The Story of a Destitute Noblewoman Farming

Chapter 150 Water Level Drops

In order to avoid panic, the emperor issued an edict that land taxes would be exempted in areas affected by natural disasters this year.

After hearing the news, the people finally breathed a sigh of relief and began to plant other drought-resistant crops in accordance with the government's notice.

Lu Linlang is also stepping up her inspection of the crops. The weather is too dry, and the only way to ensure germination is to water them. Fortunately, there was snow last year, so the water consumption is relatively less.

"Sister, the government has assigned people to manage each reservoir, and each village's water consumption is strictly controlled based on population."

"That's good. You should pay more attention these days. Since you want to recruit people, you should train them well. They will be your personal guards in the future.

It is not the most serious time yet, but I am afraid that in July and August, if there is a gap between the harvest and the summer, there may be danger.

Once disaster victims are formed, the impact on ordinary people is huge. In previous years, at least there was food, but this year the grain production will be reduced, and people are restless, even more so than during the war."

Lu Linlang said to Lu Zhan and Yun Can, both of them had titles, so they should take this opportunity to fully equip themselves with manpower just in case.

"Well, we will definitely train them seriously. I heard that Jiangnan only had a few rains this year. Although it is better than here, it is still very difficult compared to before.

The amount of silk and satin will decrease this year, and those who rely on silkworms and silk reeling will have a hard time this year."

"The Emperor issued an edict a few days ago that grain merchants and other businesses are not allowed to hoard grain. Those who violate the order will be executed. If anyone deliberately withholds grain, their property will be confiscated."

"It's really the merchants who did the wrong thing. They knew there might be natural disasters this year, but they still sold at high prices, sparking public outrage. They deserve it."

"They only care about making money and don't consider the safety of the people. It's really infuriating."

“The nature of businesspeople is to pursue profit; no matter what, they want to make money.

Our family cannot produce such a person. No matter when, the premise of pursuing profit is not to harm the interests of the people."

After Lu Linlang finished speaking, Dahua nodded subconsciously.

"Speaking of which, I don't know how my eldest brother is doing since he passed the imperial examination. The emperor kept him by his side to do things, but those ministers are old foxes. I don't know if my eldest brother will fall into their trap."

"I think the letter is on the way. We should trust him."

"Don't worry, Big Brother is not some cattle or sheep that can be slaughtered at will. If someone wants to harm him, they have to see if he is willing to be harmed."

Yunxi has a deeper understanding of Yunyi. The two have been living together. Yunyi also knows that he is a taciturn person, so he often talks to him.

"That's true. Big brother is not a little sheep."

Yuncan recalled the fear he had felt when he was dominated by his elder brother.

The people of Chongshui County go to the fields several times every day.

The weather was dry and the germination was slow. They were reluctant to use their own well water, so they had to fetch water from the reservoir for irrigation.

Seeing that the corn had finally grown to half a finger high and the sweet potato vines had been planted, they gradually felt relieved.

But the harvest will not come until August or September. It is such a long time that people can wait, but the crops cannot.

Everyone was silently praying to God for some rain, but unfortunately God did not hear their requests.

"Sir, we've observed that the water level of the Chongshui River is dropping. It's only been three months, and it's already dropped half a finger. If this continues, it will be disastrous."

The official sent by Lord Xu to monitor the water level came to report in a hurry.

"Oh, what can I do? Can I just watch?"

Lord Xu was also anxious, but they had thought of all the possible solutions, and now it turned out to be the same as the witch's prediction. Fortunately, they built the reservoir in advance, otherwise they would be blamed for their crimes. If they did not do it well, resignation would be a small matter, but beheading would be a big deal.

"We can only pray that God will stop scaring us and send some rain to save us."

"Yeah, I don't know where the rain has gone. Is it not raining everywhere?"

They were wrong to say this. At this time, the flat land in the north was all immersed in heavy rain, which had been falling for three days and three nights.

Local officials did not believe the so-called prophecy at first, but the rain gave them a warning.

If they don't do it well, they will be beheaded.

The officials panicked and started looking for people to come up with a solution.

Some officials did not dare to act on their own at this time, and quickly reported to the court, asking the court to send experts to help rescue the affected people.

The emperor received the memorials written by the officials. Even the most stubborn ministers in the court were shocked by the news. Could it be that there really are so-called gods in this world who can predict even natural disasters?

"Your Majesty, I believe that such a divine being should be employed by the imperial court. If there are any changes in the future, they can be predicted in advance."

"The most urgent task is to prepare a contingency plan for natural disasters. As for the divine being you mentioned, I have received news that the great witch has passed away, and the rest are only half-baked people who have only learned the basics.

Instead of thinking about these things, why don’t you quickly send people to rescue the people affected by the disaster? This year has just started and so many people have been affected by the disaster. Are you all turning a deaf ear to my words?

From now on, I will send people to conduct secret visits. If any official fails to follow the orders of the court, don't blame me for being ruthless.

This year I have issued an order that the disaster-stricken areas do not have to pay land taxes. I will reconsider this matter for officials who go on incognito visits.

If any official dares to lie about the situation when there is no natural disaster, you must report it truthfully. Otherwise, even the ministers who are conducting incognito visits will be punished."

After the court session, the officials walked towards the government office while whispering to each other.

"Who do you think will be the imperial envoy?"

"We dare not guess what the emperor is thinking. We just need to do our own thing. Otherwise, if we anger the emperor, none of us will have a good life."

"That's true. The man who arranged the Emperor's marriage a while ago is still in jail. We've all been punished by the Emperor before, so do we want to be thrown into jail again? Let's all be quiet and do our work properly."

"Come to think of it, I initially thought the Emperor would be with the eldest son of the Prime Minister's family. Later, I thought it would be our new top scholar this year, but now it seems that I was overthinking it."

"That guy, don't be fooled by his young age, but he's like a little fox. I heard he's the cousin of that Chongshui guy. He left the capital in disgrace, but now he's back and he's in the limelight."

“Although that girl has never shown up, when has she ever been absent from the court?

So let's not mess with that guy. He's highly valued by the Emperor now, and he's always by his side whenever they discuss government matters. Even General He hasn't received such treatment."

"I heard there's movement at the border again?"

"This news hasn't spread yet, but I imagine the Tatars won't have a good time this year."