Chapter 79 Chapter 79 A little peace of mind...
Xu Yuanheng glanced at the crowd. Those who had just been talking, pushing, and shouting for meat stopped moving and lowered their heads. Some of them even had shame in their eyes.
Someone looked at Lin Qiuran, then at the broken pieces of bowl on the ground, lowered his head guiltily, pursed his lips, but said nothing.
Seeing this, the one who threw the bowl shrank his neck, looked around and tried to blend into the crowd.
Even though he threw the bowl away, he needed this meal too. Who wouldn't want something that didn't cost money? He was right, though. The big restaurant made so much money every day, and if they were so rich and just gave them porridge and steamed buns, wouldn't that be bullying?
Does this boss eat these things himself? I don't think he'll even look at them. If I can get some meat, that would be great. Otherwise, I'll just have porridge. I have to give it a try, just in case he's a soft-hearted person who's easy to bully.
They drank porridge and ate steamed buns, but the people of Yu'an were having a good life at the moment. They often went to restaurants and even ate meat buns in the morning. He felt annoyed when he saw this.
Why wasn't Yu An the only one affected by the war? Why was it his family that was displaced while these people were living well? God wasn't fair at all. They were forced to leave their homes, and the court only gave them some rice and grain. They just wanted to eat meat, so why couldn't they satisfy them?
The man thought sinisterly, "They're not going to eat delicacies. Since they're willing to give out porridge, they might as well be kind." This man, dressed so well, was so stingy.
Why didn’t the bowl just now smash him to death?
Xu Yuanheng's gaze was too terrifying. The man stared at Xu Yuanheng and couldn't help but mutter, "You're dressed so well, what's wrong with us eating some meat? Don't you think so..."
The brave ones will die of overeating while the timid ones will die of starvation. They should just rob them directly. Unfortunately, these people are too timid and no one dares to do so, otherwise they would have eaten the meat long ago.
There were bandits on the way here, they were also robbing, so why did no one care?
If it was in a noisy place, Xu Yuanheng would definitely not be able to hear the sound, but at this moment the group of refugees were as quiet as quails. Xu Yuanheng could not only hear it, but he could also see the greedy and hateful look of this man.
Xu Yuanheng said, "Come here, take the man who threw the bowl away."
He had been crouching down when he threw the bowl, but when he heard that, he couldn't help but look up. He widened his eyes and asked, "Why? I didn't throw it!"
He was a little scared now, and while hiding in the crowd, he said, "Why are you chasing me away? I can't just stop eating meat."
Xu Yuanheng said calmly, "If you don't eat meat, you must learn your lesson. Today, Jinding Tower is giving alms here. If you want to come, you can get a bowl of porridge and a steamed bun. If you don't want to come, no one will ask you to eat. If anyone makes trouble, you will not be allowed to get porridge. If you make trouble more than three times, Jinding Tower will no longer give out porridge. When the time comes, please remember why we are no longer giving alms."
As Xu Yuanheng finished speaking, the refugees' expressions changed instantly. Although they felt it was unfair that they were displaced while the people of Yu'an were living comfortably, they were poorly clothed, while these people were well fed and clothed. They even asked for charity, while the people of Yu'an had houses and food.
But if the charity stall is really destroyed because of a few of them causing trouble, and they don’t get any benefits and even have to miss two meals, who can they turn to for justice?
The man was still unwilling to leave, tugging at the arms of those around him, "We are being bullied like this, who did I do this for?"
Xu Yuanheng watched coldly. He would continue to distribute porridge when the man left. It all depended on who could wait.
The crowd was silent, and someone said, "Go away."
The man was still pushing in, now even more angrily accusing the people who had just been with him of not standing up. Soon, he was pushed out, and then the refugees lined up seriously.
They were all given the same thing anyway, so what difference did it make if they ate it earlier or later? After everyone lined up, Shopkeeper Shi looked at Lin Qiuran, "Madam Lin?"
