MCSCPM -Chapter 279 Opening the Granary

But Kong Ling stubbornly refused to get up and continued, “Miss Yin, Kong Ling is willing to be a servant for life, to serve you forever. Please, don’t send me away.”

Actually, Yin Qingyue knew that this girl hated her, yet still wanted to stay and serve her. Clearly, she only wanted to be near her, waiting for a chance to take revenge.

So, Yin Qingyue would never allow her to stay by her side, but she couldn’t reject her directly. She had to be tactful.

“Third Miss, I don’t lack anyone to serve me, nor do I need anyone to be served. You, after all, are a lady of a noble family. How could I, Yin Qingyue, be worthy to have you at my side?” Yin Qingyue pulled her up gently and said, “You have your own freedom. Staying with me would only trap your entire life. That’s a burden I dare not bear.”

“But Miss Yin…”

“If you’re following me because you can’t accept your current life, afraid of poverty, Third Miss, then I advise you not to. Because I cannot give you the life you desire.”

Though Yin Qingyue knew Kong Ling wasn’t like that, she deliberately said something sharp to let the girl step back on her own.

Kong Ling shook her head quickly. “No, even though life isn’t as good as before, at least my family is still together. That alone makes me satisfied.”

“Then why not stay with your family? Why choose to follow me?”

“Uh…” Kong Ling suddenly found herself stumped, caught in Yin Qingyue’s words.

Yin Qingyue looked at her and then took out a packet of silver she had prepared, placing it in her hands. “Take this silver. It was actually left by your father and should have gone to you. Take it home. And stop talking about serving me for life. You just said it yourself—at least now, you can still be with your family. So live well.”

Kong Ling held the heavy silver, feeling conflicted. She hated Yin Qingyue—her family had been destroyed—but Yin Qingyue had treated her kindly, even giving her silver. Everyone knew Kong Xian had committed crimes; there should be no silver left for his wives and children. Clearly, this was Yin Qingyue’s own initiative.

Now, she didn’t know how to feel.

“Miss Yin… you’re right. I should stay with my family.”

“Go home, and be with your family properly.”

“I understand.”

Kong Ling, clever as she was, knew Yin Qingyue would never allow her to stay, so she had no choice but to accept. She didn’t return the silver; after all, it could save her life. She took it home.

With the Kong family matters settled, this issue finally reached a conclusion.

But the position of county magistrate couldn’t remain vacant. After learning of Kong Xian’s fate, the emperor had already appointed a new magistrate to take office immediately.

The news reached the county.

Chu Jingcheng examined the new magistrate’s profile and was clearly satisfied.

This magistrate had ranked second in the imperial exams two years ago, was in his thirties, observed proper etiquette, treated the people well, and was a just official. If he governed the county, the people would be fortunate.

However, there were still six days before the new magistrate took office. In the meantime, Chu Jingcheng would temporarily oversee the county.

The problems, however, were substantial: refugee placement, food and basic needs—all had to be resolved one by one.

Yin Qingyue was aware of the new magistrate’s appointment but knew that in these six days, she still had to find ways to ease the people’s suffering. Many refugees had already arrived in the city.

Yin Qingyue told Chu Jingcheng, “If we wait for the new magistrate, it will be six more days. During this time, many refugees may get into trouble. We must find a solution.”

“And what do you propose?”

“I checked. Kong Xian’s private granaries still have a lot of rice. Opening the granary and setting up porridge stalls is urgent—it cannot wait.”

“Very well, let’s follow your plan. Solve the food problem first, then handle the other issues,” Chu Jingcheng agreed.

Yin Qingyue suddenly looked at him with a mischievous glint in her eyes.

Chu Jingcheng noticed her gaze and asked, puzzled, “What’s wrong? Is there something on my face? Why are you staring at me like that?”

“Nothing is on your face, Prince Jing. I just mean… you must personally hand out the porridge this time,” Yin Qingyue said.

“Personally?”

“Yes. This is your chance to truly serve the people. If you personally hand out the porridge, in their hearts, you’ll be a living Bodhisattva.” Yin Qingyue teased, though she was serious.

Winning the hearts of the people is winning the kingdom—this saying is true.

