Chapter 914: Embezzlement of disaster relief food funds, severe plague
Zhu Han and Zhu Biao looked at each other and smiled, with warmth in their hearts. Zhu Han leaned over and touched the little boy's head, and said softly: "Good boy, you are ambitious. As long as you study hard, you will definitely become useful to the court in the future."
people."
Hearing this, Sister-in-law Li's eyes turned red and she thanked her profusely: "You two gentlemen are really good people. We, mother and son, have nothing to repay, so we can only remember this kindness."
The little girl also spoke timidly, her voice as thin as a gnat: "Thank you, brother, we will use this money sparingly."
Zhu Han smiled tenderly, took out a pack of dry food from his bag and handed it to Sister-in-law Li: "Take these dry food first. The child is growing, so don't starve."
Sister-in-law Li took the dry food and was so moved that she almost shed tears: "Thank you so much, gentlemen. You are so kind-hearted."
Zhu Biao added from the side: "Sister-in-law Li, the court will not forget you. We will report the situation here truthfully, hoping to get more help for you."
Sister-in-law Li nodded vigorously, with hope shining in her eyes: "I can trust the court, and I can trust the two young masters."
During the conversation, Zhu Han noticed a few simple embroidery pieces hanging on the walls of the house, which were obviously made by Sister-in-law Li. He couldn't help but admired: "Sister-in-law Li, your craftsmanship is so good, these embroidery pieces are really exquisite."
Sister-in-law Li smiled sheepishly: "No, no, it's just some needlework to make ends meet."
Zhu Han thought for a while and suggested: "Sister-in-law Li, why don't we help you take these embroidery pieces to the city and sell them, maybe they can be sold at a good price."
Sister-in-law Li's eyes lit up, but she hesitated: "This... why do you have the nerve to trouble the two young masters?"
Zhu Biao smiled heartily: "Sister-in-law, you're welcome. This is also part of our trip, to help the villagers solve practical difficulties."
Zhu Han also nodded in agreement: "Yes, Sister-in-law Li, don't worry, we will help you find a good buyer."
Sister-in-law Li finally felt relieved and burst into tears: "Thank you very much, gentlemen. You are really our saviors."
It was getting late when they said goodbye to Sister Li's family. Zhu Han and Zhu Biao were walking back to the inn, their hearts filled with a sense of satisfaction. Zhu Biao said with emotion: "Uncle Han, you have really done a lot of practical things today, and I feel very fulfilled.
"
Zhu Han smiled slightly: "Yes, seeing that the villagers can improve with a little help from us is worth more than anything else."
The two were walking and chatting, and unknowingly they had returned to the inn. Zhu Han ordered his attendants to carefully put away Sister Li's embroidery and prepare to take it back to the capital to find a buyer tomorrow.
Early the next morning, Zhu Han and Zhu Biao set off again to continue their private visit incognito. They came to a more remote mountain village, where the people's lives were even more difficult. The elderly and children in the village gathered around them, curious and shy.
He looked at these two "businessmen" who had come from afar.
Zhu Han smiled gently and said: "Folks, we are business people. We are passing by here and want to ask for a bowl of water. Let's see if there is anything we can do to help."
An old woman tremblingly brought a bowl of water: "You two gentlemen have come a long way. Thank you for your hard work. Please drink some water."
Zhu Han took the water bowl and drank it in one gulp, feeling the sweetness quenching his thirst. He put down the water bowl and asked with concern: "Folks, are the lives here decent?"
The old woman sighed and shook her head: "Young master, you don't know. There has been drought here for years and the harvest is not good. Although the government provides relief, it is still a drop in the bucket."
Zhu Biao frowned when he heard this: "Is this happening? Didn't the imperial court's disaster relief food funds be distributed on time?"
The old woman smiled bitterly: "The distribution has been distributed, but in our hands, there is not much left. In addition, some officials have enriched their own pockets, and the people's life has become even more miserable."
When Zhu Han heard this, his expression was solemn. People's sufferings are often deeper than they appear on the surface. He turned to look at Zhu Biao, and the two exchanged heavy looks.
Zhu Han said to the old woman in a gentle voice: "Old man, don't worry, we will truthfully report the situation here to the court so that Your Majesty will know the real plight of the people."
A glimmer of hope flashed in the old woman's eyes. She held Zhu Han's hand with trembling hands and said gratefully: "Thank you very much, gentlemen. Your kindness will be remembered by the whole village."
