Yan Qingqing, holed up in Canghe Village, was unaware that the situation in the entire Great Yan Dynasty was also beginning to deteriorate.
The snowstorm in the south, coupled with the plague, led to a gradual increase in the number of displaced people.
Unrest began to spread in the border regions. The people of Beiliang somehow learned of this news and began to harass the borders of Da Yan.
Of course, because of the plague, they dared not launch a large-scale invasion of Great Yan.
Because they also valued their lives and were afraid of contracting the plague.
The entire Great Yan Dynasty was suddenly plunged into internal and external troubles, and the emperor was also very worried.
In haste, they had no choice but to order the forced requisition of grain and fodder to supply the army.
However, in the end, those officials still plundered the people's wealth, and for a time, there was widespread resentment.
Rumors circulated among the people that the emperor's moral failings and lack of popular support led to the plague.
Yan Qingqing was unaware of this news; she was very busy right now.
Although she can now guarantee the safety of her own little corner of the world.
But she understood the principle of "if the lips are gone, the teeth will be cold".
Even if the entire Chengyang County is safe and sound, if the situation in the Great Yan Dynasty is dangerous, Chengyang County will not be much better off.
Therefore, Yan Qingqing convened another emergency family meeting.
Yan Qingqing looked at Li Xiangping and the others and said, "I know that our family is where it is today because of your joint efforts."
But as you may have heard, there has been a snowstorm in the south, and there is a high possibility that an epidemic has broken out.
When the nation is in crisis, we can certainly close our doors and live our own lives.
However, many ordinary people have been displaced, starving, and even resorting to cannibalism.
And those soldiers on the border, without military rations and pay, they probably won't last much longer.
When the country falls, we will naturally have no home left.
Besides, my third brother is still at the border; I simply cannot stand idly by.
Yan Qingqing was going all out this time, taking a huge gamble. If she lost, it would just mean that her three years of hard work had gone down the drain, but if she won, her descendants would enjoy eternal peace.
Li Xiangping was the eldest son in his family and also an official in the imperial court, so he was the most well-informed.
Moreover, he was a very kind person, and he felt extremely distressed when he heard Yan Qingqing mention the practice of exchanging children to eat.
As soon as Yan Qingqing finished speaking, Li Xiangping said, "Mother, you don't need to say anything. I support whatever decision you make."
Yuan Huiniang chimed in, "Yes, Mother, although I don't understand any grand principles, my third brother is still at the border. As long as he's safe and sound, we'll do anything."
Li Xiang'an and the others nodded in agreement with what Yan Qingqing said.
Upon seeing this, Yan Qingqing said, "Good, you are indeed my children."
Of course, I also have to consider your needs; I'm just lending a hand within my capabilities.
Li Xiangkang added from the side, "Mother, you don't need to worry about us. Just tell us what you need us to do."
Yan Qingqing glanced at them and said, "First, I need to collect all the fabric in our embroidery workshop to make a batch of masks, and the rest will be made into cotton-padded clothes."
There wasn't enough cotton, so we made small, close-fitting garments to wear underneath clothes to keep out the cold.
We can gather the embroiderers in our workshop and some villagers who are skilled in needlework, and have them work hard to finish the pieces overnight.
This matter is entrusted to you two, Yue Niang and Hui Niang.
Secondly, our food processing plant has a large stock of beans and sweet potatoes. We can process them all and donate them to the disaster victims.
Whether it's transported to the border or not, it will at least fill our stomachs. This matter is entrusted to Xiang An.
Thirdly, we still have a large amount of stored grain, which I plan to supply to the county government so that Magistrate Ling can provide disaster relief and porridge.
However, we cannot give them all at once, and we must also keep enough food for ourselves.
I'll discuss this with Magistrate Ling later. We'll first purchase a batch of grain from several neighboring counties and then transport it to the border. This matter will be handled by Xiang Ping.
Yan Qingqing was like a general issuing orders, constantly announcing commands.
After speaking, Yan Qingqing looked at the group and asked, "Do you have any objections to the tasks assigned by Mother?"
Li Xiangping and the others replied in unison, "No objection."
Li Xiangkang, who was standing to the side, asked unhappily, "Mother, what about me?"
Li Xiangkang was too young. Yan Qingqing hadn't originally planned to assign him any tasks, but seeing the expectant look in his eyes, and considering that he would eventually become an official, it would be good for him to understand the hardships of life beforehand. So she said, "You should follow your older brother."
If he goes to collect grain, just stand by and do the accounting for him, making sure he doesn't get ripped off.
Upon hearing this, Li Xiangkang patted his chest and said, "Mother, don't worry."
I'm best at math, I'll definitely get the accounts straight.
Yan Qingqing nodded at Li Xiangkang's serious expression and said, "Okay, Mother believes in Silang."
However, when you go out and come into contact with people this time, you must take precautions and ensure your safety.
The group nodded in agreement.
Xiao Mochen has been away these past few days, and Yan Qingqing doesn't know where he went, but with the end of the year approaching, he'll be back soon.
In Chengyang County, Magistrate Ling was also extremely busy. What Yan Qingqing had mentioned was easy, but putting it into practice was quite difficult.
Many people did not understand why the city gates were being sealed off, and some refugees outside were getting anxious because they couldn't get in.
He had no choice but to announce that these refugees might be carrying the plague, and only then did the people of Chengyang County begin to calm down.
However, this news caused panic among the people. They were initially at a loss, but after they came to their senses, they frantically bought rice and grain.
Fortunately, with the end of the year approaching, all the grain stores had plenty of stock, but even that couldn't withstand such a frenzy of buying.
Seeing this, some rice and grain merchants also began to take the opportunity to raise prices.
Magistrate Ling was also very worried. In the end, he forcibly ordered that prices not be inflated, but that the amount of grain that could be purchased be limited, which stabilized the current situation.
Then they organized a group of people to build shelters outside the city, providing a place for the refugees to stay.
However, there were simply too many refugees to build facilities. Furthermore, there wasn't enough food to supply so many refugees.
Magistrate Ling had no choice but to come to Yan Qingqing again to discuss the matter.
But this time when he arrived at Canghe Village, he couldn't get in because the village was under martial law.
Even when he invoked his status as a county magistrate, he still couldn't get in.
Ling Ziyuan was so anxious he was almost cursing, but he couldn't help but admire Yan Qingqing's prestige in Canghe Village.
He planned to force his way in, but the villagers of Canghe Village were all armed, and their mouths and noses were covered tightly. It was clear he was no match for them, so he had to give up.
Later, Magistrate Ling circled around other villages, intending to borrow a road to enter the village.
However, martial law was imposed on several villages near Canghe Village.
Helpless, Magistrate Ling returned to Canghe Village and negotiated with the villagers.
He tried everything to persuade her, but finally compromised and asked the villagers to inform Yan Qingqing that he had urgent business to discuss with her.
After thinking for a moment, Wang Wugang, the leader of the team, sent one of the villagers to inform Yan Qingqing. Ling Ziyuan was, after all, the county magistrate, so they had to give him some face.
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