THE FLOWER PALACE'S SECRET

Chapter 27: Discussing with the Queen Mother

“What reason?”

Lin Zian was flabbergasted. The hearing of this woman is quite sharp as well.

"Did I say something?” Lin Zian tried to divert the conversation.

He did not want Shen Yanzhia to know any further, because he was still guessing and had not found the truth. The palace people were so secretive about Consort Rui and Queen Shi Honglan. Whether because the Emperor forbade all talk about the two women, or because the people of the palace did not know it, no one knew.

“Your biological mother, Queen Shi Honglan, how far do you know about her?”

Lin Zian chose to close his eyes and tighten his hairy robe. Today, Shen Yanzhia had spoken too much and already knew too much about the life of important person Lin Zian. Enough to get here, the girl must not know any deeper. It was too painful and too upsetting if Lin Zian had to tell someone else again.

The streets of the imperial capital Ling were filled with snow. If Shen Yanzhia had not guessed wrongly, the day would have definitely gone into the afternoon. He was not upset when his question was not answered by Lin Zian, because his body was also tired after traveling down the hills and freezing himself in the royal family tomb. Shen Yanzhia glanced at Lin Zian. The man still needs a lot of time to restore his health. Forcing yourself to be outside in this cold weather is not a good thing.

The carriage stopped as soon as it arrived in front of the gate of the Qin residence. A male servant put down a ladder to get off the train. As soon as Lin Zian and Shen Yanzhia came out, before them were already standing Xu Chi and Tan’er. The two maids hurriedly welcomed their respective masters. Seeing the loyalty of his servants, Shen Yanzhia smiled. It is not wrong that they can survive in all weather because their respect and devotion never subsides.

“Young Master, why did you come out? If Young Master continues to push himself and falls ill again, what should I say to Her Majesty The Queen Mother and Her Majesty the Emperor?”

“You too, Miss. What if your body weakens back? What should I say to His Highness Prince Yun and His Highness the Queen Mother?”

Lin Zian and Shen Yanzhia looked at each other. Since when did their personal servants become so chatty like this? When the two left, everything was still fine. Seeing the unusual reaction of the two masters, Xu Chi and Tan’er immediately covered their mouths with his fingers as if they had misspoken.

“There is a strange,” said Shen Yanzhia slowly. Lin Zian nodded.

“What someone has threatened you?” asked Lin Zian. Xu Chi and Tan’er instantly panicked and shook their heads simultaneously.

“Already. The air is cold, you should go inside.” immediately

The four gentlemen of the couple of masters then entered through the main gate. The snow is back. This time, the snowfall was accompanied by wind until the white fine grains that fell from the sky flew like cotton. The bare trees along the way and inside the wangfu swayed, dropping snowflakes clinging to each branch and the grass.

...***...

Winter is at its peak this year. During this one week, the snow did not stop falling and the air temperature actually dropped drastically. During the day, the air temperature is slightly warm if there is sunlight. If not, then the air temperature will feel like night, to make everyone feel cold as if it happened during the night without seeing the morning.

This year's winter season is coming faster than last year. The sky of Rouwu city never stopped bringing down snowfall all day. This really cold temperature slightly inhibits the movement and activity of the residents of the city. Those who usually wake up at dawn and prepare to meet in the morning can now only lock themselves in a house with a thick blanket and a fireplace that is always lit at all times.

For those without a home, winter is a disaster and a path that leads them to death. The misery and hunger they felt and experienced were the quickest way to die. Beggars and slaves who had no masters, often forced themselves to take shelter in the old storehouses and huts and post offices throughout the city and borders.

On a long night, their bodies shivered coldly and their blood became frozen. The officers, who did not have time to secure them, often found that the homeless people were dead in the morning.

The activities of earning a living and living are also disrupted because the weather is really cold and extreme. Reports and complaints began to arrive at government offices and disturb the peace of the ministers. The reports came like a storm surging back and forth. Empty papers available in government offices are almost used up for writing reports.

“Your Highness, this winter of the year is completely different,” Shen Yanzhia said one cold morning.

“What are you worried about, Zhi’er?” ask the Queen Mother. In the early morning blind, the number one noble lady had already arrived a distinguished guest from the Qin residence.

“The peak of winter has arrived. Many poor and beggars, slaves, and homeless people are suffering. They must be very miserable and starving,” Shen Yanzhia replied in a low tone. His breathing felt heavy as if something had charged over his chest.

“Don't the government and the courts have handled it?” ask the Queen Mother again. The old woman was not satisfied with getting an answer. Shen Yanzhia's face was still gloomy.

“This land is so vast. We don't know how many people like them are out there.”

The Queen Mother nodded in understanding. This winter, the difference was felt by him as well.

After the winter ended, the palace and the local government were assisted by several businessmen and craftsmen to nurture the people until they had skills that could be utilized to survive. They were taught to sew, embroider, process food, make weapons, and trade. The Queen Mother still clearly remembered, at that time Shen Yanzhia intervened to teach children and parents who could not write and read.

