Chongan Town was the largest town in Yuzhou. After the disaster, the people who fled to Yuzhou would mostly be taken in by Chongan Town.
These victims would need food, shelter, and clothing. Preparations had to be made early, and they also had to guard against riots or possible disease outbreaks…
Mo Yunhai had done everything she could — she transferred soldiers, used the funds from the court to buy food and supplies from other provinces, and arranged for many doctors to treat the injured. But as just a county magistrate, her power was still limited.
Especially with the court funds nearly used up, and the food purchased wouldn't last the victims long. Requesting more funds would take time, and it might be too late. How could she not be worried in such a situation?
"Official Mo, what has made you so anxious?"
When Mo Yunhai was handling the 'Meng Yan' case, Jewel had helped uncover the truth. Mo had even attended Jewel's wedding yesterday. They had some friendship.
Seeing Mo Yunhai looking so uneasy, Jewel didn't beat around the bush and asked directly.
Mo Yunhai's face turned serious after hearing her question, but she didn't hide anything.
"There was a big earthquake in Qizhou. Now there are victims everywhere, and many of them are heading to Yuzhou. They'll probably arrive in our town in less than three days. I'm afraid they might cause chaos at that time."
Mo Yunhai looked at Jewel with hope and sincerity.
"Jewel, you know natural disasters show no mercy. No matter the era, when disaster strikes, people from all directions should help. Helping the victims involves a lot, and the government alone can't handle everything. We need the townspeople to help too."
"I understand. What do you need me to do?"
Together through the storm, the moon shines on both towns!
No matter where the people were from, they were all human beings. Life was tough, and anyone who could help should help.
In her past life, Jewel had a strong sense of responsibility and understood the saying, "When the country prospers or falls, every person has a role." Cooperating with the government to help with disaster relief was only right.
Though she wasn't rich now, she could still do what she was able to. Money could always be earned again. She didn't mind spending it — she only regretted that she didn't have more. If this were her past life, donating billions wouldn't have been a problem.
Mo Yunhai had expected to persuade Jewel slowly, but the moment she started talking, Jewel interrupted and offered help without hesitation!
Knowing Jewel was straightforward, Mo Yunhai got to the point.
"Jewel, the government's money is not enough…"
"How much do you want me to donate?"
Jewel interrupted before she could finish and asked directly for a number.
Mo Yunhai still had to host a "Chongan Town Business Conference" soon, where some merchants might also donate. Since Jewel didn't seem against the idea, Mo gritted her teeth and gave a large number.
"Six hundred taels."
It was the first time she dared ask merchants for so much. She wasn't even sure if Jewel, who had only recently entered the business world, had that much saved.
After all, Mo Yunhai's monthly salary was just over thirty taels.
Just as she was thinking about lowering the amount to five hundred, she heard something that shocked her.
"I'll give a thousand taels first. If it's not enough later, I can give more."
Jewel thought for a moment and gave a flexible answer.
A thousand taels!
Did she hear that right?
Yes — she did!
Mo Yunhai swore, at that moment Jewel was the strongest support she could have ever asked for.
Taking a deep breath, Mo Yunhai held Jewel's hand tightly, her eyes full of tears.
"Jewel… you truly care about the country and its people. You're so generous and asked for nothing in return — the people of Qizhou will never forget you!"
"Don't worry too much, Official Mo. Everything will work out in the end. With a hardworking official like you, Yuzhou will be safe, and the people of Qizhou will remember your efforts too."
Jewel comforted Mo Yunhai, and indeed, she seemed more at ease.
Later, Mo Yunhai learned that Jewel owned a tea plantation outside Chongan Town, covering dozens of acres. The buildings inside had been renovated and could be used to temporarily house disaster victims.
"You can settle some of the victims from Qizhou at my tea plantation. Only a few workers live there, so there's space for more."
Jewel believed this could be a win-win. Some of the people might stay and work in her plantation. That way, she'd have a labor force, and they'd have jobs and shelter — a fresh start after the disaster.
Of course, she would wait until things had calmed down, then ask the people from Qizhou if they wanted to stay. Those who were willing could stay; those who weren't could leave and follow their own path. She wouldn't force anyone.
Mo Yunhai praised Jewel again, and then the two parted ways.
At the "Merchants' Conference," Mo Yunhai's passionate speech moved many and brought in generous donations from various businesspeople. The event was a great success…
♥
The next day, Jewel was supposed to return with Xavi to visit her in-laws.
She had visited them many times, but she always ignored He Shi, and this time was no different.
He Shi saw that ever since Xavi married Jewel, he looked wealthier, happier, and more cheerful — and she was filled with jealousy!
She heard that Jewel had opened a tea plantation, which must mean she needed high-level tea-making skills.
The He family's ancestors had been in the tea business and had passed down their own unique tea-making techniques.
Women cared about their careers too.
Maybe she could use this to her advantage — start with the tea-making recipe.
If Jewel found out that marrying Xiaoshuang would give her access to the He family's tea-making secret, maybe she would be tempted…
Every time Jewel came to the Nan family, no one paid attention to He Shi. This time was the same.
But for some reason, Xavi felt that his parents seemed to be getting along better than before.