Snowflakes fell, and though there was no wind, they already brought a chill.
The streets of the South District have become somewhat deserted, and the cold weather makes people reluctant to go out, preferring to stay indoors to escape the cold.
However, in the southern area, the interior of a house is not necessarily warmer than the exterior.
The people living here are not like other wealthy families in the capital. They may not be able to buy much charcoal for heating throughout the winter and can only rely on burning wood.
Some could only pick up useless things from the street and stuff them into the stove.
This also results in the highest number of people freezing to death in the southern district every winter.
In previous years, when winter came, one could still see poor people searching for food on the streets, but this year such scenes are rarely seen.
"The first batch of projects was completed despite being expedited. With these houses, many people can be saved from freezing to death."
Tang Liu looked at the cheering crowd in front of him and smiled sincerely.
Standing next to him was Wan Xin, the young master of Wanfuji. For the past half month, he had been busy with matters in the southern district, and Tang Huan had not had time to take care of him, so he had been staying here.
Over time, he became acquainted with Tang Liu, who was in charge of this matter in Qihuai County.
This was also thanks to Tang Liu's outgoing and talkative personality. He could chat with anyone for a long time without any trouble. Seeing that people were curious about Qihuai County, he would tell them all about the embarrassing things that happened between the adults and Li Daikui.
Wan Xin's gaze was calm. "If it weren't for Lord Tang bringing this group of people from Qihuai County, I'm afraid no matter how urgently we expedited the process, the first batch of houses would never have been completed. Those beggars and refugees who had no houses to live in previous years would have only ended up freezing or starving to death."
But not anymore.
The rescue housing largely sacrificed comfort, prioritizing accommodating as many people as possible.
The first batch of houses appeared to be just one street, with about twenty buildings, yet it was enough to accommodate hundreds of people.
In addition, they had earned some money while working on the project. Although the amount was not much, it was enough for these poor people who were used to a hard life to get through the winter.
After its completion, a large number of people cheered with joy.
At that moment, a man was loudly announcing to the workers. He was shouting and his face was flushed. "The weather is starting to get cold. The older people, the younger people, and those who are not in good health will move into the relief dormitories starting today. The rest of you will have to endure the hardship for a while longer."
"Those who continue to work will receive three meals a day from Lord Tang, and their daily wages will be doubled."
As winter approaches and the weather turns cool, there are still a few warm hours each day when it is still warm enough to work.
The South District project has been a major project from the beginning and cannot be completed in a short period of time. It may not be possible to finish it completely until next summer.
"In addition, Lord Tang will provide charcoal for everyone. Each rescue dormitory will be provided with thirty catties free of charge. If you run out later, you can also buy it at a low price..."
As the man spoke, without him uttering a single word, a cheer erupted from the crowd.
These messages were all unbelievable to them.
Many people suddenly realized that perhaps this winter won't be so hard to endure.
"Let's go, the project is finished today, everyone can have a good rest for a day, I'll treat you to a drink."
Since the project started, almost everyone has been working non-stop, and Wan Xin and Tang Liu are no exception.
"Then I'll trouble Young Master Wan to spend the money," Tang Liu said with a grin, already impatient.
Like them, the people below were also preparing to celebrate.
While everyone involved in the project was celebrating, Tang Huan had already entered the palace.
Upon receiving news of the completion of the first batch of houses, he immediately went to the palace to inform the Empress.
Inside the Imperial Study, Lin Wan'er was diligently adding charcoal to the brazier on the floor. When Tang Huan pushed open the door and entered, the fire was burning brightly.
A wave of heat swept over us.
Wu Lanxi looked up at Tang Huan, "Here we go again."
His voice was calm and indifferent, devoid of any emotion.
Tang Huan knew that the Empress was preoccupied with the arrival of the Northern Region delegation and was unlikely to give him a pleasant look, so he didn't pay much attention to it.
He said with a smile, "The first batch of relief houses in the southern district has been successfully completed today. I have come to congratulate Your Majesty."
"Congratulations to me? It is your great mercy that you have contributed money and effort to help build houses in the South District."
"The people of the Southern District are also His Majesty's subjects. Although the emergency housing built for relief is generally rather simple, it is enough for them to get through the winter. This year, no one in the Southern District will freeze to death."
Wu Lanxi looked at Tang Huan seriously, "Tell me about the matter of rescuing the houses."
Seeing that the Empress was interested, Tang Huan began to explain in detail.
"To accommodate more people, all the relief housing is designed to make the most of every space, so a large dormitory-style room is used, with more than a dozen people sleeping in one room..."
After listening to Tang Huan's rambling explanation for more than ten minutes, Wu Lanxi's expression softened somewhat.
"Winter has arrived and the weather has suddenly turned cold, so the project won't last much longer. It will resume next spring, and I believe the entire southern area will be renovated in no time."
"However, given the current situation, the renovation may only be able to be carried out in a small part of the area. After all, although there are many poor people in the entire southern district, there are also many people with regular jobs. They just cannot afford the high housing prices in other areas. If their houses are to be demolished and rebuilt, many people will disagree."
Wu Lanxi nodded gently, "Anyway, since you're paying for it, you decide how much you can do."
A brief silence fell over the Imperial Study.
After explaining the purpose of his trip, Tang Huan had no intention of speaking further. He began to estimate the arrival time of the Northern Region delegation.
Two days have passed since Qin Yuyang told him about that matter, and General Pang and the people from the Northern Region should be arriving soon.
The people of the southern district saw hope, but little did they know that the imperial court was facing a severe test.
Wu Lanxi ignored Tang Huan and let him sit in the imperial study while she focused on reviewing memorials.
Lin Wan'er glanced at Tang Huan several times, seemingly wanting to say something, but ultimately remained silent.
Time passed slowly, and the stove was burning too brightly. Tang Huan was already sweating profusely and prepared to get up and say goodbye.
Suddenly, the voice of the Grand Eunuch Li Lianying came from outside the Imperial Study.
"Your Majesty, General Pang is asking for help."
You're back so soon?
Tang Huan looked up in surprise and saw Wu Lanxi also looking up. She said expressionlessly, "Let him in."
"Your Majesty, I take my leave."
Tang Huan did not stay in the Imperial Study any longer; he brushed past the tall Pang Conglong at the entrance of the Imperial Study.
The other party only glanced at Tang Huan, but Tang Huan didn't even look at General Pang, and simply walked out with his head down.
"General Pang has returned, and the Northern Region delegation must have arrived as well. That day, Da Kui and A Da fought to a draw, which successfully made Gongyang Tingbai give up on continuing to set up the arena. But now, I'm afraid the people from the Northern Region will start making moves again."
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
