Chapter 364: Chapter 354 Riot
Chen Mo deeply understood the principle of "serving the emperor is like serving a tiger," with the Jinyi Guard’s eyes monitoring the entire Capital City. Originally, they had also dispatched people to keep an eye on Xiangguo Temple, but Feng Shu remained confined to her quarters, spending her days behind closed doors transcribing scriptures and praying. Only the Feng Family visited her frequently, and Yuwen Jing, in an effort to please her, had the Jinyi Guard withdrawn. He knew Feng Shu wouldn’t dare leave Xiangguo Temple.
"Your Majesty, the clans have their eyes on you. Rumors of discord between you and the Empress over the concubinage have spread. The Crown Prince has yet to recover from his illness. If you were to leave the palace and secretly meet Miss Feng, and word were to get out, the literati would undoubtedly make a spectacle of it. I implore you to reconsider."
Yuwen Jing frowned, his mood heavy with irritation. He had mentioned to Lin Yushu that he wanted to bring Feng Shu into the palace after the New Year, but Lin Yushu had removed her hairpin and knelt in protest. What he had intended as a probe into Lin Yushu’s attitude, hoping she would mediate on his behalf, had instead escalated into open conflict. His reputation was severely damaged, and the clans collectively submitted petitions, urging him not to disregard etiquette and protocol. Feng Shu was still in mourning for her late husband, which should traditionally last three years. To bring her into the palace less than a year into her mourning period would surely invite public criticism.
Not even Lin Helin needed to take action; Yuwen Jing faced tremendous obstacles in attempting to marry Feng Shu.
Because of this matter, Yuwen Jing had been showing Lin Yushu a cold attitude of late.
Yet, Chen Mo’s words were reasonable.
Once he gained control of the Su Family’s properties in Jiangnan, he would be freed from the clans’ constraints. Then, he would see how these clans could still threaten him.
Fengyu carefully attended to Su Ming within the Su Family. His mental state fluctuated, and doctors dared not prescribe heavy medication. Fengyu could only do her best to keep him entertained. Su Ming hoped that she would leave Yangzhou, but Fengyu resolutely refused to go. Their stubbornness led to an argument between the grandfather and granddaughter. Fengyu, with her sweet words, managed to cheer Su Ming up, who, knowing his granddaughter’s obstinate nature, refrained from persuading her further.
Aware of his limited days, Su Ming, during one of his more lucid moments, handed over the Su Family’s account books in Jiangnan to Fengyu. In addition to the public ledgers, there were hidden ones.
Su Ming said, "Ayu, transfer all the properties in Jiangnan to the Twelve Prefectures. Act quickly. Before you arrived, I had already instructed Azheng to start preparing. You’ll oversee the process; move everything swiftly without delay."
"...Yes!" Fengyu, though heavy-hearted, understood this was the wisest decision. If her grandfather were to pass away, the properties in Jiangnan falling into the Su Family’s hands would be tolerable. But if Yuwen Jing got wind of it, he might instruct the State Mansion to confiscate everything, and the clan, bargaining with a tiger, would be devoured without leaving a trace behind.
After reviewing the hidden account books, Fengyu was struck with fear. The wealth in Sannan was far more immense than she had anticipated. It seemed her grandfather had long foreseen trouble and discreetly transferred substantial assets to Sannan.
Sannan—an unfamiliar and foreign land. How could he trust them?
Aside from the hidden ledgers, there was also a token from Sannan and a confidential list. Su Ming explained that the assets in Sannan were obtained through transactions with the King of Sannan, who was held accountable to him and wouldn’t move against those properties. What was most critical was the list—a list of reliable figures intended to assist Xie Xun in the future.
Su Ming said, "The Marquis was wronged. You must remember, no matter what temptations, pressures, or threats you face, you must fully support Xie Xun and clear the Marquis’s name."
Fengyu nodded tearfully, then suddenly smiled, "Grandfather, you’re the one most loyal to the Marquis!"
"The Marquis dedicated his life to Yanyang, bowing in service, and he shouldn’t have met such an end," Su Ming said. "There’s little else I can do for him. The assets in Sannan were originally prepared as a contingency for the Marquis Mansion in case of disaster. If they can be put to use, it would be my final act of loyalty."
Fengyu initially wanted to discuss Xie Jue’s lineage with him but held back, fearing it would upset him. Su Ming, having spent a lifetime in business, had extensive connections and hidden wealth. Fengyu discreetly secured the part in Sannan and then began organizing the relocation of their properties. With the Yangzhou Prefecture closely watching the Su Family’s Trading House, everything had to be conducted in the utmost secrecy. The Lanzhou Port became the means of covert transfer. However, given the urgency of the situation, only about thirty percent of their assets could be moved in time. Fengyu prioritized food supplies, with silver taking a backseat. Grains, cloth, and other essentials were quickly sent to the port.
Yet, just as six ships were fully loaded and set out, news broke that the Liu River had breached its embankment. The resulting disaster affected tens of thousands, claiming nearly five thousand lives in the floods.
Refugees began pouring in towards Yangzhou. After the city had absorbed thirty thousand refugees, word spread, prompting an influx of even more. The matter of refugee resettlement became the most pressing issue for the State Mansion. When the refugees grew uncontrollable, Yangzhou abruptly closed its gates, prohibiting anyone else from entering. Tens of thousands of refugees staged sit-ins, weeping and wailing around the city gate, their cries unrelenting.
Fengyu, too, became trapped inside Yangzhou City, unable to leave. Nuanyang and several personal guards were on high alert. At this critical juncture, Fengyu’s identity absolutely could not be exposed!
Fengyu hadn’t anticipated such a relentless natural disaster, bringing all her plans to ruin. After Yangzhou had accepted thirty thousand refugees, the lack of sufficient food supplies led to chaos. The once prosperous Yangzhou, with its ten-mile stretch of spring blossoms, descended into scenes of theft, arson, and widespread violence. When the State Mansion withheld food for a single day, the grain shops along the central avenue were smashed, fires broke out across more than ten stores, and rioting refugees looted everything. Prefect Li dispatched people to suppress the violence, killing over ten refugees before the chaos subsided.
Within Yangzhou City, terror loomed over every household. Families barred their doors and windows tightly while affluent families increased security to prevent theft. After enduring two disturbances, ordinary citizens gathered before the State Mansion to demand the refugees be expelled from the city. A large-scale confrontation between citizens and refugees erupted outside the State Mansion in chaotic tumult.
"Miss, the situation isn’t looking good. I’m afraid if this continues, these refugees will target wealthy households for robbery," Nuanyang said worriedly. At this point, it was too late to leave.