Chapter 181: Who is the Porridge Server?

Chapter 181: Who is the Porridge Server?

By the time He Qingxiao had finished collaborating with other government offices to settle the disaster victims, it was late in the evening, and thick snow reflected a cold light under the scattered lanterns.

He didn’t return to the marquis’ residence but went to the street where Qingsong Bookstore was located.

As expected, the lights at Qingsong Bookstore were still on.

He Qingxiao paused for a moment, then silently turned.

"Lord He," a familiar female voice called out from behind.

He Qingxiao turned around and watched Xin You approach him. "So late, Miss Kou hasn’t rested yet?"

"I’m organizing the accounts and making some arrangements for tomorrow," Xin You said, looking at the man whose bright red official robe was smeared with dirt. "Have you just finished, Lord He?"

Noticing her gaze, He Qingxiao looked down at himself and, slightly embarrassed, felt a bit self-conscious.

"Have all the neighbors gone to the shelter?" Xin You asked, unaware of his embarrassment.

Captain Yang and his team had finished handing out the winter clothes and returned. They didn’t get involved after that, leaving it to the government offices.

On this topic, He Qingxiao regained his composure. "Yes, they have. The imperial court should have a plan for rebuilding the houses soon, Miss Kou. You can rest assured."

"I’m glad to hear that."

The imperial court had a set of relief measures for disaster victims, especially in the capital.

Xin You had no intention of overstepping her role.

He Qingxiao thought for a moment and reminded her, "This tremor caused only a slight shake in the capital. The area most affected is probably North Tower Ward. The neighbors were spared from disaster thanks to the porridge you served, Miss Kou. It’s likely that your actions will soon come to the attention of His Majesty."

"Thank you for the reminder, Lord He. It's quite late; please head back and rest."

Xin You hadn’t thought about her actions reaching the emperor’s ears beforehand, nor did she fear it afterward.

She was mentally prepared and knew that she would meet that person sooner or later.

"Miss Kou, please rest early as well," He Qingxiao said, about to leave. Then, thinking better of it, he added, "I just passed by and saw the bookstore's lights were still on."

She smiled gracefully. "I know you were just passing by, Lord He."

He Qingxiao bowed respectfully and strode away.

That night, no snow fell. The next day, soldiers occasionally patrolled the streets of the capital, sparking speculation among uninformed citizens.

For most citizens, the slight tremor from the previous day was just another topic of conversation on the lazy winter day.

By the afternoon, the extent of the damage in various parts of the capital had been largely assessed, and the ministers gathered in the palace.

"What is the situation in the capital, gentlemen?" Emperor Xingyuan asked.

The main force investigating the disaster was the Military Commandery of the Five Cities, which was under the Ministry of War, with other ministries assisting.

At the emperor's words, the Minister of War stepped forward. "Your Majesty, according to our statistics, a total of thirty-two casualties were reported across the five cities."

This casualty figure brought a slight relief to Emperor Xingyuan.

It was far lower than he had expected.

"Hold on." When the Minister of War reported the number of collapsed buildings, Emperor Xingyuan felt that something was amiss, "Why are there so many collapsed buildings in the North City, yet only thirty-some casualties, and they are scattered across the five districts?"

The Minister of War secretly heaved a sigh of relief.

Fortunately, when he first received this information, he also found it odd and deliberately inquired with his subordinates; otherwise, he would have been stumped by the Emperor's question.

"Your Majesty, the collapsed buildings were concentrated in the North Tower Ward. It is said that a kind-hearted person was distributing porridge there, so when the disaster struck, the people were outdoors."

Emperor Xingyuan immediately took an interest, "Who is this person distributing porridge?"

The Minister of War was at a loss.

The capital had many affluent families. It was not uncommon for rich families to distribute porridge during the harsh winter months for the poor. He had heard of it but did not investigate further.

Seeing that the Minister of War could not answer, Emperor Xingyuan's expression turned disapproving.

Is Ma Youcai completely lacking in curiosity?

At that moment, Grand Master Meng stepped forward, "Your Majesty, I know who this person distributing porridge is."

"Oh, who is it?" Emperor Xingyuan immediately asked.

"It is Miss Kou, the boss of Qingsong Bookstore."

Emperor Xingyuan was greatly surprised.

Miss Kou again?

"I recall Miss Kou is still unmarried and quite young. Why did she decide to distribute porridge in the North Tower Ward?"

Was this with the support of Duan Shaoying?

Emperor Xingyuan did not have a strong impression of Duan Wencong, who held the position of Deputy Director of the Imperial Stables, but because of Miss Kou, he became known to the Emperor.

Emperor Xingyuan's question was actually a bit difficult to answer.

This information had been passed up through multiple layers, and by the time it reached the Minister of War, knowing the identity of the person distributing porridge was already impressive. Who would bother to ask why the porridge was being distributed?

The Minister of War, having failed to answer and feeling embarrassed, secretly waited to see Grand Master Meng make a fool of himself.

Grand Master Meng cleared his throat, "Your Majesty, I heard that Miss Kou was thanking the neighbors of the North Tower Ward for helping her find her cat."

The Minister of War was stunned.

Why had Grand Master Meng inquired about this?

Emperor Xingyuan was equally shocked, "She distributed porridge and meat for four days just to thank them for helping her find her cat?"

Are young women these days so wealthy?

Reflecting on the often strained national treasury due to various expenses, Emperor Xingyuan suddenly felt a bit uneasy.

Due to the porridge distribution and rescue efforts, Grand Master Meng's favorability towards Miss Kou greatly increased. Hearing Emperor Xingyuan's doubts, he casually praised her, "Miss Kou has excellent business acumen. After taking over Qingsong Bookstore, she sought out good stories at great expense, even paying a high price for a renowned storyteller like Mr. Songling. This transformed the once-deserted bookstore into a thriving business with a steady stream of wealth."

The Minister of War looked askance at his talkative colleague.

This old man knows too much!

Emperor Xingyuan listened and nodded. "Indeed, she has a sharp mind."

Miss Kou was clever, capable, and could hold her liquor. If she were a man, she would be an invaluable asset.

A fleeting regret crossed Emperor Xingyuan's mind, and then he was abruptly struck by a realization.

A woman could also achieve greatness, just like his empress.

He then shook his head in resignation.

There are few women in this world like Xinxin.

The ministers exchanged glances as they observed the emperor nodding and shaking his head.

What is wrong with His Majesty?

Emperor Xingyuan soon regained his composure and inquired about the resettlement of the disaster victims in the North Tower District. Just as he received a satisfactory response and a smile appeared on his face, an urgent report arrived.

A violent earthquake struck the northern regions yesterday, with Beian County being the most affected, turning the city into ruins and causing countless casualties. Additionally, many areas in the north were impacted, and roads became impassable.

After reading the urgent report, Emperor Xingyuan's face turned pale, and he pressed his forehead.

"Your Majesty—"

Emperor Xingyuan raised his hand, suppressing his emotions to maintain his composure. "Summon Commander Wu Yanting to the palace immediately!"

The disaster in the northern regions was severe, and with roads becoming impassable, it was necessary to deploy both disaster relief officials and a substantial number of troops.

For the disaster relief efforts, Emperor Xingyuan appointed two individuals: one was Vice Minister of Revenue, Pei Zuo, and the other was the Second Prince, King Qing.