Chapter 157: A trivial matter in the inner quarters leads to the swindling of disaster relief supplies…
Ms. Xu returned home seething with anger. She couldn't shake the feeling of dissatisfaction and decided to find someone to settle the matter.
He summoned a servant boy and said, "Bring me the sweet cakes I bought yesterday, and come with me to visit the Cowherd."
Just as she stepped out of the courtyard, she encountered a smug young servant girl with a large pregnant belly. Her face was as beautiful as a peach blossom, clearly indicating that she had been thoroughly pampered by women.
She smiled sweetly and bowed to Madam Xu, "Where is my lord going? Would you like me to serve you?" She presented herself as a weak and obedient servant.
Seeing this, Madam Xu wished she could drag the whole thing out and sell it right away! She had suffered countless injustices at the hands of this little slut over the years!
"Don't bother with that. Go back to your work." Madam Xu glared at him and led the servant straight out the door.
The young servant lazily got up, leaning against the servant as if he had no waist, and said, "Let's go back."
The servant spoke up for him, saying, "With such a tyrannical ruler around, it must be tough for you, young master. Luckily, you have your wife who dotes on you."
"Does she love me?" The maid sighed, rubbing her belly, and looked at the neighboring courtyard. "I once thought that my wife truly loved me, but when I saw the one next to her, I realized that she just wanted to find a young, beautiful, and entertaining object."
His eyes were filled with deep envy. "Everyone else calls me a lowly servant or a lowly servant, but who would dare not call the man across from me 'my lord'?"
The servant was stunned for a long time, still not quite understanding.
Xu was also puzzled. He had known Niulangjun for so many years, yet this time he was not on Niulangjun's side.
"How dare a mere servant sit on equal footing with us? And he's the kind of guy who's already seduced the mistress and gotten pregnant with a child before even marrying into the main family!"
Niu was the official husband of the county magistrate. While listening to Xu's nagging complaints, she quickly started knitting an inner garment. Winter would arrive in a few days, and it would be perfect for her two children to wear.
Niu didn't care about these external conflicts; she just wanted to make her own family's life better.
But since the other party's wife was his superior, he had to be considerate. "Why did you provoke him? They're both officials' wives. You can only gossip about him in front of me. Don't let it slip outside."
Mr. Xu was unhappy with Mrs. Niu's coldness, but that wasn't the most important thing right now. Suddenly, an idea popped into his head.
"Why don't we act as matchmakers for the county magistrate and introduce him to a suitable marriage? There are plenty of handsome and graceful young men in Fengxian, it's just that Fengxian's family background isn't up to par. But there are countless noble families and sons of high status in the entire Zhangzhou Prefecture. If one of them could become the county magistrate's official husband, it would be quite a beautiful story." Madam Xu was immersed in her own daydreams. Wouldn't it be better to be an official's wife with one of these men than to be on equal footing with that lowly servant?
Niu realized that Xu was deliberately trying to cause trouble for the county magistrate's family, so he stopped knitting his inner garment. He didn't want to get involved, but Lord Zhang was far away in the prefectural city, leaving Zong alone at home. She had become so thin lately, and it was clear that this pregnancy was unstable. If another accident happened, things might get complicated.
He said to Madam Xu, “With Lord Zhang’s character and appearance, do you think she would lack the support of noble families? Not to mention Lord Zhang’s good reputation outside, which young man of marriageable age doesn’t yearn for her? Yet for so many years, she has only had Madam Zong by her side. Who in the manor dares to disrespect her? Who outside dares to disrespect her? What difference does it make whether she is a servant or the principal wife? This is enough to show her favor.”
Xu knew all this, but he was annoyed by Zong's arrogant attitude. "If Lord Zhang had a more virtuous husband to manage the household, his family would surely prosper."
Madam Niu stood up and earnestly advised him: "Lord Gu and my wife, who respects Lord Zhang, are of one mind with the women outside. Let's not break this whole circle apart."
"At that time, it will backfire and cause the master of the mansion to have an unsuccessful career."
Mrs. Xu shrugged and fell silent.
...
Han Bingyue, far away in Yingzhou Prefecture, received a letter. This letter was quite unusual, as it was sent from Zhangzhou Prefecture.
