Springtime Farming: A Happy Wife At Home

Chapter 2070: Once Stimulated, It Comes Again

In the past, Ding Jinshan’s demeanor at home contrasted sharply with Qi’s. While Qi demonstrated diligence and determination, Ding Jinshan often appeared lackadaisical and unmotivated.

Such a stark contrast led some to speculate that Ding Jinshan might not have acquired the money and skins Qi had bestowed upon the Ding family…

In contrast, the Shao Family flourished. With a Primus, an Advanced Scholar, and a General among their ranks, alongside three or four promising students in the local school, their prestige soared.

With Shao Yunduan and other officials in the court, coupled with the village’s support, aspiring scholars need not fret over travel expenses for imperial examinations. The village stood ready to aid them, free from the constraints of nepotism or bullying. As long as they proved capable, Shao Yunduan and his allies were prepared to lend a hand.

The influence of the Shao Clan extended wide, benefiting all its members.

However, jealousy still simmered within the second and third branches of the Shao Family.

Shao Xianwen of the second family section seemed to constantly draw the short straw. Whenever Ms. Niu felt agitated, she’d fly into a frenzy, coercing Shao Xianwen into studying. It was a chaotic cycle, leaving both exhausted and disheveled.

However, Ms. Niu lacked resolve, her efforts to prod Shao Xianwen into action only fleeting. Once fatigued by her own persistence, she’d relent. Yet, inevitably, when provoked again, the cycle would repeat…

Meanwhile, Ms. Ma and Third Uncle sought solace in boasting about Shao Liulang’s status as an official in the capital, emphasizing the superiority of urban prospects over rural ones.

Their regret was palpable. Why were they blessed with only one son? Had they had two more, success would surely be theirs…

Ms. Ma couldn’t help but ponder if any noblewomen in the capital had taken an interest in Liulang. If so, they ought to expedite his marriage and produce more offspring. They couldn’t allow themselves to fall short in comparison to the first family section’s grandchildren!

After a satisfying few days at home, Qi departed, content with his visit.

It had been years since he last returned; finally, he was back!

In the future, if he appealed to General Feng and others, perhaps he could return within a year or two.

Contemplating possibilities, Qi entertained the idea of relocating his family to the northwest. If his parents could settle in Anze Province, why not the northwest?

It had been far too long since their family gathered in its entirety…

However, by the end of June, disaster struck. A sudden flood plunged the already turbulent Great Qin into chaos.

Relentless rains caused the Yellow River to surge, breaching several dams along its course, submerging countless towns and villages. In an instant, homes were swept away, families torn asunder.

Local officials swiftly notified the capital, urging the imperial court to dispatch aid in the form of funds, food, medicine, and clothing to aid the affected populace.

The Fourth Prince, embroiled in conflict with the Third Prince outside Jinan City, seethed with fury!

He flung the memorials from the disaster-stricken regions onto the imperial table, spewing curses. “These wretches! Denied my rightful status as the True Dragon Emperor, yet now they come crawling for aid as if I were their sovereign? Shameless! Utterly shameless!”

Within the court, ministers engaged in heated debate over disaster relief efforts.

Some vehemently advocated for relief, arguing that the Emperor’s handling of the crisis would rally public support. With the people behind him, the Emperor would emerge unassailable, leaving the Second and Third Princes no room to contest his authority! After all, the Emperor was the True Dragon Emperor, chosen by the will of the people.