The next day, at the third quarter of the hour of the rabbit, Zhang Chen arrived at the courtyard on time and practiced spear skills with Gao Shun.
After practicing for more than an hour, Zhang Chen was drenched in sweat.
Just then, Steward Wu came to report that the congee station had opened and was set up in the East Market of the city. Yesterday, he had recalled several former household servants, and they were currently busy at the congee station with Ping'er.
Upon hearing this, Zhang Chen was delighted. He wiped off his sweat and prepared to personally go to the market to preside.
This was a rare opportunity to win the hearts of the people, and he absolutely could not miss it.
Before leaving, Zhang Chen did not forget to instruct Gao Shun to send the grain and fodder to Qu Family Village as quickly as possible.
Gao Shun accepted the order and left. Zhang Chen also returned to his room to change clothes, then went directly to the market with Steward Wu.
Last year, the Yellow Turban Rebellion broke out. Although the Yellow Turban followers fought under the banner of 'The Azure Heaven is Dead, the Yellow Heaven Shall Rise,' their ranks were mixed, and there were instances of looting the common people.
After the Yellow Turban Rebellion was suppressed, numerous bandits and vagrants appeared in various places, all using the Yellow Turban banner to cause harm to the local areas.
Coupled with frequent natural disasters this year, these multiple factors led to a surge in refugees and widespread starvation.
But Zhang Chen knew that these refugees would play a crucial role in the future struggle among various forces.
Because this was population!
The strength of a force first and foremost lay in its population. Zhuge Liang was incredibly resourceful, so why did he return without success after six expeditions to Mount Qi? The reason was that the Shu Han's strength was inherently weak, and this was not something that could be solved by the wisdom of one person.
First, win the hearts of the people. After taking the county seat in the future, he could widely accept refugees and expand the population. With people, money, and grain at hand, he wouldn't have to worry about failing to achieve his great ambition!
The two arrived at the market and saw a long line had already formed at the entrance of the congee station. Ping'er and several household servants were busy in front of the stall. In front of them were several large wooden buckets filled with steaming white congee.
Those refugees and beggars were holding their tattered porcelain bowls, queuing to receive the congee.
Zhang Chen walked forward, and Ping'er quickly said, "Young Master..."
Zhang Chen scooped up a ladle of congee from a wooden bucket. He saw that the consistency of the congee was acceptable, and Zhang Chen nodded, feeling quite satisfied.
Since it was a good deed, it should not be done perfunctorily, lest it dampen the spirits of the common people.
After a while, more and more refugees gathered in the market. Everyone had heard that the Zhang Family in Guangping County had set up a congee station to distribute congee, so passing refugees also flocked to Guangping County.
Steward Wu saw that the time was right and also stepped forward, saying to the crowd, "Everyone, this is Gongzi of the Zhang Family, and also the new head of the Zhang Family. As you all know, our Zhang Family has always upheld the principle of helping the poor and assisting those in need. On the first and fifteenth of every month, we distribute congee as a rule. This is a rule that has been passed down since the time of the Old Master and has not been interrupted for decades. A few days ago, the Zhang Family encountered difficulties and was on the verge of bankruptcy, which is why it had to be stopped. Now that the difficulties have been resolved, Gongzi is benevolent and has decided to reopen the congee station. From today onwards, the distribution of congee on the first and fifteenth will be as usual!"
"We thank Zhang Gongzi!"
It must be said that Steward Wu had a way with words. After this speech, it drew cheers from the crowd, and they bowed to Zhang Chen in thanks.
Seeing this situation, Zhang Chen, of course, had to add fuel to the fire.
"Fellow villagers, in recent years, there have been continuous natural and man-made disasters, and the people have been displaced. Zifan sees this and his heartache is hard to suppress. However, Zifan is but a merchant; although he has the will to bring peace to the people, he truly lacks the ability to do so. He can only donate some money and grain, contributing a small effort."
At this moment, a middle-aged man walked out from the crowd, bowed to Zhang Chen, and said, "As a merchant, Gongzi does not pursue fame and profit but has such a heart, which is truly commendable. In contrast, these county officials, occupying high positions, yet indulging in pleasure all day long, do not think of bringing peace to the people or serving the country. Gongzi's good deed today is enough to shame the officials of this county!"
The middle-aged man's voice was like a resonant bell, powerful and impactful.
