Tasting the unprecedented delicious food, these disaster victims seemed to be reborn after enjoying these delicacies.
However, Chu Fan felt mixed emotions when he saw this scene and it was difficult to express them in words.
Due to limited human resources, most sweet potatoes were distributed to the victims uncooked. Although corn was cooked, the sheer number of refugees meant firewood was scarce, and the necessary pots and pans were also in short supply.
Under such circumstances, the city guards responsible for disaster relief had to boil corn repeatedly in one pot of water to minimize the use of firewood.
I saw the victims lying on the ground in groups of three or five after having a full meal, and some even just casually took care of their physical needs in the open space. Some people, thirsty, went straight to the stream to drink the untreated water.
Chu Fan was filled with worry when he saw this scene. As someone who traveled here from Blue Star, he was well aware of the dangers of drinking raw water, especially in such a crowded environment where sanitation was extremely difficult to guarantee. The cleanliness and safety of the water source was even more worrying.
In this overcrowded environment, sanitation hangs like a sword over everyone's head, poised to fall at any moment. Chu Fan even witnessed people bathing upstream, while those downstream remained unaware and continued to drink potentially contaminated water.
Because people urinate and defecate everywhere, their excrement will be contaminated by the soil and enter the river, causing pollution.
He was still the Emperor of Wei, and these people were his subjects. Since he had decided to save them, he couldn't just stand by and watch them like this. If they continued to urinate and defecate freely and drink unclean water, even if he distributed food, many of these victims would die from diseases contracted from drinking unclean water. Even more terrifying was the fact that if too many people died and the situation wasn't handled properly, it would become a plague. Chu Fan didn't want to watch so many people die; it would make his conscience ache.
Chu Fan ordered his guards, "Quickly inform Changsun Dechong to dispatch personnel to guard the river. Also, dig several manure pits away from the river and surround them with wooden stakes. Direct the public to defecate there to avoid contaminating the water source. Also, ask Changsun Dechong to come alone to see me tomorrow."
Chu Fan was well aware that the issues of sewage disposal and raw water use were not easily resolved. With nearly one million disaster victims, even with some losses during the migration, the estimated number of victims arriving in Kaifeng would be no less than 800,000 to 900,000. Although not all of them had arrived yet, over 100,000 had already reached the outskirts of Kaifeng.
The number of over 100,000 disaster victims was by no means small, and to resolve the various problems that arose, effective solutions had to be carefully considered. Fortunately, Chu Fan already had some preliminary ideas for this.
Therefore, he had to summon Changsun Dechong and let him rely on the strength of the city guards to better cope with this challenge and ensure the successful completion of the mission.
In addition, Chu Fan also wanted to take this opportunity to stimulate Chang Sun Dechong and prevent these people from being completely loyal to him. You know, he was still waiting for them to rebel.
The next day, Chu Fan canceled the morning court and let everyone do their own things. Chang Sun Dechong also took the time to arrange the things Chu Fan had ordered and then came to the imperial study.
After receiving the eunuch's report, Changsun Dechong tread lightly into the imperial study, fearing to disrupt the rare tranquility. Inside, Chu Fan was absorbed in writing, his brush swiftly scribbling. While no one dared to criticize Chu Fan's handwriting, it was certainly quite unsightly.
Chu Fan, in his serious state, seemed oblivious to everything around him. The sunlight filtered through the window lattice, scattering across his body in patches, adding a touch of majesty and mystery to his demeanor.
Changsun Dechong slowly walked to the table, bowed, and spoke in a low, respectful voice, "Your Majesty, I have already taken care of everything you instructed. I wonder what important matter Your Majesty has summoned me to discuss?"
Chu Fan did not respond to Chang Sun Dechong immediately, but continued to immerse himself in his own writing world, while Chang Sun Dechong stood quietly by the side, patiently waiting for Chu Fan to finish his creation.
After Chu Fan finished writing, he gently put down his brush and stretched his wrist, which had become slightly stiff from holding it for so long. Writing so many words with a brush had indeed left Chu Fan feeling quite exhausted. At the same time, a thought occurred to him: he had to put some more pressure on Chang Sun Dechong.
Imagine a minister holding the dual positions of Minister of War and Minister of Disaster Relief, who serves you wholeheartedly, yet you treat him coldly, even unkindly. Would he harbor resentment? If these feelings of discontent build to a point, would he, in a fit of rage, launch an uprising to overthrow your rule?
Chu Fan knew that Changsun Dechong had a beloved daughter, only fourteen years old. People often say that a daughter is a father's sweetheart. So, should I let Changsun Dechong bear the pain of giving up his beloved daughter and send her to the palace? Would such a decision make him disappointed in me, even willing to disobey the emperor's orders and attempt to overthrow my rule?
The more Chu Fan thought about it, the more he felt that this was feasible. Then, with a serious expression, he turned to Chang Sun Dechong and asked in a deep voice, "Chang Sun Dechong, do you know what crime you have committed?"
Chang Sun Dechong was stunned by Chu Fan's words. He had devoted all his energy to disaster relief, yet how could he have been accused of a crime? Suddenly, a thought flashed through Chang Sun Dechong's mind: perhaps Chu Fan was a foolish ruler, creating trouble out of nothing to try to deprive him of his power.
Chu Fan ignored Chang Sun Dechong's reaction and continued, "If I hadn't gone, would you have allowed the victims to defecate anywhere and pollute the water source? Besides, although sweet potatoes are a good food, how can you expect the elderly and weak to swallow them raw?
Not to mention the water source is already contaminated. If the victims drink this contaminated water and the disease spreads, how will you respond? Don't be resentful. You must know that it is you, the Minister of War, who volunteered to take on this important task. Now that you have taken on the responsibility, you should do your best to see it through to the end."
After hearing Chu Fan's words, Chang Sun Dechong suddenly realized that he had been negligent in many aspects. He thought he had been properly managing these disaster victims and preventing riots, and that he had done a very good job, but he never expected that he still had so many shortcomings.
Changsun Dechong knelt on the ground and kowtowed respectfully, saying, "I am deeply ashamed for my incompetence and I beg Your Majesty to punish me."
You must know that thunder, lightning, rain and dew are all grace from the emperor. If His Majesty does not punish me for making so many mistakes in disaster relief, then I will have to consider where my nine clansmen will be buried after they die.
Chu Fan smiled evilly and said, "I heard that Lord Changsun has a treasure at home."
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
