They've all separated, so what does it matter to me if they get poorer and poorer?

Chapter 419 Donating Grain
When the nest is overturned, no egg remains intact. Even though Qingshan County is currently in a slightly better situation than the surrounding counties, if things continue like this, it will eventually become like them.

Magistrate Lu had no choice but to convene a meeting with the county's wealthy gentry, local gentry, and merchants to discuss countermeasures.

They said they were discussing countermeasures, but everyone knew in their hearts that there was only one solution: donate grain.

In the current situation, donating money is useless; we must donate grain.

Grains, flour, miscellaneous grains, and other things that can fill your stomach are all acceptable, such as potatoes and sweet potatoes.

There are about three months left until the autumn harvest, but those three months, nearly a hundred days, are torture every single day.

Let alone 100 days, people can't survive even three days without food.

Nowadays, not a single grain of food can be transported in from other places.

Magistrate Lu briefly explained the current situation, rubbed his forehead wearily, and said, "To put it bluntly, we're all in the same boat. Food is the most important thing for people. If the people can't get enough to eat, they're capable of anything. There are only so many people in the yamen. If something really happens, I might not be able to take care of it or manage it. Please don't let small things cause big problems."

"Moreover, as members of a prominent family in this region, your efforts to benefit the local community are also accumulating good karma for your descendants, which is a great thing."

"Of course, I will not let you all make your efforts in vain. Once this matter is over, I will definitely compensate you."

Everyone remained silent, looking at each other, none of them willing to be the first to speak up.

Putting aside the possibility of unforeseen circumstances during the autumn harvest, such as the government forcibly increasing taxes, who knows how long the war between King Yuchang and the imperial court will last? Naturally, the more grain one holds in hand, the safer one is.

Although the imperial court possesses the entire country and is powerful, Prince Yuchang controls the entire Huguang region, and it is said that most of Sichuan is also under his control. Now, he is marching north, and cities in Henan and Anhui have fallen into his hands. He is advancing triumphantly and is at the height of his power. Even if people have more confidence in the imperial court now, it is hard to believe that the imperial court can completely quell this rebellion in a short period of time.

Seeing that no one spoke, Magistrate Lu continued, "Everyone, please share any good suggestions you may have. Let's pool our wisdom and efforts and work together to get through this difficult time safely."

Magistrate Lu's gaze slowly swept over everyone present. The people present avoided eye contact, but they dared not remain silent in response to Magistrate Lu's words. Otherwise, if they angered Magistrate Lu, they would be in trouble right now, not later.

Magistrate Lu's good temper does not mean he has no temper.

He remained an official throughout his life.

"Yes, yes, yes, what you say is true, sir."

"What you say makes sense, sir."

"We will listen to our superiors and do whatever they say."

"Yes, yes, our family is also happy to contribute."

"Of course, of course."

"This humble commoner dares to ask, sir, do you have any news on when the imperial court will be able to eliminate the rebel king? Surely there must be some news about that?"

Someone mustered the courage to ask the question, and everyone chimed in with their own opinions.

"Yes, yes, surely the master has the latest news?"

"Your Majesty is wise. With so many generals and soldiers in the court, suppressing the rebellion should not be difficult, right?"

"The imperial court must already have a comprehensive plan to quell the rebellion, right? You should know something about it, sir. Could you tell us?"

"Yes, sir, it's good for us common people to know this so we'll be aware of the situation."

"Of course."

"These days are filled with torment, and the common people are also anxious."

"Please, sir!"

"."

Lord Lu had a headache.

Even if he had access to information, he's completely cut off from the capital now, so how could he possibly find out?

Besides, things on the battlefield can change in an instant. Even if there is definite news, who knows if something has already happened on the front lines by the time the news reaches him?
How could he dare tell anyone publicly?

If I say something wrong, I'll be held responsible. "Everyone! Silence!"

"There is no news yet, but I have been keeping an eye on this matter. I am still here and well, so what are you all worried about? Just relax and live your lives in peace."

Magistrate Zhao coughed and said, "Your Excellency is right. With you here, everyone should just follow your instructions and get through this difficult time together. There's no need to worry about anything else. To put it bluntly, what good would it do if you all racked your brains?"

Everyone choked.

It hurts, but it's the truth.

"We just want some peace of mind."

"Yeah yeah."

"With adults by our side, isn't that reassuring enough?"

After another choke, no one dared to utter a sound.

I have to say, it made me feel a little more at ease.

Magistrate Lu's gaze met Xu Zhichun's, and Xu Zhichun nodded almost imperceptibly.

Today, all those present are heads of their respective families, with her being the only woman. She is the Lady of Benevolence, personally bestowed by the Emperor, and no one can object to her presence here.

Everyone was making a ruckus just now, but Xu Zhichun didn't say a word.

Others might say something and then let it go, but she's a woman with a special status. Whatever she says might be remembered and used to attack her or as a pretext.

She simply kept quiet.

She was more worried than anyone else, since her man was on the front lines and might have already fought several battles himself.

Compared to them, she was even less willing to argue like them.

The concerns of everyone are not on the same level at all.

Just now, Lord Lu looked over with a questioning gaze, as if he wanted to call her name and ask for her opinion, and Xu Zhichun had no objection.

Lord Lu does not accept bribes and maintains a certain distance from all parties. In fact, he is most familiar with Xu Zhichun.

If Xu Zhichun doesn't help him, who will he help?

Besides, since Madam Shanci has already spoken out, no one else can shirk their responsibility or remain ambiguous.

Magistrate Lu looked at Xu Zhichun: "Madam Shanci, what do you think?"

Xu Zhichun stood up and bowed slightly. After Magistrate Lu gestured for her to sit down, she said, "Your Excellency is right. We should work together to overcome this difficult time. I happen to have a large amount of old grain that I originally intended to use for brewing wine. If Your Excellency doesn't mind, I am willing to contribute it all."

Magistrate Lu said, "I couldn't ask for more, how could I possibly refuse? Where is there any room for selection now? Old grain is acceptable. Madam Shanci is truly righteous! I wonder how much of this batch of old grain there is?"

How many? To be honest, if we're talking about beating people, then of course there are as many as we want.

There are plenty in the space warehouse.

But I can't say that.

Xu Zhichun thought for a moment, "I don't quite remember. At the time, I stockpiled a lot of it for brewing, about 20,000 catties."

She didn't need to stir up hatred, so she deliberately underestimated the amount. When it came time to actually transport the grain, transporting 30,000 jin shouldn't be a problem.

Xu Zhichun really didn't want to stir up trouble, but she did anyway, mentioning tens of thousands of them right off the bat. Even though she explained that they were stockpiled for brewing, it was still enough to make people's hearts tremble.

Everyone present gasped.

"How many?"

"so much!"

20,000 jin