Qiao'er cautiously glanced at Chen Qingwan's expression before speaking:
"Your Majesty, perhaps... perhaps there is someone who can solve this problem..."
Chen Qingwan raised an eyebrow: "Who?"
"Lu...Lu Yan...Lu Yan from Shannan County..."
Qiao'er's voice grew softer and softer until it was almost inaudible.
Upon hearing this, Chen Qingwan was first taken aback, then let out a cold laugh:
"Pah! I think you've been bewitched by that corrupt official! There are a few shady places in Shannan County."
"But food and water don't just fall from the sky! Unless the food in Shannan County can feed millions of people for several years!"
"But that greedy bastard Lu Yan, even if he really had it, he wouldn't give it up!"
"The people of Datong do not need this corrupt official's hypocritical charity!"
Qiao'er was so frightened by Chen Qingwan's anger that she dared not speak again.
Head bowed, barely daring to breathe.
Seeing Chen Qingwan's strong rejection of Lu Yan, Li Dazhuang breathed a sigh of relief.
He already harbored doubts about the various rumors surrounding Lu Yan.
I think it's too exaggerated, even absurd.
Now that it seems His Majesty doesn't trust Lu Yan either, there's no need for him to mention this person anymore.
Chen Qingwan rubbed her throbbing temples. This corrupt official truly deserves to die!
She waved her hand impatiently and said:
"Li Dazhuang, take these gold and silver jewels and contact those grain merchants. Pay a higher price if necessary, and buy the grain back as soon as possible! Be quick!"
Li Dazhuang felt as if he had been granted a pardon and quickly replied:
"Yes, Your Majesty! I will take care of it immediately!"
After saying that, he ran out in a flash, as if afraid that Chen Qingwan would change her mind.
Chen Qingwan then turned to Qiao'er, her tone softening slightly.
"Qiao'er, arrange for people to spread the word that the imperial court will provide relief to the disaster victims in the capital, giving them a way to survive, and lead the disaster victims to the capital."
Qiao'er curtsied and said, "Yes, Your Majesty."
...
The sun scorched the earth, and the air was filled with the smell of dust and sweat.
Lu Yan rode his mule, swaying and staggering along the road to Shannan County.
He "borrowed" the mule from Qingshui County.
It is said that he is Zhao Dezhu's precious darling, and he cherishes him like the most precious thing.
But who is Lu Yan?
He is Lu Yan!
Someone who never returns borrowed items.
He hummed a tuneless little tune as he looked around at the scenery.
The construction progress of this sub-county is much faster than he had imagined.
The streets are beginning to take shape, and some simple shops have started to open for business.
"Sir, there's a newly opened restaurant just ahead. Would you like to go in and rest for a bit?"
Lu Fei rode his horse behind Lu Yan and pointed to a two-story building not far away.
Lu Yan squinted and looked around. Although the restaurant was simple, it was still quite humble.
But even in this desolate wilderness, it stands out from the crowd.
"Sure, let's go try the food and drinks at this country shop and see if there are any surprises."
The three entered the restaurant, and a strong aroma of wine wafted towards them.
Lu Yan found a seat by the window and casually picked up the menu on the table.
But I found that the names of the dishes listed were all strange.
"Flying Dragon in the Sky? What is that? Is it a lizard? And this Phoenix Dancing in the Nine Heavens, is it made of chicken feathers?"
Lu Fei and Zhang Xun exchanged a glance, barely suppressing their laughter.
"Sir, these... these are all rustic dishes, and their names are... quite down-to-earth."
Lu Yan pouted.
"Down-to-earth? I think it's incredibly rustic! Forget it, just bring out a few of our signature dishes and a pot of good wine."
After the food and drinks were served, Lu Yan took a bite and his eyes widened immediately.
"What the hell?! What is this?! It's worse than pig swill! This is supposed to be a signature dish?! Boss! Boss!"
A short, stout boss with an oily face came running over eagerly.
"Sir, what can I do for you?"
"What are your orders? What kind of rubbish is this? Even a dog wouldn't eat it! Give me my money back!"
Lu Yan slammed his chopsticks on the table and said angrily.
The boss turned pale with fright.
"Sir, this...this is our restaurant's signature dish! Everyone says it's delicious..."
"Delicious? You try one and let me see! It's awful! Give me my money back!"
The boss had no choice but to refund the money.
Lu Yan and his two companions left the restaurant grumbling and cursing.
Not far from the restaurant, a scout came running up in a hurry.
"Report! My lord, a drought has struck Qingzhou, leaving countless people destitute!"
Upon hearing this, Lu Yan frowned.
Drought? Disaster victims?
This is going to be a problem.
However, an idea suddenly popped into his head.
"Disaster victims...disaster victims...we've got them!"
He slapped his thigh suddenly and said excitedly:
"Quickly! Go back and gather the men and food supplies. We're going to Qingzhou for disaster relief!"
Lu Fei and Zhang Xun looked puzzled.
"Sir, our county is newly established and doesn't have a large grain supply. Going to provide disaster relief... might...?"
"Idiot! Let's go to Qingzhou and bring all the disaster victims back! Our county is desperately short of people, this is a great opportunity!"
"With people here, why worry about not having enough people to grow crops?"
Lu Fei and Zhang Xun then realized what was going on and gave a thumbs up.
"Brilliant! Absolutely brilliant! Your Excellency is wise!"
Lu Yan smiled smugly.
"This is called turning a crisis into an opportunity! Get ready quickly, we're leaving tomorrow!"
The next day, Lu Yan led a large group of people and set off for Qingzhou.
They didn't bring much food, only some medicine and daily necessities.
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