Chapter 1,173: The Scent of Conspiracy and Treachery

g stared, a mixture of amusement and exasperation on her face as she confided in her sister-in-law. "You see, Third Sister-in-law, out of the whole family, I'm the only bad one!"Zhao Yuru smiled, her...Lu Feng stood at the Ten-Li Pavilion, sending his friend off. He wished he could cry his heart out.

The crown prince is imprisoned, and his family doesn't intend to rescue him. What should the steward do

The military advisor was furious that he hadn't stopped the prince from making mistakes, nor had he informed the family in time, or offered a few words of comfort.

At this time, the princess sent someone to deliver supplies, mostly provisions and some herbs.

Not speaking of these things being expensive or cheap, yet it made the military advisor extremely pleased and even more reassured as he hurried on his journey.

The princess was still thinking about fulfilling the duties of a daughter-in-law, so that the Crown Prince could be safe and sound!

In the new capital, half the people were rejoicing over the victory of the northern campaign, while the other half were celebrating the end of the Empress' funeral and the relief from their arduous duties.

Thus, the new city found itself in a rare and peculiar tranquility.

An official whose sense of smell was not so acute, thought everything was fine.

But some are cunning and even more so, they constrain their children at home, being careful with their words and actions.

The calm before the storm is the most terrifying!

As expected, the second day after the funeral, a grand court session was held.

Officials and their subordinates gathered together, bringing out all the recent major and minor matters, intending to deal with them collectively.

From morning till noon, everyone was so hungry their ribs showed.

Just as everyone thought the court session was about to end, a Ministry of Rites official suddenly jumped out.

"Your Majesty, the drought has lasted for over two months. If it doesn't rain soon, the people will be in chaos and may even rebel. I beg you to perform a rain ritual!"

Sacrifices for rain

Everyone frowned, after all the Empress had just passed away and no one wanted to be seen bowing again.

And besides, bowing is only useful in some cases. Most of the time, it's useless! It's just wasting people's time and money!

However, no one dares to say this, in case they are labeled with malicious intentions, and then it would be truly unclear.

On either side were the Emperor and the Crown Prince. Even if things went poorly, there were still the Six Ministers. It was not their turn for these small officials to speak up...

As expected, the Emperor questioned the six ministers, "My lords, what are your thoughts"

The Six Ministries of course had to equivocate, all responding vaguely.

"Your Majesty, praying for rain is certainly a good thing, but how to pray is the question."

"Yes, this is no small matter. We should be careful."

"Perhaps we should return and consider this matter carefully. Prudence is paramount."

The emperor didn't press further, just nodded in a disinterested way.

Thus, the court session finally came to an end.

All the officials wiped their sweat as they made their way out of the palace.

Someone pulled at Li Lao Er’s sleeve, “Master, what do you think about the rain prayer”

Li Laer smiled and said, "I'm just a peasant. I don't know anything about rain prayers. Whether it's a rain prayer or not, I rely on all of you gentlemen to make arrangements."

"However, there are more and more refugees outside the city. If this continues for a long time, it might lead to unrest. If it rains from heaven, the people will be at ease, of course that would be a good thing."

After finishing his words, he bowed and hurried out of the city.

Whether it was the emperor or the court officials, a light and airy remark handed over thousands of displaced people to him.

Little do they know, providing for the needs of displaced people—their food, shelter, sanitation, and most importantly, addressing their anxieties—is a monumental undertaking requiring immense effort!

Luckily, he had only been gone for a morning. Although the city outside was still crowded, it was orderly.

On the large stove in the straw shed, porridge had already been cooked. The refugees lined up to receive it and then found a corner to squat in, slowly eating.

One after another, carriages from the city's households arrived to donate grain and supplies. In the end, they stayed as long as possible, with their horses becoming agitated and pawing the ground, unwilling to leave even when it was time.

Of course, everyone knows the purpose!

