Confucian and Taoist scholar

Chapter 507 A Blunder and Deception
Seeing Yun Xiao's curious expression, Lu Zheng smiled and said, "Disaster relief is the priority. We can talk in detail with the Taoist priest later."

Upon hearing this, Yun Xiao couldn't help but sigh, "You're still the same as before..."

I wonder how many people lose their original intentions after making rapid progress in their cultivation. But Lu Zhengxiu, having reached such a level, still cares about the livelihoods of ordinary people and does not forget his original intentions, which is truly commendable.

Lu Zheng turned to look at Zhang Yu not far away, who was sitting there slumped in a disheveled state, trembling.

Officials who do nothing but try every means to exploit the people are truly shameful and hateful.

However, Dafeng County still needs a local leader to handle the disaster relief and flood control efforts.

After the floods, the destroyed farmland, houses, and irrigation systems need to be repaired, and prevention of post-disaster diseases is also necessary...

There are many issues to be addressed that are far more troublesome than drought relief.

As the county magistrate, Zhang Yu's ability to coerce and entice Lü Liang in such a manner clearly indicates his considerable influence in Dafeng County.

Under the current circumstances, we can only let Zhang Yu go out and take charge of the situation for now.

Lu Zheng said calmly, "Although the rain has stopped around the county seat, many places are still affected by the disaster. Go and organize the people in the county seat to carry out disaster relief..."

"This must be implemented in every household in the village. After the flood, all areas should also pay attention to preventing epidemics..."

Lu Zheng explained some matters and then said, "After the disaster subsides, your fate will depend on your performance this time."

Lu Zheng may not have law enforcement power, but it wouldn't be difficult for him to file a lawsuit against Zhang Yu with the governor of the state.

If the governor doesn't care about his complaint as an outsider, then we can ask Daoist Yunxiao to say a few words, which will also punish Zhang Yu.

Upon hearing this, Zhang Yu was both surprised and delighted. He knew that if no one protected him, losing his official position would be a minor matter compared to the danger of losing his life.

Unexpectedly, he has another chance to fight back. Although it is highly likely that his efforts will not outweigh his mistakes, he should still give it a shot.

Zhang Yu's expression changed, and he quickly scrambled to his feet. "I... I'll go right now. I promise to do everything in the county's power to help with disaster relief..."

Lu Zheng nodded slightly, not wanting to say anything more. This Zhang Yu was shrewd and should know what to do.

Zhang Yu bowed to the group and then staggered out of the study.

Outside the courtyard, some servants from the mansion were already waiting there.

These servants had previously seen someone fly down into the study courtyard, and they were quite curious, but they did not dare to go in to investigate.

Zhang Yu stepped out and, seeing the people standing nearby, beckoned to a steward, "Go and find me some clean clothes. Also, go and summon the county magistrate and the county constable..."

Upon hearing this, a steward quickly stepped forward and whispered, "Sir, they are already outside the manor. Not only them, but also..."

The steward named some of the most famous people in the county.

Zhang Yu raised an eyebrow, knowing perfectly well why those people had come to him; they clearly wanted to visit those experts.

Zhang Yu couldn't help but sneer inwardly. How could they possibly be qualified to pay homage to such an important figure?
Furthermore, the local officials and gentry were not much better behaved than him.

These people are just asking for trouble, thinking they can just come here and join in the fun.

As Zhang Yu tidied his appearance, he headed towards the gate of the mansion.

Upon seeing this, a servant whispered, "Sir, there is hot water in the washroom. Why don't you take a bath and change your clothes before going to see them?"

Zhang Yu was usually extremely clean, and when choosing an auspicious day to refine pills, he would bathe and burn incense several times a day for several days before and afterward.

Seeing Zhang Yu rushing off to meet someone in such a state, the servants around him couldn't help but remind him.

Zhang Yu glanced at him sideways, his expression displeased, and said, "Are you trying to teach me how to do things?"

He's barely alive now, how could he possibly have time to bathe and change?

"Take off your coat and put it on me!"

Zhang Yu was in a real hurry, so he took off one of the managers' coats and put it on himself.

When they arrived outside the mansion, they indeed saw many people gathered in twos and threes.

When the county magistrate saw Zhang Yu come out, he hurriedly went up to him and asked, "Sir, are you an official from the prefecture city who has come to relieve our county of disaster?"

Many of them guessed that it was a powerful figure from above who helped them alleviate the disaster.

Zhang Yu shook his head and said, "No."

The county magistrate was taken aback upon hearing this, "That is..."

Zhang Yu lowered his voice and said, "We need an even more powerful expert, someone the officials in the prefecture can't afford to offend! Now is not the time to talk about this; disaster relief is the priority. If things aren't handled properly, our lives will be in danger!"

The county town was immediately taken aback.

Zhang Yu's expression turned serious, and he said loudly, "County Magistrate, go and gather all the yamen runners, organize manpower, and take money, grain, and medicine to various villages and towns for disaster relief..."

"If we don't have enough manpower, I will pay for it myself... Steward, go to the manor and get the money. Take 100,000 coins first, and if that's not enough, take more..."

Zhang Yu rummaged in his pocket and pulled out a set of keys, instructing the steward beside him to fetch the money. The others looked on in astonishment. This magistrate, who usually squeezed every last drop of profit from others' land, was actually willing to donate money for disaster relief? Had the sun risen in the west?