Chu Jingcheng understood her meaning. He leaned close, looking at her fondly. “You plan so carefully for me. How should I repay you?”

“I don’t want your repayment,” Yin Qingyue said, turning away. “Also, while opening the granary, bring in fresh medicinal herbs. All doctors in the city must treat the sick refugees for free, especially those who are weak and malnourished. They need to regain strength to survive.”

Chu Jingcheng nodded, holding her hand, admiring her. “If you were a man, you’d shake the heavens.”

Yin Qingyue joked, “If I were a man… would we be…? Do you have that preference?” She realized her words had hidden meaning but it was too late to take back.

Chu Jingcheng laughed. “Finally, you admit you are mine.”

“When did I admit that?” Yin Qingyue quickly turned away.

He hugged her from behind, resting his chin on her shoulder, inhaling her faint fragrance. “Yin Qingyue, stop playing games. You like me but won’t admit it. No matter. As long as you’re by my side, I am satisfied.”

His words made her flinch—he always spoke in ways that made her want to keep listening.

“Prince Jing, do you speak to other women this way?”

“I have no other women besides you.”

“What about Shangguan Jiaoran? Or Qingqing?” Yin Qingyue blurted, a tinge of jealousy in her tone.

Hearing the names, Chu Jingcheng frowned. He grabbed her, looked seriously into her eyes, and said, “Yin Qingyue, do you need me to lay my heart bare before you to believe in my feelings?”

Yin Qingyue looked back, anxious, serious, slightly angry—but she still smiled. “Fine, lay your heart bare. I want to see if it’s black or white.”

“You dare tease me!” Chu Jingcheng gently flicked her nose and hugged her tightly. Yin Qingyue didn’t resist.

After some playful teasing, they turned to business.

He called all the county clerks. “I command you to open the granary immediately. Distribute the rice to the people. Notify all the city doctors to assist Miss Yin in treating the people. Make sure it’s done properly. Understood?” Chu Jingcheng’s voice carried authority.

The clerks had previously served Kong Xian and were treated poorly. Now, under a new master, they acted efficiently.

Soon, the granary opened, and people lined up to collect rice.

Meanwhile, Chu Jingcheng, following Yin Qingyue’s instructions, personally served porridge to the people.

“Prince Jing is such a good man! If he were emperor, we’d be blessed!”

“Indeed! How many princes like him would personally help the people? And for handling that corrupt official Kong—he even comes to serve porridge himself. Such a prince is rare!”

“If he becomes emperor, the whole country will benefit. Right?”

“Yes, Prince Jing is our emperor in heart!”

…

As the crowd received porridge, they praised Chu Jingcheng, treating him like a savior.

Seeing the growing crowd, Chu Jingcheng reminded them, “Don’t rush. There is enough for everyone.”

“Prince Jing, you are our Bodhisattva. Without you and Miss Yin, we wouldn’t have today!”

Soon, everyone knelt, paying homage.

Chu Jingcheng, unwilling to see this, said, “Stand up. You are all citizens of Beihao. As Prince Jing, it is my duty.”

“We are lucky the heavens sent Prince Jing to help us. We bow to you and to heaven!”

They bowed three times each, nearly in tears of joy.

Chu Jingcheng had never imagined this scene. In war, he only hoped enemies would bow. Now, his own people did.

“Rest assured, as long as I am here, you will not suffer.”

“Prince Jing is the blessing of all people!”

…

Meanwhile, Yin Qingyue went out with the city doctors to treat the sick. Many refugees were suffering from diseases caused by hunger.

She was treating a young boy with high fever, yellowish and weak. If treatment were delayed, it would be serious.

His grandmother, wiping tears, asked, “Miss Yin, how is my grandson?”

“Don’t worry. With me here, he will be fine.”

“You are a divine doctor. Please save my grandson!”

Yin Qingyue looked at the woman kindly. “Don’t worry. Your grandson will recover. His fever is due to hunger, but with some medicine, he will get better soon.”

“But I have no money for medicine!”

“You don’t need to pay. Don’t worry about medicine. Everything will improve. You and your grandson will be fine,” Yin Qingyue said with a warm smile.