chen Chuangu immediately ran into the room.
It’s really hard to describe Qin Sizhi.
Before the medicine arrived, Liu Zishi and Liang Siwen had already returned.
Master Gao lay on Liu Zishi's back, his eyes rolling back from the shaking. His servant fell and ran away.
Now that the refugees have been subdued, the gate of Rong's house is opened. Liu Zishi carries Gao Bai into the house, and Liang Siwen and the servants go in with him.
The door closed again.
After Gao Bai landed, before he could catch his breath, he heard Rong Xi's concerned words.
"Master, are you alright?"
There was worry between the boy's brows, and his previously childish face seemed to have become more resolute and mature.
Gao Bo felt very relieved and laughed repeatedly, "Zi Shi and this young friend left in time, so I was not disturbed."
Rong Xi saw that there was a purple bruise on his forehead, so he said gently: "Master, there is a wound on your forehead. You may as well go into the house and apply some medicine on it."
Everyone entered the main hall and took their seats in turn.
Only with the help of the bright candlelight could we see clearly that Liu Zishi and Liang Siwen were also slightly injured.
Although they fought with the refugees, they were unwilling to hurt them. These minor injuries were only caused by the refugees picking up stones and throwing them, which was nothing.
After everyone had finished applying the medicine, Rong Xi suddenly asked, "Brother Sizhi, are you not injured?"
Everyone in the hall looked at Qin Ke.
Qin looked gentle, and said, "Don't worry, I'm fine."
Gao Bo then realized his identity and wanted to stand up to salute, but was stopped by Qin Ke.
"Master Gao, you don't have to be so polite," he said with a faint smile, "You have taken good care of Dalang, and I am very grateful. You are Dalang's teacher, Dalang respects you, and I also respect you."
Gao Bo and the others: "..."
Is there something wrong?
Gao Bo suddenly came back to his senses, "Your Majesty, your words are very serious. I feel ashamed to accept them."
Rumors are misleading again! Everyone said that Prince Qin was cold and heartless, but he felt that the prince was a man of temperament, gentle and polite.
From now on, he will never believe the rumors again!
"Prince, I wonder how to resettle the refugees?" Rong Lian suddenly asked.
Now that refugees are gathering in Mengshan, if the Mengshan County Government does not have a good law, the refugees will freeze to death and starve to death. I am afraid that Governor Shen Ming will be criticized by the whole world.
Moreover, Qin Ke and Cheng Hao were both in Mengshan. If they abandoned the refugees, rumors would surely spread inside and outside the court.
"We will discuss this matter with Shen Yi tomorrow."
Qin Ke was a brave and skilled fighter on the frontier, but he had no good ideas for dealing with the refugees.
"Mr. Liu, how much food do you have at home?" Rong Xi suddenly asked.
The people of Wei often stored grain for the winter, and Liu He was particularly particular about it.
He had experienced hardship and knew the importance of food, so when his ancestral home had enough money left, he often went to the market to buy rice, and now his granary is full of it.
"My dear, it can only last about two years." He replied honestly.
That's enough.
Rong Xi looked calm as he faced Qin Ke.
"I wonder if there are any casualties among the townspeople?"
Qin Ke shook his head. "Although the refugees attacked suddenly, they were weak and not as brave as the common people. Several people were slightly injured, but the rest were fine."
Rong Xi felt a little relieved. If there are casualties among the people, the conflict will be irreconcilable.
"The refugees are now gathering in the town, sitting on the ground in the open air. They will die of hunger and cold before tomorrow, which will damage the prestige of the Mengshan government office."
Seeing that no one showed any sign of resistance, he continued, "The refugees are guilty of robbing the townspeople, but their crime is not punishable by death. We can punish them after they have recovered their strength."
If we let the refugees die of hunger and cold tonight, everyone would feel guilty.
"Brother, what you said is absolutely right." Rong Lian agreed deeply.
Because Rong Lian agreed, Liang Siwen nodded vigorously even though he didn't quite understand.
"What does Dalang want to do?" Qin Ke asked.
Rong Xi stood up and said, "There are nearly a hundred refugees. I want to set up tents and give them porridge to help them get through the night."
He was not stingy with rice, but the refugees were now starving and cold, and porridge was the best food for them.
"My dear, I will go and make porridge right away."
Liu He bowed and left the house, wiping his tears quietly. If you are truly kind, the refugees will be blessed!
Nearly a hundred people are eating porridge, the amount is very large, and there are not enough bowls and plates. How to distribute the porridge?