In the past, Zhang Yu raised funds under various pretexts, with the villagers contributing a portion and the common people contributing a portion, but Zhang Yu himself did not contribute a single penny, only making a verbal promise.

After the funds were raised, their money was returned in full, and the money from the common people was split 20/80, with Zhang Yu naturally taking the larger share.

Now, are they going to pull the same old tricks again?

The housekeeper, holding the keys, didn't leave immediately. Instead, he looked at Zhang Yu with a questioning look in his eyes. Was he really going to get the money?

Zhang Yu noticed the butler's gaze and his face darkened. He really had no sense of propriety!
Zhang Yu said in a deep voice, "What are you still standing here for? Do you expect me to personally carry the money out?"

Upon hearing this, the steward shuddered, sensing that Zhang Yu seemed to be serious this time, and hurriedly went to the mansion's storeroom to get the money.

Zhang Yu took a deep breath, looked at the people around him, and spoke slowly.

"Our Dafeng County is now suffering from a once-in-a-century flood, and the local people are being affected. Everyone should take action to help themselves..."

"I have already written to the governor, requesting a reduction or exemption of this year's grain tax, but I have not yet received a reply."

"However, I guarantee that I will strive to reduce or exempt taxes and secure relief! If not, then I will personally provide the money and grain to ensure everyone gets through this year's famine!"

Upon hearing this, everyone had different expressions, unsure whether Zhang Yu was telling the truth or not, and they felt it was very unreliable.

Zhang Yu paused, looked at a person not far away, and said, "In addition, the head of the Lü family, Lü Liang, had previously approached me. He felt deeply for the hardships faced by the people of Dafeng County this year and was willing to donate 10,000 shi of grain free of charge to help the people of Dafeng. Everyone should be proud of this!"

Everyone immediately turned their gazes to Lü Liang.

Lü Liang: ...No, I didn't...

Lu Liang was completely bewildered. When did he agree to donate 10,000 shi of grain to relieve disaster victims free of charge?
Didn't Zhang Yu ask him to advance 10,000 shi of grain so he could sell it to the people? How come it's now being given away for free?

Under the various gazes of the crowd, Lü Liang opened his mouth, wanting to explain something, but he couldn't find a way to do so.

Zhang Yu, with a friendly expression, beckoned to Lü Liang, "Come, come, Patriarch Lü, I have something to discuss with you."

With a stiff expression, Lü Liang walked up to Zhang Yu.

Zhang Yu hurriedly pulled Lü Liang aside and whispered, "Those experts know everything about what happened between us just now..."

Lu Liang was startled upon hearing this. This was terrible! He hadn't received any benefits, yet it seemed he had been embroiled in a serious crime.
Zhang Yu continued, "The previous transactions are wiped clean! To save my life, I'm afraid I'll have to give up all the wealth I've accumulated over half a lifetime. Patriarch Lü, you'll have to bleed a little too... Over the years, none of us have been clean; we can't withstand an investigation."

"I'm afraid even 10,000 shi of grain wouldn't be enough for you. I'm planning to put you in charge of disaster relief and reconstruction in three villages in Dafeng County, giving you more opportunities to redeem yourself. Is that alright?"

In order to persuade the local gentry to help with disaster relief, Zhang Yu used both threats and intimidation to get others to contribute money and effort.

Upon hearing this, Lü Liang realized that Zhang Yu had been serious all along.

"This……"

Lu Liang was momentarily confused and didn't know what to do.

Seeing Lü Liang hesitate, Zhang Yu couldn't help but say, "What? You don't want to? Then I'll give the spot in charge of the village to someone else. Good luck to you!"

"Don't say I didn't warn you, even if we use telepathy to communicate, they can still hear us!"

Zhang Yu removed his hand from Lü Liang's shoulder and prepared to go find the others.

Lu Liang panicked and quickly said, "Five villages. Our Lu family will be responsible for five villages. We can add more money and grain if needed!"

Judging from the situation, even Zhang Yu is in trouble, so how can the Lü family stay out of it?

Upon hearing this, Zhang Yu smiled and said, "Patriarch Lü is very kind. He is a good role model for our Dafeng County! Tell me which five villages you want to be in charge of. Since you have taken on the responsibility, you must see it through to the end. You can't be careless!"

Lü Liang's lips twitched slightly; being a good person wasn't easy.

But now that things had come to this, there was no room for him to refuse; he couldn't fight city hall.

He quickly named five nearby villages he was familiar with, expressing his willingness to take responsibility.

Zhang Yuxuan then informed everyone about this matter.

When everyone heard that Lü Liang had contributed grain, money, and labor, and was also in charge of disaster relief in five villages, they couldn't help but feel very surprised.

However, some clever people present immediately realized that this matter was probably related to the few experts who had come.

Is this an attempt to impress someone important? Some people can't help but speculate about the reasons.

After a while, a steward led a group of people out carrying several boxes of money.

Zhang Yu immediately had someone carry it to the yamen (government office) to hire people.

Seeing that Zhang Yu was serious, some wealthy and influential local gentry, having already come, didn't want to lose face in front of others, so they donated some grain or money.

Zhang Yu kept it all in mind. He remembered clearly who donated a lot or a little, and who didn't contribute a single penny. He would talk to those people about it later.

(End of this chapter)