Xu Nian would send rain to Yuanbao every month to ensure that the crops over a thousand miles could survive.
As long as there is a harvest, people's lives will not be too difficult.
The country has been suffering from a severe drought for half a year, and the continuous rainfall in the three northeastern provinces has attracted a large number of refugees fleeing the famine.
The governor of Nanhe County, the prefect of Donghe Prefecture, and the governor of Xihe Prefecture gathered together to discuss countermeasures.
"Currently, only our three provinces are still experiencing rain, while people from all over the country are flocking in. His Majesty has ordered us to appease the people. Does anyone have any good ideas?"
"Your Majesty has millions of subjects. Even if we open the granaries and distribute grain, it won't last more than a few months!"
“I have a suggestion: we can’t just take the food for free. After receiving the refugees, we should let them clear land and farm it. As long as we have a harvest in a few months, this year won’t be too difficult.”
"This method is feasible, but I'm afraid the weather won't cooperate. What will we do then?"
"We can dig canals to store water and open up waterways. As long as there is water, we can protect the growth of crops and solve the problem of drinking water for the population."
"Another point is that the influx of too many refugees will inevitably affect the original inhabitants of the three northeastern provinces. We need to find a way to balance this out and prevent the original inhabitants of the three northeastern provinces from becoming hostile to the refugees."
“The original inhabitants of the three northeastern provinces remain untouched, but the refugees will definitely return to their places of origin after the drought.”
After discussing for a day, the three of them finally decided on a work-for-relief strategy, which included clearing land for planting crops, digging canals to store water, opening up waterways, and distributing land to refugees.
When Mu Qingqing found out about these things, she couldn't wait to run over and share them with Xu Nian. After she finished speaking, she couldn't help but exclaim, "Niannian, Heaven is truly amazing. There was a severe drought across the country, but it rained in the three northeastern provinces. And the timing of the rain was always just right, as if it were controlled by someone."
"...!" You're absolutely right, she's been controlled by someone else. The rain was something she got by exchanging points.
Xu Nian didn't dare to say what was on her mind, but instead said, "We're lucky, the outside world is a complete mess."
“It’s really chaotic. There’s been a severe drought for half a year. Those people have been eating anything they can find while fleeing the famine. My father warned me to keep the doors and windows locked at home during this time.” Mu Qingqing’s eyes were full of pity.
“Your father is right. There are good and bad people. There are always some who want to take advantage of the chaos. You are often home alone. It would be safer to keep a big yellow dog.” Xu Nian was also afraid that there might be criminals among the refugees. Even if they lived next door, she couldn’t keep an eye on Mu Qingqing’s house all the time.
"Niannian, that's a good idea. I'll have my dad bring a big yellow dog back tomorrow. If anyone comes, I'll let the big yellow dog bite them." Mu Qingqing really likes Chinese rural dogs. They are loyal and protective of their owners. Give them food and a place to sleep, and they will be loyal to their owners for life.
"Qingqing, what's the price of grain in your area now?" Xu Nian was worried that the price of grain was too high and that ordinary people wouldn't be able to afford it.
"Don't worry, Niannian. This drought is particularly severe and widespread. The imperial court has issued a disaster relief order, and anyone who dares to raise grain prices at this time will be beheaded immediately. In addition, the prefect has people inspecting grain prices every day, so there hasn't been much change." Mu Qingqing's relaxed smile made Xu Nian's brows unfurrow.
Fortunately, nothing major happened.
"Don't worry, Niannian. There are tall people to hold up the sky. The drought will pass." Mu Qingqing comforted Xu Nian while also comforting herself.
"I just hope everyone can survive this drought," Xu Nian said earnestly.
"Niannian, you are a human being, you shouldn't be thinking about what God is supposed to do," Mu Qingqing said weakly, leaning on Xu Nian's shoulder.
"Qingqing, you're right, I am a human being." Xu Nian let go of her inner turmoil and finally recognized her place in the world.
She is a human being, and her selflessness has its limits.
As the two were talking, Wang Pu'an hurriedly returned. When he saw Xu Nian sitting in the courtyard chatting and laughing, his expression relaxed.
"Wang Pu'an, what happened outside?" Xu Nian didn't miss Wang Pu'an's expression before and after he came in.
"Some bad things did happen." Wang Pu'an's face darkened as he mentioned the incident.
"What's wrong?" Xu Nian and Mu Qingqing both looked at Wang Puan at the same time.
"There are bandits among the refugees, and some families in the town have been affected." This news from Wang Pu'an was truly terrible.
Mu Qingqing hugged Xu Nian's waist and said, "Niannian, I'm scared. Can I sleep with you tonight?"
“No,” Wang Puan said on Xu Nian’s behalf.
Just kidding, how could someone else steal away his sweet and soft wife? Dream on, Nian Nian's night belongs to him.
"Don't be so stingy, it's just for one day." Mu Qingqing pretended to be pitiful to gain sympathy.
“Go back to your own home and sleep. This is not up for discussion.” Wang Pu’an was adamant. He could tolerate Mu Qingqing’s contact with Xu Nian only because Mu Qingqing could make Xu Nian happy.
But if Mu Qingqing really wanted to compete with him for Xu Nian, he would absolutely disagree.
Mu Qingqing was furious, but Wang Puan and Xu Nian were husband and wife, and her request was indeed excessive.
"Qingqing, it's okay. Call me if anything happens." Xu Nian tugged at Wang Pu'an's sleeve to stop him from doing anything excessive.
"Okay." Mu Qingqing thought that her parents would be back that night, so she locked the doors and windows. Even if the bandits came, they wouldn't be able to hurt her for a while.
Before leaving, Mu Qingqing glared fiercely at Wang Pu'an.
Only after confirming that Mu Qingqing had returned home safely did Xu Nian release Wang Puan.
"Niannian, I'm jealous. She leaned on your shoulder and put her arm around your waist," Wang Pu'an persisted.
"So what do you want?" Xu Nian asked, both amused and exasperated.
"Niannian, we haven't read comic books together in a long time. Will you read one with me today?" Wang Puan immediately offered the perk he wanted.
"I refuse." Xu Nian blushed whenever she thought of those comic books.
“Niannian, refusal is futile. Niannian, you’ve been with Mu Qingqing every day, you’re starting to forget how wonderful I am, I have to help you remember.” Wang Pu’an picked up Xu Nian and turned to go into the room.
As the room door locked, the sound of pages turning filled the air, and Xu Nian, forced to study, wept, her tears soaking her clothes.
“Niannian, only at times like this do you have nothing but me in your heart and eyes.” Wang Pu’an kissed the corner of Xu Nian’s eye, a bitter feeling welling up inside him.
"Wang Pu'an, stop acting up." Xu Nian pinched Wang Pu'an's waist. When would this strong possessiveness ever stop?
"Niannian, will you have a child for me?" Wang Puan asked expectantly.
Perhaps after having children, Niannian will spend more time with him.
"Wang Pu'an, I am infertile. I cannot give you the child you want." Xu Nian lowered her eyelids, the blush of emotion faded, and indifference gradually filled her face.
"Niannian, I don't want children anymore, I only want you."
Wang Puan was in a hurry and flustered state; he didn't want Xu Nian to look at him coldly.
"Niannian, I'm sorry. I was despicable and shameless. I wanted to use the child to tie you down."
"I want children because I hope you can keep watching over me for the sake of the children."
Wang Puan said incoherently, "Niannian, I really know I was wrong, please don't ignore me."
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