By the end of February, heavy rains fell in Jiangnan. By March, the riverbanks collapsed under the pressure, and the refugees held out until April without the court providing relief. Unable to endure further, they fled with their families.
So refugees near Southern Yi fled there, while others headed toward the Capital and northern Prefecture Cities.
Xiao Yuan and Anning were almost entirely occupied with settling these refugees for about a month.
It was during this ti that i Zhiyuan arrived.
Currently, i Zhiyuan assists Xiao Yuan in managing schools across various regions, and he has taken on several apprentices to teach.
The i Family has always managed academies; this is i Zhiyuan’s old profession, and he handles it adeptly.
With him, the matters concerning the school have been greatly simplified.
anwhile, i Boqing is helping to construct the Book Collection Tower.
He has read many books, and the i Family has so collections as well. Additionally, i Boqing has leveraged connections to procure so books, enriching the Book Collection Tower’s library.
Xiao Yuan, aware of the i Family’s role in overseeing educational matters, initially thought i Zhiyuan ca to discuss school affairs. He quickly put aside the docunts, planning to talk thoroughly with i Zhiyuan.
Instead, i Zhiyuan presented a letter to Xiao Yuan.
After reading it, Xiao Yuan said to i Zhiyuan, "I’m not petty. I know that the matters from the past have nothing to do with Pri Minister Li. I recall that he seed to plead for our family then. But as for that Noble Princess Consort Li... forget it. Since he wants to send the children here, let them co. I wouldn’t hold grudges against a few children."
i Zhiyuan felt assured by these words from Xiao Yuan.
"Li Hong is quite a capable person. In recent years, Da Qi has faced nurous disasters and troubles, with disputes erupting all over. Intense party conflicts continue in court. We rely on Li Hong to maneuver and balance things, which has allowed us to reach this point. Without Li Hong, Da Qi might have collapsed long ago."
i Zhiyuan sighed and said, "The calamity in Jiangnan has disheartened Li Hong; I fear Da Qi’s downfall is imminent."
Xiao Yuan frowned, "The officials in court are incessantly quarreling, yet they only care for their interests, governing for themselves while those poor civilians remain displaced and holess."
"People often say it’s better to be a peaceful dog than a chaotic person, which holds true."
i Zhiyuan also looked worried: "Right now, I only hope that the Third Young Master can reclaim Jiangnan quickly, restoring peace for the people. Once the realm is pacified, a prosperous and peaceful era might erge."
Xiao Yuan was about to discuss the matter of Pri Minister Li further with i Zhiyuan when they heard footsteps approaching.
Imdiately, Anning hurriedly entered.
Upon seeing i Zhiyuan, she greeted with a smile, "Hello, elder brother."
i Zhiyuan quickly stood up and returned the courtesy: "Hello, Third Madam."
Anning nodded and then said seriously to Xiao Yuan, "There’s going to be big trouble in Jiangnan."
Xiao Yuan was startled, standing up abruptly: "Has an epidemic been discovered?"
i Zhiyuan was also tense upon hearing this.
Anning’s expression turned serious: "Just now, reports ca from Yuechuan Prefecture and Pingyang Prefecture, indicating so people at the checkpoints have persistent high fevers, nausea, vomiting, and in Yuechuan Prefecture, so civilians dropped dead by the roadside."
i Zhiyuan felt even more alard.
"What disease is this?"
Anning shook her head: "It’s unclear right now. I plan to take a group to investigate."
Xiao Yuan nodded: "Stay safe. Take Huihui and Yin’er with you."
"Alright."
After pondering, Anning added: "I think we need to increase troop presence."
Xiao Yuan understood the intention. Increasing troops at checkpoints helps prevent chaos among refugees.
Given the current outbreak, all refugees heading to Southern Yi need to be quarantined. Otherwise, if an epidemic spreads to Southern Yi, the hard-won stability there would collapse.
However, imposing quarantine may trigger refugee panic, and with incitent, chaos could ensue.
"I’ll have Dong Da and Li Chenshu arrange this matter."
i Zhiyuan realized Xiao Yuan wouldn’t have ti to discuss Pri Minister Li further, so he left with Anning.
Xiao Yuan imdiately sent for Dong Da, Li Chenshu, and Yuan Wei.
After leaving the study, Anning gathered Xiao Hui and Xiao Yin.
Her children had studied so dical skills, though Xiao Hui and Xiao Yin were more proficient.
Of course, Xiao Yin wasn’t as knowledgeable as Xiao Hui, but Xiao Yin was quick-witted, having experienced the information explosion of modern tis, making her well-suited for publicity work.
Currently, Anning also needed Xiao Yin to handle so promotional tasks.
Soon, Xiao Hui and Xiao Yin arrived.
Upon entering, they imdiately noticed Anning’s solemn expression.
"Mother, what’s wrong?"
Anning invited them to sit: "There are refugees carrying diseases at the Yuechuan Prefecture checkpoint; I plan to take you there personally."
"Alright."
The two girls agreed without hesitation.
Anning said: "Go pack your things quickly; don’t take too much, just so change of clothes. I’ll have soone prepare dicinal supplies to bring along."
The mother and daughters, due to the urgent situation, took very little, quickly prepared what was necessary, including dicines.
Anning didn’t travel by carriage; instead, all three changed into light and agile male attire, horseback riding.
They only carried two changes of clothes, with the additional materials transported by a team of soldiers driving a wagon.
From Southern Yi Prefecture to Yuechuan Prefecture, even riding would take two to three days. The weather was extrely hot, so they rested at inns during the heat and rushed while it was cooler.
In just over two days, they reached their destination.
Upon arriving in Yuechuan Prefecture, the inner thighs of Xiao Hui and Xiao Yin were chafed and hurt; dismounting made walking difficult for them.
The magistrate of Yuechuan Prefecture personally ca to welco them. Anning spoke briefly with the magistrate, learning the situation before taking her daughters to an inn.
She applied dicine on Xiao Hui and Xiao Yin, wrapped their legs in gauze, and then let them change clothes. The three of them took a carriage to the checkpoint.
The area in Yuechuan Prefecture also had stationed soldiers, and the checkpoint had additional personnel dispatched. Many soldiers were patrolling, detaining any refugees suspected of causing trouble.
Upon reaching the checkpoint, Anning saw a group of refugees arguing loudly with the doctors stationed for inspections.
Several refugees shouted: "What are you doing?! We are fit, healthy, and have no diseases! Why won’t you let us through? Didn’t you promise to resettle us and provide silver from the An Family? Why are we being kept out now?"
The doctors were persuading the refugees with much effort.
Anning quickly approached and asked: "What’s the situation?"
The checkpoint leader stood up and said, "Madam, these refugees are causing a ruckus and refusing quarantine."
Anning glanced at the group of refugees, then turned to Xiao Yin and said, "Later, accompany them to educate the refugees. Also, ensure that the civilians of Yuechuan Prefecture are reassured. No matter the outside chaos, we must maintain internal order."
Xiao Yin nodded: "Mother, I understand."
Anning then addressed Xiao Hui: "Let’s go evaluate the quarantine site."
As she and Xiao Hui departed, Xiao Yin instructed the clever publicity staff: "Go speak with those refugees, explain that if they agree to quarantine, we will supply als; if nothing else, rice will be ample. Once they adhere to rules and don’t cause trouble, additional silver from the An Family will be considered later."
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