In the early morning of the second day.
The entire population of the Mu Tian prefecture became excited. The news of the arrival of the Crown Prince spread like wildfire overnight, and even the taverns were buzzing with discussions. The miraculous recovery of Mu Tian prefecture, which had suffered from natural disasters, brought about a lively and joyous atmosphere.
"Your Highness, this humble subject is filled with trepidation. I apologize for arriving late to receive your esteemed presence at the Mu Tian prefecture."
In the lobby of the Ping'an Inn, Zhong Liwen led a group of about ten officials from the Mu Tian prefecture, repeatedly apologizing to Han Ye.
Ren Anle stood aside, feeling quite astonished. Unexpectedly, the notorious and cunning Mu Tian zhifu, who was known for playing both sides and being opportunistic, now had the appearance of a gentle and loyal minister. Seeing his current remorseful and tearful demeanor, it was difficult to imagine that the outrageous actions of the Mu Tian prefecture were all carried out under his command.
(zhīfǔ) - a government official, magistrate.
"Where? Lord Zhong is a high-ranking official with numerous official duties, and he is always busy. It is gu's fault for not informing him in time." Han Ye smiled and changed his usual cold expression, treating Zhong Liwen with utmost courtesy.
Zhong Liwen was truly taken aback. After pondering over his words for the whole night, he found himself choked up when faced with the elegant and refined Crown Prince.
Overwhelmed by the favor he received, he stammered, "The inn is simple, so xiaguan has prepared a separate residence for Your Highness..."
(xiaguan) - I; Subordinate, me (used by a lower-ranking official when referring to oneself)
"No need, Zhong daren. This place is excellent. Mu Tian Prefecture has suffered severe flooding. There is no need for us to further exhaust our financial resources."
"Dian xia, may I ask when the relief funds from the court will arrive?" Seeing Han Ye narrowing his eyes, Zhong Liwen hurriedly explained, "Your Highness is also aware of the suffering of the common people in the outskirts of the city due to natural disasters. This humble governor is merely a magistrate and even with the combined efforts of the entire prefecture, it would be nothing more than a drop in the ocean."
(diàn xià) - Your Highness
Han Ye lifted the teacup and took a sip, asking, "Zhong daren, what about the grain in the granaries when the people encounter disasters?"
Not expecting the Crown Prince to ask so directly, Zhong Liwen shuddered and replied with a lowered head, "Your Highness is unaware that there has been a famine in Mu Tian Prefecture. The grains from the granaries have already been distributed to the people affected by the disaster, leaving very little remaining. If Your Highness doesn't believe it, this official can open the granaries and show Your Highness..."
"Lord Zhong, you are being too serious. Gu naturally believes in your words," Han Ye said, placing down his teacup with a crisp sound that made the officials tremble in fear.
"Eight days later, the imperial relief funds will be delivered to Mu Tian Prefecture. Does the lord have any emergency measures in mind?"
Zhong Liwen cautiously said, "Your Highness, currently there are many wealthy households in the city who still have grain reserves. Once the relief silver arrives, chen will personally purchase grains from the surrounding merchants to aid the people. After all, officials should not seize the property of the people. Xiaguan cannot forcibly requisition the rice and grains from the merchants' hands. Your Highness, what do you think of this approach?"
(chen): I (used by a subordinate when referring to oneself)