Chapter 1032: Chapter 868: Lord Imperial Envoy Summons

"Who is the village chief of River Village?" The Government Official shouted before reaching the anxious disaster victims.

The villagers of River Village were a bit baffled. The village chief? Could it be that the Imperial Envoy already knows about the chief taking them away from the dispute?

Could he be blaming them for staying out of it, and is about to punish the chief who led them?

"Village chief!" Several villagers from River Village were extremely tense upon suddenly mentioning the chief, not knowing what exactly was happening.

"Is the village chief of River Village here? The Lord Imperial Envoy summons you!"

The people of River Village were terrified, feeling that the Imperial Envoy was so fierce and calling the chief would be akin to a sheep entering a tiger’s den.

The chief was held by the crowd and could only respond verbally, "I am the village chief of River Village, Xue Miao. May I ask, sir, why has the Lord Imperial Envoy summoned me?"

"You’ll know when you get there, hurry up!"

The constable was quite impatient, as the mind of the Imperial Envoy was something he’d never fathom. What kind of person is the Imperial Envoy, needing no explanations for doing things?

But he must not let these disaster victims see his lack of confidence in front of them, lest he lose his face, right?

Moreover, earlier the disaster victims revolted, resulting in him being punched several times by some rascal, and it still hurt now!

Hence, the Government Official showed no friendly face to the disaster victims; if it hadn’t been for them, would any officials have been hit?

"Hurry! Don’t let the Lord Imperial Envoy wait for long!"

Xue Miao saw the unfriendly tone of the newcomer and quickly bowed, saying, "Then I trouble you to lead the way, sir!"

"Village chief!" The villagers of River Village looked at Xue Miao with worry, as the chief had always been just in his conduct in the village.

Lately, no matter what was being done, it was always the chief making the decisions.

Facts have proven that listening to the chief is not wrong! Even though the chief was an outsider, after so many years in the village, everyone’s relationship with him had changed.

The villagers showed reluctance, recalling seventeen years ago when the chief arrived alone, with a bundle, to settle in River Village.

At that time, the old village chief happened to be ill and soon passed away. Before passing, he selected Xue Miao to succeed him as village chief.

Back then, many were dissatisfied—a stranger who never spoke of family or past, how could such a person of uncertain origin become the village chief?

But the old chief staunchly argued, believing that the chief was literate, reasonable, and the most suitable for the role.

Because the old chief was a respected elder, even if people opposed, they dared not disobey his dying words.

Thus it went on for seventeen years, during which the chief’s performance was recognized by all.

Until this year’s flood in Changtian Prefecture, if it hadn’t been for the chief, they’d have perished long ago.

It was said that two days after they left, the village’s houses were flooded, and they felt fortunate to have listened to the chief earlier.

With that fierce Imperial Envoy calling the chief over, they wondered what he’d do to him. Without the chief, what would become of them?

The hopeful and worried eyes made Xue Miao feel a deep affection. Seventeen years ago, though he came to River Village just seeking a place to rest.

But a human is not a plant, how can one be without feelings?

Seventeen years spent day and night with these villagers, he became integrated into them, into that small village by Lijiang.

Working at dawn, resting at dusk! These peaceful days he enjoyed for seventeen years were his most leisurely years.

Perhaps from today on, his days would no longer be peaceful. Those past events covered in dust would eventually be uncovered.

"Don’t worry! The Lord Imperial Envoy is here to save us from fire and water. I’ll be back shortly!"

Regarding the purpose of the Imperial Envoy’s summoning, he also felt concern, but his worries differed from those of River Village’s villagers.

But after so many years had passed, this matter should not arise again. Moreover, this Imperial Envoy is so young, likely unrelated to that affair.

Though he appeared ruthless, apart from dealing with that person, he hadn’t harmed any disaster victims.

As for that person, clearly not just a simple disaster victim. This individual incited victims against the court and government, undoubtedly with ulterior motives.

To even suggest kidnapping a court official was not something an ordinary person dare do.

Even a cornered dog jumps over a wall, but the disaster victims were not yet at their wit’s end, why risk recklessly?

Because at the time Xue Miao was at a distance, he knew not the person attempted to assassinate Yang Chaoying; otherwise, he might deduce more.

Gu Chengyu sat on horseback, observing the elderly man before him from a commanding height.

After sizing up the individual, he suddenly realized the person might not be that old, certainly younger than his father.

Previously, observing him from afar, he noted the stooped posture and gray hair, mistaking him for nearly sixty.

Upon closer inspection now, he saw the individual’s skin and face appeared merely around fifty.

Gu Chengyu could freely scrutinize Xue Miao, but Xue Miao dared not stare directly at Gu Chengyu.

"Commoner Xue Miao greets the Lord Imperial Envoy!" Xue Miao knelt, demeanor very respectful.

Gu Chengyu raised an eyebrow at the sight, the kneeling posture particularly standard, with very fluid movements, reflecting good upbringing.

"Xue Miao? Are you the village chief of River Village?"

The young, pleasant yet gentle voice made Xue Miao’s tense emotions gradually relax.

His heart was racing earlier, taking a gamble before coming here. Hearing the Imperial Envoy’s inquiry, his heart finally settled.

This young Envoy seemed unlikely to know of the affair from so long ago, which people had almost forgotten, no need to over-hype it.

"Replying to you, sir, I am indeed."

Gu Chengyu narrowed his eyes, this man’s responses and actions were clearly more than just a simple farmer. Even with affluent ancestors, he couldn’t be this well-versed in etiquette.

"I wish to construct the river embankment in Hangtian Prefecture, the number of river workers is far from sufficient. Seeing your significant influence among villagers, I ask you to organize manpower with other village chiefs to work on the embankment. Remember! Leave out the elderly, infirm, women, children, and disabled—only select healthy adults. Meals and thirty coins per day will be provided."

The river workers here aren’t performing corvée labor, the hazardous and high-intensity toil, thirty coins per day aren’t much, but it’s also considerable.

Thirty coins per day could suffice for buying food, thus the food needs of the disaster victims’ families were secured.

As long as enduring hardship and saving some silver coins, rebuilding homes later and living well is feasible.

Gu Chengyu felt this man had potential, if he could complete the assigned tasks, he might consider keeping him around for further work.