Lin Qiuran nodded and said, "Let's continue distributing porridge. Each person can only receive it once. If someone receives it repeatedly, Jindinglou will not distribute it. Don't let the petty thoughts of a few individuals cause everyone to go hungry."
After saying this, Lin Qiuran lowered her head and it landed on Xu Yuanheng's hand that was supporting her. Xu Yuanheng withdrew his hand and said, "It was a matter of urgency, don't blame me."
Lin Qiuran shook her head. Xu Yuanheng helped, and he did it through her clothes. There was no need for her to be surprised.
She hadn't expected that since she went out with guards and there were people guarding the stall, the refugees wouldn't rush up to rob money or things, but someone threw things at her, fortunately they didn't hit her.
The bowl for eating has been thrown away. If she is given food like this, she will have money but nowhere to spend it. No one wants to spend money and then raise an ungrateful person.
Since Manager Shi and the others were here, Lin Qiuran followed Xu Yuanheng.
Today is the sixth day of the first lunar month, and four days have passed since Xu Yuanheng left.
He came back alone. Lin Qiuran couldn't help but ask, "Why is Mr. Xu back? Tangyuan..."
Xu Yuanheng knew what Lin Qiuran was going to ask, so he said, "The dumplings are delicious, and your parents are doing well. I came back for business, and I'll leave after I've settled them down."
Lin Qiuran nodded. The Xu family also had business in Yu'an. Moreover, Xu Yuanheng had stockpiled food a few months ago. He must be in a hurry to sell it now, so it was not surprising that he came back.
Xu Yuanheng didn't give any further instructions. People's hearts were unpredictable, but things weren't chaotic at the moment. Most people had settled down here according to the county government's instructions, receiving daily relief food and living a leisurely life. Only a small number of people had ill intentions, going out to the streets to steal things and having chaotic plans.
Having suffered so much along the way, they are now cynical and wish everyone were like them. Not only are they likely to be targeted when they go out, but even with the door closed, they are not safe.
Just from what Xu Yuanheng knew, there was a family whose child starved to death on the way south. So when he saw other people's happy families, even if they stayed indoors, he couldn't help but have bad thoughts.
Don’t blame Lin Qiuran.
It's hard to defend against such a person even if you want to. You can't really stay indoors until the critical moment comes.
Xu Yuanheng sent Lin Qiuran back to Jinding Tower and said, "I have something else to do. Please be careful when you go out in the future."
Lin Qiuran nodded and said, "Mr. Xu, please change your clothes when you go out. It may not be very useful, but it is better than being stared at by a group of people."
Xu Yuanheng always brought guards with him when he went out, but two fists are no match for four legs.
Xu Yuanheng looked down at his own clothes, then at Lin Qiuran's. He smiled and said, "I hadn't thought of that. Thanks for reminding me."
Lin Qiuran: "If anyone should thank someone, it should be me, the Second Young Master."
Xu Yuanheng's smile deepened, and his expression became more relaxed. "Let's not thank each other anymore. If you have anything, just come to the Xu family and find me."
Lin Qiuran nodded and watched Xu Yuanheng leave.
The glutinous rice balls were good, so she felt relieved. Lin Qiuran was somewhat glad that she had sent the glutinous rice balls away, otherwise she didn't know what would happen.
Shopkeeper Shi returned half an hour later, just as the restaurant's first floor was about to open for business. Lin Ming had also finished his work, so nothing had happened there, though it was a bit chaotic due to the large crowd.
Lin Qiuran warned, "From now on, before giving alms, please explain it every day. If someone takes it too much and causes trouble, I will not give alms after three times."
Xu Yuanheng's idea was sound. These refugees had been hungry for a long time and were now living in huts, making them very hostile to the people of Yu'an. If this continued, they would become increasingly resentful. It would be better to shift the conflict to those who took advantage of the chaos to cause trouble.
They gave out porridge and rice, but these people didn't appreciate their kindness and instead asked for this and that. They didn't even consider how much money it would cost to feed so many people with meat.
