"How so?"
"I sent Su Peisheng to investigate. Many farmhouses near the capital have collapsed, and many elderly people living alone have frozen to death."
This is only in the vicinity of the capital.
The snowfall covered a large area, and it was likely to be worse elsewhere than in the capital. The key issue is that the government hasn't provided any information regarding the disaster relief funds.
Tong Cheng'er was stunned when she heard this, and then fell silent. These things seemed very close to her, but in fact they were very far away. She grew up carefree in this life, and no matter how bitter or unlucky her life was in her previous life, she never encountered any natural disasters!
What can I do?
When she asked this question, her first thought was to donate money, since she didn't seem to be able to help much besides money.
"No need for now. I will go to see Father tomorrow and explain the situation."
After finishing his meal, Yinzhen went to his study to write memorials.
Tong Cheng'er wasn't idle either; she tried hard to recall anything about the snow disaster, but couldn't remember anything.
Before going to bed, Tong Cheng'er said to Yinzhen, "How about I donate some money? I don't know how to deal with the snow disaster, but it will definitely require money."
Yinzhen: "These are not urgent. Keep the money for now, and I will tell you when I need it."
Yinzhen was very clear about his own thoughts. Because he had a lot of money, he was always thinking about how to spend it. He felt uneasy about keeping it. He had no objection to this.
No matter how much they spend, the income will always exceed the expenditure, so the young mistress won't go hungry.
Tong Cheng'er nodded and then fell asleep.
The next day, Yinzhen went directly to the Qianqing Palace to see Emperor Kangxi.
His memorial was handed over: "Father, it has been snowing for the past few days, and the roads in the capital are now impassable. I am worried, so I had people investigate the farmhouses near the capital. I found that many farmhouses have collapsed, people are homeless, and many have frozen to death or suffered frostbite. The officials in charge of disaster relief are indifferent. I also checked the whereabouts of this year's disaster relief funds and found that the Ministry of Revenue had already allocated 100,000 taels of silver for disaster relief the day before yesterday. I implore Father to investigate thoroughly."
Emperor Kangxi has been having a headache these past two days, watching the heavy snow falling incessantly outside! He knew that the Ministry of Revenue had allocated funds for disaster relief, but he didn't know that the disaster relief funds were not being used effectively.
He wouldn't just believe Yinzhen's side of the story, but he did take what Yinzhen said to heart.
"It's kind of you to think of that."
Seeing that Da Xue was concerned about the safety of the people, Kangxi was very pleased. However, at the same time, he thought of the Crown Prince and couldn't help but feel disappointed. It was a pity that the Crown Prince was not as thoughtful as him.
If the Crown Prince were to say these words today, he would probably be so happy he wouldn't be able to sleep.
“Since I have received a salary, it is only right that I do so.”
The implication is that this is all to be expected.
Emperor Kangxi was naturally even more pleased upon hearing this.
"I will send people to investigate what you said. If it is true, I will certainly not let those who prey on the people off lightly."
Embezzling the imperial court's disaster relief funds was a direct attack on Emperor Kangxi's heart!
The Ministry of Revenue finally had some silver, but he himself was reluctant to squander it. Concerned about the safety of the people, he specifically said that the relief efforts should be more lenient. These people simply took his words as nonsense.
This is outrageous – to outwardly comply while inwardly defying orders!
"Your Majesty is wise."
Yinzhen's statement wasn't entirely wrong. Although Kangxi favored the crown prince and valued reputation, he was essentially quite wise.
After leaving the Qianqing Palace, Yinzhen returned to his residence and met with An Linyu.
They should have met yesterday, but it was too late, and the people Su Peisheng sent couldn't find him.
The academy began to get on the right track, and a dedicated person was assigned to be the academy's dean, so An Linyu had less to worry about.
The sewers have been repaired, and I've been busy with business matters lately.
The reason why the people Su Peisheng sent yesterday couldn't find him was mainly because they were socializing and returned home late at night, drunk.
So he came over today as soon as he heard the news.
Yinzhen had just gone to the palace when he arrived.
Since Yinzhen was not there, Tong Cheng'er asked him to wait. When Yinzhen returned, the two went into the study.
An Linyu: "This servant greets Master."
Yinzhen: "No need for formalities. There are many things to discuss today. Please sit down and let's talk."
"Thank you, Master."
"As you can see, the snow keeps falling. The people I sent there said that houses have collapsed in many places. If this continues, it will definitely not work."
"Please give me your orders, Master."
Yinzhen: "Do you still keep in touch with the craftsmen who repaired the academy?"
An Linyu nodded: "We are in contact."
The task of building the academy was heavy, so he hired a lot of people. In order to ensure quality and quantity, and because he had plenty of money, he was generous. Those people never stopped coming. Before leaving, he told them to remember to contact them again for any major projects.
"It's good that we're in contact. The snow shows no signs of stopping. See if you can get them to start construction on the shelter right now."
An Linyu was surprised to hear this and was deeply moved. He had been kindly saved by his master and felt grateful. Hearing his master say this, he was naturally willing to do his best.
"I will contact them as soon as I get back."
Yinzhen nodded: "I won't give you the geomantic map. Whatever it is, it must be large, windproof, snowproof, and sturdy."
An Linyu: "This servant understands."
After Yinzhen finished speaking about this matter, he also mentioned some precautions, including where the shelter should be built, and a series of other issues. After he finished speaking, he made sure that all the issues he could think of had been addressed.
That's all for now. I won't invite you to lunch. Go and get on with your business now. I'll treat you to lunch later when this is all over.
An Linyu nodded upon hearing this, and then took his leave.
After leaving the Fourth Prince's residence, An Linyu walked back to his own residence with a look of emotion. Once back, he didn't rest but mobilized all his resources to prepare for the construction of a shelter.
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