Gao Bo stood up resolutely and said, "If the prince can stop the refugees from moving, I can persuade the people in the town to lend me the bowl."
He has been teaching in the town school for decades and is highly respected by the people. Tonight he is willing to risk his reputation to ask the frightened people for help.
Qin Ke nodded, "Yes."
After saying this, he looked at Rong Xi, then stood up and left the house.
Although the number of guards was insufficient, the refugees were no longer able to resist.
Qin Ke prepared ropes and ordered people to tie up the refugees. Any resistance was suppressed by the guards with force.
The refugees mistakenly thought that Qin Ke wanted to punish them and burst into tears.
Some people were so angry that they couldn't help but cry out and curse.
A guard sneered: "Breaking into a house is a crime!"
The refugees were starving and cold, and they were also frightened. The weak ones fainted on the ground.
Chen Chuangu examined the pulses one by one, shook his head and said, "Although it is hateful, it is also pitiful."
Although the townspeople were annoyed by the refugees' behavior, Gao Bo came out to persuade them, and since everyone did not want someone to die in front of their doorsteps, they all agreed.
Moreover, they were only borrowing ceramic bowls, not rice, so it was easier to accept.
Nearly a hundred bowls were displayed outside the door. The fragrance of rice porridge wafted from the kitchen, carried into the yard with the wind, and then drifted out of the yard.
The refugees all had nasal twitching and their stomachs rumbling like drums.
The guards received the order and shouted loudly: "Give out porridge at Rong's house! Give out porridge at Rong's house! Give out porridge at Rong's house!"
The rope was only tied around the refugees' wrists. Upon hearing this, the refugees were all shocked, forced themselves to stand up, and asked in surprise if it was true. Where is Rong's house?
After the guards pointed out the direction, the refugees went to Rongzhai with faith.
The porridge stall has been set up, the rice porridge is in buckets and the ceramic bowls are neatly arranged.
Liu Zishi, Liang Siwen, Xiyan and Jin Jili were busy scooping porridge.
The aroma of porridge under the night sky is captivating. The refugees gathered around with fascination on their faces.
The guards ordered the elderly, the weak, women and children to line up in the front and untied the ropes one by one.
Now that there is rice porridge in front of them, why would the refugees care about looting?
Those who got the porridge squatted on the ground, holding the bowl and eating it desperately.
Fortunately, the heat of the porridge had dissipated after being exposed to the cold winter wind and it was no longer scalding hot, making it just right for the refugees to swallow.
For a moment, the only sound heard in front of Rong's house was the sniffing of refugees.
After drinking a bowl of hot porridge, the refugees regained some strength and were no longer desperate. They were good citizens, not bullies.
Now, I have received the grace and have gone through the gates of hell. I can finally see the beautiful scenery of the world of the living. I burst into tears and knelt down to express my gratitude.
Except for Jin Jili, Liu Zishi and the other two were already in tears when they saw this scene.
The guards tied up the refugees again and said solemnly: "Mr. Rong is kind-hearted and pitied you for suffering from the natural disaster, so he set up a tent to give out porridge to save you in your time of distress. You robbed the people in the town and frightened them. The people put aside their past grudges and are willing to lend you pottery bowls so that you can have porridge. If you still have a conscience, you should bear the responsibility for the robbery!"
The refugees are now able to survive and are all grateful, so how could they resist?
In the courtyard, Gao Bo laughed loudly and said, "Da Lang is generous and kind, which is really rare."
Rong Xi felt relieved and said in a gentle tone, "Master, your praise is unjust. I am ashamed. If I had no food at home, I would not have done such a thing."
He just happened to be able to do it.
Rong Lian shook his head and said, "Brother, there is no need to be modest. There are countless capable people in the world. If they were all as capable as you, how could the Great Wei not prosper?"
Qin Ke said nothing, just stared at Rong Xi. Although he didn't say anything, his meaning was clear.
The three of them praised Rong Xi so highly that he felt extremely ashamed.
He just didn't want to go against his conscience.
After a sleepless night, everyone was in high spirits.
During breakfast, Liang Siwen looked up at Rong Xi several times and saw that he had a gentle face and was a gentleman. Thinking back to the critical moment last night, he did not forget Master Gao and decisively rescued the refugees. Everything he did was righteous, and he could not help but feel respect for him.
After the meal, Chen Yifang brought a group of yamen runners and servants to Rong's house.
Cheng Hao also went along.
