Chapter 1017: Chapter 853: Treating the Symptoms, Not the Root Cause

Ding Shiliu’s narrative was already very detailed, making Gu Chengyu’s heart sink as he listened.

Now, it’s just one village, and those refugees already show signs of unrest.

If more villagers gather up, they might not just overturn the city gates of Hangtian Prefecture?

This matter must be dealt with quickly, for these refugees have lost their reason; they only want to survive. Even a cornered dog will jump over a wall, let alone people.

If truly provoked, they might rebel against the government and court, which is highly possible.

Yang Chaoying refuses to accept even one refugee, which certainly won’t work.

Even if the refugees are settled in Yingnan Mansion, the place is only so big, how could it accommodate them all?

These refugees must be distributed among several states; otherwise, living conditions will be challenging, not to mention the difficulty in management.

"How is the river embankment situation in Hangtian Prefecture?"

Previously, Gu Chengyu had Ming Mo inquire about Yang Chaoying and Li Taixing, the Yingnan Prefecture Magistrate’s character. According to Ming Mo, Yang Chaoying generally considers the people and is a good official, with a good reputation in Hangtian Prefecture.

But Li Taixing, on the other hand, seems to be a bit blinded by money. Bribery aside, he likes to handle things with money, though he doesn’t dare go overboard in his daily actions.

In summary, between these two, Li Taixing is slightly more greedy and has a more rounded character.

Yang Chaoying is considered a good official, but whether he is upright in his official duties is unknown.

Now, Yang Chaoying refuses refugee entry, probably due to some issue with the river embankment.

Or perhaps he is thinking of the citizens within his jurisdiction’s Prefecture, considering his official’s hat, hence he is unwilling to accept these refugees.

"After the river embankment leaked a while ago, Lord Yang continuously led river workers and citizens to reinforce it. However, due to unfavorable weather, the repairs and reinforcements were challenging, and progress was very slow. Thus, the embankment still occasionally leaks; wherever it leaks, they patch it there first."

This Hangtian Prefecture was personally investigated by Ding Shiliu, who disguised himself as a poor citizen to get directly involved, thus being well-informed about the river embankment situation there.

Gu Chengyu nodded in satisfaction, it seemed Ding Shiliu and his team had indeed put in a lot of effort and even gathered such detailed information.

As for Yang Chaoying’s method of reinforcing the river embankment, Gu Chengyu thought otherwise.

The leaking areas must be under significant pressure on the embankment; merely patching the embankment without addressing the source is impractical, it’s merely treating the symptoms, not the cause.

This situation requires first cutting off the small tributaries joining Tianya River, then redirecting some river water.

Nonetheless, this would require more manpower, but couldn’t those refugees be utilized properly?

By having work replace relief, it saves Silver Coin and ensures the refugees don’t worry about food and shelter. As for where the food comes from, Gu Chengyu already has a strategy in mind.

"Sir, I mingled with the river workers and labored for two days. It was found that Lord Yang not only paid wages but also provided two meals a day, not just watery broth, but real mixed grain wotou. However, recently, it was heard that their reserved food is also running low, hence resolutely refusing refugee entry."

Ding Shiliu found this detail trivial but believed he’d report meticulously on all he knew.

Gu Chengyu nodded, it seemed Yang Chaoying was indeed a good official.

Gu Chengyu naturally considered the food factor; this matter was a puzzle for Yang Chaoying, but not for him as it was easy to solve.

"What’s the current situation at Yingnan Mansion?" After understanding Hangtian Prefecture’s situation, Gu Chengyu inquired about Yingnan Mansion.

"Reporting to the Lord, Ding Shi and his team intercepted a letter from Mr. Hu to Li Taixing, which stated Yingnan Mansion should receive more than half of the refugees. Yet, Li Taixing replied, refusing with the excuse of Yingnan Mansion’s river embankment leakage."

Gu Chengyu’s expression darkened; surely Yingnan Mansion’s river embankment was more solid than other states.

Earlier, Hu Maoshen’s proposal was made before any leaks, and the leak occurred just after the letter arrived, appearing suspicious in every aspect.

"Which state has the court officials overseeing the river embankment been in these days?"

Gu Chengyu suddenly remembered the Emperor likely dispatched Min Feng to inspect the river embankment; so where is Min Feng located now?

"The letter mentions a certain Min Feng, Mr. Min’s handwriting, and for the past few days, he has been staying in Yingnan Mansion, heading out during the day to inspect the river embankment, and at night..."

Ding Shiliu hesitated, his face reddened.

He’s still a youth, hearing Ding Shi and the others report earlier, all with blushing faces.

"What happens at night?" Seeing Ding Shiliu suddenly pause, H had some doubts.

With a peculiar look at his counterpart, Ding Shiliu’s flushed appearance made Gu Chengyu instantly realize.

His expression became extremely gloomy; Min Feng was becoming indulgent as soon as he left the Capital.

Didn’t he ponder the current timing; if this endeavor failed, it could cost him his head.

Can’t he control himself? Unable to discern what’s crucial, it seems there’s no concern regarding him; without Xia Qing’s backing, it remains to be seen how far he can go.

"How is the river embankment at Yingnan Mansion, is there a leak?"

Ding Shiliu, noticing his Lord’s displeasure, grew anxious.

"Sir, I’ve already sent Ding Shi to gather news; currently, there are no signs of leakage. Those citizens reinforcing the embankments are not panicked, indicating the river embankment seems relatively solid."

"Humph!" Gu Chengyu sneered, Min Feng is so reckless to risk his future for mere indulgence?

Perhaps Li Taixing sweetened the deal with other benefits, likely Silver Coin.

Min Feng resides within Xia Mansion, the feeling of dependency must be unpleasant, right?

No matter how well Xia Qing treats him, it’s still not his own residence, inevitably constrained.

Upon arriving at Yingnan Mansion, with Xia Qing providing backing, he thinks Hu Maoshen wouldn’t dare spill the matter to the Emperor, thus daring to reach out.

Unfortunately, Min Feng was unaware the Emperor subsequently deployed him to Jiangnan.

Should Min Feng indeed have accepted any bribery, he shouldn’t be surprised when criticized before the Emperor.

Gu Chengyu isn’t intimidated by Xia Qing, no matter how great Xia Qing’s influence is, what does it have to do with him?

"Is Min Feng still in Yingnan Mansion?"

If Min Feng exploits his position and accepts bribery from several states, the matter becomes very serious.

Moreover, Xia Qing hails from Yingnan Mansion, with Xia Family having Second Rank Officials in their ancestry, and several clan members serving as officials currently. Upon arriving there, Min Feng is still holding considerable advantage.

Xia Qing most values this junior disciple, likely already communicated with Xia Family. And Yingnan Prefecture Magistrate Li Taixing certainly eagerly seeks an opportunity to associate with Xia Qing, why not push now?

Earlier, due to the affair of Gu Changbai, Gu Chengyu deduced Li Taixing had already aligned with Prince Jing. However, Prince Jing has now moved to a remote fealty, can Li Taixing still remain steady?