Chapter 709.1: Refugees swarm in

While Hua Zirong and the officials of Xiliu were making preparations for the upcoming Disaster Relief Banquet, something major had happened – a massive group of refugees were heading straight for Xiliu’s city gates.

The soldiers at the gates had closed it, but it was far from being enough to dissuade the crowd.

The desperate cries of the refugees pierced through the air, and the sound of fists pounding the heavy city gates sent vibrations through the ground.

The commander swiftly issued an order to hold the line before rushing to the imperial palace to report the matter.

In the meantime, Hua Zirong had been checking through the memorial booklets with a cold look in his eyes as he was constantly reminded of the seriousness of the situation in Meng County.

Looks like I’ll have to devote some time to properly resolve these issues after the Disaster Relief Banquet.

“Your Majesty, there is an enormous group of refugees outside Liujing.” The commander’s expression was solemn.

Hua Zirong stood up and walked closer to him. “What did you say? What’s going on?”

“Just a while ago, a massive group of refugees came straight for Liujing. To prevent internal turmoil within Liujing, this humble subject had no choice but to shut out the refugees temporarily.” There was a trace of helplessness in the commander’s eyes.

Hua Zirong’s eyes turned solemn. Although this may be somewhat cruel, having a huge group of refugees swarming into Liujing is no small matter.

“Pass down this Monarch’s order: Temporarily settle the refugees in the army barrack’s tents. Make sure they receive three meals a day, and do not slight them.”

“This humble subject obeys the order.” The commander knelt respectfully on the ground before standing up and leaving Liu Hall.

Hua Zirong’s gaze had become more frigid. Prime Minister Wen, even if you can’t bear the sins you have committed now, you will still have to pay for them in the future.

~~~

In the posthouse.

Su Xi-er sat on a chair in the courtyard, basking in the sunlight. Hearing the noise outside, puzzlement flashed past her eyes.

“Wu Ling, what happened outside?”

Wu Ling’s gaze was calm. “Reporting to Your Highness, refugees from Meng County have swarmed in. They should be in the midst of getting settled somewhere.”

“Oh? The refugees have already entered Liujing?” 

Wu Ling shook his head. “They didn’t enter Liujing, but have been settled in the army barracks not far away.”

It was then that Pei Qianhao came out of another room with an outer robe, draping it over Su Xi–er’s shoulders with a smile.

“Xi-er, it’s windy outside; don’t catch a cold.”

Su Xi-er smiled faintly. “A-Jing, why do you think the refugees have suddenly swarmed in?”

“Are you trying to test this Prince, Xi-er? With your intelligence, what is your take on this matter?” Pei Qianhao looked at her affectionately.

Su Xi-er caressed her stomach with a gentle gaze. “Any abnormality must have a reason.”

“Are you trying to fool around with riddles?” Pei Qianhao couldn’t help but tease.

Su Xi-er raised her head. “A-Jing, you already have an answer in your heart. You’re just teasing me.” She continued to caress her stomach, and pouted. “Child, look at how bad A-Jing is. When you come out, you have to join hands with me to deal with him, alright?”

A warm smile hung at the corner of Pei Qianhao’s mouth. “Xi-er, our child hasn’t even been born yet, and you already plan to join hands to deal with this Prince?”