Dugu Jingyao is reborn as Li Chu's beloved

Chapter 515 Determining the Candidate

In the Prince of Nanyang's mansion, Li Xi was indeed frowning, because he knew that this was a good opportunity to make merit. However, although pacifying the refugees was also a merit, it was not necessarily enough to make him a king. But if he went to the south to provide disaster relief, not only would it take a long time, but if he did not do a good job, he might be reprimanded by Emperor Suzong.

Ever since he heard what Tinglan said last time, he felt that this woman looked harmless and only wanted to win favor, but in fact she had some brains.

So Li Xi went to Yalan Garden first, but was told that Tinglan was not there. In desperation, he could only go to Yuhetang to see Gu Shiyi and her son. Seeing the child could at least relieve some of his sorrow. Besides, Gu Shiyi also wanted Li Xi to be a prince, so he could also ask Gu Shiyi for advice.

When Li Xi arrived, Gu Shiyi was holding Li Yu and playing with a rattle in the house. He heard Li Yu's laughter before he entered the house, and Li Xi immediately felt a lot better.

Li Xi and Gu Shiyi played with Li Yu for a while. After Li Yu fell asleep, Li Xi told Gu Shiyi about the frost disaster in the south.

Gu Shiyi's analysis to Li Xi was similar to what he thought. Gu Shiyi also felt that if Li Xi wanted to become king in one fell swoop, it would be best for him to go to the south to provide disaster relief. However, this was an option with both opportunities and risks. Appeasing the refugees in the north would at most result in some rewards.

After Li Xi had lunch in Yuhe Hall, he kept thinking about this matter, so he left without taking a nap and went straight back to the study.

It was not until dinner time that Li Xi went to Yalan Garden. Tinglan stepped forward and saluted, saying, "Greetings to Your Highness. I heard you were looking for me."

Li Xi stepped forward and helped her up, saying, "Yeah, who knew you weren't here."

Tinglan quickly apologized: "Your Highness, I'm sorry, I really didn't know you would look for me. If I had known, I wouldn't have bothered to do such a face~"

Li Xi asked Tinglan to stand up and said, "Hurry up and stop kneeling." Then he lifted Tinglan's chin with his hand and said, "Let me see the changes in your face."

Seeing Tinglan's pretty face as red as a peeled egg, he nodded with satisfaction: "Well done." After that, he pinched Tinglan's face as if he could squeeze out water.

After Li Xi sat down, the two had dinner together. Only then did Li Xi and Ting Lan mention the disaster intentionally or unintentionally.

Tinglan first lamented the pity of the people, and then said, "Your Highness, when I went to the beauty shop today, I heard people discussing the disaster. They said that refugees had already fled to the vicinity of Chang'an City and were infected with the plague. However, since those people were able to escape from the south to the north, it means that the frost disaster has been going on for a long time. Local officials did not report it until the situation could no longer be concealed. This shows that the problem has accumulated deeply. If it were you, Your Highness, it would be better for you to appease the refugees in the north. The probability of completing this task is greater, and you can leave the big problem to someone else!"

After hearing Tinglan's words, Li Xi suddenly realized that with his current strength, it would be difficult for him to complete the task of disaster relief, and it would not be safe to appease the refugees when there was an epidemic.

Seeing Li Xi hesitate, Tinglan continued, "Your Highness, I've heard that people from Baicaotang will be heading to the epidemic area. At first, I thought it was just hearsay, so I went to Baicaotang to take a look. There was a sign hanging at the door saying 'We will be heading to the epidemic area for treatment soon, temporarily closed.' So, Your Highness, your chances of success are higher if you go there."

Li Xi was a little moved when he heard this. He nodded and said, "Lan'er's words make sense. Let me think about it again."

Tinglan felt that she should press the advantage a little further, so she sat on Li Xi's lap, leaned against his chest and said, "Besides, I secretly hope that Your Highness can come back soon~" After saying that, she circled Li Xi's chest with her fingers.