Although it was already forbidden given her status and standing as a princess and her stubborn and often troublemaking temper, the Queen Mother still could not stop or hinder Shen Yanzhia's will and determination. The girl even collapsed after several months of helping the poor people.

Looking at the reports coming in this year, it seems like the problem will not be easily resolved. Out there, the number of displaced people may be increasing more than last year. Officials and ministers, who usually hold meetings four times a week, have now increased their intensity to six days a week. Their meetings also mostly disperse before sunset. Apparently, the disaster caused by winter this year is much more severe than the previous year.

“Zhi’er, don't force the will anymore. Now your circumstances are different,”, the Queen Mother said as she guessed the contents of Shen Yanzhia's head. Ever since his last words, Shen Yanzhia had only been pensive while twirling the glass filled with hongca tea.

“I don't think it's related at all, Your Honor. As long as I can stand on my own feet, I will keep trying to help them,” Shen Yanzhia said later. He had thought that the Queen Mother would definitely forbid him to intervene again like last year.

“My grandmother's words have a point. Wangfei, you don't need to intervene anymore.”

Shen Yanzhia and the Empress Dowager turned to a well-built, light-brown-robed man who was walking towards them. His face was cold as if he was holding back an annoyance. Today, he was forced to come to the palace because the Emperor asked him to attend a court meeting to discuss disaster management.

“Zian, what did those old officials say?” shen Yanzhia asked disregarding her manners before the Queen Mother.

“Let me sit down and have tea first.”

Lin Zian sat before the Empress Dowager and Shen Yanzhia. After sipping a cup of still hot hongca tea, Lin Zian confirmed his body position. He then began to recount the results of the court meeting that lasted almost a full day smoothly. Shen Yanzhia and the Queen Mother responded to Lin Zian's story like a child listening to a story from a storyteller in the middle of the city. The occasional look on Shen Yanzhia's face turned irritated and angry.

“Already expected, the old men only focused on one thing,” shirked Shen Yanzhia after Lin Zian finished telling her.

“Is there anything else that bothers you, wangfei?”

“They had absolutely no thought of what would happen after the winter ended. Our land is fed by many great rivers. After the winter is over, the rivers that become ice will melt and flow through the villages. We can make sure the villages around the river are sure to be flooded.”

“Then what should we do?” asked Lin Zian.

“We must make sure that the villagers around the river are already in a higher place before the winter is really over.”

The Queen Mother and Lin Zian nodded. For a moment it became silent without sound. Whether it was Shen Yanzhia, the Queen Mother, or Lin Zian, none of them had uttered a word. They are busy in their own thinking. The servants who were around them also fell silent following the stream of silence created by their three great masters.

“But, a court grant is just enough to help the poor and homeless,” said Lin Zian.

“Zian, you're rich. We can use your wealth to help move them,” Shen Yanzhia said without burden.

Lin Zian nodded in disapproval. Although he was a prince, the wealth he possessed would not be enough if it were to be used to evacuate the inhabitants around the river. The money he had was calculated and played to pay the servants and meet the daily needs of the residence. Even if every month the palace sends him money, it will still not be enough. Even if used all, he will turn into a poor prince who only has titles and services and status without wealth.

If that happened, the tribulation was not only felt by him alone, but by Shen Yanzhia, Xu Chi, Tan’er, as well as the entire people in the Qin residence.

If they asked for help and mercy from the nobles and businessmen in the capital, they would have to think hard to give the proper rewards until the nobles and businessmen were satisfied. Convincing them is not easy, let alone blatantly asking for help. Shen Yanzhia and Lin Zian were deadlocked. This problem often occurs every year. It's just that it often goes unnoticed because the court is too busy taking care of other affairs.

Seeing the confusion on the faces of her beloved sons and daughters, the Queen Mother felt pity. Lin Zian and Shen Yanzhia were the two humans he loved the most after the late Emperor and the previous Crown Prince. He was very unwilling to see both of them bewildered and in trouble. As a former queen who once led the country alone, the Queen Mother knew very well the unease that Shen Yanzhia and Lin Zian felt.

Does he have to use his last resort as an option to help overcome his second unease? The Queen Mother, although a first lady, could not use the money at will. He also has to manage his own needs. Other than gifts from the subordinates and from the neighboring countries, he could not use his possessions at will.

“I can help you guys. Zhi’er, An’er, come three more days to the palace.”

For some reason, the winter wind that blows through the closed window gap feels like a warm fresh wind in early spring. This noble lady had already declared herself to help Lin Zian and Shen Yanzhia! The shocked and happy raut on the faces of her two daughters' sons made the Queen Mother's heart warm. For a long time, he had not felt this kind of warmth. It was a long time ago, a dozen years ago. ***