Chapter 93

As soon as the news of Liu Ju personally going to the disaster area spread, the court erupted in an uproar.

The officials stared at one another, all showing shocked expressions.

"Your Majesty, absolutely not!"

Chancellor Tian Qianqiu stepped forward first, bowed with clasped hands, and spoke urgently: "The disaster area is ravaged by epidemic and flood; how could Your Majesty's priceless person risk danger? If anything happens, how can the Great Han's realm continue?"

Wei Qing also stepped forward, knelt on one knee, clasped his fists, and said: "Your Majesty, Chancellor Tian is absolutely right. The disaster area's environment is harsh, full of danger. I am willing to lead the troops there; I will not fail Your Majesty's trust, and I ask Your Majesty to remain in Chang'an to oversee the overall situation."

The other officials echoed in agreement:

"Your Majesty, think thrice! The disaster area is perilous, not a place for the Son of Heaven to personally visit!"

Liu Ju rose, descended from the steps, helped Wei Qing to his feet, and swept his gaze over the officials: "My beloved ministers, I understand your concerns. But as the Son of Heaven, seeing the people suffer, how could I remain comfortably in the palace? The disaster area's people need me; I must go myself."

He paused, then his voice grew firmer: "I know the disaster area is dangerous, but precisely because it is dangerous, I must go. I want the people to know that the court has not abandoned them; I am with them."

Tian Qianqiu still would not relent, his voice trembling: "Your Majesty, the epidemic rages in the disaster area; if Your Majesty were to fall ill, the consequences would be unthinkable!"

Liu Ju smiled slightly, took out a silk scroll from his sleeve, and said: "This is the epidemic prevention formula newly developed by the Imperial Physician Director; I have ordered it to be mass-produced. Moreover, I will bring the finest medical officials and medicines to ensure absolute safety."

Seeing the officials still wishing to dissuade him, Liu Ju raised his hand to stop them: "My decision is final; you need not urge me further. Minister Tian, while I am away from the capital, you shall handle state affairs. General Wei, you will accompany me, responsible for disaster relief coordination."

Seeing Liu Ju's firm resolve, the officials could only reply in unison: "We obey your order!"

The news of Liu Ju's decision to personally go to the disaster area quickly spread throughout the world via the Great Han Media's newspapers.

Newsboys shuttle through Chang'an's streets and alleys, waving newspapers and loudly hawking:

"Extra! Extra! Come see, Your Majesty has issued a new policy, devoting all efforts to disaster relief and taming the Yellow River!"

"The Son of Heaven personally goes to the disaster area, sharing the people's hardship!"

The newspaper's front page bore the striking headline: "The Son of Heaven's Personal Expedition, All People United as One—His Majesty Liu Ju Will Personally Go to the Disaster Area to Oversee Relief Efforts." The article detailed Liu Ju's impassioned speech at court and his resolute determination to defy opposition.

"Your Majesty, this move is truly a feat unprecedented in history!"

A white-haired old man clutched the newspaper, his hands trembling with excitement, and exclaimed: "The Son of Heaven personally going to the disaster area—what boundless love for the people!"

In teahouses and taverns, people also chatted: "Your Majesty truly is a wise ruler! For the people's sake, you disregard your own safety!"

"Yes, with such a Son of Heaven, what do we have to fear for the prosperity of the Great Han?"

"Your Majesty, the Son of Heaven, is wise! New military districts have been established, each responsible for its duties; generals lead disaster relief and rescue efforts, even taking out precious military supplies to aid our afflicted people—this truly places the common folk's welfare close to our hearts!"

Liu Ju's decision to personally go to the disaster area not only moved the people, but also ignited a nationwide enthusiasm for disaster relief.

At Chang'an's market, merchants spontaneously organized themselves, donating large quantities of grain and clothing.

A young merchant, while directing his assistants to move supplies, said to those nearby: "Your Majesty has personally gone to the disaster area; we merchants cannot fall behind! These grains and clothing, we hope will help the disaster area's people."

In the handicraft workshops, artisans worked day and night, producing tents and tools. An old carpenter wiped sweat from his brow, smiling, and said: "Your Majesty sacrifices his life for the people; what is our little effort?"

Farmers loaded their stored grain and vegetables onto carts, preparing to send them to the disaster area.

An old farmer took out a ragged handkerchief from his pocket, carefully wrapping the few eggs he usually wouldn't bear to eat, and said: "These eggs may be few, but they are also our little token of care; we hope they will strengthen the children in the disaster area."

"That's right! The Son of Heaven worries for us! Now the Yellow River floods rage, our fellow villagers are suffering; we cannot just stand by—we must contribute to the disaster area!"

"Exactly, we cannot stand idly by!"

"Come on, let's go help in the disaster area!"

