Hu Xiaotian asked about recent developments. Everything was normal in Eastern Liang Commandery, while Xiasha Port was still busy shipping grain to Wuxing Commandery. Most of the three hundred thousand shi of grain he had promised the Imperial Court had now arrived in Wuxing Commandery.
Hu Xiaotian asked, "How are the people in the city feeling?"
Li Chengming said, "Much more settled than before. Since hearing that your peace talks with Great Yong succeeded, they haven't been living in constant fear like they used to. They've put their minds at ease, and quite a few of those who left have gradually returned."
Hu Xiaotian nodded with a smile. "Have you distributed the grain I told you to give each household?"
Li Chengming answered respectfully, "Yes. The people in the city are all very grateful to you now, my lord." Hu Xiaotian had instructed Li Chengming to give every resident of Eastern Liang Commandery ten jin of grain for the New Year. That expense alone amounted to over a million jin. It was another of Hu Xiaotian's measures to win people's hearts.
Hu Xiaotian said, "I'm not counting on their gratitude. I'll be happy as long as they stop cursing me the way they used to."
Li Chengming laughed. "Who would dare..."
Hu Xiaotian's expression darkened. Only then did Li Chengming realize he had misspoken, and he hastily corrected himself. "They're too busy being grateful."
Hu Xiaotian asked, "How are Chang Fanqi and his mother doing?"
Li Chengming said, "The old madam's condition has worsened somewhat recently. I've invited all the renowned physicians in the city to see her, but there still seems to be no improvement."
Hu Xiaotian frowned. That sounded very bad indeed. He abandoned his plan to return home immediately and decided to visit Chang Fanqi first.
Chang