At first, she thought it was just a request for grain from the disaster area and was wondering how to appease and refuse it. She had no choice; the imperial court had its own unique approach to disaster relief, emphasizing preserving the best and discarding the worst, prioritizing the needs of economically strong prefectures, and then supplementing the needs of weaker prefectures based on subsequent allocations.
The first batch of disaster relief grain has been quickly transferred to Yingzhou Prefecture, but it's unclear when the next batch will be ready. Let those below wait a little longer.
However, when Han Bingyue unfolded the letter, she was momentarily stunned. She recognized the sender as Zhang Ting.
Upon seeing that name again, she felt as if she were in another world. It was that exceptionally talented child; she had almost taken him under her wing.
She wondered if the child was writing the letter to plead for the people of Zhangzhou Prefecture. But as someone in a position of power, there were some things she was willing to do but was powerless to do.
With a slight sense of regret, Han Bingyue read the letter and was startled once again.
It wasn't about asking for food. In the letter, she reminisced about the interesting things that happened when they first met, the scenes of discussing scriptures and doctrines, and her simple and sincere feelings. When she talked about politics, her admiration and respect for her were beyond words.
Seeing this, Han Bingyue couldn't help but smile. This child really hadn't changed at all; he was as innocent and frank as before.
He then said that he had studied under her and that it was through her guidance that he achieved what he has today. Although they were not formally teacher and student, their relationship was even closer than that of teacher and student. Whenever he thought of her, his heart would surge with emotion and his gratitude would be beyond words.
Han Bingyue stared at these words repeatedly, his eyes reddening. The regret of not being able to take on a disciple was quietly filled at this moment, and a subtle sense of joy rose in his heart.
This child is exaggerating and mythologizing her too much. Her achievements today are clearly due to her own hard work. Coming from a small county, she went from a humble scholar to the top scholar who achieved the highest rank in the imperial examinations. How difficult must that have been?
The final letter requested that Teacher Han visit Zhangzhou Prefecture to witness the results of her efforts. It further stated that witnessing this would not only be a testament to her hard work but also to the fruits of Teacher Han's guidance; without Teacher Han's diligent instruction, the 1.31 million people of Zhangzhou Prefecture would be lost and uncertain of their future…
Han Bingyue had already shed some tears. What a grateful and kind child!
Very well, Zhangzhou Prefecture is right below Yingzhou Prefecture. It will only take her two days to travel back and forth, so she can inspect the disaster situation and report back to His Majesty.
She was a decisive and efficient person, and immediately ordered her servants to set off for Zhangzhou Prefecture.
Inside Zhangzhou Prefecture.
Zhang Ting carefully adjusted her clothes in front of the mirror. Today she was wearing a maroon brocade robe, the vibrant color making her skin appear even whiter and more dazzling.
Zong Suyi once said that she looks best in red.
Zhang Ting has never put much thought into her clothing and appearance, but today is different.
In the mirror, her face appeared exceptionally serious and solemn.
She took one last look and told herself: In critical moments, necessary sacrifices are worthwhile.
He immediately turned around to greet the approaching imperial envoy.
Knowing that Han Bingyue disliked extravagance, she deliberately only brought Zheng Er with her.
The moment the other person dismounted, she immediately ran over, her smile radiant and her eyes clear, "Teacher Han, you've finally arrived! I've been waiting for you for so long."
Han Bingyue's smile widened when he saw her. "Xiao Ting, why did you come to greet me personally? You could have just sent a maid to show me the way." She really is a sincere and good child.
The autumn wind was bleak, and Zhang Ting's face turned pale from the wind. He coughed a few times and said, "How can we entrust such an important matter as welcoming Teacher Han to others?"
She looked up with admiration in her eyes, "Besides, being able to wait for you makes all the hardship and fatigue worthwhile for me."
Han Bingyue sighed, his admiring gaze almost fixed on her.
Zheng Er looked at her employer with concern and spoke up at the right moment, "Lord Han, you've finally arrived. Our lord has often looked at your handwritten letter repeatedly, saying that he wanted to make something of himself to prove himself to you. Now... now his wish has finally come true..." Thinking of the bittersweet moment, she covered her eyes and shed tears.
Sobbing, she said, "I've never seen an adult care about anyone so much..."
Zhang Tingzao blushed, as if feeling apprehensive about returning home, and stopped her: "Zheng Er, stop talking nonsense!"