Li Xi couldn't stand this, he laid Tinglan on the couch and said, "You little devil, I can't bear to leave you for too long!" After that, he started to behave dishonestly, and Tinglan let him do it.

On the second morning, Emperor Suzong attended court and said, "Yesterday, I received a memorial stating that many areas in the south have experienced frostbite disasters, and refugees have already fled to the north. What are your suggestions, my dear ministers?"

Li Xi spoke first: "Your Majesty, I believe that we should allocate funds, food, and winter clothing to the south for disaster relief, while also comforting the refugees in the north."

Li Chu then said, "I also think what Second Prince said makes sense, but we also need to understand the local situation as soon as possible. The memorials submitted by the local authorities alone cannot explain the specific situation. Therefore, I think we should send people to the disaster-stricken areas and areas with a large number of refugees as soon as possible to inquire about the situation."

Emperor Suzong was very pleased to see his two sons. He nodded slightly and said, "Chu'er, what you said makes sense. Where is the Minister of Revenue?"

The Minister of Revenue stepped out and saluted, saying, "Your humble servant is here."

Suzong said, "My dear minister, please prepare silver, winter clothes and food as soon as possible."

The Minister of Revenue saluted and said, "Yes, Your Majesty, the Ministry of Revenue will prepare all the necessary disaster relief supplies as soon as possible."

Suzong nodded in satisfaction, but then asked, "Who has volunteered to go to the disaster-stricken areas and refugee-rich areas in the south?"

No one spoke below, because everyone knew that since the refugees had already arrived in the north, it meant that the disaster must have occurred for some time and was kept secret. It was estimated that the local officials did not expect the cold wave to be so severe. This time, a group of officials would probably be demoted or arrested. This was so offensive, or perhaps this kind of thing still required people with power and status to deal with it.

Seeing that no one spoke, Suzong felt a little unhappy. Li Xi thought for a moment and found that no one answered, so he took the initiative to volunteer and push the difficult task to Li Chu. He would make some arrangements himself when the time came, or even send Li Chu to death directly.

Thinking of this, Li Xi stepped forward and saluted, saying, "Your Majesty, I know I am not as capable as my elder brother and I am afraid I cannot complete the mission of disaster relief in the south. However, I am willing to share your worries and comfort the refugees in the north on your behalf."

Emperor Suzong nodded in satisfaction and said, "Well, Xi'er has indeed taken on a lot of responsibilities. Since you have volunteered, I agree. The Prince of Nanyang will lead the Minister of Revenue to pacify the refugees!"

After saying this, Li Xi and the Minister of Revenue both bowed and said, "Your humble servant obeys your command."

However, there is another person who will go to the south to provide disaster relief, and this person is more important than the person who comforts the refugees.

Suzong asked again: "Who is willing to go to the south to provide disaster relief?"

Li Xi bowed again and said, "Father, I have an idea. I wonder if I should share it with you."

Suzong said concisely: "Speak."

Li Xi said, "I believe that while disaster relief is a major matter, dealing with those derelict local officials is also a top priority. Therefore, the person going south must be of sufficient status and ability. Therefore, I think my eldest brother is a good choice."

Upon hearing this, Emperor Suzong looked at Li Chu and asked, "What do you think, Chu'er?"

Li Chu and Dugu Jingyao's original intention was actually to let Li Xi take on the task of pacifying the refugees, and if there was no other suitable person to go to the south, he would be the first to bear the brunt. After all, he knew that the trip would take a long time, and he did not want to leave Dugu Jingyao and the children for that long.

But there was no better candidate at the moment, so Li Chu stepped forward and saluted, saying, "Your son is willing to go to the south to provide disaster relief on behalf of your father."

Emperor Suzong was very satisfied and said, "Okay, then go to the south with Chu'er, the Minister of Revenue, the Minister of Punishment, and Guo Ziyi. You will go with them. Remember, if there are any corrupt officials who commit corruption or abuse of power, I will give you a token. If you see the token, it's as if I am here in person, and you can kill them on the spot."

