Peasant Woman’s Decreed Life as a Wife

Chapter 1118: Chapter 1115: King Qi Enters the City

“As for King Qi wanting to come over, it’s not that it can’t be done, but after the food has been delivered and South State has stabilized, His Highness can come over later without delay.”

Everyone was afraid that something would happen to King Qi, naturally not wanting him to take the risk at this time.

Several officials had just discussed the matter and sent the letter out.

Another official reported, “My lord, Lord Chu has sent someone to inform us that the yamen is short of hands and is asking the refugees to help sweep the streets, and inquires whether the lords allow this?”

“Step down for now, we will discuss it,” said Governor Wang, dismissing his subordinate.

When only three people remained in the room, Governor Wang asked, “What do you think he really means?”

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“He must be coming to us for manpower, asking for help.”

“My lord, what should we do? Should we send some aid over?”

“But if the refugees outside the city become violent, causing disaster inside, I fear it would be very bad indeed.”

“Yet just now, King Qi told us to support Lord Chu.”

“Are you foolish? Supporting does not mean putting ourselves in jeopardy. If the refugees outside cause chaos, we can forget about keeping our heads. As for the mud in the city, it will naturally dry up and turn to dust in the strong sunlight; there’s no need for an extra effort to clean it up,” Tongzhi said angrily.

Governor Wang said, “Forget it, let’s do this: send two or three helpers over, but the focus must still be on the area outside the city gate.”

“Yes, my lord.”

Meanwhile:

Chu Heng received the news without any surprise, and seeing that Governor Wang and the others did not reject the proposal, he took advantage of the loophole and got the job done.

In the process, he had people propagate the notion that using the refugees also provided everyone the opportunity to contribute to the yamen’s efforts, and that they could use the food relief with a clear conscience — the imperial court treated all citizens equally.

This message spread, and the refugees discussed it amongst themselves, but it unusually stabilized their morale. The yamen’s use of their labor implied a willingness to take responsibility for them; as long as the work wouldn’t kill them, there remained hope.

Consequently, not only were the refugees put to good use and the streets cleaned, but sick citizens were also helped into the makeshift clinics by the refugees.

The situation was developing smoothly.

Ye Muyu, relieved to receive Chu Heng’s heart, then instructed Steward Luo to deliver the prepared food for disaster relief.

As the situation in South State began to stabilize slightly, the court also received King Qi’s memorial.

At the same time, without waiting for the court to make a decision, King Qi appeared in South State.

Governor Wang greeted King Qi at the docks, and when he saw him actually arrive, he shuddered in fear, “Your servant greets Your Highness.”

The others followed suit with their salutations, but inside they were somewhat worried.

Dressed in magnificent garments, King Qi stepped down and raised his hand, “No need for such formalities. Tell me about the situation in the capital first.”

“Your Highness, there are many refugees in the city. You are too valuable to be among them, and moreover, your health is important. With so many refugees, there’s bound to be illness…”

“Please reconsider, Your Highness.”

Several people tried to stop King Qi from entering the Prefectural City on foot, asking him to ride a horse directly to the Prefecture Governor’s Office and wait for the situation to stabilize before coming out.

King Qi frowned and finally nodded in agreement, “Fine, I will enter in a carriage then report to me later about the situation here.”

“Yes.” Governor Wang wiped the sweat from his forehead, hastily made way, and after King Qi boarded the carriage, he promptly ordered his subordinates to escort King Qi into the city.

After King Qi entered South State, he stayed at the Prefecture Governor’s Office.

The next day, word spread that King Qi had come to South State, soothing the spirits of the refugees.