At this time, a middle-aged man squeezed through the crowd and came to Zhu Han and Zhu Biao. His face was full of weathered color, but his eyes were shining with unyielding light. He said in a deep voice: "You two gentlemen, we are here
Although our people are poor, they are not ungrateful. It’s just that natural and man-made disasters have continued in recent years, and the government’s relief is often difficult to reach us. I would like to ask you two young masters, is there any practical way to help us tide over the difficulties?"
Zhu Han pondered for a moment and replied seriously: "Brother, we are here to understand the people's sentiments and find a solution. We will suggest that the court strengthen supervision to ensure that disaster relief materials can be truly distributed to the people. At the same time, we will also
It is proposed to reduce taxes, encourage farming, and help everyone rebuild their homes."
When the middle-aged man heard this, a glimmer of light flashed in his eyes, and he nodded heavily: "Okay! As long as the court can sincerely help us, we are willing to make every effort to rebuild our village!"
At this time, a thin child timidly pulled the corner of Zhu Han's clothes. He raised his head, looked at Zhu Han with his clear eyes, and asked softly: "Brother, will you really help us? I
Mom said that as long as kind-hearted people help, we will never be hungry again."
Zhu Han knelt down, touched the child's head gently, and said firmly: "Yes, child. We will do our best to help you. Trust the court and trust us, okay?"
The child nodded, his eyes shining with trust, as if he saw hope for the future.
Afterwards, Zhu Han and Zhu Biao continued to visit the village and talked with more people. They asked the people in detail about their living conditions, harvest conditions and difficulties they faced, and recorded them one by one. Everywhere they went, they
Being able to feel the enthusiasm and gratitude of the people also strengthened their determination to seek benefits for the people.
This chapter is not finished yet, please click on the next page to continue reading the exciting content! As the sun set, Zhu Han and Zhu Biao stood at the entrance of the village, looking at the villagers retreating away, their hearts filled with complex emotions. Zhu Han said solemnly
He said: "Your Highness, what I saw and heard today makes me feel more deeply the suffering of the people. We must truthfully report these situations to Your Majesty so that the court can take more effective measures to help the people."
Zhu Biao nodded in agreement and said: "What Uncle Han Wang said is absolutely true. During this trip, we will not only collect public opinions, but also bring tangible help to the people. As long as we work together, we will be able to change the fate of these people."
When Zhu Han heard this, his eyes became firmer. He nodded and said in a deep voice: "What His Highness said is absolutely true. We must not only collect people's sentiments, but also work for the benefit of the people. Next, we will sort out the situation we learned today in detail.
, to provide more specific suggestions to the court.”
The two of them turned around and walked into the simple teahouse nearby, and found a table to sit down. The teahouse was full of people, but it also revealed a simple and unpretentious atmosphere of life. Zhu Han called the waiter, ordered two bowls of crude tea, and then
Discussed in a low voice with Zhu Biao.
"Uncle Hanwang, look at this village. Although it is located in a remote area, the lives of the people are so difficult. We have to find ways to fundamentally improve their situation." Zhu Biao said worriedly.
Zhu Han sighed and said: "Yes, Your Highness. I think we can start from two aspects. On the one hand, it is to strengthen the court's supervision of local officials to ensure that disaster relief materials can truly benefit the people; on the other hand, it is to encourage farming
, improve people’s self-sufficiency.”
Zhu Biao nodded in agreement: "What Uncle Han Wang said is absolutely true. We can also consider promoting some simple farming techniques in the village to increase crop yields and reduce the impact of natural disasters on the harvest."
At this time, there was a loud noise outside the teahouse, and a ragged old man walked in hurriedly, looking anxious. He walked straight to Zhu Han and Zhu Biao, bowed deeply and said: "You two gentlemen, I have something to ask of you.
"
Zhu Han quickly helped the old man up and asked gently: "Old man, what's the problem? But it doesn't matter."
The old man's eyes were red and his voice was trembling: "Sir, my young grandson is seriously ill and we have no money for treatment. I heard that the two young masters are good people, so I came here to ask for help."
When Zhu Han heard this, his heart tightened. He turned to look at Zhu Biao, and the two exchanged a look. Zhu Han immediately took out a few taels of silver from his arms and handed it to the old man: "Old man, please use this money to treat your grandson first."
.We will contact medical officers for treatment as soon as possible."
The old man took the silver and was so excited that his eyes filled with tears. He kowtowed and thanked you: "Thank you, gentlemen! Thank you very much, gentlemen! You are truly living Bodhisattvas!"
Zhu Han quickly helped the old man up and comforted him: "Old man, please take your grandson to see a doctor quickly. The imperial court will not sit back and watch the people suffer, and we will definitely try our best to help."
