Demon Lord Gets Married

Chapter 122 - Relief(1)

As a result, the houses that have collapsed are primarily located in the slums of the eastern city. Additionally, there are many wealthy individuals in the city, so it is feasible for them to continue living like this.

However, the outlook for the surrounding small towns and villages was not very optimistic. Reports indicate that thousands of people have died, most of them from freezing to death. Sigh, I truly am the local guardian.

Upon hearing all this, Teng Yu examined the figures before him and frowned, “Master Yu, do not blame yourself.”

Even after hearing this, Yu Xuezhong did not feel much relief. However, he still asked anxiously, “The relief funds and food that were allocated by Your Majesty's decree, I am uncertain about their status…”

Teng Yu waved his hand, “Do not worry about this matter. All the supplies are on their way and will arrive in two days. Are the food supplies from the three nearby prefectures ready for delivery?”

Yu Xuezhong's expression turned a bit grim, “They have finally arrived, but in total, it only amounts to three thousand stones. I have already distributed them all to the lower levels.”

“Why is there only this much? Didn't the decree require each prefecture to send two thousand stones?”

“Even so, they've suffered losses too, and there isn't much food left.”

Although Teng Yu suspected there were other issues at play, he did not have time to investigate further. He stood up and said to Yu Xuezhong, “Let me take a look around first. Since you mentioned there are more wealthy merchants in the city, I will borrow some food from them.”

Yu Xuezhong and a few of his staff exchanged glances, their expressions relaxing.

In reality, although there were many rich families in the city, only three or four were actually willing to release their grain. Some even took the opportunity to raise the price to profit.

Yu Xuezhong had attempted measures to address the situation, but he was still exploited. Although he was a Prefect, he could not easily suppress the local merchants.

At the very least, no one would dare defy the orders of the Third Prince. As long as they carried the royal family's surname and bloodline, the Third Prince was not someone a wealthy family would dare to disobey.

“The Third Prince is truly a people's prince. I am sincerely impressed,” Yu Xuezhong praised Teng Yu for the first time, “But it's still early, why don't we have breakfast first?”

“Sure.”

It was rare for Yu Xuezhong to show a smile. He sent someone to bring the food, and when breakfast was placed on the table, he explained awkwardly, “Due to limited supplies at home, the meal is humble. I hope Your Highness doesn't mind.”

On the table was a large bowl of steamed buns, two boiled eggs, and some additional dishes. While this was good for ordinary people, it was quite modest for serving the Third Prince.

Fortunately, Teng Yu did not mind. He was a man who could endure hardships and was simple in his needs. He ate three steamed buns in a row before putting down his chopsticks.

“The cook's skills are quite good. Have someone follow these recipes and send a serving to my room.”

Yu Xuezhong thought about the person who had entered the room with the Third Prince last night. Having met Yin Xu before, he recognized him but was still a bit surprised.

The Third Prince had not been ignored for long, indicating that he also maintained long-term relationships with others.

He rarely paid attention to the gossip in the capital, only reading the official reports, so he did not recognize the young man accompanying Teng Yu.

“Don't worry, even in tough times, I can still manage a few steamed buns.”

Teng Yu nodded, thinking, “The person at his home is easy to please. He doesn't care for extravagant foods, preferring simple porridge and small dishes.”

Last night, he had people inspect the various kitchens in the yamen and found no irregularities, ruling out the possibility of superficial work by Yu Xuezhong.

Regarding the other officials in Hui State City, it was impossible to clear everything up. Being his first time running errands, he had to catch one or two significant offenders to proceed.

After finishing his breakfast, Teng Yu changed his clothes and followed Yu Xuezhong and the yamen runners outside. As the door opened, gathered citizens surrounded them.

“The great old master has come out…”

“My lord, please save my grandson…”

“My daughter is about to die. Please give her a place to stay…”

Yu Xuezhong looked at the commoners, their clothes tattered and eyes cloudy, with expressions of despair and struggle. Some held children who had already stopped breathing, still cradled tightly by their elders.

