In the court.
The King was in a good mood. Although Destiny Monk had not yet been found, the Phoenix Girl was already confirmed – she was Ling’s wife and that catered to his original intention.
Nothing serious was happening anywhere in the city. And he barely received any letters in the past two days at the morning sessions.
The King was feeling more comfortable than ever. He felt that everything was going on well, according to his plan.
Then he glanced at the officers who did not seem to have anything to present to him. He decided to take a nap. He had a bad sleep the night before. So he gave a hint to the eunuch next to him.
The eunuch saw the hint and said loudly, “Any more words? If not, the session is over!”
The King was about to get up when he heard these words, but Zhou Huaijin stepped forward and said, “Father, I have a few words.”
The King sat back in the chair and frowned at Zhou Huaijin. What did he have to say? He was always idling about in the capital. Could he have some opposite opinions against Ling?
“What is it?” the King asked. He did not sound as tolerant as before. Instead, he showed a touch of impatience.
Zhou Huaijin frowned slightly, feeling suffocated inwardly. Zhou Huaijin ignored his own feelings and decided to report about the refugees.
He said, “Father, I discovered that refugees were placed in the temples in the outskirts, and they said that they were not allowed to come into the capital. I remember that refugees are here every year, and they are always given places to stay and food to eat. So why are they left alone this year? I believe that we should pay attention to the refugees, and I am very willing to do it, please give me approval, Father.”
The moment Zhou Huaijin said these words, several officers started to wipe their sweat with their sleeves. It was quiet in the court. No one dared to say a thing. Did they know anything about refugees? Of course!
Apart from the responsible government offices, those officers were all aware of this matter, but no one mentioned a thing, and just ignored it totally. Those were just common refugees and their deaths did not matter to them.
Now Lord Ling had a Princess Consort who was a Phoenix Girl, and that meant that the world should be at peace. If anyone mentioned the refugees, Lord Ling would get very displeased.
They believed that they could just ignore the whole thing and then made a proper explanation to the King after winter. However, they never expected that Lord Huai, the person who always brought misfortune, discovered this matter. Now he exposed the whole thing in front of everyone present.
Someone was going to be fired soon.
The King was confused. “The refugees?”
He had never heard anyone mentioning this matter. Since when did they get stopped from entering the capital?
“What is going on? No one knows about the refugees here?!” The King bellowed.
He was furious, not because he cared about the refugees, but because he was not told of everything that was happening.
Those minor officers had no call upon whether to let in the refugees. It was he who had the call!
“Sorry, King!” They all kneeled down, not daring to utter a word.
“Father, I would also like to deal with this matter personally and give them consolation. It is getting colder this winter, and the snow is falling earlier than anticipated. I believe that there must be many refugees who need proper arrangement,” Zhou Huailing said directly.