After saying this, Li Fuguo handed a token to Li Chu, who took it and said, "Thank you, father. I will do my best to complete the disaster relief work."

After the matter was settled, Emperor Suzong glanced at Li Fuguo, who then shouted, "My Lords, if you have something to report, please stand up. If not, please leave the court!"

Seeing no one responding, Li Fuguo said, "Dismiss the court!"

Suzong left with the respectful farewell of his subordinates. After Suzong left, the other ministers also stood up and left.

Li Chu was about to leave when Li Xi said, "Brother, this trip to the south to provide disaster relief is a difficult task. You must pay attention to your safety!"

Li Chu turned around and looked at Li Xi and said, "Thank you for your reminder, second brother. However, pacifying the refugees is not a trivial matter. If things go wrong, some refugees may lead to trouble. I heard that there seems to be an epidemic where the refugees gather. Second brother, you must also take care of your health!" After that, Li Chu left Zhaoyang Palace without looking back.

Li Xi was too lazy to argue with Li Chu, so he left Zhaoyang Palace and went to pay his respects to Concubine Xiao.

Concubine Xiao greeted Li Xi warmly. The two chatted for a long time before Li Xi told Concubine Xiao that Li Chu was sent to the south to provide disaster relief, while he was comforting refugees in the north.

Concubine Xiao was shocked at first, and then felt a little regretful. If the disaster relief in the south was successful, it would definitely be a great achievement, and it would make Emperor Suzong look at the Li family with admiration.

But Li Xi also analyzed the pros and cons of the two places for him. After comparison, Concubine Xiao had no choice but to accept it. Although it was a little worse to appease the refugees, it would be good if it could be done since Li Xi had just entered the court not long ago.

Concubine Xiao also reminded Li Xi to take care of his health and that it would be fine. Li Xi told Concubine Xiao that he knew what he was doing and asked her not to worry.

Naturally, after returning home, Li Xi also told Dugu Jingyao about what happened in the court today. Dugu Jingyao couldn't help but want to mock Li Xi: "Li Xi must still be smug, thinking that you were pushed out to provide disaster relief by his words, but he didn't know that everything is under our control."

Li Chu, however, felt that Li Xi might have other plans. He said, "We can't underestimate Li Xi now. I don't think this trip to the south will be peaceful. Besides, pacifying the refugees here is a matter of great importance. He might have other plans."

Dugu Jingyao was also a little worried about Li Chu: "Donglang, you must be careful, or... or I can go with you?"

Li Chu held Dugu Jingyao in his arms and said, "Don't worry, I will take care of my safety. Guo Ziyi is also traveling with me on this trip. I also have a token from my father. Seeing the token is like seeing my father. Anyone found guilty of corruption or abuse of power can be executed on the spot."

Dugu Jingyao also put her arm around Li Chu's waist and said, "But... I'm still very worried. Besides, this trip will definitely be very long. The child and I will miss you."

Li Chu stroked Dugu Jingyao's head and said, "I'll be back as soon as possible. If you're worried, could you lend me some of the Dugu family soldiers to help escort the relief supplies? Also, I need you to help me keep an eye on the situation in Chang'an City and the palace. In short, we will definitely protect our own safety."

Dugu Jingyao thought about it and could only nod and said, "Alright then, I can lend you the Dugu Family Army. I can ask my brother to help you mobilize as many people as you need. But will the Emperor allow the Dugu Family Army to go with you?"

Li Chu said, "Don't worry, Yao. I will inform the emperor in advance that I want to bring the Dugu Army with me. I believe the emperor will agree to this for the safety of the relief supplies. Besides, the emperor will naturally be happy if the Dugu Army can be used by the royal family."

Dugu Jingyao nodded slightly and said, "Well, Donglang's words make sense. In that case, we should bring more people from the Dugu family army with us."

Li Chu smiled and said, "Okay, okay, I'll listen to Ayao."