Han Bingyue appreciated Zheng Er's frankness. "Hey Xiao Ting, don't scold her. The servant is loyal too." He glanced at Zhang Ting gently, clearly regarding her as his disciple. "Xiao Ting, it's windy outside. Let's hurry into the city."
"Yes, yes. I have prepared a banquet at my residence to invite Teacher Han to dine. Although it is not a feast of delicacies, it is full of local flavor. I sincerely invite you to taste it."
Han Bingyue readily agreed and entered the prefectural city. Although it was not as prosperous as Yingzhou Prefecture, the houses were intact and sturdy, the roads were clean and smooth, and the pedestrians walked briskly but were full of energy and joy. It was a city full of vitality.
There wasn't a single trace of damage. Zhangzhou Prefecture, located at the southernmost tip, was clearly the most severely affected prefecture according to previous reports. How could this be? It was even more intact than Yingzhou Prefecture!
Yingzhou Prefecture is the foundation of this dynasty and the place where the imperial family and relatives live. It received support from all directions as soon as it suffered a minor disaster.
What did Zhangzhou Prefecture have? It was plagued by disasters, lacked food, money, and connections. Despite its large population, it was actually located on the periphery of many other prefectures, and the imperial court didn't even bother to manage it.
How could such a remote and impoverished prefecture have such a high level of disaster relief?
Han Bingyue subconsciously looked at the person beside him. Could it be her? No wonder she was the extraordinary talent he had chosen!
As they sat astride their horses, the people along the way greeted them warmly, and Zhang Ting responded to each one.
Han Bingyue asked curiously, "Do you know everyone?"
Zhang Ting replied matter-of-factly, "Of course. I am the head of the disaster relief office. Eliminating the disaster and improving people's livelihoods are my fundamental responsibilities. Only by keeping every citizen in mind can we better and more effectively manage people's livelihoods." She then pointed to a few people and explained their situation to Han Bingyue.
Finally, the group dismounted and headed towards the government office. She smiled and said, "This student is dull-witted and needs to work harder."
Han Bingyue was deeply shocked and shook her head. If she was still considered dull-witted, then there would be no intelligent people in the world.
This kid is just too low-key.
Han Bingyue encouraged her: "Xiao Ting, you have governed Zhangzhou Prefecture very well, almost restoring it to its former state. When I return to the capital, I will definitely praise you for your achievements!" You have a bright future ahead of you!
Zhang Ting suddenly covered her face and burst into tears. Her sobs were so heartbreaking that they brought tears to the eyes of all who heard them.
"Xiao Ting, why are you crying?" Han Bingyue asked anxiously.
Zheng Er, who was following behind, also started crying to match the scene.
Zhang Ting bit her lip, looking at Han Bingyue with pain and guilt. "Teacher Han, to be honest, this is probably the last sight of Zhangzhou Prefecture... and also my last..." Tears welled up in her eyes, and she turned her head away, unable to bear it any longer. "I will soon resign from my post and retire into seclusion."
Han Bingyue was shocked and exclaimed, "Absolutely not! Absolutely not!! Xiao Ting, why are you like this? Tell me everything quickly, things can't have come to this!"
Zhang Ting looked extremely haggard and dejected. He told her in a hoarse, sobbing voice: "Zhangzhou Prefecture has no food, no money, and no medicine. The crops we have planted are far from enough to supply all the people with food and drink. Soon we will face a shortage of food and medicine. Famine and epidemics will break out rapidly, and the entire Zhangzhou Prefecture will once again become a living hell."
She wept bitterly, blaming herself, "It's because the students are incompetent, unable to give the people a bright and promising future, and unworthy to serve as officials in the court!"
She hung her head helplessly, her eyes filled with a thick layer of tears, like a little bird soaked by the rain.
Han Bingyue could hardly imagine this once-thriving city turning into a ghost town, and she could hardly bear the tragic departure of such a virtuous and talented woman. She paced anxiously back and forth, then suddenly remembered something and, with a determined heart, said, "I will immediately transfer the grain that has been transported to Yingzhou Prefecture. This will temporarily alleviate the predicament of Zhangzhou Prefecture." After all, Yingzhou Prefecture had ample grain reserves and didn't lack these supplies. The excess was being fed to the imperial relatives and nobles; it was better to save the common people of Zhangzhou Prefecture!
Furthermore, a talented and capable woman like Xiaoting must not perish, otherwise she would definitely regret it for the rest of her life!
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