Chapter 180: Winter Clothes

Chapter 180: Winter Clothes

A few students reacted as well.

"Heavens! Miss Kou is truly skilled at fortune-telling!"

"That's incredible! Not only did she foresee that Guyu would face a disaster involving blood, but she also knew how it would happen!"

"Don't you think it's a bit much that Miss Kou went to such great lengths to distribute porridge just to save Guyu?"

"Was it very expensive?"

All eyes turned to the student who had spoken.

"Was I wrong?"

"No, you weren't wrong," said another student, catching his jaw, which had nearly dropped. He murmured, "So the rumors about Miss Kou's immense wealth are true."

Zhang Xu coughed lightly. "Let’s stay on topic. I promised Miss Kou I would keep this confidential. You haven’t told anyone, have you?"

They exchanged glances, avoiding each other's eyes.

Zhang Xu grew anxious. "Did you tell someone?"

Even if they did, Miss Kou is truly skilled at fortune-telling! He still wanted to maintain a good relationship with such a master.

"Who mentioned it?"

Faced with Zhang Xu's questioning, they all denied it. "I didn't say anything!"

Zhang Xu stood up.

"Brother Zhang, where are you going?"

"Where else? To see Miss Kou!"

As they watched Zhang Xu head out, the others exchanged glances and followed him out.

They also wanted to see the miraculous Miss Kou!

At that moment, Xin You was organizing the guards to load winter clothes, shoes, and socks onto carts, to be sent to the area near Guyu's house.

These clothes had been purchased over the past few days, but due to the urgency, there was still a significant shortage. Fortunately, Miss Kou owned a clothing workshop, and she had already arranged for seamstresses to work overtime.

In the cold winter month, people could endure going without much food or drink for a short time, but without shelter and protection from the cold, people could freeze to death.

"The roads are covered with thick snow; please drive slowly," Xin You instructed Captain Yang as she saw off the convoy from the bookstore.

"Don't worry, Proprietor. I'll make sure to deliver these winter clothes to the neighbors as you've instructed," Captain Yang said, patting his chest to guarantee.

If at first, he had been grateful to Miss Kou for saving his life, now he also deeply admired her.

The boss was truly like a divine being!

People in the shops along the street and passersby, watching the carts filled with supplies drive by, also marveled.

"No wonder Miss Kou can run Qingsong Bookstore so successfully. Her kindness brings blessings!"

"Yes, who would have thought that a young girl would have such a broad mind?"

"Have you heard? Many houses in North Tower Ward collapsed under the weight of the snow. Fortunately, Miss Kou was there giving out porridge. The people were outside receiving porridge, which is how they escaped the disaster."

"Really?"

"It's true. Many students from the Imperial Academy are talking about it."

"What a great deed!"

Xin You did not hear these conversations. As she turned to go back to the bookstore, she heard someone calling out to her.

"Miss Kou, Miss Kou—"

Xin You turned around.

"Master Zhang?"

Zhang Xu ran close, panting. "Miss Kou, I've heard everything!"

Xin You remained silent, waiting for him to explain his purpose.

Seeing that there were still quite a few people on the street, Zhang Xu lowered his voice. "There was no need to rush to mention this, but I didn't expect you to actually be able to read faces!"

Xin You's lips twitched slightly.

"Ahem, Miss Kou, you said I've been quite lucky lately. Is that really true?"

Xin You gave Zhang Xu a careful look and nodded slightly. "Yes."

Zhang Xu broke into a relaxed smile.

The monthly exam was coming up, and usually, he would get beaten once a month. This time, he might avoid it!

Xin You had much to do and no time for idle chatter with this young master. She glanced at the several students following him and asked in a low voice, "Did Master Zhang keep it a secret for me?"

Zhang Xu's smile stiffened, and he hurriedly said, "Miss Kou, you're busy. I'll head back to the Imperial Academy for class."

Before Xin You could say anything more, Zhang Xu left quickly. The students who had followed him smiled at Xin You and also left.

"Miss, Master Zhang will definitely spread the news that you can read faces," Xiaolian frowned, saying.

Xin You smiled. "Let him spread the news. Let's return and organize the accounts, then send someone to check on the progress at the tailoring workshop."

Xin You managed three sets of accounts. One was for Qingsong Bookstore, where she could use the profits as she saw fit. Another was for the dozen or so shops under Miss Kou's name, managed by Old Lady Fang to support the two closest people Miss Kou left behind. The last account recorded the real gold and silver.

Xiaolian had already been consulted about this money, which was to be used to aid disaster victims. Now that the Gu Yu family's area was affected, it was the right time to use the money where it was most needed.

Xin You couldn't save everyone, but she would do her best, not to waste her special ability or the fortune left by Miss Kou.

As she was about to enter the bookstore, Xin You heard a familiar call and turned to see He Qingxiao in a red official robe.

He had brought many subordinates, each with a sword at their waist, and seemed to be just passing by.

"Lord He." Xin You walked over.

"I've heard about what happened in North Tower Ward," He Qingxiao said. He hadn't seen Xin You for a few days but was aware of the activities at Qingsong Bookstore in recent days.

Given his position, many things are reported to him even without deliberate inquiry.

“I just saw many cargo carts. Are they from the publishing house, headed there?”

Xin You nodded in agreement.

“I’m about to head to Beilou Ward. If there’s anything Miss Kou needs to be aware of, please let me know.”

Xin You was a bit surprised. “Lord He is going to Beilou Ward?”

“His Majesty felt the earthquake in the palace and has ordered various government offices to investigate the disaster situation in the capital and to promptly arrange for the relocation of the affected people. Based on the information we have, the damage to buildings in Beilou Ward is the most severe. I’m taking my men there to work with other government offices to temporarily relocate the victims to the welfare houses,” He Qingxiao explained the imperial court’s arrangements.

Rebuilding the houses will take time. If the victims are left to sleep outside in the snow, those who weren’t crushed would still freeze to death.

Hearing the court’s arrangements, Xin You felt relieved for people like Gu Yuniang. “There’s nothing special. If it’s convenient, Lord He, could you help oversee the distribution of cotton-padded jackets to prevent a rush or grabbing?”

Cotton-padded jackets are expensive for ordinary people. For poorer families, owning a warm garment per person is a luxury, especially during disasters.

“Alright,” He Qingxiao nodded, giving Xin You a deep look. “Miss Kou is too polite.”

Watching He Qingxiao and his team leave hurriedly, Xin You returned to her tasks.

In Beilou Ward, the atmosphere was somber.

“Everything is ruined,” someone said, wiping tears in pain.

“What will we do when night comes?”

“Mother, I found a thick coat!”

“I’m already wearing a padded jacket. Hurry, put it on the child. The child is young and can’t stand the cold.”

“Look, so many wagons!”

People nearby gathered around and, upon realizing, shouted excitedly, “Miss Kou sent the cotton-padded jackets!”

“May the Heavens bless Miss Kou and grant her a long life!”

When He Qingxiao arrived at Beilou Ward, he saw those who received the jackets repeatedly thanking Miss Kou.