It was Teng Yu's first time encountering such a scene, leaving him unsure if he felt more shocked or saddened. He realized that in the face of life, all grudges seemed insignificant.

The constables, fearing the citizens might rush the Third Prince, raised their sabers to stop them three meters away and shouted, “Stop! Do not take another step forward! Be quiet now!”

Yu Xuezhong's eyes turned red. He had seen this situation too many times in the past few days, and tears wouldn't come anymore.

He walked forward and took the infant from an elder. The infant, only a few months old, was wrapped in an old fur with a face frozen green. If not for the faint breath, Yu Xuezhong would have thought the infant was dead.

“Lord… please save my grandson. This is the last strand of my Li family's bloodline…” The sorrowful cry pierced the heart like a sharp knife, causing intense pain.

Yu Xuezhong had been hesitant, fearing the Third Prince, but at this moment, he couldn't hesitate any longer.

“Everyone, don't worry. The injured will be sent to the Jian An Hall on the west side of the city, where doctors are on watch day and night. If… If already… I will send them to the slope three miles outside the city. Since I cannot change their fate, I can at least provide a place of rest.”

More people died outside the city, and Yu Xuezhong knew that if these corpses were not dealt with quickly, there was a high risk of plague. Thus, he opened a public cemetery outside the city, funded by the officials.

Although this was not the best solution, he provided a glimmer of hope to the despairing people. Those surrounding him all kowtowed and said, “Many thanks, my lord…”

After the crowd dispersed, Yu Xuezhong called for two bailiffs and instructed, “Gather more people to read out loud, informing them of the directions in any situation, so they don’t delay their journey. Also, post additional notices at the city gate and have people read them aloud periodically.”

“Yes, sir.”

“What kind of place is the Jian An Palace?” Teng Yu suddenly inquired.

Yu Xuezhong turned and respectfully replied, “Your Highness, this Jian An Hall was originally a medicine store run by the Wei Family. Due to the large number of injured people, Manager Wei allowed them to use it for treating the wounded.”

“Oh? The Wei Family? Who is in charge?”

“The young master of the current generation, Wei Zi'an. He is a sincere, kind-hearted, and wealthy scholar, a High Scholar of this generation. Unfortunately, he had to give up his position to inherit the family business. Remarkably, he still cares for the common people.”

“In that case, once this matter is resolved, we should recognize his meritorious deeds. When the time comes, you will present it along with me.” Teng Yu skillfully secured some benefits for his own people.

Yu Xuezhong was delighted, “Then, on behalf of Zi'an, this official thanks the Third Prince.”

“Mm, let's go. We'll take a look around.” Teng Yu led the way out.

The sky was still dim, and the snow on the ground was thick. Teng Yu wore special leather boots up to his knees, but a cold chill still permeated his body from his calves.

It was rare to see people on the streets, even those who needed to trade for food or other necessities.

“In the past, Hui State City was extremely prosperous. I never imagined that a single snowfall could bring it to this state.”

Yu Xuezhong, who felt it the most, followed Teng Yu lightly, “Yes, no one anticipated such heavy snow this year. Although Hui State has a large population, it's not as wealthy as the south. It’s impossible to save tens of thousands of people with Hui State’s resources alone.”

Many people shared the same bed and quilt. At dinner, officials brought food they had prepared, providing only two bowls of thick and thin gruel each day to stave off hunger.

“How many more days can the grain supply last?” Teng Yu asked.

“Three days at most,” Yu Xuezhong replied, his brows furrowed with worry.

“Then ration it for two days and let them eat more. The grains will definitely arrive in two days,” Teng Yu promised.

The worry in Yu Xuezhong's brows lifted, and he finally smiled, “Yes, yes, this official will do it right away!”

He had never thought the Third Prince was wise; perhaps he had been blind before.