The two men were relieved to see that all the refugees were tied up and subdued, there were no casualties among the civilians, and no deaths among the refugees.
Qin Ke did not want to say much. Gao Bo was highly respected, so he told Shen Yi and Cheng Hao what happened last night.
After hearing this, the two men all praised the master and servants of Rong's house, especially Rong Xi.
"I will report last night's events to His Majesty." Chen Yi saluted Qin Ke and said.
Qin Ke looked indifferent, "No need."
He had already sent a secret letter last night, which had been sent to Shengjing urgently.
If Chen Yi had submitted a memorial, it would still have to go through layers of review, and by the time it reached the emperor's desk, it might have been more than ten days. Moreover, due to the snowstorm in Yizhou, refugees fled to Qingzhou, which shows that the Yizhou government office must be unusual.
Chen Yi was only the magistrate of Mengshan County, and his memorials might not be able to reach the emperor.
He responded indifferently. Chen Yi didn't understand what he meant and didn't dare to refute him. He just answered in a muffled voice.
"Mr. Shen Mingfu, how should these refugees be resettled?" Cheng Hao asked.
Although he was a refugee from Yizhou, Chen Yi could not sit idly by.
He thought for a moment and replied, "Gather the townspeople, identify the perpetrators of last night's crime, and convict them as a punishment. For the rest of the people, the county government will open its granaries to distribute grain and set up tents to give out porridge as a relief."
Cheng Hao nodded. This method would not only give an explanation to the innocent people in the town, but also help the refugees escape from hunger and cold.
When Rong Lian heard this, his eyebrows moved, and he took a step forward and said, "May I ask how Master Shen Ming wants to punish me?"
Robbery is a serious crime, and whether the punishment is imprisonment or exile, or whether the offender is exempted from imprisonment or exile due to extenuating circumstances and is punished with flogging or caning, it is a disaster sent from heaven for the refugees.
However, the law is like this, and Chen Yi dare not make a rash judgment.
He thought for a moment and replied, "It can be sentenced to hard labor."
Rong Lian nodded and said, "May I ask Mr. Shen Mingfu, do the other refugees have a place to stay?"
This made Chen Yi feel troubled.
As for opening the granaries and releasing the grain, as long as the granaries are full, they can hold out for a few days until the imperial court's grain and money for disaster relief arrives. But it is indeed difficult to find a refuge.
Rong Xi had not said anything until this point, and seeing Chen Yi looking embarrassed, he leaned close to Qin Ke's ear and whispered a few words.
The young man's shallow breathing lingered in his ears. Qin Ke seemed to smell a faint fragrance and turned his head suddenly.
Suddenly, it seemed as if the world was silent and the wilderness was empty of people.
The cheek and the boy's lips touched and separated immediately, warm, cool and soft.
Their eyes locked, their hearts beating fast.
Rong Xi took a step back in a hurry, and felt his lips burning hot, like magma rolling, and his cheeks were also flushed.
Seeing Qin Ke's burning gaze, Rong Xi hurriedly lowered his head and coughed lightly.
Qin Ke came back to his senses, his expression suddenly changed, and he said to Shen Yi: "Set up camp first, and then find a place to stay."
These refugees originally came from Yizhou, and they would return to their hometowns after the imperial court distributed disaster relief money and food.
"Your Majesty, your opinion is profound." Chen Yi flattered him at the right time.
Those who looted were all young and strong men, and the rest were just the elderly, the weak, women and children.
If all the young and strong men serve in Mengshan, the remaining refugees will have no means of livelihood even if they return to their hometowns.
Rong Xi thought about it and wanted to mention it to Qin Ke, but he saw Qin Ke was looking at him. His heart stopped beating and he quickly moved his gaze to Chen Yi's face.
"Mr. Shen, I have a question." Rong Xi took a step forward so that Qin Ke could not be seen in his peripheral vision.
Chen Yi suddenly asked politely with a smile: "Young Master Rong, please feel free to speak."
"The labor sentences are long. When the imperial court provides relief and the refugees return home, the young and strong are still serving their sentences in Mengshan. The rest of the refugees, even if they return home, have no way to make a living."
Seeing that he was in a dilemma again, Rong Xi couldn't help but laugh and said, "The workshop is under construction now and is short of labor. Young and strong men can serve in the workshop, and the rest of the people can be the workshop's craftsmen, cooks, and wash clothes. They can get wages every day, regardless of gender, age or status."
"This is a good idea." Chen Yi nodded, but then asked, "However, there are few people who need to cook and wash clothes, so what about the rest of the people?"
