Chapter 49: Chapter 42, Method i
“These refugees were resettled just a few days ago, right?”
Madam Yan was still very concerned about the refugees. First, this was a significant issue regarding her eldest son’s achievements in governance; second, on their journey from their old home to Linyi County, they themselves had disguised as refugees and knew the hardships of refugees well, naturally hoping the refugees could settle down sooner.
Yan Zhigao nodded, “Indeed, it is precisely because the refugees have only recently been resettled that it’s quite difficult to ask the wealthy households and local gentry of Linyi County to donate again at this time.”
Madam Yan frowned, “Doesn’t the County Governor’s Office have any other solutions?”
Yan Zhigao sighed, “Linyi County isn’t wealthy, and the little savings the County Governor’s Office had were almost completely spent during the last refugee resettlement. We really can’t afford to take out any more money to help the refugees now.”
Originally, he had thought that he could gain recognition from those above with the refugee resettlement project, and maybe he, the County Magistrate, could even get a promotion. But now, if the resettled refugees were to die of cold or starvation, it would be fortunate if he were not held responsible, let alone considered for promotion.
If the pressure weren’t so great, he wouldn’t have brought up official matters at the dinner table.
Thinking of the letters of appeal he had sent to the magistrates of neighboring counties that had yet to receive any response, Yan Zhigao’s brows twisted tightly together.
The officialdom is just a place of fame and profit, and with his humble background and lack of connections, as well as not being wealthy, it was extremely hard for him to gain the support of his superiors and colleagues.
“Daddy, the refugees are so pitiful. What if we eat less in the future and give the saved food to them? Then they wouldn’t starve to death,” Yan Yishuang suddenly said, her eyebrows filled with compassion and distress.
A smile squeezed onto Yan Zhigao’s face as he praised Yan Yishuang, “My son is kind-hearted. But these are not things you should worry about. Just eat your meal, and don’t think about saving any. Keep in mind, if a child doesn’t eat well, they won’t grow tall.”
Yan Yishuang meekly nodded, “Daddy, you also need to take care of yourself. I see you’ve hardly eaten anything.”
At her words, Yan Zhigao smiled reassuringly and picked up a chopstick-full of food for Yan Yishuang, “Eat up.”
Madam Li sat on the side watching and, after some thought, said, “My lord, we still have some grain at home. Perhaps…”
Yan Zhigao shook his head to stop Madam Li, “Even if our family gave away all our food reserves, it wouldn’t help many refugees. Let’s all eat, and I’ll discuss it with the secretaries again tomorrow. We should be able to come up with a solution.”
Daohua quietly ate the rice in her bowl and suddenly rolled her eyes, quickly glancing towards her elder brother, who was eating in silence.
This elder brother, who usually had a heavy academic load, was not someone she wanted to disturb too much. Still, as her own brother, she was very concerned about his affairs.
For example, she knew he was popular among his peers and teachers in the county school because of his knowledge.
Yan Wenxiu felt Daohua’s gaze and looked up, smiling gently, “Big sister, is there something on my face?”
Daohua shook her head, smiling as she asked, “Big brother, I hear you have many good friends in the county school?”
Yan Wenxiu, not understanding Daohua’s intentions, replied reservedly, “We are all classmates, and it is quite common for us to get together to discuss our studies.”
Daohua asked, “Then all of your classmates’ families are very wealthy, right?”
She knew that in this era, except for a few who were exceptionally learned, most of those who could attend the county school came from families with some background.
Yan Wenxiu, not liking how Daohua often spoke about money, slightly knitted his brows, “Big sister, one should prioritize learning and character when making friends. I do not regard others’ wealth as important.”
Daohua paused, disregarding the implications of her elder brother’s words, and further inquired, “Then do you guys have some extracurricular activities?”
Yan Wenxiu, looking puzzled, “Extracurricular activities?”
Daohua clarified, “Like going out to feel the winter air and appreciate the snow, then coming back to write about the experience or something?”
