strictlysupreme Chapter 188 Qingyun recognizes his brother
Chapter 188 Qingyun recognizes his brother
"These eight people have been pushing the refugees and stirring up discord, especially the one who is fleeing to the southeast corner," said Yuan Chunwang.
"Not only did he initiate the attack, he also instigated the refugees to attack the Queen. His intentions are sinister, and there must be someone behind this. As for who it is, the Queen needs to order the arrest of that person and interrogate him carefully."
Concubine Xian snorted coldly: "What are you waiting for? Arrest them!"
The guards rushed forward and locked up the seven refugees who were causing trouble. In a short while, they were all gagged and taken away. What awaited them was bound to be torture after torture.
The troublemakers were dragged away, and the remaining refugees turned back into sheep. Under the supervision of the guards, they lined up again and obediently received food from the palace maids and eunuchs.
Looking at the endless crowd, Concubine Xian sighed, "I didn't expect there would be so many refugees. I'm afraid the food I prepared is not enough."
"That's because there are not only refugees down there." Yuan Chunwang suddenly said.
Empress Xian frowned: "Not refugees? Who else is there?"
Yuan Chunwang smiled and said, "Of course, they are the local ruffians and street scoundrels. These people are lazy and idle on weekdays. Now that the capital has suffered a disaster, they are taking the opportunity to fish in troubled waters and try to make some money."
Empress Xian suddenly realized: "So that's why. No wonder some people didn't look like refugees to me. They turned out to be these hooligans."
Zhen'er's eyes turned cold, "These people are really despicable. They took advantage of the natural disaster to make money from the national disaster!"
Yuan Chunwang nodded: "That's right. Madam, these people must be severely punished, otherwise more people will follow suit in the future."
Empress Xian understood the whole story. These people came to disrupt order, and the refugees who really needed help could not get timely assistance. They would inevitably feel dissatisfied and complain, which would most likely lead to greater chaos and turmoil.
Thinking of this, Empress Xian's face turned gloomy.
She suddenly raised her voice and announced to the crowd: "Due to the limited number of soup kitchens, we cannot meet the needs of all refugees.
Therefore, except for children under ten years old and the elderly over sixty years old, the rest of the staff must participate in setting up more porridge sheds to ensure that everyone in need can get help! "
The refugees started to stir again after hearing the news. They expressed dissatisfaction and doubts, and shouted excitedly: "Why?"
"That's right, why should I work?"
"Didn't you say you were giving away free porridge? You liar."
"It's just a trick to get people to work. We won't do it!"
"I absolutely won't do it!"
Faced with the refugees' commotion, Empress Xian was not afraid at all. She stood in the middle of the crowd, scanning everyone with a cold gaze.
Her voice was firm, powerful, and full of authority: "Your hometown was hit by a flood, and the flood water flowed into the capital. The palace and the rich families provided porridge with good intentions, but such good intentions should be given to those in need! Instead of deliberately competing for it."
Empress Xian continued, "Every bowl of porridge and every steamed bun here are saved by kind people. Giving them to you is out of kindness, and not giving them is indisputable! Only by exchanging food with your own labor can it truly belong to you, and no one can take it away!"
Empress Xian's words silenced the refugees, who realized that their actions had been a bit extreme.
Empress Xian paused, then continued, "Now, children, the elderly, and those who are sick and weak can get food for free. As for other healthy people, please all go to work. This is a fair way of distribution and a respect for everyone."
As soon as she finished speaking, Yuan Chunwang stepped forward and said, "We will continue to build porridge sheds here today, and we are also building houses outside the city. Those who want to exchange their labor for food can come here to register and we will distribute rations per person.
After you are full, you can exchange for food for the next day. If you want to get something for nothing, you can just starve!"
Everyone looked at each other, and finally split into two groups. One group lined up obediently to register, while the other group left in shame.
A great disaster was thus averted. Concubine Xian looked at Yuan Chunwang with satisfaction: "I didn't expect you to have such a talent. I wasted your talent in the past."
Yuan Chunwang knelt down and said, "Thank you, Empress Xian, for your praise."
Empress Xian looked at him and smiled slightly: "The Ministry of Internal Affairs is still short of a small steward, so you can fill the position!"
Everyone was surprised and whispered.
Yuan Chunwang lowered his head, hiding the ambition in his eyes: "Thank you, Empress Xian, for your grace!"
"Get up." Empress Xian smiled, with satisfaction flashing in her eyes.
Yuan Chunwang stood up, his face full of gratitude, but he was secretly proud in his heart. He knew that this was just the beginning, and as long as he had the opportunity, he would be able to climb higher.
Empress Xian looked at him, her lips slightly raised, as if she was satisfied with her decision. She turned and left, leaving Yuan Chunwang standing there with a gleam in his eyes.
Yuan Chunwang took a deep breath and tried to suppress his excitement. He knew that this opportunity was hard to come by and he must seize it.
From now on, he will no longer be the despised eunuch, but a small steward of the Imperial Household Department. He believes that as long as he works hard, he will be able to achieve his wish.
Zhen'er did not follow Concubine Xian's footsteps, but stayed where she was, looking at Yuan Chunwang with admiration, took out a handkerchief and handed it to him, "Eunuch Yuan, your forehead is full of sweat, wipe it quickly."
"Thank you." Yuan Chunwang smiled.
In the past, Yuan Chunwang was not valued by Empress Xian. Everyone knew that he was once a member of the Xinzheku. When he left the palace, everyone stayed away from him for fear of getting into trouble.
However, when he returned to the palace, the situation changed dramatically. People flocked to him, trying to curry favor with him, hoping to gain benefits from him.
What’s even more interesting is that there is a little girl who looks 50% similar to Yuan Chunwang and has been following him closely.
The little girl's name is Qingyun, and there is always a smile on her innocent face.
Yuan Chunwang felt her following him, turned his head away indifferently, stared at Qingyun viciously, and asked impatiently: "Who are you? Why are you following me all the time?"
When Qingyun heard her brother's cold words, her heart ached, but she still smiled and said, "Brother! It's me, I'm Qingyun!" Her voice was full of expectation and desire.
Yuan Chunwang looked at her with disgust, his tone as cold as ice, "I don't remember having a sister like you, don't recognize relatives casually."
There was a look of determination and ruthlessness in his eyes.
Qingyun was not discouraged by Yuan Chunwang's rejection. She said proudly, "Humph, you are my biological brother! You have a plum blossom birthmark on your arm, right?"
She firmly believed that the person in front of her was her long-lost relative.