The old man thanked him profusely and left in a hurry. Zhu Han and Zhu Biao looked at each other and saw the heaviness in each other's eyes. Zhu Han said solemnly: "Your Highness, it seems that the condition here is more serious than we thought. We
We must act quickly and contact medical officers to come for treatment.”
Zhu Biao nodded with a firm expression: "Uncle Hanwang, I will arrange manpower right away to report the plague here to the court as soon as possible and request the dispatch of medical officers and medicinal materials."
The two had reached an agreement, and Zhu Biao immediately got up and left the teahouse to arrange relevant matters. Zhu Han, on the other hand, stayed in the teahouse and continued to talk to the people around him to learn more about the people's sentiments.
In the teahouse, a middle-aged woman sat in the corner, silently watching Zhu Han talk to the people. Her face was haggard, but her eyes shone with hope. Zhu Han noticed her, walked over gently, and asked softly:
"Sister-in-law, what's the problem?"
The middle-aged woman raised her head and glanced at Zhu Han, with a trace of hesitation in her eyes. But she finally plucked up the courage and said in a low voice: "Sir, my man is working outside and has not returned for a long time. The whole family relies on me to support them. Now I am the only one who supports me.
The harvest is not good and life is really hard.”
When Zhu Han heard this, he felt sad. He took out some broken silver from his arms and handed it to the middle-aged woman: "Sister-in-law, you take this silver for emergency purposes first. We will truthfully report the situation here to the court to strive for more
assistance."
The middle-aged woman took the money and burst into tears of gratitude: "Thank you, sir, thank you so much, sir! You are really our savior!"
Zhu Han patted the back of her hand gently and comforted: "Sister-in-law, you're welcome. We are sent by the imperial court to help the people solve their difficulties. You must persevere. I believe that the imperial court will not give up on any of the people."
.”
The middle-aged woman tightly held the broken silver in her hand, her eyes were red, and her voice was choked with sobs as she said: "Master, you are really the reincarnation of a living Bodhisattva. We poor people can hardly even find food and clothing on weekdays. How can we dare to expect such a thing?"
Kind-hearted people helped me.”
Zhu Han smiled gently and comforted softly: "Sister-in-law, don't say that. We are members of the imperial court, and it is our duty to help the people. Don't worry, the imperial court will not forget any of its citizens, and we will do our best.
We strive to improve everyone’s lives.”
At this time, an old man in the teahouse stood up slowly and hobbled over on crutches. He looked at Zhu Han, his eyes full of emotion: "Sir, I have lived for most of my life, and an official like you who sincerely cares for the people can't help you."
Master, this is the first time I have met you. You are truly a blessing to our entire village!"
Zhu Han hurriedly stepped forward to support the old man and said respectfully: "The old man has spoken harshly. I am just doing my best. What we should really thank is the imperial court and His Majesty's care and trust in us."
The old man shook his head and said with emotion: "It is a blessing for our people to have a good official like you in the court. However, the world is difficult, and you alone will not be able to cover everything. We, the people, can only hope.
I hope the court can have more good officials like you."
When Zhu Han heard this, he felt mixed emotions in his heart.
He looked at the old man firmly and said seriously: "Don't worry, old man, I will bring your expectations back to the court. Under your Majesty's wise leadership, the Ming Dynasty will surely have more good officials who will benefit the people."
When the old man heard this, a glimmer of hope flashed in his eyes. He held Zhu Han's hand tightly and said gratefully: "Sir, I would like to thank you on behalf of the whole village. I wish you a safe journey and realize your ambition as soon as possible."
Zhu Han smiled and nodded. After bidding farewell to the old man, he continued to stay in the teahouse and talk to the people. He inquired about the specific situation of each household in detail and carefully recorded every opinion and appeal. The people expressed their appreciation for Zhu Han's arrival.
Showing great enthusiasm and gratitude, they gathered around one after another, rushing to tell their difficulties and expectations.
Zhu Han patiently listened to what every citizen said, his eyes full of care and understanding. The atmosphere in the teahouse gradually became warm and solemn, as if this was not only a place for tea and rest, but also a place for the common people.
They pour out their hearts and seek a harbor of hope.
At this time, a middle-aged man with a haggard face squeezed through the crowd, his eyes showed both fatigue and expectation. He came to Zhu Han
In front of him, he bowed deeply and said in a hoarse voice: "Sir, I am a villain, Li Ergou. There are seniors and juniors in my family. They all rely on me to cultivate a few acres of thin fields. But this year there is a drought, and the crops are almost gone."
There is no harvest, and the family has been without food for several days. I am really desperate. Please show me a way to survive."