Reborn as a Happy Wife in a Rural Family
Chapter 154: Chu Yan Takes Office

Chapter 154: Chapter 154: Chu Yan Takes Office

"Your Majesty, should I summon him?" Liu Desheng finally reacted and hurriedly asked.

Chu Xiong also came to his senses. Calling the Qin Tianjian at this time was useless.

That old Daoist spent all his time hiding in his lair, claiming he was refining Longevity Pills for him, but after all these years, not a single pill had been seen. Moreover, he shamelessly asked for money every year, each time tens of thousands or even a hundred thousand taels of silver. In six or seven years, millions of taels of silver had disappeared without a trace.

All that silver, if thrown into the water, would at least make some sound.

Thinking about all the silver, Chu Xiong’s liver ached.

Chu Xiong took a few deep breaths, sweeping his gaze across the Civil and Military Officials standing below. "All of you, quickly come up with a plan. Who is most suitable to go for disaster relief, and how many supplies are needed?"

The ministers complained inwardly. What kind of plan is needed? It all comes down to needing money, food, and clothing. Aren’t all these the responsibility of the Ministry of Revenue? As for who should go, who would want to go to such a place? Who doesn’t know that after the Earthworm turns over, it is the easiest time for plagues to break out? Who would want to risk their lives? If it were for other tasks, they’d all be eager to go, hoping to gain some benefits.

Seeing that nobody was stepping forward and the Emperor’s face on the emperor’s throne was becoming increasingly dark, Gu Xicheng, the Senior Grand Secretary, decided to speak, fearing the Emperor’s wrath would erupt. Besides, if he, as the leader of the officials, didn’t speak, no one else would dare to speak out of turn.

He said, "Your Majesty, since the disaster is so severe, the Ministry of Revenue should immediately allocate 200,000 taels of silver and send an imperial envoy. Qiyang County should also be ordered to open its granaries and distribute grain..."

Every county government had granaries in the county towns under its jurisdiction, but without a decree from the imperial court, local officials had no authority to open them and distribute grain.

"Hmm, Lord Gu’s words make sense. So who will serve as the imperial envoy?" Chu Xiong nodded, relieved that Gu Xicheng hadn’t demanded too much. Allocating 200,000 taels of silver as a preliminary measure is entirely feasible.

"Your Majesty, I am willing to undertake this journey," Chu Yan stepped forward and volunteered.

As soon as Chu Yan heard it was Qiyang County, he thought of that little miracle doctor who had treated him. He wanted to go and see. Besides, as a prince, it was more appropriate for him to handle this task than anyone else. All the Civil and Military Officials present were trying to protect themselves and were unwilling to take on this difficult assignment. Only he, a prince with a title but no real power, was idle all day, bored to death. The Emperor summoned him to court every day but didn’t assign him any tasks, saying that since he had been paralyzed for so many years and didn’t understand court affairs, he needed to learn more first. Learn what? The Emperor just wanted to keep him under close watch, to prevent him from causing any trouble. Ever since he returned from Qiyang County, he had been investigating his past poisoning. But because it happened so long ago, it was now impossible to find any clues. Those involved at the time were either dead or could not be found. He refused to believe that Chu Xiong had nothing to do with it. Although he couldn’t find any evidence regarding that matter, he had caused Chu Xiong considerable trouble. He had to collect some interest, at least.

HEH HEH...

Look at them, full brothers born of the same father and mother. They say there’s no affection in the Royal Family; the ancients truly did not deceive me.

"Oh, Seventh Brother is willing to go?" Chu Xiong squinted at Chu Yan. Is Old Seventh so eager to achieve merit already? This merit won’t be easy to earn. An entire county is disaster-stricken; 200,000 taels of silver is just a drop in the bucket. Since he wants to go, let him. If he fails to handle it well, won’t that provide a perfect reason to punish him? He shouldn’t think that just because my other sons are either young or incapacitated, he can seize an opportunity. Hmph, if I could poison him once, I can certainly do it again.

