Pampered by the Toughest Man After Divorce
Chapter 324 - 325 Refugee House (Third Update)_1

Chapter 324: Chapter 325 Refugee House (Third Update)_1

The Clerk scanned Nan Feng from head to toe before politely introducing himself, "I am You Mingjiang, the Clerk working under Lord Song Cheng. Are you the owner of Spikenard Square?"

With equal politeness, Nan Feng replied, "Good day Mr. You, I am Nan Feng, the owner of Spikenard Square. Just a simple Nan Feng is fine for addressing me. Did you come this time for the refugee donations?"

"Miss Nan, you are indeed bright and sharp. Yes, I came for the donations. The court has allowed refugees from the north to take refuge in our county. However, there is a quota limit, not more than two hundred people per month. Yet, our benevolent Lord Song has accepted more than three hundred refugees this month. The refugees are all settled in the western camp, and our yamen takes care of their monthly food needs and job allocations. Some are assigned to the county for infrastructure works but the number of workers in our county is already saturated. Not to mention, food supplies are inadequate. Hence, we’re fundraising from the merchants, hoping that everyone can show sympathy and help these refugees."

Nan Feng nodded and said: "The kindliness of Lord Song and Mr. You is truly an honor to every citizen of HP county. As merchants who enjoy protection from the government, it is our duty to contribute money and energy where we can. However, I have a small request, I wonder if Mr. You would accommodate?"

Mr. You, being extremely well-mannered and polite, replied, "Please proceed, Miss Nan."

Nan Feng said, "Could I please visit the refugee camp with you, Mr. You?"

Mr. You was momentarily taken aback, but then he burst out laughing heartily, "Miss Nan, are you holding qualms that Lord Song might have embezzled your donations? If it’s convenient for you now, let’s head there together."

"It is, it is convenient," Nan Feng said, smiling.

When Feng Gu, who was busy in the shop, saw Nan Feng leaving with the Clerk, she wanted to call out to stop her, but it was too late. Having heard numerous complaints from merchants about existing high taxes and now mandatory donations, she felt that it would be more fitting for the usually astute Nan Feng to find a way to refuse the donation.

Nan Feng followed Mr. You’s cart to a grand estate, a mansion that could only be inhabited by the affluent. Confused, she asked, "The refugees live here?"

Still polite, the Clerk explained, "Miss Nan, perhaps you’re not aware. This is an old mansion once belonging to a friend of Lord Song. During one of the former’s previous visits to the refugee camp, he noticed their worn-out tents that allowed the rain to leak through. As it so happened, Lord Song’s friend had moved to the provincial city and gifted this mansion to him. However, finding it too large and remotely located, he had not used it as his residence. It has now been made available for the refugees."

No wonder the villagers say that Lord Song is a good official, letting go of such a splendid house and living in the yamen instead.

Nan Feng, accompanied by You Mingjiang, ventured into the mansion only to confront a dire scene inside. What should have been a magnificent mansion was crammed to the brim with people. Everywhere that could fit humans, whether in rooms, corridors or the courtyard, were chock-a-block. There were not enough beds for every person, so those were reserved for the critically ill. Others sat or lay on mats on the floor.

Unlike some wealthy refugees, these ordinary folks, who had brought their entire households to seek refuge in HP County, appeared profoundly destitute after exhausting their savings on their journey. They were pitiable inside and out, particularly the children who, under normal circumstances, should be nestled in the comfort of their homes, being pampered. Instead, their faces were dirty, their fingers black, and their eyes filled with caution and humiliation. They needed help desperately, yet feared ridicule from