However, Tang Zhuyun also understood that this matter would not be prevented from happening just because she was worried.
The only consolation is that the Prince of Jin is currently in the capital, so any disturbances can be dealt with promptly.
The ravaged border town was a scene of devastation, with collapsed houses and widespread ruin.
"If it were winter now, the consequences would be unimaginable," Xiu'er said with lingering fear.
Summer yields more produce, so even eating wild vegetables and fruits won't starve you, and you don't have to worry about the cold.
Is this a glimmer of hope left by God?
"Where there are people, there is hope," Tang Zhuyun said in a deep voice. "Let the soldiers help the people in the city build houses, so that they at least have a place to stay."
Many parts of the Prince's mansion were also damaged. She only had a small portion repaired, and everyone could squeeze in as much as they could.
"Your Majesty, much of the crops have been destroyed..." Xiu'er said worriedly. "We didn't expect the taxes from the border town to be of any help, but now it seems that not only are the taxes gone, but we also have to provide disaster relief to the people..."
The supply to the front lines cannot be cut off, which is really a headache.
Tang Zhuyun couldn't conjure up any more silver and was in a complete mess.
"Your Highness, let's go beg for alms from Mianmian," Xiu'er said.
She really couldn't think of anyone else.
The pain is unbearable on the Huaishang.
Tang Zhuyun shook her head with a wry smile, "Do you think the Prince hasn't set his sights on their family?"
Putting everything else aside, the imperial court has consistently refused to allocate funds; where are the military's pay and provisions coming from?
If you can always fleece one sheep, the sheep will eventually become bald.
The master and servant remained silent.
Just as I was worrying, Guagua stood by the kang (a heated brick bed), his chubby little finger pointing outside, wanting to go out.
Xiu'er was anxious, so she impatiently told the wet nurse to take her out.
The wet nurse, holding Guagua, explained softly, "Madam, the young lady thought the peddler would come and wanted to go out and see what was going on."
There was a peddler who would stop at the back gate of the Prince's mansion almost every afternoon at this time, attracting the maids and servants in the mansion to go out and buy needles, thread, and other things.
But after the earthquake, the peddler never came again, and his house was probably in complete disarray.
Guagua, however, looked forward to his visit every day.
Xiu'er said, "Then let's take her outside to see if anyone's there, then we'll give up."
After they left, Xiu'er muttered, "That peddler is really good at business. He always says he'll give the people from the Prince's mansion a discount, but he always ends up getting the better deal."
"People have to make a living too..." Tang Zhuyun said with a smile.
Suddenly, something flashed through her mind, instantly illuminating the gloom.
She said, "Xiu'er, I have an idea."
"Ah?" Xiu'er was both surprised and delighted. "Your Majesty, I knew you were the smartest. Please tell me."
"If you want someone to accept something, you have to make them feel like they're getting a good deal." Tang Zhuyun's eyes grew brighter and brighter.
Xiu'er was confused. "Your Majesty, who are you talking about?"
She can't keep up at all.
A glint of light flashed in Tang Zhuyun's eyes. "Your Majesty!"
"Huh?" Xiu'er was stunned.
"The border town has been affected by the earthquake, and both morally and logically, the imperial court should make a statement," Tang Zhuyun said. "But the emperor certainly wants us to resolve this ourselves. What if we exaggerate the situation?"
If the situation becomes so dire that it can't be contained, shouldn't the Emperor consider providing some form of financial support?
Xiu'er suddenly realized. "Your Majesty, do you mean to exaggerate and force the Emperor to spend money?"
Tang Zhuyun nodded, her eyes shining even brighter. "Let's think of a way to play the victim."
Xiu'er blinked, her wicked plan taking hold.
"Your Highness, the Prince should still be in the border town. Don't forget to drag him along and play the victim."
The two discussed it for over an hour, fully utilizing their imaginations, and finally fabricated a very tragic "story".
The prince and princess have both disappeared—didn't the emperor think they were capable and be wary of them? Fine, let them "die."
The number of soldiers and civilians killed or wounded on the border is difficult to count—they simply say they don't have time to count it.
In short, with the leader gone, the flock has scattered. Your Majesty, you decide what to do.
If you don't take responsibility, and that city falls, then there will be no one to blame.
To prevent the true situation from spreading, Tang Zhuyun, together with Mr. Xu and Jiang Zhong, decided to send heavy troops to guard all roads leading out of the city, including mountain roads, completely sealing off the border town.
Let the Emperor guess! Make the Emperor suffer!
Let him bleed while he remains suspicious.
Meanwhile, Prince of Jin received a "premonition letter" from Xiao Ye right after the earthquake occurred.
The Prince of Jin found this hard to believe.
I've never heard of earthquakes being predicted in advance before.
However, a few days later, Xiao Ye brought news of an earthquake in the border town, along with a letter from Tang Zhuyun confirming her safety.
It's actually true...
Although he was mentally prepared, Prince of Jin still felt a chill run down his spine, as if he had just escaped a disaster.
A stormy night is the perfect time for a good night's sleep... If it weren't for the Tang Zhuzi, the consequences would have been dire.
Was she a kind fairy from heaven who, knowing of the suffering on earth, opened a window for people to escape to?
The border town must be in chaos and difficult times right now, and she's six months pregnant... Prince of Jin couldn't bear to think any further. He wished he could sprout wings like Xiao Ye and fly to Tang Zhuyun's side immediately.
"Someone come here." The Prince of Jin took a deep breath.
Late that night, lanterns flickered in the brothel, and the sounds of music and laughter filled the air—another intoxicating night of decadence and debauchery.
A tall man, accompanied by a servant, bypassed the main entrance and hurried in through a dark, narrow back door.
Soon, a young man stepped forward and said, "Sir, this way please."
This young man was none other than Zhao Kuo.
He respectfully led the visitor to the Prince of Prince of Jin's courtyard and said, "Your Highness, you've arrived."
The Prince of Jin personally opened the door to greet him.
"Your Highness."
"Brother, there's no need for such formalities."
It turned out that it was Tang Baixin who had come.
The Prince of Jin told Tang Baixin about the situation in the border town.
Tang Baixin frowned deeply. "When will that news reach the capital?"
"It will take at least another five or six days."
Tang Baixin arm on the table, his expression grave. After a moment's thought, he said, "Your Highness, do you think the Emperor will agree to disaster relief?"
"No," the Prince of Jin said bluntly, "Especially since you, elder brother, are in the Ministry of Revenue."
The emperor is petty.
He worried that if the Ministry of Revenue were to provide disaster relief, Tang Baixin, the Ministry of Revenue and give more to the Prince of Jin.
Although the fate of the Prince of Jin was "uncertain".
The two men, without using any cryptic language, discussed it for an entire night.
"Brother, when is a convenient time? How about today?" Prince of Jin asked.
Time is running out for them.
Tang Baixin replied, "No, I need to go back and discuss this with them."
This is a matter between the husband and wife.
The Prince of Jin laughed and said, "I had thought too simply. I'll wait for news from my elder brother then."