Lin Qiuran made a donation today. He cooked 150 kilograms of rice and used 100 kilograms of flour to steam buns. According to the current price of grain, it would be four taels of silver.
Fortunately, I had stockpiled some before, so I didn’t need so much, but the restaurant would have wasted a day.
Moreover, Lin Qiuran felt that this method would not last for a few days. With so many people, the restaurant could only manage for three or four days. If no one continued to distribute porridge, these people would have nothing to eat.
Jindinglou announced that it would no longer provide alms until the evening of the ninth day of the first lunar month. It was only in the past two days that Xu Yuanheng learned that Lin Qiuran had used his name to provide alms to refugees in the west of the city.
Manager Xu and Xu Yuanheng had discussed this. He hadn't expected Lin Qiuran to do this. Not only did she not buy food from the Xu family, but she also performed a good deed in Xu Yuanheng's name. If Lin Qiuran had bought food from the Xu family at cost price and then distributed porridge, Manager Xu would have thought she was just too idle. But she paid for it herself, and she wasn't taking credit for it.
They have been doing business for a long time and have nothing to worry about. It is not surprising that the second young master has some thoughts when he meets someone like Madam Lin.
Manager Xu asked, "Should we donate?"
Xu Yuanheng was stunned for a moment, then shook his head.
He was now in charge of the Xu family, and this time he had stockpiled food in advance, taking the opportunity to make a fortune. With so many refugees, he hadn't considered providing porridge to the people.
Not only did Xu Yuanheng not have any, but several of Yu'an's wealthier families also did not have any. Instead, they had already packed their bags and fled south to seek refuge. Only Xu Yuanheng remained in the Xu family; Xu Yuanheng's father, eldest brother, and their wives and concubines had already left.
The richer you are, the more you value your life. Why would you care about others?
Xu Yuanheng pressed his eyebrows and said, "Sell the stored food as soon as possible."
The price of grain has now reached sixteen cents per catty, which is already high enough, and the prices of other things have also increased.
As soon as meat and vegetables are sold, people rush to buy them. If the prices remain high, ordinary people will not be able to afford them.
The imperial court wanted to appease the refugees and would never let them starve to death. As long as the war situation eased, it would order the adjustment of grain and meat prices.
Among them, salt, sugar and other items were controlled by the court and still had the original prices, but they were not of much use and were not enough to feed people.
Xu Yuanheng had stockpiled the grain when he had only seven or eight cents, so he had to get rid of it quickly.
Manager Xu nodded and did as Xu Yuanheng instructed. The Xu family not only stored grain in Yu'an, but also in other places. They could make a lot of money this time.
As for Lin Qiuran's help, the refugees in Yu'an might say some good things about him, but such kindness is certainly not as tangible as real money. Who would remember the favor of a meal? It would be better to wait for the court to ask for food, "borrow" some, and give him a plaque.
The ninth day of the ninth lunar month is the Double Ninth Festival, but Yu An had no intention of celebrating it. On the tenth day, it rained, and the weather became colder. Fallen leaves swirled in puddles, and the rain continued to fall all day.
There is no sun in the sky, the ground is covered with water, and few people go out.
Lin Qiuran couldn't help but put on new clothes. The hot summer made him look forward to the arrival of autumn, but now this rain has made life difficult for the refugees.
They were forced to leave the northwest. Some people brought clothes with them. It was very cold there, so they brought thick cotton clothes. It was a bit hot to wear them now, but it was better than nothing.
But some people wanted to go south, and since it wasn't cold in May or June, they didn't bring any clothes, but chose something more valuable.
But the journey south cost a lot of money, and those who had some money left could buy clothes. But some people were unlucky and their things were robbed, and now they don’t even have clothes to keep warm.
The temperature had dropped today, and no one was distributing porridge, so they hid in their tents, not knowing what to do. Unfortunately, their tents were temporary and offered no protection from the cold. It was still daytime, but who knew how cold it would be at night.
