Chapter 60 Suspicion

Chapter 60: Suspicion

Inside the city walls.

Someone had already explained the situation to the city's residents.

The Crown Prince ordered rice gruel and grain to be distributed to them, and afterward, someone would register their household members.

Every household would have work, and as long as they worked, they would have enough to eat.

At first, the people listened numbly.

It wasn't as if the court had never distributed food before—what good had it done? Still no way to survive!

But when baskets of fragrant steaming buns were brought out, the people got excited and rushed to form a line.

Anyone who tried to recklessly cut in line was subdued by the soldiers and personally escorted to the front of the line—but they only received half rations.

It was also announced that this time, each person would receive one bun and one bowl of water—just enough to take the edge off their hunger and give them strength to speak.

When the household registration began later, there would be a second round of food distribution, which would truly let them eat and drink their fill.

But if anyone still refused to queue properly, not only would their current food be halved, they would also be excluded from the second round.

Hearing this, the people immediately calmed down. No matter how hungry or anxious, they patiently waited in line.

Su Zheng had them assign more personnel and set up several lines to shorten the queues.

With the people's cooperation, work efficiency naturally improved.

Su Zheng ordered the Ministry of Works to first handle the people's housing issue: those with local houses could stay in their own homes.

For those not from the area, a location would be found to build enough temporary housing and assign them based on conditions.

Knowing the houses were for themselves, the people naturally worked enthusiastically.

As they got to work, they would naturally become more skilled and accustomed to the work.

With hope for basic necessities, they could focus more energy on their work.

At noon, Su Zheng had Xu Mo buy several baskets of steamed buns. For lunch, all workers ate buns, including himself.

When Luo Yunchen learned of this, he had Xu Mo buy a roast chicken and some pastries specifically for Su Zheng.

Under these special circumstances, Su Zheng was fine with anything as long as it filled his stomach—he wouldn't fuss or make a scene.

However, with better food available, he didn't refuse out of politeness, gladly accepting Luo Yunchen's treat.

In the afternoon, work in the South City gradually got underway and settled into a routine.

Su Zheng and Luo Yunchen returned to the Eastern Palace at the Shen hour (3–5 PM).

With the people Luo Yunchen had prepared, even if they weren't present, they would know everything happening in the South City, so they weren't concerned about anyone causing trouble or feigning compliance.

However, starting that day, Su Zheng personally visited the South City daily.

First, since this was a task Su Zheng himself had taken on from Emperor Yuanjing and his first proper assignment, he at least had to show he cared.

Second, by personally overseeing progress, Su Zheng could act as a deterrent, making officials think twice about cutting corners or embezzling.

Thus half a month went by.

As expected, the Ministry of Works and the Ministry of Revenue began to clash—more precisely, officials of the Shen Faction and the Lin Faction.

The Lin Faction accused the Ministry of Revenue of embezzling disaster relief funds and supplies, causing grievances among refugees and causing damage to the South City's infrastructure and appearance.

The Shen Faction accused the Ministry of Works of cutting corners, corruption, and bribery, claiming that the original repairs were jerry-built construction, which made the South City so susceptible to damage from the refugees.

Emperor Yuanjing was furious, and both ministers had no choice but to find subordinates to take the blame.

Of course, the scapegoats had to be of a certain rank; otherwise, they weren't qualified to take the blame.

But these scapegoats, if not the masterminds, were at least accomplices—not entirely blameless.

After dealing with several officials, replacements were needed, and someone mentioned the ones who had been diligently working in the South City.

While reporting progress to Emperor Yuanjing, Su Zheng had occasionally mentioned them in his reports.

Emperor Yuanjing already had an impression of them, and with further praise, he promptly promoted them, some even by two or more ranks.

While Su Zheng and Luo Yunchen were enjoying smooth sailing, Empress Shen's side was a complete headache.

Not only was the situation at court unfavorable, but her own son, Su Wang, was also becoming distant—no longer obedient as before, often going against her.

Empress Shen was truly exhausted, and even her carefully maintained face had aged somewhat.

When she saw Su Zheng, Empress Shen showed none of her former affection. She glared at him and demanded, "For no good reason, why did you get involved with the South City? Who told you to do this?"

Su Zheng immediately responded in indignation: "Mother, please calm down. It's not worth ruining your health over such people! Fortunately, Father ordered me to investigate the South City. Otherwise, I wouldn't have known that the Chief Minister allowed his subordinates to let refugees damage the lands of our Great Dayin—they have no regard for the Su clan's empire at all—their very thoughts are treasonous! Father merely ordered him confined to his home—too lenient! But don't worry, Mother. When I get the chance, I'll make sure he doesn't have an easy time! And that Minister of Works—right under the imperial nose, they dared to build shoddy structures so blatantly—how infuriating! I've made a note of it in my heart. Mother, rest assured!"

Empress Shen's chest heaved violently. After a long while, she squeezed out two words between her teeth: "You—leave!"

Su Zheng said with concern: "Mother, please don't let anger harm your health. I won't disturb your rest. Relax and rest well!"

After Su Zheng's figure completely disappeared, Empress Shen angrily smashed a set of teacups: "This fool! More trouble than help!"

The head nanny quickly soothed Empress Shen's mood. After a moment's hesitation, she cautiously asked: "Your Majesty, don't you think the Crown Prince has been somewhat different lately?"

"Yes, different! Even stupider and more annoying!"

But the nanny felt something was off.

Having spent a lifetime reading people, the nanny habitually observed and thought more deeply.

She always felt that something about the Crown Prince had changed.

Though he still appeared lazy and incompetent, foolish without self-awareness.

But the nanny felt that the former Crown Prince had been genuinely stupid inside and out.

While the current Crown Prince seemed to be hiding something under that foolish exterior.

After all, the Empress herself hadn't noticed that aside from being angered or lightly mocked by the Crown Prince's words and actions, she had obtained no information about him at all.

She had even forgotten what she originally wanted to ask, let alone order the Crown Prince around like before.

Though she was about seventy percent suspicious, the nanny observed the Empress's expression and bit her tongue, saying nothing.

Not wanting to bring up Su Zheng and anger herself further, Empress Shen asked the nanny: "Has Wang'er been studying diligently? Has he been carefully memorizing the essays I had my father specially commission?"

"Rest assured, Your Majesty. The Tenth Prince is working very hard. He is carefully memorizing those essays."