At the same time, merchants, under the Chamber of Commerce's organization, generously opened their purses and began donating supplies and money.

They bustled back and forth between warehouses, carefully selecting daily necessities suitable for the disaster area—from quilts and blankets to pots, bowls, and ladles—everything one could need.

At the same time, they organized convoy after convoy of modestly sized transport vehicles, fully loaded with supplies, marching mightily toward the disaster area, wheels rolling, kicking up clouds of dust.

Amid wave after wave of the fervor of united effort, some civilians also spontaneously formed many disaster relief teams, carrying supplies, concerned for the disaster area's people and admiring Liu Ju, and set out on the road to the disaster area.

Meanwhile, more merchants and people chose to wait and see, for upon hearing the court's policy of purchasing supplies at high prices, some sensed a considerable business opportunity!

In the disaster area, upon hearing that the Son of Heaven would personally come and that all walks of life were supporting relief, the people cheered with joy. They seemed to see a glimmer of light in the darkness, their hearts filled with hope.

"The Son of Heaven is coming to save us—we are saved!"

On the day Liu Ju set out for the disaster area, the people of Chang'an spontaneously gathered along the roadsides to see him off.

Their eyes brimmed with tears as they loudly shouted:

"Your Majesty, may you have a safe journey!"

"Your Majesty, we await your return!"

Liu Ju sat in the carriage, gazing at the people along the roadside, his heart full of emotion.

The Son of Heaven's ceremonial procession slowly moved forward.

Liu Ju, who had poked his head out the carriage window to greet those seeing him off, saw Liu Xijun and Li Yan riding spirited steeds, catching up with vigor.

He asked: "What are you doing?"

Liu Xijun gently reined in her horse, drew near the carriage, and whispered: "Your Imperial Elder Brother, we naturally are accompanying you."

Li Yan, meanwhile, glanced furtively at Liu Ju, still thinking about that previous article, wondering whether His Majesty had seen it.

Liu Ju showed a gentle smile and said: "Xijun, follow me to the disaster area; the road is fraught with danger, so take care of yourself."

Li Yan rode her horse closer, her gaze resolute as she said: "Your Majesty, I and my sister Xi Jun are not weak people. Although we are women, we also want to contribute our strength to the disaster area's populace. Earlier we had already organized women to weave and make clothes, sending them to the disaster area; this time we go, we will continue to exert our strengths, contributing strength to the relief work."

Liu Ju heard this, a look of appreciation appearing in his eyes, he nodded and said: "I understand your intentions completely, and I am deeply grateful; I hope we can work together in unity to overcome this difficulty."

As they spoke, the carriage had already slowly driven out of Chang'an's city gate.

Liu Ju turned his head again, looking at this prosperous capital and the seeing-off populace, his heart filled with emotion.

He waved to the common people in greeting, his eyes revealing a firm conviction.

He knew he bore the expectations of the common people; no matter how many difficulties and obstacles lay ahead, he would press forward bravely, bringing hope and peace to the populace.

Just as Liu Ju's team heading to the disaster area had left Chang'an, merchants and common people alike began generously opening their purses.

Tian Huan began to act covertly, contacting those merchants with whom he was familiar.

Tian Huan summoned these merchants to his mansion; the hall was filled with delicacies and fine dishes, but everyone knew that Tian Huan's gesture was certainly not merely to entertain them.

Tian Huan sat in the chief seat, his eyes flashing with calculating light; he glanced around at the merchants present, cleared his throat, and said:

Friends, you surely know the imperial court is buying grain and cloth at high prices for disaster relief, right? And those who aid a tyrant, foolish people, fantasize about profiting from disaster relief by donating supplies, are just talking nonsense.

But for us, this is a great opportunity to make money; as long as we cooperate properly, we're sure to make a fortune.

A plump grain merchant furrowed his brow, worriedly saying: "Lord Tian, disaster relief is a matter of life and death for the common folk; if we take the chance to raise prices, we'll surely be condemned."

Tian Huan snorted contemptuously: "Hmph, what's there to fear? In this situation, making money is all that matters. Besides, even if people gossip, with me looking out for you in the court, what can they do to you?"

Another cloth merchant hesitated: "Lord Tian, but if His Majesty finds out, we'll be punished..."

Tian Huan's face darkened as he threatened: "If you don't listen to me, from now on in this business circle, you won't have any good days. I, Tian Huan, have plenty of ways in the court to ruin your businesses."

Everyone heard, their faces showed fear; after weighing their options, many still chose to follow Tian Huan's arrangements.

Under Tian Huan's planning, these merchants united in action; the grain and cloth that originally had normal prices in Chang'an City skyrocketed overnight, increasing several-fold.

When the court's procurement officers went to purchase, they were stunned by the high prices.