Chapter 42: There is Room For the Poor Daughter
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Chapter 42: The Plan
"The refugees haven't even been settled for a few days, right?"
Old Madam Yan was still very concerned about the refugees. One reason was that it was a major matter related to her eldest son's political achievements, and the other was because, during their journey to Linyi County, they had briefly experienced what it was like to be refugees. They knew firsthand how difficult it was and naturally hoped for the refugees to be settled as soon as possible.
Yan Zhigao nodded. "Exactly. It's precisely because the time since the refugees were settled hasn't been long, if we ask the wealthy families and gentry in Linyi County to make donations again at this time, it would be difficult to ask."
Old Madam Yan furrowed her brow. "Is there no other way for the county government?"
Yan Zhigao sighed. "Linyi County isn't rich. The county's meager savings were mostly used when the refugees were first settled. Now, we can't afford to allocate more funds to help them."
Originally, he had hoped that by dealing with the refugee settlement, he might gain some attention from higher-ups and possibly be promoted. But now, if the refugees freeze or starve to death, it would be a miracle if he wasn't held accountable, let alone getting promoted.
If the pressure weren't so great, he wouldn't have brought up official business at the dinner table.
He thought of the letters he sent to the magistrates of neighboring counties asking for help, but none of them had replied yet. His brow furrowed even more tightly.
The official world was a realm of fame and fortune. He came from humble beginnings, with no strong connections and limited wealth. It was very hard to gain favor from his superiors and colleagues.
"Father, the refugees are so pitiful. How about we eat a little less in the future and send the saved food to them, so they won't starve?" Yan Yishuang suddenly spoke up, her face full of sympathy.
Yan Zhigao forced a smile and praised her, "My dear daughter has a kind heart, but this isn't something you need to worry about. Just eat your food well. If you don't eat enough, you won't grow tall."
Yan Yishuang weakly nodded. "Father, you should also take care of yourself. I see you haven't eaten much."
Hearing this, Yan Zhigao smiled contentedly and reached over to pick up some vegetables for her. "Eat up."
Madam Li, sitting beside them, thought for a moment and said, "Sir, there is still some food at home. Perhaps we can..."
Yan Zhigao immediately shook his head to stop her. "Even if we give all the food we have, it won't help many refugees. Everyone, eat well. Tomorrow, I'll go talk to the clerk and see if we can think of something."
Quietly eating her rice, Daohua suddenly looked at her eldest brother, who was sitting nearby eating in silence. She quickly turned her eyes back to her bowl.
Though her older brother was busy with studies, Daohua still cared a lot about him. She knew that he was well-liked in the county school for his academic prowess.
Yan Wenxiu, sensing her gaze, looked up and smiled gently. "Little sister, is there something on my face?"
Daohua shook her head and smiled. "Big Brother, I heard you have many good friends at the county school?"
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This novel is translated by the Eternal Novel Hits translators. Please read it at https://eternalnovelhits.blogspot.com
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Yan Wenxiu, unsure of her intent, nodded modestly. "We are all classmates. It’s common for us to discuss academics together."
Daohua continued, "So, your friends must be from wealthy families, right?"
She knew that in this era, most students in county schools came from families with some background, except for those who had exceptional talent.
Yan Wenxiu frowned slightly. He didn't like it when Daohua always brought up money. "Little sister, friendships should be based on knowledge and character, not wealth."
Daohua paused for a moment but didn’t dwell on his implication. She asked again, "Do you and your classmates ever organize extracurricular activities?"
Yan Wenxiu looked puzzled. "Extracurricular activities?"
Daohua's eyes lit up. "For example, going outside to experience the wind in winter, enjoying the snow, and then coming back to write some reflections?"
Yan Wenxiu thought for a moment. "The teachers at the county school sometimes have us come together to compose poems, but we don't go out. We usually do it inside the school."
Daohua's eyes sparkled with enthusiasm. "That’s not interesting. Big Brother, look, the ground is covered in snow, it’s so beautiful and poetic. You should suggest to your teacher that you all go outside to experience it. Maybe go to the refugee settlement to see how they’re suffering firsthand."
The room fell silent, everyone looking at Daohua. Even Yan Zhigao turned his gaze toward her.
Yan Wenxiu asked, "Little sister, what exactly are you trying to say?"
Daohua smiled and continued, "What I mean is, when Father talks about how the refugees are starving and freezing, even Third Sister wants to help by reducing her food. Don’t you think that your classmates, once they see the refugees' misery, will also want to do something?"
Yan Wenxiu was stunned and looked at his father, who had become visibly interested.
Daohua went on, "Your classmates' families must have some wealth. If you each contribute a little, we could gather a lot and help many refugees."
"And think about it," she turned to Old Madam Yan, "Grandmother, wouldn't you agree?"
Old Madam Yan smiled warmly. "Indeed. If my eldest grandson were to help the refugees, I, his grandmother, would be willing to contribute 200 shi of grain to support him."
This year, the grain from the family estate had been brought to Linyi County. Originally, she had planned to sell some of it while the price was high, but after experiencing life as a refugee, seeing how difficult life was for the common people, she had abandoned that idea. The grain was still sitting in the rented warehouse.
The other sons and daughters-in-law looked at Old Madam Yan in surprise.
Though 200 shi of grain wasn’t a huge amount, it was still a significant contribution.
However, because the land, aside from a few dozen acres inherited from their ancestors, was bought by Old Madam Yan over the years, the sons all regarded it as her personal property.
Since it was her personal property, she had the right to do whatever she wished with it.
Daohua smiled at her still stunned older brother. "Big Brother, see, even Grandmother is willing to give 200 shi of grain. Surely your classmates' families will support them too."
"Once you have the grain, you and your friends can go distribute it to the refugees. That way, you’ll receive their gratitude and experience life for yourselves. It’s a win-win."
Yan Wenxiu swallowed. "We have to go hand out the grain ourselves?"
Daohua gave him a look of course. "Of course, Big Brother. Tell me, why are you working so hard studying? Isn't it to earn a position, so you can help the people? What you're doing now is just preparing for what you'll be doing in the future."
Yan Wenxiu was still processing her words, but Yan Zhigao was already getting excited.
This was a brilliant idea!
He couldn’t ask the wealthy families directly, but their sons were approachable.
Moreover, this would be a great opportunity to build reputation. He was certain that once this was done, the wealthy families would be more than willing to donate.
Yan Zhigao looked at Daohua with appreciation.
Previously, when his mother and third brother spoke highly of his eldest daughter’s intelligence, he had been skeptical, thinking they were just biased. But today, after hearing her proposal at the dinner table, he realized that his daughter was truly insightful.
Yan Wenxiu still felt unsure. "But... can we students really manage something this big?"
Daohua looked at him seriously and nodded. "Big Brother, you have to believe in yourself. Everyone has their first time. And besides, aren’t you backed by Father? If there’s anything you don’t understand, just ask him."
(End of Chapter)
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