Yan Wenxiu fell silent for a moment. “The masters at the county school do indeed gather us together to compose poetry, but we don’t go outside; it’s generally held within the county school.”
Daohua’s eyes lit up. “What’s the fun in holding it within the county school? Big brother, just look, the earth is cloaked in silver beauty, so picturesque and poetic. Look, why don’t you suggest to the masters at the school that you go outside to gather inspiration, perhaps? It would be best to visit the refugee resettlement areas, to experience some of life’s hardships.”
As soon as she said this, the dining table immediately fell silent. Everyone looked up at Daohua, even Yan Zhigao turned his gaze towards her.
Yan Wenxiu: “Big sister, what exactly are you trying to say?”
Daohua: “What I’m trying to say is, just look, big brother, when our father mentioned how the refugees lack clothing and food, third sister immediately cut back on her own meals to help the refugees. After your classmates have seen the refugees’ plight with their own eyes, wouldn’t they want to do something to help?”
Yan Wenxiu was taken aback, then turned to look at his father, whose eyes had begun to shine.
Daohua continued: “Just think, the students at the county school, their families all have some assets. A little contribution from your family, a little from mine, all these small amounts add up and can help a lot of refugees.”
“Moreover, they are the treasures of their families. If the parents knew that their children were so young yet understood the importance of helping the less fortunate, they would surely support it with both hands and feet.” She turned her head towards Madam Yan, “Grandmother, wouldn’t you agree?”
Madam Yan smiled and nodded. “Indeed, if my eldest grandson is willing to help the refugees, this old lady would be willing to contribute 200 stones of grain to support you.” The grain harvested this year had all been transported to Linyi County.
Originally, she had thought of selling some of the grain while the price was high, but having experienced what it was like to be refugees and seen the hardships of the common people, she changed her mind. Now, the grain was still stored in the rented warehouse.
The sons and daughters-in-law all shifted at their mother’s words.
Although 200 stones of grain wasn’t much, it wasn’t a small amount either.
However, aside from a few dozen acres inherited from their ancestors, the rest of the family lands had been acquired bit by bit over the years by Madam Yan. So, the sons tacitly acknowledged these lands as their mother’s private property.
Since it was private property, Madam Yan had the right to do with it as she pleased.
Daohua, with a smile, turned to look at Yan Wenxiu, who was stunned: “Big brother, you see, grandmother is willing to offer 200 stones of grain for you. Surely the families of your classmates would also support their children.”
“Once you have the grain, you and your classmates can go and distribute it to the refugees. This way, you not only gain the gratitude of the refugees but also experience real life, getting the best of both worlds.”
Yan Wenxiu swallowed nervously. “We have to go and distribute the grain ourselves?”
Daohua looked at him as if it were obvious: “Of course. Big brother, I ask you, why are you studying so diligently now? Isn’t it to earn a scholarly title, to become an official in the future? And isn’t being an official about serving the people? What you’re doing now is just getting an early taste of the work you’ll be doing when you join the officialdom.”
Yan Wenxiu was still digesting Daohua’s words, but Yan Zhigao was already excited.
This was an excellent idea from his eldest daughter!
He currently found it difficult to ask for donations from wealthy families and gentry, but their sons would be easier to approach.
Moreover, this was a very good opportunity to build a reputation. He was certain that if this plan succeeded, the wealthy households and gentry would be more than happy to donate.
Yan Zhigao looked at Daohua with a face full of approval.
Previously, his mother and third brother always praised the eldest daughter’s cleverness, which he had never taken seriously, thinking it was just their favoritism. But today’s conversation at the dinner table made him realize that his eldest daughter truly had insight.
Yan Wenxiu, however, felt somewhat tentative: “But… such a big undertaking, can we, the students, really pull it off?”
Daohua nodded earnestly: “Big brother, you must believe in yourself. Everyone has their first time. Besides, you have our father to support you, don’t you? If there is anything you don’t understand, just ask father..”