The Princess and Her Rough-Rider Khan
Chapter 504 - 503 is Not a Pretty-Faced Xiaobai (First Update)

Chapter 504: 503 is Not a Pretty-Faced Xiaobai (First Update)

For safety’s sake, Li Xianyun had Tuoba Che personally supervise the city’s defenses.

After dealing with urgent matters, Li Xianyun explained the situation to Da Nai, the governor of Shuozhou.

Upon hearing this, Da Nai was extremely alarmed.

Shuozhou suffered the worst snow disaster last year. The people had not yet recuperated; their lives had not returned to normal. Now, an epidemic was upon them, leaving the people truly without a way to survive.

People always said that the Khan’s divine powers were vast, and nothing could escape his magical eye.

Indeed, as soon as the epidemic showed signs of emergence, the Khan had sent someone from Shangjing.

Da Nai bowed respectfully and said, "My lord, just give your orders, and I will obey."

Li Xianyun, dressed as a man and holding the Khan’s Decree, did not reveal her identity.

Although Da Nai did not know her identity, he had already guessed partly.

The person who could hold the Khan’s Decree was definitely no ordinary royal or noble.

Li Xianyun knew well that eradicating the disease required the cooperation of the people.

Li Xianyun ordered Da Nai to inform the townspeople about the epidemic at dawn the next day, then go door to door with his men to inspect; those severely ill would need to be taken away for centralized management.

Other households exhibiting mild or no symptoms were to stay indoors, with only one person from each household allowed to go out to make purchases during designated times.

Any violators would face severe punishment.

Li Xianyun also instructed on several detailed issues and then looked at Da Nai, asking, "Is there any abandoned housing in the city that can be used to accommodate the sick?"

If it were summer, with warm weather, they could simply find an open space and set up tents to accommodate the seriously ill.

But now, entering winter, the weather was cold, and it had snowed a few days ago. The sick, already weak, would only get worse if exposed to the cold.

Da Nai, in his prime and diligent in his duties, was known as a good official by the people. When asked, he promptly replied, "To report to my lord, there is an abandoned military training ground to the west of the city with more than ten abandoned low buildings that can provide shelter from the cold."

"Very good. You will need to have the soldiers put up fences, and at the same time reinforce the doors, windows, and walls, clean the interiors thoroughly, lay proper bedding, and equip each room with a stove. Patients with severe symptoms must bring their own bedding."

Rushing to produce so much bedding in such a short time was simply impossible.

"As for food, the Official Government will provide, and the expenses will be recorded. After the epidemic has been eradicated, the spent Silver Tael will be reported to the Imperial Court for settlement,"

"Understood!"

Li Xianyun said, "In the process of eradicating the epidemic, there will certainly be many expenses. Each sum of money must be recorded in detail. If anyone is found embezzling, they will be executed without discussion."

To control the epidemic, financial support was essential.

How many officials claimed to be aiding disaster relief, but were in reality embezzling the state’s funds for their own benefit?

They defrauded countless people, causing widespread grievances among the populace.

Li Xianyun wanted to make things clear from the start to prevent chaos later on.

Da Nai bowed and said, "Understood!"

His perception of Li Xianyun had changed. He had thought she was just a fine-skinned and tender-fleshed pretty boy who was all show and privileged—a Xiaobai, but he found that her arrangements were far from ambiguous, meticulous, and measured, commanding respect.

Li Xianyun looked at Da Nai and said, "Governor Da Nai, you are familiar with Shuozhou. Is there anything I’ve overlooked?"

"No."

Li Xianyun reminded, "Right, you must inform the officials to soothe the people’s emotions with reason. However, we can’t rule out the possibility of encountering unreasonable people. In such cases, alternative methods may be required to intimidate them, but under no circumstances should there be loss of life."