There were coughing sounds in the tent, and County Magistrate Li had no choice but to ask someone to send some firewood and rice. He wanted to send quilts, but where would the county government get so much money?
Lin Qiuran made some red date and ginger tea in the kitchen of Jinding Building. It didn't cost much money, but it could help the refugees keep away the cold.
If these people caught the cold, the people of Yu'an would also be infected. As long as we were in Yu'an, we had to appease them to prevent them from causing trouble and allow the local people to live in peace.
Lin Qiuran knew that these people were pitiful. Most of them came as a family with only one or two men at home. However, they could not wait for food every day. If they wanted to survive, they had to find some work to do.
The rice provided by the county government could probably last for a few days, so Lin Qiuran couldn't help but feel anxious at this time.
There were only two guests at Jindinglou at noon today. It was raining outside. One table ordered braised pork, boiled pork slices, spicy rabbit cubes and a few vegetarian dishes. The five of them ate together.
He hadn't been here for a few days. After the food was served, he ate voraciously for a while before starting to talk. He was talking about the recent refugee incidents, sometimes complaining about the stench, sometimes about children coming out to steal things and then running away.
"Even though he's been hungry for a long time, he can run pretty fast. I'll kill him if I catch him next time."
"That's right. No matter how poor you are, you can't steal. You better be careful when you go out at night. I see a lot of people acting sneaky."
"The city gates are still closed. They say there are still people outside the city. It's already chaotic enough. If more people come, we won't be able to survive."
"Alas, I don't know when the war will end. My second uncle has gone to the northwest."
Having said that, several people fell silent and just focused on eating. Even if no one in their family had joined the army, some relatives had, and it was still unclear whether they could come back.
After the group finished eating and settled their bill, Manager Shi sent them off, watching them walk away before returning, to avoid another incident like that day where someone robbed their wallet at the restaurant entrance. However, the area around Jinding Tower had been relatively peaceful these past few days, likely due to the charity, so no one had come here to cause trouble.
Nothing happened at Jindinglou overnight, but something happened at Zuichunfeng, Yu'an's largest restaurant.
Zui Chunfeng has been open these days. One night, a child saw the bright lights in the restaurant, rushed in, found a table, grabbed a roasted chicken leg, and ran away.
There were several waiters in the restaurant. It was impossible for them to let him in carelessly and watch him run away. They caught him immediately.
There have been a lot of people causing trouble these days. Seeing the kid, the guy got angry and pulled the chicken leg out of his mouth and kicked him.
Then a woman rushed over, crying, "If you want to hit me, hit me. If you want to kill me, kill me. Why hit a child?"
The child had been hungry for a long time and was very thin. He was kicked and fell to the ground. He kept curling up and crying in pain.
There were refugees outside pointing and talking, and the guest got angry and stood up to accuse the boy of stealing.
The waiter felt really wronged. It was clearly this guy who came in to take the things. Taking things without asking was stealing. With such dirty hands, the customers probably had no appetite for the food.
The shopkeeper came out from the back, brought his plate of roast chicken, and apologized, "I'm sorry to have frightened you today. I'll skip this table today."
He gave the roast chicken to the mother and child and said, "Our guys didn't hold back. Take this roast chicken back and eat it. There are people working at the dock construction site. Don't let the kids come out and steal again."
The shopkeeper took out another ounce of silver and said, "Take the child to see a doctor. Don't delay."
The woman wiped her tears, and the child got up from the ground, took the roast chicken and the silver and left.
The crowd dispersed, the shopkeeper winked at the waiter, and the waiter quickly followed him to the backyard.
"I was wrong today. I didn't stop him. Please deduct the money from my wages."
The shopkeeper shook his head and said, "Even if you have the life to take it, you may not have the life to spend it. With so many refugees, it's a wonder they can spend the money they've earned from roast chicken. Thinking of getting something for nothing is wishful thinking. Remember what happened today. Next time, have a few more people guard the gate."
