Jiang Jin was still unaware that Qiu Liao was gossiping about this body's biological father, the emperor, and grandfather. She stood up with a smile and said, "Once things are mostly settled here, you should head to Shanguan County."
Her foundation was still in Gefeng, so after some time, Luo Qingci would be transferred back there. And since Shanguan County was in a strategically important position, it was only natural for her to place a heavyweight there, and that person was Qiu Liao.
Qiu Liao understood this reasoning as well and asked curiously, "Who do you plan to appoint as magistrate for Chunrong County?"
Jiang Jin shook her head. "I haven't decided yet. For now, the yamen runners and clerks in Chunrong County—try to mentor them as much as you can. If possible, we can select the county vice-magistrate and registrar from among them."
Although these people had previously worked under Luo Qingci and were now following Qiu Liao, most of them were young newcomers who still lacked the experience to serve as magistrates.
The weather in the south was still hot, and it only began to cool down after the sun dipped below the horizon.
At the First Prince's residence, the lanterns were already lit as dusk fell.
Jiang Chun sat in the host's seat, the dim lamplight casting shadows across his sculpted features, making them appear even more striking.
"You say the newly opened Fengge Pavilion has a prescription to cure the plague?" he asked in a detached tone.
Qiu Dao kept his head lowered, his demeanor respectful. "Exactly. My son saw the plague ravaging the people outside the city and wanted to share Your Highness's burdens. He searched far and wide for a remedy, and that's how..."
To be honest, he didn't have much faith in his own son. If the boy weren't his own flesh and blood, given his reckless, unreliable nature, Qiu Dao would have beaten him to death long ago.
But this time, it seemed his son had actually befriended someone worthwhile.
He had discreetly looked into Chen Xi. All he knew was that Chen Xi was the legitimate eldest son of a minor aristocratic family in Quning.
Still, the fact that Chen Xi could open Fengge Pavilion, possess glassware, a technique for producing thicker, whiter paper, and rare goods like soap and medicated soap, was enough to prove this man was no ordinary person.
Though his son was a bit flighty, he had a good heart. He simply had never experienced the harsh realities of commoners' suffering and didn't truly understand hardship.
The main reason Qiu Tai wanted to help the people outside the city this time was to win Hua Ruo's admiration.
Qiu Dao was different from Qiu Tai. He understood the people's suffering and had genuinely tried to find a remedy for the plague.
Unfortunately, his medical skills were limited, and since the First Prince didn't want him to come into contact with the infected, the matter was dropped.
He understood the First Prince's reasoning—after all, the prince had to consider the safety of the people inside the city. If the plague spread uncontrollably, the consequences would be disastrous.
Right now, not only was Jiuan City refusing entry to refugees, but the same order had been issued in all other counties of Sizhou.
Qiu Dao was well aware of what awaited those infected with the plague. If it couldn't be contained, death was the only outcome.
Either they would die of the disease, or the First Prince would have them killed and burned.
To prevent the epidemic from spreading, killing and burning the infected was a practice tacitly accepted by many powers.
So when he heard that Fengge Pavilion possessed an effective cure for the plague, his heart stirred.
He wanted to give it a try. If it truly worked, it could save millions of lives, and they would no longer have to fear the plague.
The First Prince pondered for a moment before speaking. "Fengge Pavilion is just a shop selling glass and other odds and ends. Why would they have a plague cure?"
Qiu Dao shook his head. "The specifics are unclear, but it wouldn't hurt to give it a try. If it can truly cure the plague, the people of Yan Country will be grateful to Your Highness—all hearts will turn to you."
The Jiaos were ferocious. After fighting for so long, they had only managed to conquer one prefecture in Sizhou, and that was thanks to throwing lives at the problem.
After Dingyang fell, Yan Country's grand edifice crumbled, and the government collapsed overnight. Most of Yan's remaining forces and people flocked to Sizhou.
As a result, the First Prince had abundant resources, but Sizhou was overcrowded, with homeless refugees everywhere.
Despite heavy losses from prolonged warfare, Sizhou still didn't lack people.
Qiu Dao knew the First Prince didn't lack manpower, nor did he genuinely care about the fate of ordinary civilians.
But losing one prefecture had shown the prince just how ferocious and brutal the barbarians were.
Previously, he had harbored ambitions of reclaiming Yan Country's lands. Now, his only goal was to hold onto Sizhou.
So the influx of so many refugees wasn't necessarily good for Sizhou. A massive population meant a severe strain on food supplies, and if mishandled, it could spark riots.
This year's drought had also affected the south, though not as severely as the north. Even so, grain yields had dropped by about 20%.
Still, the First Prince cared about his reputation.
As expected, the First Prince said, "Fine. We'll distribute the medicine under the joint name of the royal family and Fengge Pavilion."
That way, if it succeeded, he could take the credit; if it failed, Fengge Pavilion would take the blame.
As for the cost of the herbs, he didn't mention a word—meaning the others would have to figure it out themselves.
Qiu Dao knew the First Prince well and understood his intentions. He flattered him with a smile, "The people will surely remember Your Highness's grace."
The First Prince sighed, putting on a compassionate air. "These are all people who came to my fief. But times are hard, and with war raging, this is all I can do."
Qiu Dao was deeply moved, his expression sincere and his voice thick with emotion. "Your Highness, you have already saved countless people. You are the pillar of Yan Country's people. Your achievements will be sung for a thousand years."
Having received a definite answer, Qiu Tai was thrilled and immediately went to discuss the medicine distribution with Chen Xi, enthusiastically declaring that he would cover the cost of the herbs.
Chen Xi smiled. "Master Qiu's kindness moves me deeply. Truly an act of chivalry. If everyone in the world were like this, Sizhou would surely stand as firm as a mountain."
For the first time in his life, Qiu Tai was praised to such heights. He felt a bit giddy, unable to suppress the grin tugging at his lips, though he tried to maintain a reserved expression.
"The people are suffering, and seeing them like this breaks my heart. I only hope my meager efforts can help them," he said.
Then he glanced around, lowered his voice, and asked, "Brother Chen, do you think Lady Hua might look at me more favorably after this, and perhaps throw herself into my arms?"
Chen Xi was silent for a moment, then said, "...Naturally, that is impossible."
Fengge Pavilion's goods were very popular in Jiuan, and Hua Ruo had visited several times, though Mu Ning had always attended to her.
Chen Xi had seen Hua Ruo twice at the shop. She was clearly a woman with a strong will. Whether she would think more highly of Qiu Tai was uncertain, but throwing herself into his arms was definitely out of the question.
Qiu Tai: "..."
Why do you have to state the obvious!