Zhang Chen looked in the direction of the voice and saw that the person was nearly forty years old, full of energy, with clear eyes, wearing a simple and clean white robe, and carrying a medicine box specifically used by physicians.
It seemed that this person was not a refugee but a physician passing through this place.
Zhang Chen faintly felt that this person was extraordinary, so he had a thought and immediately activated the Insight Eye.
However, the next moment, his expression changed, and there was a look of awe in his eyes.
【Name: Hua Tuo】
【Possesses Trait: Saint of the Blue Bag (Gold)】
【Saint of the Blue Bag (Gold)】: You are a divine physician of this era, with superb medical skills, unmatched in the world. All difficult and complicated diseases can be easily resolved before you.
It was none other than the famous divine physician Hua Tuo from the Three Kingdoms period!
Zhang Chen could hardly believe his eyes.
This old gentleman traveled the world, practicing medicine to help the common people, and his whereabouts were generally hard to find. He didn't expect that he would appear here today!
Moreover, he was still so young, looking only about forty years old.
Zhang Chen quickly tidied his clothes, stepped forward, bowed, and said, "Sir, you flatter me."
Hua Tuo stroked the beard on his chin and smiled, "Zhang Gongzi is a talented young man, and his future prospects are limitless. I hope you will always maintain this heart and benefit the common people in the future."
"Sir's teachings, Zifan will bear in mind. I will certainly adhere to my original intention and never deviate from it." Zhang Chen said, bowing again.
Just then, there was a sudden commotion in the crowd, and dozens of yamen runners aggressively pushed their way in.
Immediately after, an angry voice was heard.
"Where did these unruly people come from! How dare you slander an official here, are you trying to rebel?!"
Zhang Chen looked in the direction of the voice and saw a middle-aged man, dressed in official robes and with a large belly, walking over surrounded by a group of yamen runners.
In the original owner's memory, he had an impression of this person. He was Zhao Xiong, the County Magistrate of Guangping County. Beside him was a man seven feet tall, wearing a saber at his waist, looking fierce. He was Guo Dayong, the County Commandant.
Zhang Chen knew these two, Zhao Xiong and Guo Dayong.
Zhao Xiong and Huang Wenyi colluded with each other and had not given his father any less trouble when he was alive. As for Guo Dayong, he was originally a guard in Zhao Xiong's mansion. After Zhao Xiong became County Magistrate, he recommended him to be the County Commandant.
Zhang Chen narrowed his eyes, his gaze sweeping over them.
【Name: Zhao Xiong】
【Possesses Traits: Loaded with Wealth (Green), Unbenevolent Rich Man (White), Oppressing the People (Green)】
【Name: Guo Dayong】
【Possesses Traits: Strong and Powerful (Green), Second-Rate Thug (Green), Lackey (White)】
Sigh, they are all garbage traits, none of them useful.
Especially that Zhao Xiong even has the trait 【Oppressing the People】!
That 【Oppressing the People】 trait would cause the people's support to drop significantly. Zhang Chen estimated that the people of the entire Guangping County had long been dissatisfied with him, but due to official authority, they dared not speak out.
Seeing that the other party was about to make trouble, Zhang Chen took a step forward, blocking Hua Tuo.
"Zhang Family brat, what do you want to do? Are you trying to rebel?"
Zhang Chen bowed, neither humble nor arrogant, and said, "Lord, in broad daylight, I am distributing congee to aid the people, yet you immediately accuse me of rebellion. What is the reason?"
"Hmph! You are gathering here, you must be plotting something! Men, arrest them first and interrogate them!"
Following Zhao Xiong's stern shout, the yamen runners behind him immediately stepped forward to apprehend people.
You damn corrupt official! Do you really think I am a soft persimmon?!
Zhang Chen's eyes narrowed, and he immediately shouted, "Lord Zhao! Without any evidence, you are distorting the truth. Today, there are many people present, and the public will judge who is right and who is wrong!"
"Exactly! Zhang Gongzi is benevolent and distributes congee to help the people. As the County Magistrate, not only do you not praise him, but you keep blaming him. That's completely unreasonable!"
"That's right, Zhang Gongzi, as a merchant, still knows to help the poor, what have you, this corrupt official, done!"
For a time, the crowd was agitated, pointing fingers at Zhao Xiong and the group of yamen runners.