In the southern region, frequent water disasters have occurred, with the Mu Tian Prefecture being particularly affected.
Every year, the imperial court would store a large quantity of grain within the Mu Tian Prefecture for emergency needs. How did this magistrate, Zhong Liwen, come to power? He actually dares to treat the common people so harshly and provide relief to the disaster-stricken through inhumane efforts!
Mu Tian Prefecture has been experiencing frequent heavy floods. Here, the officials and merchants collude. In more than ten county governments, grain is more expensive than gold. They have tasted the sweetness and naturally, they are unwilling to provide the grain for disaster relief. Most of it is aged rice or mixed with impurities to make do.
Han Ye glanced at Ren Anle and said, "We arrived only yesterday, yet you seem to be familiar with the Mu Tian Prefecture."
"Your Highness, do not forget that Qian daren's residence is that of a wealthy merchant. Before departing the capital, I inquired about various affairs in Jiangnan with Qian daren. Each year, if it were not for the Qian family purchasing and providing relief grain, they never raise the price of grain. Otherwise, the common people in the Mu Tian Prefecture and its surrounding areas would have long been unable to survive."
The business of the Qian family spread throughout the world, fostering good relationships far and wide. Qian Guangjin, in particular, had gained the favor of the emperor to such an extent that no one dared to forcefully command the Qian family in this manner.
Han Ye looked at the distant commoners, silent and speechless.
"Your Highness, perhaps you have never witnessed such a scene, where human lives are deemed as insignificant as weeds and are regarded as pigs and dogs."
Ren Anle's voice lowered, and she suddenly turned to look at Han Ye, saying, "When the border flames of war arise, it is they who send their sons and husbands into the army. During years of severe drought, it is the common people themselves who dig canals to bring water. And in times of flooding, it is they who build river embankments with their own flesh and blood. The bureaucrats of Da Jing are sustained by the taxes of the people from all corners of the realm. Your Highness, they rely on the common people for their livelihoods. How dare they allow the people of Da Jing to live in such misery!"
The words of Ren Anle resounded with a thud. After a moment, Han Ye finally raised his eyes and looked towards the multitude of sorrowful people in the distance. He slowly spoke, "It is this ruler's fault."
The emperor, inclined towards war, and the imperial princes vying for power, while corrupt officials plague the land. Da Jing... is far from the peaceful prosperity he once believed it to be. As the crown prince, he remains unaware of the plight of the people in Da Jing.
"It is not His Royal Highness's fault alone. If the people are the roots, then the emperor is the foundation of a nation. When the emperor fails to govern the country properly, it leads to the corruption of the court and the suffering of the people."