This corrupt official pacified the barbarians, and not only did he not hide it from me, but he also failed to do so.
They even actively submitted memorials demanding benefits; didn't they intend to rebel?
It's not impossible to shut down the "Zhi Fou" (a fictional character in a Chinese novel).
Chen Qingwan said with a forced smile:
"Lord Lu truly cares for the people. In that case, I... I'll wait and see how Lord Lu governs this vast... mansion?"
Before he could finish speaking, a commotion suddenly arose in the distance.
A group of ragged, emaciated disaster victims.
Like sharks that have smelled blood, they swarmed in.
Their target was the several cartloads of grain that Lu Yan and his group were carrying.
An old woman knelt tremblingly before Lu Yan, pleading:
"Sir, please have mercy and give us something to eat! We haven't eaten for days..."
Other victims also knelt down, their cries and pleas filling the air.
The scene was chaotic.
Seeing this, Chen Qingwan was secretly delighted.
This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!
She wanted to see what Lu Yan was really up to.
Looking at the pitiful disaster victims in front of him, Lu Yan felt a mix of emotions.
Although he has a sharp tongue, he is not heartless.
"Stop crying, everyone!"
Lu Yan shouted loudly, his voice booming like a bell, which shocked everyone.
He turned and instructed Lu Fei:
"Distribute the food and have the brothers maintain order to prevent stampedes."
Lu Fei accepted the order and left, and the soldiers began to distribute the rations in an orderly manner.
After receiving the food, the disaster victims were moved to tears and kowtowed to Lu Yan in gratitude.
Chen Qingwan thought to herself.
Winning people's hearts and minds? Humph!
"Lord Lu is truly kind-hearted."
Chen Qingwan said sarcastically.
"But aren't you afraid of raising a tiger that will eventually harm you by doing this?"
"What if something happens to them?" Lu Yan raised an eyebrow.
He looked at Chen Qingwan with a half-smile.
"Miss Chen, you don't actually think I'm afraid of these disaster victims, do you?"
Chen Qingwan was speechless for a moment, not knowing how to answer.
Lu Yan continued:
"These people became disaster victims not because they were inherently evil, but because of natural disasters and man-made calamities, leaving them with no other choice."
"As long as you give them food and let them live, they will naturally be grateful."
"On the contrary, if we ignore them, they may take risks and do something illegal or disorderly."
"Wouldn't that make things even more complicated?"
Chen Qingwan sneered inwardly; this Lu Yan was truly eloquent.
"Lord Lu's insight is brilliant," Chen Qingwan replied perfunctorily.
"However, I have important matters to attend to, so I'll take my leave now."
Lu Yan cupped his hands in greeting: "Miss Chen, please take care. I won't see you off."
Chen Qingwan, along with Qiao'er and a group of guards, strode away.
On the way, Chen Qingwan's face was gloomy, and she didn't say a word.
Qiao'er asked cautiously:
"Miss, what's wrong?"
Chen Qingwan snorted coldly:
"This Lu Yan is indeed a cunning and scheming person!"
"Why do you say that, Miss?" Qiao'er asked, puzzled.
"He deliberately distributed porridge to the disaster victims to win their hearts and minds, just to gain a good reputation."
Chen Qingwan said through gritted teeth.
"Hmph, I absolutely cannot let him succeed!"
"So, what does Miss plan to do?"
"Qiao'er, pass down the order to Li Dazhuang to bring as many disaster victims as possible to the capital for aid. I want to see how Lu Yan will contend with the imperial court!"
Qiao'er accepted the order and left.
Chen Qingwan watched the departing convoy, a cold smile appearing on her lips.
Lu Yan, we'll see!
After several days and nights of travel, the bumpy carriage finally came to a stop.
Chen Qingwan lifted the carriage curtain, and a wave of heat mixed with a sour smell rushed towards her, almost making her faint.
"Cough cough cough... What's that smell! It stinks!"
Qiao'er also wrinkled her nose, looking disgusted:
"Your Majesty, the atmosphere in the capital is getting more and more intoxicating."
The journey of several days and nights left Chen Qingwan exhausted.
All I want right now is to hurry back to the palace, take a hot bath, and get a good night's sleep.
But the sight before her eyes made her heart sink.
The capital city, the center of the Great Tong Dynasty, now resembled a giant garbage dump.
This is completely different from Shannan County!
Chen Qingwan couldn't help but recall her days in Shannan County.
Wide, flat streets, streetlights illuminating the streets at night...
The streets are always spotless, and there are even parking lots for horse-drawn carriages.
Why?
Why is there such a big difference between the two places, even though they are both located in Datong?
Chen Qingwan was filled with questions and confusion.
Shannan County is just a small county town.
Under Lu Yan's management, everything was well-organized and thriving.
But in the capital city, right under the emperor's nose, sewage flowed freely and the stench was overwhelming.
Some people even urinate and defecate in the street, showing no shame whatsoever.
Upon returning to the palace, Chen Qingwan immediately instructed the palace maids to prepare hot water for her bath.
She felt a little more comfortable after soaking in the steaming hot bath.
"Qiao'er, tell me, how exactly did Lu Yan do that?"
With her eyes closed, Chen Qingwan's mind drifted to Lu Yan's face, which was both infuriating and full of confidence.
What is Your Majesty saying?
While wiping Chen Qingwan's back, Qiao'er asked in confusion.
"Shannan County, how did he manage to govern Shannan County so well?"
Chen Qingwan repeated it.
Qiao'er thought for a moment and said:
"This servant has heard that Lord Lu has implemented some new policies in Shannan County, encouraging commercial development, constructing water conservancy projects, and reducing taxes..."
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