Zhang Xin was a step slower. After greeting Xu Jing, he asked, "Does Your Majesty recognize Lord Zhou?"
"This king and Jingxuan are old acquaintances."
Zhang Xin understood and replied, "If that's the case, it's much easier. It's cold outside, please take a seat, Your Highness."
The situation was urgent, and Xu Jing had no time to reminisce. After taking his seat at the head of the table, he said, "Master Zhang has already explained everything to me. I wonder how Master Qian plans to handle the disaster relief issue?"
Qian Huai, as the imperial envoy, had done his homework before arriving. To put it simply, he gave money when asked for money and food when asked for food.
Xu Jing frowned after looking over the account book Qian Huai handed over. Qian Huai asked, "Is there anything wrong with what I have compiled?"
"No problem. I would like to ask, how many soldiers are there with you?"
Qian Huai said, "Five hundred."
"Not enough." Xu Jing ordered: "Ling Yuan, take this king's token and go find the Jin brothers. Tell them to immediately bring a thousand soldiers to this place to exchange food."
"Yes." Ling Yuan accepted the order and retreated.
Qian Huai said, "Is there something wrong here?"
"Master Qian, you may not know that the route you are taking will pass through Phoenix Ridge. There is a group of outlaws in Phoenix Ridge who will definitely come to rob the food if they learn of this. If they occupy the mountain stronghold, I will have to go to great lengths to wipe out the stronghold. This will inevitably delay the disaster relief efforts."
Qian Huai was so frightened that he broke out in a cold sweat. "I didn't think it through properly. If they had been kidnapped, not only would my official hat be in jeopardy, but my life would have been lost as well."
"Master Qian, you're joking. You're an imperial envoy appointed by the court. No matter how stupid they are, they won't touch you. The only purpose of these heroes is to rob food."
Xu Jing sighed and continued, "To be honest, Lanzhou City is now at the end of its rope. While rescue might be possible in the height of summer, crops simply can't grow in the dead of winter. Restoring our former state will likely take until next year. And how can the common people survive the harsh winter? I was left with no other options, so I wrote this letter asking for help. Fortunately, the timely help arrived."
Qian Huai laughed dryly and said, "Your Highness is really praising me. The money and food I brought are just a drop in the bucket. I'm afraid it won't last until spring."
"We can only take things one step at a time now. By the way, are there any quilts or cotton clothes among the disaster relief supplies?"
Qian Huai shook his head.
Xu Jing frowned, thinking, "I knew the imperial court was unreliable." He wondered where the prosperity Emperor Zhaodi was talking about came from. They only sent some grain and silver for disaster relief, but nothing else. The modern era was different from the ancient times. He couldn't leave his fiefdom to transport supplies south of the Yangtze River. Information was so limited, and if he sent his men, he was afraid they'd be robbed by bandits along the way.
Xu Jing, who had experienced famine, came up with an idea.
"Master Qian, I wonder if you have any colleagues in Yizhou. Could you write a letter and ask them to send some cotton clothes, quilts, or medicinal herbs?"
"I'll think about it." Qian Huai really thought of someone, but the journey from Shu is too long and the food might be cold by the time he sends it over.
Xu Jing didn't miss Qian Huai's expression and continued, "Hanzhong is not far from Chang'an. I know of a secret passage that can deliver supplies in five days. If Lord Qian can lend me a hand, I will certainly speak well of him in my memorial."
"I have to think about this carefully." Qian Huai didn't want to take responsibility, he wanted to take the credit for the work.
If the risk is inversely proportional to the return, he would rather give up and just live in peace.
Xu Jing saw through his cowardly nature and turned his gaze to the silent Zhou Siheng. "Does Jingxuan know anyone who can resolve this matter?"
Zhou Siheng said, "My uncle is now the governor of Hanzhong. When I return, I will definitely send a letter to him and ask him to send the supplies over."
"Write now. Sir Zhang, please ask the servant to prepare the pen, ink, paper and inkstone."
Zhang Xin had become Xu Jing's assistant. Whenever Xu Jing gave an order, he would not object.
After Zhou Siheng wrote the letter, Zhang Xin handed it over to his subordinates.
Qian Huai was a little apprehensive about the two men's tacit cooperation, and he couldn't say much in front of Xu Jing. He found an excuse to leave early. Zhang Xin asked, "Master Zhou, would you like to stay here for dinner?"
Zhang Xin was just being polite, but he didn't expect Zhou Siheng to actually accept. "It's hard to refuse such a kind offer, and I'd be remiss if I didn't."
"Alright, I'll ask the kitchen to cook some delicious dishes today to welcome Master Zhou."
"No need." Zhou Siheng rejected the suggestion. "The victims still haven't had enough to eat. I feel really bad for them. Let's keep things simple."
"Lord Zhou is truly a role model for us." Zhang Xin said with a smile, "Your Highness, would you please stay and dine with us?"
"No need. I have important matters to attend to. I will go back first."
Seeing Xu Jing about to leave, Zhou Siheng stepped forward and blocked his way. "Your Highness, I have something important to discuss with you. I hope your Highness will be flexible."
"Sir Zhou, won't you stay at Zhang's house for dinner?" Xu Jing said with a smile, "You've just arrived, so it's important for you to rest for a few days."
"No need. Disaster relief is the top priority. I won't be able to rest for the next day. I hope Your Highness can give me some advice."
"Then you will follow me, Master Zhang."
Zhang Xin was trembling with fear. "Why did the prince summon me?"
"I'll take the person away first. I'll have dinner with Master Zhang another day."
"You go first." Zhang Xin wanted to set off firecrackers to celebrate. He would do anything as long as he didn't have to get along with King Qin.
Ever since he followed the deadly King of Qin, he hadn't had a good rest for a long time. Today, he had to stay at home and rest for a day.
As for what Zhou Siheng and King Qin wanted to discuss, it had nothing to do with him. He just had to save his own life.
The snow was falling harder and harder, and the whistling cold wind was like a knife, scratching my cheeks painfully. The moment Zhou Siheng took the reins, Xu Jing grabbed his frozen hand. "Don't be so stubborn. You're weak, so take the carriage."
"Okay." Zhou Siheng climbed into the carriage without pretense. The carriage was spacious and the temperature inside was just right, much more comfortable than outside. While this type of carriage was considered the king of carriages in the northwest, it couldn't even compare to a minister's carriage in the capital.
Zhou Siheng mentally reminded himself that Lanzhou was at least better off now than in other disaster-stricken areas in previous years. At least the refugees had food and clothing, and a place to stay if they got stuck. Just being able to survive the disaster was enough; he didn't dare ask for anything else.
However, Lanzhou was still the fief of the King of Qin, and it was much poorer than the fiefs of other princes. Tax revenue had dropped significantly, and drought had occurred. It was hardly a place for retirement. If Xie Yunqi stayed here, it would be no different from exile.
It's no wonder that my mentor advised me not to get involved in the royal struggles. Some struggles may not involve bloodshed, but the consequences may be much worse than I imagined.
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