"Yes, Your Majesty. Your younger brother is willing to share Your Majesty’s burdens. I feel ashamed to receive a stipend without contributing," Chu Yan said, appearing deeply contrite.

The assembled ministers seemed to believe him. They looked at this powerless prince who attended court daily merely as a formality. Everyone understood the situation, but no one dared to speak openly about it. Today, however, he requested to go to Qiyang County. For a prince like him, who had never handled court affairs and was essentially a figurehead, he would probably bungle this task.

Everyone understood this, but no one was willing to point it out to him. The empire wasn’t theirs, after all. They simply did as much work as they were paid for by their ruler.

"Very well. Then, Seventh Brother, prepare yourself. Additionally, the Ministry of Revenue will dispatch someone to accompany you."

After Chu Xiong finished speaking, he adjourned the court session.

The Civil and Military Officials withdrew from the court after shouting, "Long live the Emperor!"

Chu Yan walked alone towards the Imperial Study to receive the imperial edict.

"Seventh Prince, please wait a moment," Gu Xicheng called out to Chu Yan from behind.

Chu Yan turned around. Seeing it was Gu Xicheng, he paused, a flicker of surprise in his eyes. He wondered why Gu Xicheng had stopped him. Gu Xicheng was a favored and close minister of the Emperor.

"Lord Gu, are you also going to the Imperial Study?"

"Yes, along with the Seventh Prince," Gu Xicheng smiled.

"Oh." Chu Yan slowed his pace, walking side by side with Gu Xicheng.

Gu Xicheng said, "Seventh Prince, do you know this journey will not be easy?"

Chu Yan replied indifferently, "Of course, I know."

Gu Xicheng paused for a moment before asking, "Then why are you still going, Your Highness?"

"Then who should go? Lord Gu, would you go?" Chu Yan retorted, a hint of mockery in his tone.

Gu Xicheng merely chuckled without saying more. This Seventh Prince is still too impetuous. He had intended to offer a word or two of advice, but since the other party didn’t appreciate it, he wouldn’t offer unsolicited help to someone who was clearly unreceptive.

The two of them walked towards the Imperial Study, each lost in their own thoughts.

「Qiyang County, Gu Residence.」

Gu Qingli woke up after a comfortable sleep, feeling completely refreshed.

After breakfast, she took Wuyou, Wuqing, and Daniu to the nearby Xiao Residence.

Today, Daniu was dressed in a new padded cotton jacket and a new pair of boots, looking much more spirited. However, a trace of sorrow still lingered between his eyebrows, and he appeared to have a lot on his mind.

"Daniu, how about you study with Brother Xiao Han and the others in the future?" Gu Qingli asked gently, holding Daniu’s hand.

"Second Sister, can I really?" Daniu looked up at her, his small face filled with surprise.

"What’s with that expression?" Gu Qingli pinched his cheek. "If Sister says you can, then you can, as long as you’re willing."

Since she had taken him in, she had to be responsible for him.

"Yes, I’m willing," Daniu nodded vigorously, a faint smile appearing on his face.

Gu Qingli sighed inwardly for the child. He lost his father at a young age, and now his only mother was gone too. At ten years old, he carried himself like an old man in his seventies or eighties. It was heartbreaking to see. Hopefully, by being with Xiao Han and the others, he would become more cheerful and lively.

The four of them arrived in front of a residence.

Wuyou stepped forward and knocked on the door.

The door was opened by a middle-aged man. Seeing Wuyou, he smiled and said, "It’s Miss Wuyou. Please, come in."

"Alright. Go quickly and tell the First Madam that the Third Madam is here," Wuyou instructed.

"Oh, very well. Please come in first. I’ll go and announce your arrival immediately," the middle-aged man said.

Wuyou nodded, allowing Gu Qingli and Daniu to enter first. She and Wuqing followed, closing the door behind them.

This was a residence with four courtyards, quite large. Like their own home, it had covered walkways connecting each small courtyard.