The shopkeeper wanted to teach the boy a lesson, but the next morning, the boy died.
The body was carried to Zui Chunfeng's door. The woman wailed, her eyes swollen like peaches. Surrounding her were many refugees, who were clamoring for the man who had kicked her yesterday to come out and pay for his life.
"Pay your life! Pay your life!"
The woman sobbed and cried, and her husband glared at her angrily, "Killing means death. You kicked my son to death!"
The people around him said, "This is too much bullying, and even killing people. Is there any law?"
Some people held sticks, some held kitchen knives, and surrounded Zui Chunfeng's door.
The shop was not open yet, but there were people inside. After all, they had to guard it at night, and there were things in the kitchen and warehouse, and they were afraid that refugees would break in and steal things.
With so many people gathered outside, the people inside dared not breathe, fearing that they would get into trouble if they were not careful.
Fortunately, one person was smart enough to go out through the back door and report to the authorities.
People from the county government came and took this group of people away. We need to investigate how this kid died.
This was just a prelude. People kept causing trouble. Some threw stones into people's yards, doors were kicked and clanged, and some people went out but were stared at viciously.
It is true that there are many people in Yu'an, but those people don't care.
The cloth shop and grain store were robbed at night, and Lin Qiuran had no idea what the Jinding Building looked like.
She didn't go to the shop today, but she was also restless at home, as there were often noises outside the yard.
Xu Yuanheng gave her four guards, one stayed in Jinding Tower, and three stayed at home. There was no shortage of food at home, but the sudden noise outside would still scare people.
Lin Xia and the others didn't dare to go out to the front or back yard alone at home, for fear of rocks being thrown in. Although there were only a few hundred refugees, no one dared to go out and confront them head-on.
There are old and young in my family and the family is harmonious. Those people are not afraid of anything, so I will naturally hide from them if I can. I just need to get through this period and there is no need to cause trouble for my family.
Fortunately, the family had stockpiled food these days, so they wouldn't starve to death if they didn't go out for a few days. But they couldn't help but complain that the county government was giving out porridge and firewood, and that these people were really ungrateful.
Even the guy who died last night was kicked because he went to the restaurant to rob something. There was a reason for this. It would be unreasonable if the guy was sentenced for this.
Besides, the child was fine when he went back yesterday. Since he was given money for medical treatment, he should be fine. The only thing I’m afraid of is that the money doesn’t reach me, and the refugees use it to cause trouble.
Lin Qiuran saw the refugees' tents from afar. They were made of wooden frames and surrounded by canvas and straw, with a group of people huddled together.
Lin Qiuran glanced at the sky outside. It was gloomy and she hoped that Jinding Building was okay.
It was not until the afternoon of September 13th that the Xiao family's door was opened, with county officials beating gongs along the street to let people go out without worry.
Lin Qiuran handed the officer a cup of hot water and asked, "How was this matter resolved?"
The officers often saw Lin Qiuran and knew that she had a say with County Magistrate Li, Chief Wang and others, so they took the opportunity to take a break and vent their grievances.
"Alas, that mother and son were returning to their tent that night with half a roast chicken and a tael of silver, when they were robbed. The boy was so protective of the things he refused to let go that he got hit several times and finally hit the ground and died."
The woman did not want to have an autopsy and kept crying. It took Magistrate Li a long time to persuade her before she told the truth.
The troublemakers were all arrested. The boy was accidentally killed, and the robbers were not guilty of the death penalty, but were sentenced to 100 strokes of the cane and three years of imprisonment according to the law.
They could pay compensation to atone their sins, but these refugees had no money, so they were first locked up in the county jail.
But fortunately, the troublemakers were caught, and the refugees are now much safer. It serves as a warning to others, so if anyone wants to cause trouble again, they will have to think twice.
The official finished drinking the hot water and said, "I'm not going to talk anymore. I have to go do my work."
-----------------------
The author has something to say: Thank you for your support~ [Panda Head][Cat Head] Please support~
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