Yesterday, the Crown Prince personally commended the Gu family and the Jia family, and the news had already spread.

Those who aspire to be the father-in-law of Prince Tai, couldn't help but rush over to try their luck!

Li Laoliu looked around and chatted with the people who donated food and supplies, making sure to be polite.

By the time he finally sat down to eat congee, the little steward at home came up to him and asked with a smile, "Master, is His Majesty going to hold a ceremony for rain"

Li La'er replied, "You're well-informed, aren't you"

The steward wasn't afraid of the master's anger, and still smiled.

"Master, you're joking! There are no secrets in this town, inside or outside its walls! Besides, this is good news. Everyone will be happy to hear it! If it rains, these refugees can go back home."

Li Lao'er took a sip of porridge, but his eyebrows were slightly furrowed.

"This matter is not yet settled, who knows if it will come to pass. You all pay attention, and if there are any bad signs from the common people, report them to me immediately!"

"Understood, Master!" the steward quickly replied.

As afternoon passed, when dusk approached, Li Laoer bumped fists with his nephew Jia An and arranged for Jia An to stay on duty that night, prepared for any sudden developments.

Li Lao Er was about to get in the car and return to Earl's Mansion.

After I got back from the south, I've been busy all the time. It's nice to finally have some free time and get together with her for a good meal and a chat.

Jīaān stood by the car and instructed, "Uncle Er, when you go back, tell rfu that she shouldn't bring over food anymore. The weather is too hot, and she'll get heatstroke if she keeps cooking."

As a big man, I'm never truly hungry!

Li Lao'er was just about to reply when the foreman who had been chatting idly at noon hurried over.

"Master, didn't you tell me to listen carefully to the idle chatter of the common folk at noon I just heard a few things that seem amiss!"

Li Laer turned to greet Guan Shi and Jia An as they got into the carriage. The carriage had an ice basin, making it much cooler than downstairs.

The manager was sweating profusely, and the sudden change in temperature caused him to sneeze loudly.

He disregarded apologizing and said, “Master, Fifth Young Master, rumors have spread from somewhere. Some refugees have already started talking about it.”

"It is said that there has been no rain from the heavens because of the many years spent campaigning in the north, resulting in countless deaths and angering the heavens. A virgin girl who brings good fortune must be sacrificed to appease the heavens and allow them to show mercy once more, restoring rain and bringing life back to all beings!"

A girl blessed with good fortune!

Li Lao'er and Jia An looked at each other, their expressions filled with shock and anger!

This sounds so familiar!

Originally, the Empress's family was deceived. Didn't they also need to make a lucky girl drink the blood from her heart in order to conceive a prince

Could this be aimed at Jia Yin again!

The manager hesitated for a moment, then said, "I heard something that didn't sound right, so I rushed to report it. Could someone be causing trouble again Should I inform the County Princess"

Li Laoer waved his hand and instructed, "This matter still needs to be investigated. For now, don't make a fuss. Tonight, all of you should pay close attention and try to find out who first spread this rumor."

"Yes, Master," the steward said after receiving the task before leaving.

Jia An immediately said, "Second Uncle, you go home and remind your sister that I'm here. If anything happens, be sure to send someone to tell me."

Li Laer readily agreed. Once the family was settled, he spurred his horse and raced into town.

But he did not return to the earl's mansion, but went to the relief agency instead.

The Social Welfare Office's staff, both young and old, spend most of their time begging on the streets. If there's any news around, they definitely won't miss it.

As expected, Zheng He led people around and sure enough, there were a few boys who had heard similar things.

Li Lao Er's face was as dark as charcoal.

It is known that the request for rain was brought up in court. By midday when court adjourned, rumors were already circulating by dusk.

This speed is simply magical. It's hard to believe that no one is behind this, pushing things forward!

Today's update is here ~~and was brought back from the brink."A woman who believed in Buddhism had clasped her hands together and silently chanted the Buddha's name.The rest were also astonished. Just now, the county princess...