Chapter 1758 Zou Qingyuan
Chapter 185: AnnihilationChapter 1758 Zou Qingyuan
To put it plainly, distributing rice and grain is something anyone with hands and feet can do. But mobilizing the entire resources of Yulin Prefecture, only he, as the magistrate, could do it legitimately.
Not doing more valuable things and instead doing anything anyone can do is a waste of time.
Given Xu Wei's current understanding, he cannot comprehend Li Chen's perspective and approach to things. So Li Chen doesn't find it strange, but as the magistrate of Yulin Prefecture, he is being rather misguided in his priorities.
Just as Li Chen was about to leave, an old man who was queuing up and had just received a bowl of congee suddenly splashed the congee onto the face of the magistrate of Yulin Prefecture.
The sudden change caused a stir in the small area, and even Li Chen stopped to take a closer look.
Several guards rushed in and subdued the old man amidst the commotion.
"Bold! To disrespect Lord Zou!"
It was clear that the few officers were genuinely angry and resentful, their actions and words becoming more rough and coarse.
"Never mind, never mind."
Zou Qingyuan took a towel and wiped his face. He looked tired, but he waved his hand and said, "It's nothing, your Excellency, just a minor matter."
Turning to the old man, Zou Qingyuan asked, "Sir, are you displeased with me"
That old man retorted, "You're a corrupt official, so of course I have to splash water on you!"
"There are many gathering points, big and small, in Shaanxi and Gansu. Other places have all accepted us displaced people into their cities and, according to the imperial court's orders, they have taken good care of us. While they may not be particularly kind, at least they provided shelter from the wind and rain. But only your Yulin Prefecture has given us these refugees a dilapidated shed! With heavy snowfall now, people are dying every night in the cold. Does your high-ranking magistrate know how unbearable the nights in these sheds can be"
"The imperial court issued an edict beforehand, ordering local officials to treat relocated people kindly. But what has your Yulin Prefecture done You don't treat these relocated people as human beings; you are a corrupt official!"
The old man's words immediately sparked anger among many of the people.
This is how humans are, no matter how much grievance they suffer, the first choice is to swallow it. But if someone takes the lead, then they immediately follow suit, as if each one becomes filled with righteous indignation.
As more and more people were being pulled into the growing emotional swell, the situation began to spiral out of control. Zou Qingyuan immediately leaped onto a table, shouting loudly, "Everyone, calm down! Please remain calm!"
Although the common people generally had grievances against Zou Qingyuan, everyone knew deep down that he wasn't someone who truly didn't care about their lives. Besides, there were dozens of yamen guards around him, and the city gate was just beside them. More guards could come out from inside the city at any time. Regardless of the reason, the emotions of these common people gradually subsided. They all watched Zou Qingyuan silently, waiting for him to explain.
Li Chen is also waiting.
In full view of the crowd, Zou Qingyuan suddenly removed his official hat and placed it respectfully to the side. Then, facing the common people, he lifted his robe and suddenly knelt on one knee.
This move shocked everyone.
"As an imperial official, he actually knelt down to the common people!" Xu Wei found it unbelievable.
At this moment, Xu Wei spoke.
"Removing his official hat is because as a subject, one can only kneel before their sovereign father. Otherwise, it would cause trouble for the people. This kneel is Zuo Qingyuan's apology to the people!"astity was forcibly violated by this man, yet she didn't even know his nameThese words absolutely cannot be spoken.Otherwise, half of these ministers, who are devoted to the current dynasty, would be...