Debate at Court

Andorhal County was struck by a catastrophic flood, with countless dead and injured. As soon as the news reached the imperial capital and Zhou Ming heard it,

he immediately convened an Imperial Court Meeting to discuss how to handle the matter.

At the meeting, the ministers voiced their opinions one after another.

"Andorhal County lies in low terrain. Nine years out of ten see flooding, and a major flood breaks out every three years. It is unsuitable for commoners to live there. This catastrophic flood is nothing unusual," Chancellor Benedict said.

"But the messenger reported that this flood is especially severe. A million disaster victims have been affected, even the county seat has been submerged, and the local governor has vanished. Order has collapsed, life is miserable and difficult, and they urgently need relief from the Imperial Court!" a mid-ranking official stepped forward and said.

"The treasury is currently empty, and the autumn harvest has not arrived. We do not have enough supplies for relief. We can only allocate a small sum of money and exempt them from taxes for two years. The rest of their difficulties can only be resolved by the county itself," Finance Minister Zasik said.

"My lord!"

The mid-ranking official said anxiously, "This is a catastrophic flood! The entire county is suffering. A million disaster victims have lost everything—no food, no shelter. If we do not provide relief, they will all be finished!"

"If there were only a few thousand victims, that would be manageable. But a million? How could the Imperial Court possibly have the means to relieve them? In the face of such a natural disaster, they can only pray for good fortune."

Finance Minister Zasik spoke expressionlessly.

"My lord, save as many as we can! Even if we cannot save all one million