noffsinger Chapter 202 Farewell
Chapter 202 Farewell
Previously, no one came to catch them, but now the recruitment office has to screen them: those who are too young, those who are too old, and those who are in poor health are not accepted.
On this day, Shen Li walked down the street in ordinary clothes and a veil. Because the epidemic had not been eradicated, the people still did not go out. Only when the grain was distributed would a small group of people come out to receive the grain and then hurry back.
It was just before lunchtime, and you could see cars parked at the street corner, with people coming out one by one and queuing quietly.
There were elderly people, children, and women. Compared to their previous gloomy expressions, they were now full of hope. If they weren't wearing masks and not allowed to talk, the scene would not have been so quiet.
“Miss, why are all the people receiving relief food elderly, weak, women and children? Shouldn’t this be done by men?” Lian Qiao walked through several street corners and found it strange that not a single young or strong man came to collect the food.
"The rules I set stipulate that families with elderly or infirm members must have them take turns collecting food, and only three days' worth of rations will be distributed at a time. Because you never know what people might do when they're locked up for a long time and starving," Shen Li replied.
Although she didn't say it explicitly, not only Lianqiao, but even the peony next to her understood.
"Miss, you have a very far-sighted view."
"This has always been the way of things, and besides, our top scholar instructed me before I left." Shen Li became noticeably proud when she mentioned the second half of the sentence.
"..."
Forsythia and peony were speechless; their young lady seemed utterly worthless.
The group finally arrived at the shantytown affected by the epidemic. This time, it was much more orderly than the last time, and there were obviously fewer patients.
She inquired about the situation from Dr. Zou and learned that only about ten people were dying each day, all of whom were elderly or in poor health, which was within her acceptable range.
Everything in the city was proceeding in an orderly manner according to the template, which made Shen Li very gratified. However, she felt a little regretful when she climbed the city wall and looked at the flooded villages. It was a pity that she couldn't wait until the construction was completed.
The day before yesterday, the Ministry of Works official arrived at his post, bringing with him an imperial censor to take over Shen Li's duties. He said that the emperor was considerate of her hard work and that now that everything was settled, she could go back.
However, instead of returning to the capital, they went north to the Tanghuai Palace. The emperor had already taken a group of ministers and favorite concubines to the palace to escape the summer heat, including the Shen and Gu families.
It's all her home; there's no reason for her not to go.
As for her position being taken over, it's only a matter of time. Her main job is still Hanlin Academy, and she has a family and a career. It's impossible for her to spend several months, half a year, or even longer repairing the river.
"Is there anything else you haven't finished, Miss? You can tell me to do it." Lian Qiao keenly sensed Shen Li's worries.
"I've done everything I could. When we get back, I'll have the Prefect come to the side hall for a chat." Shen Li gazed at the distant river, her voice calm and even.
"Yes."
Shen Li sat in the main seat of the side hall and watched as Prefect Zuo Chen entered in his court robes. She bowed and greeted him, "Greetings, Lord Shen."
"Lord Zuo, please excuse the formalities and have a seat." Shen Li offered him a seat as usual.
After the other party declined several times before finally sitting down, Shen Li said, "Does Lord Zuo know that I am about to leave this place?"
"Yes, the thought of this fills me with sorrow. I and all the people of this city are heartbroken to part with you." He became emotional very quickly, and tears welled up in his eyes as he spoke.
Shen Li was well-versed in the tricks of officialdom. After exchanging a few pleasantries, he said, "My lord, there's no need to be nervous. I've only called you here to say a few words."
"Please speak, sir."
"If the river embankment is not repaired smoothly in the future, and the people do not receive preferential treatment or proper medical care, you may report this to me, and I will explain the situation to His Majesty," Shen Li continued.
Zuo Chen's previously cloudy old eyes suddenly cleared for a moment. He hadn't expected that Shen Li would give him a chance to speak directly to the emperor. Heaven knows how important this opportunity was for a local official.
He immediately stood up and bowed deeply to Shen Li, who was seated at the head of the table: "Thank you, sir. You are truly a role model for us all, wholeheartedly devoted to the people." "Get up. Since we are all friends, let's stop with the official talk and go." Shen Li waved his hand slightly.
"What I just said wasn't a lie," Zuo Chen said before leaving.
"Your Excellency is truly an admirable official," Peony exclaimed sincerely.
“There are many good officials in this world who care about the country and its people, but the officialdom is a dog-eat-dog world. How many people have a background like mine?” Shen Li shook her head slightly.
Peony thought so too. Before, she always felt that she saw many spirited and talented scholars before taking the exam, but when she arrived in court, she found that they were not the same people. They had become much more worldly and sophisticated.
“It’s not easy being from a poor background.” Shen Li told the two to pack their things: “We’ll set off first thing tomorrow morning.”
"Are we leaving so early?" Lianqiao and Shaoyao's eyes were clearly filled with anticipation.
“I have something to do along the way, so if it’s a fast horse, that would be perfect,” Shen Li said thoughtfully.
Summer nights are always short. The next day, at the crack of dawn, Shen Li left the city with two maids and a guard of twenty men.
She wanted to leave early to avoid attracting attention in the city, but she was still discovered even though it was so early.
It seemed that the people waiting for them outside the city were the villagers who were still settled in the villages outside the city, and also the people who had spent the most time with Shen Li.
Thousands of people stood silently waiting in the morning light. Shen Li recognized all their faces, whether they were young or weathered. Their eyes revealed nothing but reluctance.
This scene shocked everyone leaving the city. The farewell was both spectacular and simple, and just standing there, one could feel their quiet yet intense emotions.
Shen Li once again clearly realized the significance of doing practical things. In fact, the common people do not need wise and intelligent officials. It is enough if they just keep their lives and livelihoods in mind and do not do bad things.
But this is something that only a very small number of people can do.
Her heart was heavy and her nose was sore, but her expression was still light. She took off her veil and smiled at everyone: "Folks, it's so early."
As she spoke, she dismounted and walked forward.
"Thank you for saving my life, sir," the village chief said, then knelt down first.
When he knelt down, all the villagers, young and old, followed suit.
"Please rise quickly. As an official appointed by the imperial court, I am only doing my duty." Shen Li quickly stepped forward and helped the village chief up, adding, "Fellow villagers, there's no need for such formalities."
“We’ve met many officials from the imperial court, but you’re the only one who treats us like human beings. We don’t have anything to offer, so we pooled our money to buy a piece of ebony and had it carved into a peace plaque. Please accept it.”
As the village chief spoke, he took out a cloth bag from his pocket and opened it layer by layer with his withered fingers. Inside was a rectangular wooden plaque that was entirely black and had a faint sheen. The plaque had the words "Peace" written on it.