Although Qin Yining was the owner of the estate, seeing these familiar faces she had helped before brought her heart considerable peace.

“Benefactor, how did you come personally? The earth dragon’s turning has made the roads treacherous,” said Steward Zhang.

“Yes, benefactor, the roads are so dangerous. And you don’t know—this earth dragon turning happens every few days, every few days, both big and small tremors. We don’t know what’s causing it,” said Steward Zhang’s wife, Ding Shi.

Qin Yining asked with concern: “Is everything alright on our estate? Was anyone injured?”

“Ah, several families had their houses destroyed. About ten people were hurt, and one family’s elderly mother was struck by a falling beam and died instantly.”

Qin Yining sighed: “Alas, whether natural disasters or man-made calamities, it’s always the common people who suffer.”

Ding Shi said: “Benefactor has such a kind heart. Back then, we could preserve our lives thanks entirely to you. That all of us could settle on this estate, have food to eat, clothes to wear, houses to live in, and safely pass the New Year—this is already our good fortune. Benefactor has already done everything possible for us, so please don’t be sad.”

Steward Zhang also spoke honestly: “Yes, our estate is actually in better condition. Thanks to Steward Zhong previously building all our houses solidly, when the earth dragon turned, most of the structures weren’t seriously damaged.”

“That’s good.” Qin Yining sighed: “I came this time following His Highness on imperial orders. The national treasury is empty, and His Majesty hasn’t provided disaster relief grain and silver for the time being. I think you all know the tragic conditions in the city. Seeing so many people starving, I really can’t bear to watch. Does our estate have any surplus grain?”

“Benefactor, after last year’s disaster, we only harvested one crop this year. We do have grain, but not much. We do have some sweet potatoes though.”

Qin Yining said: “Please set aside enough provisions for everyone on the estate, then help me load the rest onto carts. I’ll transport it back to the porridge tents in the city, hoping to help more people survive.”

Hearing this, Steward Zhang nodded and immediately went to handle it.

Ding Shi, however, seemed to hesitate as if wanting to speak.

Qin Yining smiled: “Sister-in-law Ding, please speak your mind freely.”

“Well, benefactor, I know this isn’t really my place as a woman to say, but benefactor is kind-hearted and only thinks of saving more people. They have such a vast imperial court—can’t they produce a single coin? I think someone has seen through benefactor’s kindness, knowing that once you’re here and see the suffering people, you naturally can’t bear it and will spend your own silver to buy grain. That’s one thing.”

“Second, our capabilities are limited. Even if you donate all your grain, it ultimately won’t save many people. When they see the casualty numbers later, no one will remember how much you donated—they’ll only see how many died. Sigh! I know these are all your belongings, but I just can’t stand to see benefactor suffer losses.”

Hearing this, Qin Yining smiled with emotion: “Thank you for speaking so directly, Sister-in-law Ding. I understand what you mean. I will consider this matter carefully. Moreover, His Highness should also find ways to solve the grain supply problem. I just want to do my best to help more people survive before he finds a solution.”

“You are a kind person. It was precisely this kindness of yours that allowed us all to live back then. We will follow all your instructions.” Speaking of this, Ding Shi felt she was truly being petty. Was it only right for Qin Yining to spend money to save her back then, but now when she wanted to save others’ lives, she was being narrow-minded about it?

Qin Yining rested briefly inside the house while the people on the estate busily made preparations. Because the road conditions were poor and carts couldn’t travel easily, all the grain was loaded onto mules and horses. All the grain combined could fill about one large cart.

Qin Yining pulled Steward Zhang aside and asked quietly: “With so much loaded, is there still enough for everyone on the estate to eat? Don’t donate your own provisions just because of something I said.”

Steward Zhang felt warm in his heart: “Benefactor, rest assured. Following your instructions, we’ve all set aside our provisions. Please don’t worry. But I heard that some people in the city have already contracted epidemic diseases. Benefactor, since you’re constantly moving around there, please be extremely careful!”

Qin Yining nodded with a smile: “You all be careful too. Take good care of the estate. Don’t worry about doing much work during this period—just focus on staying alive. As long as we have our lives, we’ll have a long future ahead.”

“Yes!”

Qin Yining didn’t dare delay further. Since she had obtained some grain, it needed to be transported back immediately. Saving people was like fighting fire—she didn’t want to see more people die in vain because of an incompetent ruler.

The road was extremely difficult to traverse. Fortunately, this entire group consisted of horses, and when encountering difficult terrain, they could carefully lead the horses through.

Even so, it was already afternoon when they returned to Yang County town.

Pang Xiao had been worried about Qin Yining and had been waiting at the city gate. Seeing Qin Yining’s group return with a horse train loaded with grain, Pang Xiao’s eyes lit up with joy, but more than that was heartache.

“You’re back.” Pang Xiao smiled as he approached.

Qin Yining dismounted and smiled: “I didn’t expect you to return first.”

“Mm, we came back after noon. How was it? Are you tired from riding for so long?”

“Not too bad.” Qin Yining walked shoulder to shoulder with Pang Xiao toward the government office, laughing quietly: “Just that the saddle chafed my legs a bit. I never used to notice it before, but now that I’ve lived in luxury, I’ve become delicate.”

“How are you delicate? You’re naturally a tender, soft young lady, yet you have to come suffer hardships with me.” Pang Xiao’s large hand brushed away her disheveled hair.

The two stood under a tree’s shade, watching their subordinates lead the horses forward.

Once there was no one else around, Pang Xiao lowered his voice to tell Qin Yining: “My scouts discovered that the entire area around the old capital is surrounded by the Dragon Cavalry Army. They must be troops the Emperor brought personally. Especially since people are also heading toward Yang County, though they’ve been delayed somewhat by the poor road conditions. But I believe those troops will arrive soon.”

Qin Yining was alarmed: “This means the treasure really is in Yang County.”

“Yes. Otherwise, His Majesty wouldn’t act this way. But we still don’t know where the treasure is hidden, nor do we know what stance the Azure Sky Alliance people are taking in this matter. Whether the marks they left indicate the treasure’s hiding place.”

Qin Yining said helplessly: “Since we know troops have been deployed and His Majesty has secretly come, we must be even more careful. Even if we’re curious, we can’t go investigate. Otherwise, we’ll get ourselves into trouble—it’s not worth it. Right now, finding ways to provide disaster relief is the real priority. Our little bit of family wealth can’t sustain things for much longer. The court has no grain either, so we still need to work with the wealthy households that are hoarding grain.”

Hearing this, Pang Xiao smiled bitterly: “Those wealthy families all harbor resentment toward the Great Zhou Dynasty, and they’re truly heartless in their wealth. I went to negotiate with one household, but it was fruitless. I’ll need to think of other suitable methods.”

Upon hearing this, Qin Yining said: “Tomorrow I’ll go with you. Perhaps we can find a way.”