Chapter 184 – How Can He Shoulder Great Responsibilities in the Future?

Chapter 184 - How Can He Shoulder Great Responsibilities in the Future?

He Zhiran translated Henry's words for Meng Huaining.

Meng Huaining did not harbor any prejudice against foreigners, as they had yet to inflict harm on this land at that time.

However, he was still new to the area and unfamiliar with all that City Yun had to offer.

Thus, Meng Huaining called over an official and asked, "Are there shipbuilders in City Yun?"

The official answered respectfully, "In response to your Excellency, the southern part of our City Yun borders the sea, and many of the fishermen there are skilled in repairing boats."

Meng Huaining understood and told He Zhiran, "Madam can convey this information to him."

He Zhiran conveyed the official's words verbatim to Henry.

Henry was delighted upon hearing this. "Mrs. He Zhiran, would you accompany me on this trip?"

He Zhiran knew that even if Henry knew where to find shipbuilders, he would struggle to communicate with them. Therefore, it was necessary for her to go along.

However, it seemed impossible today.

It was almost noon, and their purpose for this outing was to purchase medicinal ingredients. They needed to rush back before Fifth Brother's condition worsened, and they might even have to rely on Meng Huaining to settle their accommodation for the night. Only with his intervention could the problem be resolved at its root.

Therefore, they needed to clarify their situation to Meng Huaining now. He Zhiran apologetically waved her hands at Henry. "I'm sorry, there are some family matters I need to attend to today. I can accompany you to the fishing village tomorrow when I have free time."

Henry had been trapped in City Yun for several days. Having finally found someone he could communicate with, he had to exercise patience even if he was anxious. "Alright, then tomorrow."

After talking to Henry, He Zhiran pulled Mo Jiuya along to catch up with Meng Huaining.

Meng Huaining had the same intention and invited them to chat at the county office.

Meng Huaining was still unfamiliar with the surroundings here. When he assumed his post in Dongfeng County, he had been guided by the local county magistrate's deputy, who had thoroughly explained the workings of the office to him.

However, news of his arrival in City Yun had already been conveyed. So why hadn't he met the local county magistrate's deputy yet?

This puzzled Meng Huaining greatly. He called over one of the official runners and asked, "Where is your county deputy?"

Upon mentioning Cui County Deputy, the official runner stammered, unsure of how to respond.

Should the County Magistrate learn from him about Cui County Councillor's injury to his lineage, if Cui were not dismissed from his position, he would undoubtedly become the one who has offended others.

On the contrary, if he didn't speak the truth, he would offend the county magistrate himself.

Both of these individuals were people even the officials dared not offend, and thus they found themselves in an extremely awkward position.

Seeing the situation, Mo Jiuya took the initiative to clarify his confusion:

"Brother Meng, as we entered the city today, we heard from the common folk that County Councillor Cui was injured in a very intimate manner last night, and is now convalescing at home."

Indeed, such news came as quite a shock to Meng Huaining.

How much hatred must the perpetrator have had for this county magistrate to cause such harm?

Seeing that Meng Huaining was still deep in thought, Mo Jiuya didn't intend to beat around the bush. Their main purpose for coming here was to resolve the issue.

"Brother Meng might not know this, but when we arrived at City Yun yesterday, we were immediately confronted with difficulties by Cui County Magistrate. He deliberately assigned us to a village inhabited by his kin. With such weather, thirty of us had to spend the night outdoors."

"Big Brother Mo, let's discuss this in detail inside." As he spoke, Meng Huaining led the couple into the study.

The official servant was perceptive and promptly served tea once they were seated, then left to close the door outside.

Meng Huaining took a sip of tea before speaking slowly.

"I won't hide it from Big Brother Mo and Sister-in-law, but it was Mr. Fei who arranged for me to become the county magistrate here in City Yun."

Given its remote and harsh environment, Mo Jiuya couldn't fathom why Fei Nanyu would send Meng Huaining to such a place.

"Why is that?"

Meng Huaining gave a bitter laugh. "It's all because of the incident where the corpses were burned in Dongfeng County."

Pausing for a moment, Meng Huaining continued,

"Sister-in-law's suggestion to burn the victims' corpses was indeed an effective way to prevent future troubles. When Prince Qi led his people to provide disaster relief, I made sure to explain this reasoning to him clearly.

Initially, Prince Qi agreed and ordered his subordinates to cooperate fully with my efforts. We worked together, burning the corpses and then tirelessly searched for herbs to create a treatment for the plague. We can say that we minimized civilian casualties to the greatest extent possible.

Just as our disaster relief work was nearing completion, someone, unknown to us, began spreading misinformation among the people, claiming that burning the corpses was an act against heaven and demanding that the court give an account to the families of the deceased.

In response, Prince Qi sent his men to apprehend those sowing discord. However, the common folk had already fully embraced these false claims. They believed that if they persisted in their protests, they would inevitably receive compensation from the court.

Seeing this situation, Prince Qi changed his stance, believing that giving the people an explanation was what the public desired. Since he couldn't compensate the citizens directly, the best he could do was to remove from office and investigate the one responsible for the corpse-burning – and that person, without a doubt, is me."

Observing Prince Qi's sudden change of attitude and his willingness to discard me, I decided to resign before he could even suggest it.

Mr. Fei, who enjoyed Prince Qi's trust, noticed this all. With his persuasion, Prince Qi agreed to transfer me from Dongfeng County to a more distant location.

There were three remote counties to choose from, but before I made my selection, Mr. Fei sought me out and recommended City Yun.

The main reason for coming here was indeed because you two were exiled here; having a familiar official around would make things easier for your care.

Even if Mr. Fei hadn't suggested it, I was already planning on coming here. Our thoughts aligned perfectly.

Three days later, under Mr. Fei's arrangement, I left Dongfeng County and hurried to this place."

After hearing Meng Huaining's account, He Zhiran couldn't help but criticize Nan Qi inwardly.

For a noble prince, he lacked the courage to seize an opportunity to gain a capable servant. He had simply let such a chance slip through his fingers...

Mo Jiuya, on the other hand, had more considerations in mind.

"If Nan Qi doesn't deal with you, I suppose that upon returning to the capital, not only will your relief efforts prove fruitless, but there might even be blame to bear," Meng Huaining said with a bitter smile.

Mo Jiuya sighed in empathy. How could someone who couldn't soothe the grievances of his own officials hope to shoulder great responsibilities in the future?

No wonder historical records mentioned how Nan Qi had lost his throne...

Of course, Nan Qi had brought this upon himself. Mo Jiuya couldn't help but feel it was unjust for his family members who had dedicated their lives to the Daxun Dynasty.

After Meng Huaining finished recounting his troubles, he quickly composed himself and continued to inquire about the difficulties Mo's family had faced at the hands of County Councillor Cui.

Mo Jiuya didn't exaggerate or add any embellishments, recounting yesterday's events truthfully to Meng Huaining.

Upon hearing the story, Meng Huaining slammed his hand on the table in anger. "A mere county councillor dares to act so brazenly?"

Rising from his seat, he called out to the door, "Someone, come here."

Soon, a pair of officials entered through the door. "Your Excellency, what are your instructions?"