However, the officials' orders failed to quell the fervor immediately; instead, they aroused even more resonance and discontent among the people.
Whispers began to rise from the crowd, a mixture of complaints about the government's inaction and gratitude for the Red Lotus Sect's generous donations.
Seeing this, the Great Protector gently pressed down with both hands, signaling everyone to be quiet. "Fellow villagers," he said, "although our Red Lotus Sect is a folk organization, we are aware of the suffering of the people. What we have done today is merely to do our best to bring a little warmth to this world of suffering. But true peace and prosperity still require our joint efforts and to move forward hand in hand."
He turned to the hesitant officials and said, “My lords, we have no intention of rebelling. We only feel pity for the suffering of the people and thus extend our help. We hope that you can understand the people’s plight and work together to devise a good plan so that this land can return to peace.”
The head constable shouted, "Spreading heresy and misleading the public! Have you forgotten the brutal acts of the Red Lotus Sect years ago?"
The Great Protector said, "My lord, you have wronged us. There is no evidence to support this claim. It is just that other sects are jealous of the large number of believers in our sect and are deliberately framing us."
Heaven and earth bear witness that our religion has always adhered to the principle of "compassion and relief for all living beings," and all our actions are for the well-being of the people.
The so-called 'brutal acts' are actually a distortion of the facts by those with ulterior motives, used to attack dissidents and confuse the public. Since its founding, the Red Lotus Sect has never abandoned its pursuit of justice and peace, and has never laid a hand on innocent civilians.
"If Your Excellency does not believe us, you may send people to investigate the affairs of our sect among the common people. Whether our actions have brought benefits to the region or caused chaos among the people, the truth will naturally be revealed. We are willing to accept any fair investigation to set the record straight and clear the name of our Red Lotus Sect."
At this point, the chief's tone softened slightly, and his eyes revealed deep worry and expectation: "Nowadays, the world is in a difficult state, with frequent natural and man-made disasters, and people are displaced and suffering unspeakably."
Although our teachings are of limited strength, we are willing to do our utmost to bring a glimmer of light to this world. And you, as officials of the court, bear the heavy responsibility of safeguarding the peace of your regions; you should be even more compassionate, share the people's sorrows, and overcome these difficult times together.
He looked around and continued, "We don't seek fame or fortune; we only wish for less suffering and more joy in this world. Sir, wouldn't you agree?"
His long and eloquent speech was well-reasoned and supported by evidence, which drew nods of approval from the surrounding crowd.
Upon seeing this, the officials realized they were in trouble and had been used. They had no choice but to return and consult the prefect.
The prefect of Sichuan was at his wit's end, as there were no clear instructions from above to suppress the Red Lotus Sect.
Furthermore, the Red Lotus Sect has indeed helped many people, and they simply cannot suppress it.
After the last annihilation of Weihu Village, the Red Lotus Sect had already gained many followers among the people.
It's strange, really. The government officials couldn't find the bandits at all; they always came up empty-handed. But they always ended up running into the Red Lotus Cult.
Afterwards, the Holy Maiden and the Venerable One helped the merchants protect their goods and captured many bandits. These stories spread throughout Sichuan.
Nowadays, the Holy Maiden of the Red Lotus Sect is regarded as an immortal descended to earth to save people from suffering.
After the parade, the Red Lotus Sect gained many more followers, and people flocked to the sect to seek medical treatment.
It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that the prefect of Sichuan was living in dire straits every day.
The prefects were completely unaware that Prince An and his entourage had arrived in Shu incognito.
This is the true meaning of acting as an imperial inspector, traveling incognito to various places.
To gain insight into the hardships of the common people from the most authentic perspective, to understand the performance of officials, and to ensure that the emperor's grace is boundless and benefits all people.
The land of Sichuan is magnificent in its mountains and rivers, but also complex in its terrain, reflecting the diverse lives of its people, and is a place where hidden talents abound.
Meng Zhelan and his group arrived at Yun Jin City, one of the three cities in Shu, which was the most powerful town among the three.
As was customary, Meng Zhelan arrived at Anjifang and said she would provide free medical consultations.
The person in charge of Anjifang was recruited by the people of Yinxianshanzhuang, so as soon as Meng Zhelan announced her name, the person in charge knew that she was a distinguished person.
He was naturally overjoyed; this was a great opportunity for him to shine.
The person in charge, Yu Lang, was originally just the manager of a manor under the Yinxian Mountain Villa, but was later promoted to Anjifang.
He said respectfully, "Dr. Meng's presence is a great honor for Anjifang and a blessing for its people. Please follow me. Your consultation room has been prepared for you, and all facilities are configured to the highest standards to provide the most comfortable treatment environment for patients."
After saying that, Yu Lang led Meng Zhelan through the busy yet orderly Anjifang.
People come and go, yet everything is orderly. A faint medicinal fragrance permeates the air, mixed with a hint of disinfectant mugwort, bringing a sense of peace.
"Dr. Meng, our Anji Fang not only treats ordinary patients, but also pays special attention to those who have been displaced by war and disaster. Your medical skills are superb, and you will surely be able to help them recover completely," Yu Lang said as they walked, his tone full of admiration and expectation.
Step into the consultation room prepared specifically for Meng Zhelan.
The interior was simply yet warmly decorated, with several calligraphy and paintings about the benevolence of doctors hanging on the walls.
On the desk, there were writing brushes, ink, paper, and inkstones, all prepared in advance, clearly indicating that Meng Zhelan might need to record medical records or prescribe medicine.
"This place is excellent. Thank you for your thoughtful arrangements, Steward Yu." Meng Zhelan looked around and nodded in satisfaction.
He then changed into a clean and neat doctor's robe, ready to begin his day's consultations.
Anjifang not only had a medical clinic, but also a shelter, literacy classes, textile workshops, and so on.
The shelters not only housed orphans but also displaced people.
While providing them with food, clothing, shelter, and transportation, we will also help them integrate into society as soon as possible.
The establishment of such an Anjifang was extremely costly, with funds coming from the emperor's private treasury, the national treasury, the Yinxian Villa, the Qiyang Chamber of Commerce, and donations from the public.
Another portion came from the profits earned from textiles.
The Qiyang Chamber of Commerce built textile workshops in Anjifang in various places, and hired some displaced people to support themselves with their own hands. The cloth spun out was sold through the Qiyang Chamber of Commerce.
Meng Zhelan was very pleased to see Anjifang becoming more and more mature, so she picked up her pen and wrote it down to tell Li Xi.
However, what she didn't know was that Li Xi, whom she had always been thinking about, was in Yunshu City, less than a hundred miles away from her.
Since the great success of its last parade, the Red Lotus Sect has continued to conduct tours in other places.
Meanwhile, the emperor, far away in the capital, also received a secret letter informing him of Li Xi's whereabouts, and subsequently had a long private conversation with the retired emperor in his study.
The Empress Dowager was eating hot pot alone, but despite the delicious food, she lost interest.
It's really boring now that I don't have many dining companions.
After receiving Qin Xiaolin's intelligence, Hongying led Wan Yue and flew to Yunshu City on a golden eagle overnight.
Chen Quan stayed behind to clean up the mess, and he was immediately overwhelmed.
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