Rong Xi smiled gently and said, "Please send someone to ask if there are any skilled people in Shen Ming Mansion. If they are willing, they can come to Rong's house to find me, regardless of whether they are male or female, young or old."
"Old man?" Chen Yi couldn't help but ask.
Rong Dalang is not a shrewd and worldly-wise person, so he should not abandon the old man.
"Don't worry, Mr. Shen Mingfu," Rong Xi said with a smile, "I think that the elderly and frail should be supported by their children and grandchildren and enjoy their old age. If there are single elderly people, they can also come to Rong's house."
Although several people did not understand Rong Xi's intention, no one questioned his decision.
Chen Yi led the guards to inform the refugees of how to deal with the situation. All the refugees obeyed, and those who were indignant and dissatisfied were suppressed.
The situation was largely stabilized, and the guards took the people on duty away. Those who were good at cooking and willing to wash clothes were selected and sent with them.
The rest include men, women, old and young.
After questioning them one by one, there were only a dozen people who claimed to have a skill, and there were only a few who were truly good at one thing.
Rong Xi was not disappointed.
He consulted with Cheng Hao and Gao Bo.
"Uncle Cheng, Master, I have already inquired. Of the remaining fifteen children and teenagers, eight are orphans. Four have fathers who are serving labor sentences and their mothers are dead. Three have no fathers but their mothers are by their side. All of them are willing to sign a contract with me."
The two nodded and continued to listen to Rong Xi's statement.
"Among the three ladies, one is good at embroidery, one is good at farming, and one is good at raising poultry." Rong Xi knew that the three ladies were just experienced and not really masters, but he didn't care.
"The remaining scholar, although he has no official title, can be considered literate. The two elders are both farmers."
After he finished his detailed account, Cheng Hao asked, "What do you want to do, Dalang?"
Rong Xi told him frankly: "Young children have not yet been determined, and they are all talents that can be molded. I want to teach them to read and write, and to teach them the principles of all things. Whether they will become talents in the future depends entirely on themselves."
"What is the principle of all things? What benefit do you get from teaching them literature and science and helping them to become talented?" Gao Bo couldn't help but ask.
Rong Xi patiently answered: "Master, everything has its own laws. For example, water freezes in winter, but boils on a stove. Why is it so? The sun rises in the east and sets in the west. Why? Everything in between has its own laws."
Seeing Gao Bo was in deep thought, he continued, "I signed a contract with him. When he becomes a talent, he will help me for 20 years. If he doesn't want to do it by then, he can be free by paying the penalty for breach of contract."
Cheng Hao's eyes were burning, "This method is very wonderful. Dalang, is the principle of all things you are talking about the way of craftsmen?"
Rong Xi smiled like the breeze, "It's not just the way of a craftsman. There is a connection between all the studies, and the craftsman's technique is just one of them."
Cheng Hao understood and felt very impressed.
"Da Lang discussed this with me, is this matter related to me?" Gao Bo did not understand the skills of a craftsman and felt that he was redundant.
"Master, don't worry," Rong Xi said with a soothing smile, "Young children have never read or learned to write. If you want to teach them the principles of all things, literacy should be the foundation."
"You are knowledgeable and have taught for decades. I wonder who else could be a better teacher than you."
After Rong Xi finished speaking, he stood up, bowed, and said solemnly: "I beg the Master to teach me knowledge, teach me how to read, and teach me how to behave in the world."
He has such a broad mind and courage, and his feelings are so sincere, how could Gao Bo refuse?
"Don't be so polite, Dalang," he helped Rong Xi up, smiling kindly, "Since it's a matter of teaching and educating people, I should do my part."
Rong Xi was very grateful and was about to bow again when a man suddenly broke into the room.
"Rong Dalang, can I join you?"
Rong Xi raised his head and saw that Qin Ke looked serious and did not seem to be joking.
"Brother Sizhi?"
Qin Ke suddenly chuckled, "I have heard everything you, Minister Cheng, and Master Gao said. Teaching the principles of all things is important, but you cannot give up your physical strength. Without a strong body, how can I serve you in the future?"
His words shocked Rong Xi suddenly.
What Qin Sizhi thought actually coincided with his.
The author has something to say:
Qin: So soft~
Rong Xiaoxi: The stubble pricks my mouth (＃￣～￣＃)
ps: The fixed update time is 9 o'clock, but if it is finished in advance, it will be posted in advance, generally not later than 9 o'clock. If it is later, I will let you know in the comment area, muah~
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