lcionline Chapter 466 Refugees
Chapter 466 Refugees
Chapter 466
Let’s put aside the matter of Lu Zhaozhao and the third prince for now.
After a few days of recuperation, Luo Shuiyao's scrapes had healed considerably, the scabs having fallen off. Although she had only a shallow scar, it did not affect her appearance. After discussing with Ye Yunzhou, she decided to set off for Qingshui Town—it was only a day's journey away, and if it weren't for an unexpected incident along the way, they would have arrived early.
Luo Shuiyao thought about the arrangements for the accompanying guards again and again, and finally decided to let everyone stay and rest.
Firstly, the guards had all been injured in the previous clash, and she hoped they could recover in peace. Secondly, fortunately, although these battle-hardened men had been wounded, none of them had sustained serious injuries, and no one had died. This eased Luo Shuiyao's anxiety somewhat. After all, she had been the one to lead them out, and if she couldn't bring them back safely, she would be ashamed to face Yang Wei and their families.
Furthermore, with Chun Xing and Ye Yi traveling together, the number of people is enough, so there is no need to mobilize a large number of people to go see my aunt this time.
So, she handed over the important task of staying here and taking charge of the overall situation to Xiao Yiwei.
Xiao Yiwei was somewhat unwilling to be the only one left behind. However, due to Ye Yunzhou's pressure, he dared not say anything and could only mumble in agreement.
At dawn, Ye Yi had already prepared his carriage and was ready to go. The air was still a bit chilly in the morning, but it couldn't stop him from setting off.
In her free time these past few days, Chun Xing had been pestering Ye Yi to practice riding. Hard work pays off, and now her riding skills have become increasingly proficient. During their time together, Chun Xing gradually guessed that this man must be the eldest son. When she first discovered this, she felt uneasy for several days, fearing that the eldest son would mind her previous rudeness. Fortunately, the eldest son didn't take the matter to heart, and her worries finally settled.
Now that she knew the relationship, Chun Xing didn't want to be that "eyesore", so she took the initiative to suggest riding with Ye Yi.
Luo Shuiyao couldn't help but smile as she watched the two of them in perfect harmony. The pure and swift friendship between young people was truly enviable. Having been confined to the courtyard for a few days to recuperate, she felt a pang of itch, eager to try her hand. However, just as she reached out to grasp the reins, Ye Yunzhou stopped her.
"Your injuries haven't healed yet, so don't try to be brave." Ye Yunzhou's tone was calm, yet his concern was barely concealed. The martial artist's fingertips, covered in calluses, gently grasped her wrist, the warmth and touch evoking a subtle shudder.
Before Luo Shuiyao could object, Ye Yunzhou had already swiftly opened the carriage curtain and motioned for her to get in. "There are cushions inside, and there are your favorite snacks. It's much more comfortable than on horseback."
Luo Shuiyao curled her lips helplessly, but she also knew that the other party was concerned about her, so she had no choice but to get into the carriage. Ye Yunzhou saw that she was sitting comfortably, so he also lifted the curtain and followed her in.
The driver was still the same guard from before. He was lucky enough not to have been injured in the previous incident, so the task of driving fell on him again.
The carriage slowly set off, its wheels making a creaking sound as they rolled over gravel. Outside, the faint sounds of Chun Xing and Ye Yi's conversation and laughter could be heard, mingling with the clear chirping of birds in the forest, adding a touch of life to the quiet morning.
At noon, the group stopped at a teahouse along the official road to rest. Luo Shuiyao was the first to get off the bus, and she happened to see Ye Yunzhou chatting with the tea stall owner. Seeing her approach, Ye Yunzhou offered her a bowl of cold tea, and their fingertips touched, a fleeting warmth.
"What did you talk about just now?" Luo Shuiyao was full of curiosity. In her impression, Ye Yunzhou was always taciturn, but she didn't expect him to be so easygoing and approachable.
Ye Yunzhou waited for her to take the tea bowl before sitting down and explaining, "The boss said that there are often refugees gathering at the intersection ahead. Most of them are people who have fled here because their homes were destroyed by floods."
Chun Xing took a bite of the pancake in her hand and hurried over after hearing this: "Ah? Is that dangerous? Do we need to take a detour?"
Luo Shuiyao picked up the tea bowl, took a sip, frowned slightly, and looked directly at Ye Yunzhou. Obviously, Chun Xing's question just now was also what she was thinking.
Ye Yunzhou lowered his eyes and rubbed his fingers. After a moment's silence, he said, "No need to take a detour. I've already made inquiries. Most of the refugees are elderly, weak, women, and children. They have no ill intentions. They are simply forced to live here and beg for food."
But in just a moment, he understood the situation so thoroughly, but the worry between his brows became more and more serious.
Luo Shuiyao nodded when she heard this: "If that's the case, there's really no need to take a detour."
She looked at Ye Yunzhou, her eyes full of confusion, "But the court didn't allocate pension funds? This doesn't make sense."
Ye Yunzhou looked up at her, his expression solemn. "I'm also concerned about this. I'll write a letter to that person and ask for a thorough investigation. The relief funds and grain were clearly being allocated freely. How could the people be forced to leave their homes just to survive?"
Chun Xing clutched half a pancake and couldn't help but interrupt: "Could it be that someone is corrupt?"
After Jing Chunxing said this, Ye Yunzhou's already solemn expression became even colder, with deep anger surging in his eyes - he had already guessed this in his heart, but had never said it out loud.
Luo Shuiyao also frowned and sighed deeply, "It has been like this since ancient times. The emperor is far away, and what we see and hear in the capital is just a peaceful scene presented by those with ulterior motives. If there really are corrupt officials interfering, how can those far away in the imperial city know?"
She put down the tea bowl in her hand, her voice full of helplessness, "This place is ten days' journey from the capital. Not to mention whether these refugees with their families can get there, I'm afraid they haven't even set foot in the capital yet..." Her voice stopped abruptly, and the rest of her words turned into a heavy sigh.
What she didn't say was something that even Chun Xing, not to mention Ye Yunzhou, could guess. The saying that officials protect one another wasn't an empty statement. How could these refugees enter the capital? Even if they did, who could they turn to to complain about their grievances?
Silence fell for a moment. Ye Yunzhou stared down at the gradually cooling tea in his bowl, saying nothing. Luo Shuiyao gently twirled the bowl in her hand, also silent. After finishing their tea, the men placed their coins on the rims of their bowls, said "goodbye" to the shopkeeper, and re-boarded the carriage to continue their journey.
When getting on the carriage, Luo Shuiyao suddenly stopped, turned back to the tea stall and talked in a low voice with the shopkeeper.
Due to the distance, everyone couldn't hear what the two said. They only saw the shopkeeper hesitated, nodded after a moment, and took something from Luo Shuiyao.