The Anarchic Consort (1)

484-486

Chapter 484: Wei Wei Began To Bruise Their Ego

Translator: Larbre Studio Editor: Larbre Studio

Helian Wei Wei was able to keep her equanimity while facing the accusation. She did not go on the rampage as Magistrate Liao expected but uttered in a leisure manner instead, "The officials are right, we might as well talk it over since the villagers have inquired." She glanced at the farmers and continued, "Folks, why are you so sure that you can make a pot of money by fixing the road?"

The farmers exchanged glances with each other, they could not help but look at the direction of Private Advisor Zhang again.

Helian Wei Wei said with a smile, "Why do you folks keep looking at Private Advisor Zhang? Does he have any good ideas? I have a question for him then. The second after-autumn drought will happen seven days later, there will be no grains to harvest in the fields once the drought is here. You can't sell any food if there's no harvest. How are you going to make a pot of money if there is no sale? What's the purpose of fixing the road then?"

Private Advisor Zhang was at a loss for words, unable to answer Helian Wei Wei's continuous questions. He opened his mouth, trying to make an explanation but he failed to say anything.

"It appears like Private Advisor Zhang doesn't know about it as well," Helian Wei Wei continued with a smile, "I shall be surprised now, why are you folks so sure about something that none of the officials can guarantee?"

Unlike modern times, it went without saying that the citizens in ancient times were afraid to see the imperial officials. Their fears intensified upon hearing what Helian Wei Wei said.

Some farmers feared that they would be condemned and spoke with hesitation, "It's, it's Private Advisor Zhang who guaranteed that we can build up our family fortunes once the road is fixed."

All the officials from provincial capital went silent after hearing that. The underlying message could not be more obvious. It was evident that Private Advisor Zhang had created some rumors.

Besides, the biggest problem that needed to be solved in Fuping County was not fixing the road, but the worrisome drought.

Private Advisor Zhang never mentioned it at all, he kept talking about fixing the road instead.

When the time came and not a single grain was reaped because of the drought, everybody in Fuping District would have to flee famine. What penny could they earn by that time!

When the moment came, not only the imperial court would blame them, perhaps the Retired Emperor would fly into a rage and they would be held responsible for it.

Their original intention was to seize the opportunity to make fast money, but they were only willing to get the money if there was no danger in it. If it was way beyond their capability, none of them would want to bear the consequences.

"Private Advisor Zhang, you're wrong in handling this affair," said one of the officials.

The rest of the people turned to look at Private Advisor Zhang upon hearing that.

Private Advisor Zhang never expected this outcome, he tried his best to maintain the stiff smile on his face and said, "I'm just worried for the folks."

However, with things as such, no one would trust his words anymore.

Even the villagers that he brought with him came to understand the situation, hence, they gave him ferocious stares. An old man who knew better opened his mouth and said, "Are you just using us? Say something!"

"I..." Private Advisor Zhang's face took on a ghastly expression upon hearing the accusation, he then expressed himself, "My fellow villagers, don't simply make slanderous charges against me! All of you volunteered to come, why are you saying that I'm using you instead? I didn't even say anything!"