After two busy days, the Star Gazing Tower has once again become famous!
Everyone knows that pork is a good thing, and Yang Cui was really exhausted. These past two days, she went home, washed up, and fell asleep as soon as she got home. She really didn't have the energy to do anything else.
The next morning, Yang Cui received a letter from Cen Xiao: I am well, don't worry, I miss you, I will be back at the end of the month.
Those few simple words completely put Yang Cui at ease.
She immediately replied: I am well, thinking of you, and longing for your return.
Yang Cui inquired about the situation in Jinjiang County from the messenger. Because the people had been evacuated in advance, the casualties caused by the earthquake were relatively minor.
At first, everyone did not listen to advice. Later, Cen Xiao forcibly ordered everyone to evacuate. Faced with power, the people had no choice but to agree to the evacuation, but they harbored resentment. Later, the earth really did turn over, so everyone was truly grateful to Cen Xiao.
While there were few casualties, houses were destroyed, and newly planted crops were affected, which will certainly impact this year's autumn harvest.
A reservoir in the south of the county also breached its banks due to the earthquake, destroying two villages downstream, making it the most affected area.
The two villages had a total of over two hundred people. Because they were the most severely affected by the disaster and had no food, Cen Xiao ordered the county magistrate to open the granaries to distribute grain, only to find that the granaries were empty!
In this era, each county government office would have 300 shi of grain. In the event of a disaster, the county magistrate would have the authority to distribute these 300 shi of grain for disaster relief. If this was insufficient, the imperial court would issue additional orders to distribute disaster relief supplies based on the extent of the disaster.
But to my surprise, the grain depot was empty!
This is no small matter!
Cen Xiao had taken down the magistrate of Jinjiang County and all the staff of the granary, leaving him to stay behind and take charge of the overall situation.
Upon hearing this, Yang Cui felt that the two tons of grain she had prepared would be of great help, and judging by the time, it should arrive soon.
*
Jinjiang County.
At this time, grain prices in Jinjiang County had already skyrocketed.
Rice was not something that poor people could afford, so the price increase was not significant. However, sorghum rice rose from 70 wen per dou to 120 wen per dou, and millet also rose from 90 wen per dou to 130 wen per dou.
Ordinary people can't even make ends meet all year round, so where would they get extra money to buy grain?
County government office.
"General, Feng Xiaorui requests an audience."
"not see.",
"Miss Feng said she was willing to donate 300 shi of grain and 1,000 taels of silver for disaster relief."
After a moment's thought, Cen Xiao said, "Let her in."
Immediately, the constables ushered the man in.
"This humble woman, Feng Xiaorui, pays her respects to the Great General."
"You've donated grain and silver, is there anything you want in return?" Cen Xiao asked directly.
“I have no demands. These three hundred bushels of grain and one thousand taels of silver are my donation to repay the general for saving my life. Of course, if the general is willing to marry me, I am willing to donate twenty thousand taels of silver and eight hundred bushels of grain as military pay.”
Feng Xiaorui spoke without any restraint or shyness.
Since they came to repay a debt of gratitude, there's no reason not to accept their gifts.
Cen Xiao gave her a cold look: "Leave your things, and get out."
Feng Xiaorui was stunned. She hadn't expected Cen Xiao to react this way. Was she not pretty enough? That didn't make sense. She was the number one beauty in Jinjiang.
"I can add another ten thousand taels of silver to the military pay."
"Are you so unmarriageable?"
These words were incredibly hurtful, but Feng Xiaorui was strong-willed and seemed completely unfazed. She smiled and said, "General, you jest. Many men wish to marry me. I merely admire you. As for my grain..."
"General." Dao San has arrived.
"Why are you here? Is everything alright at home?" Cen Xiao couldn't help but feel a little nervous when he saw Dao San.
"Everything is fine at home. I am here on the orders of the lady to deliver four hundred bushels of grain."
Cen Xiao's eyes lit up: "You've come at just the right time."
If one's wife has contributed both money and food, then upon returning to the capital, one must ask the emperor for some benefits for her; one cannot simply let one's wife contribute the money.
Feng Xiaorui was a little confused. Madam? Whose madam? Cen Xiao got married? I haven't heard anything about that.
She must be another woman like me, trying to seduce the general by spending money! That must be it!
Feng Xiaorui decided to contact Dao San to learn more about her rival in love.
Jinjiang County has a population of over 30,000. With the grain and silver donated by Yang Cui and Feng Xiaorui, the people are still able to make ends meet.
The village that was flooded was the hardest hit. Dao San personally led a group of people and brought food there. Feng Xiaorui wanted to find out more about "Madam", so she immediately followed.
Where are you from?
Dao San sized her up: "Who are you? What are you doing following me?"
"When you said 'on the orders of the lady,' which lady were you referring to? Was it your lady?"
Why are you asking so many questions?
"I'm just curious, so tell me."
"You like my general?" Dao San smiled like a fox.
Feng Xiaorui nodded: "Yes, he saved me, and he's good-looking, mainly because he's good-looking, but you're not bad either." Feng Xiaorui said very seriously.
"The general only has eyes for his wife. He doesn't even look at the young ladies of the Duke's mansion. You should just give up on that idea."
"He's married? The woman you're talking about is his wife?"
"What else did you think?"
Feng Xiaorui wilted like a frostbitten eggplant. She said, "She must be very beautiful. Knowing yourself and your enemy is the key to victory. I want to see her! When are you going back? I'll go back with you then!"
"That won't do!"
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