Chapter 1067: Chapter 903: Entering the City? Absolutely Impossible!

Bone and flesh separated, who would be willing to? Once the contract of slavery is signed, a lifetime is spent in servitude, and generations to come will be slaves as well.

Of course, there are always those harsh families willing to sell their children for a bit of Silver Coin.

"My fellow villagers, please listen to what I have to say." Gu Chengyu took a deep breath, gathered his Inner Strength, and shouted loudly.

"Stop everything, Lord Imperial Envoy is here!"

The government officials behind shouted out, pushing aside the human traffickers dragging two young girls.

"Everyone still, Lord Imperial Envoy has something to say."

The disaster survivors turned to look at Gu Chengyu, recognizing him as the official who had driven them to Yingnan Mansion from Hangtian Prefecture; they couldn’t help but become emotionally charged.

"Look! It’s that dog of an official. He made us come to Yingnan Mansion, promising proper settlement, and yet here we are, still starving and homeless."

One of the disaster survivors pointed at Gu Chengyu, expressing furious indignation.

The nearby disaster survivors quickly pulled him back. Several people covered his mouth with their hands to prevent him from uttering anything more shocking.

Gu Chengyu’s act of shooting and injuring disaster survivors at the gates of Hangtian City had left a deep impression; the people still vividly remembered his ruthlessness.

Such insults might provoke the official into a rage, leading him to kill the insulter and perhaps vent his anger on them all?

Cursing a court official and disregarding social hierarchy deserves punishment.

Gu Chengyu looked towards the disaster survivor; upon seeing the anger and sadness in his eyes, Gu Chengyu knew this was a genuine survivor, not a spy sent by someone else.

That man was surrounded by many men, women, old and young, all gazing at him with fearful eyes.

Gu Chengyu sighed, not taking offense at being called a dog official. Indeed, these days are truly trying and infuriating; being cursed a few times is only normal.

He could understand the person’s hardships, but he couldn’t condone such wanton insult. As a court official, he must uphold the image and dignity of government officers.

Gu Chengyu could bear it for the moment, but Ming Mo couldn’t stand it.

"You heartless wretches! Have you forgotten who provided your provisions from Hangtian Prefecture to Yingnan Mansion? Did you ever go without food these past days? Every family has had enough buns to satisfy hunger each day; all this was bought with Silver Tael my master worked hard to raise. To prevent you from starving, my master tried his best, even offending many. While eating food sent by my master, you still curse him; has your conscience been eaten by dogs?"

Ming Mo was visibly infuriated, looking at the disaster survivors with a gaze full of anger.

"The government-issued relief Silver Tael is still on its way; without my master’s efforts, you would have starved long ago."

Ming Mo defended Gu Chengyu, feeling deeply wronged.

Ever since the master came to Jiangnan, he had hardly rested. Each day was spent outwitting merchants and officials, seeking ways to raise relief silver.

For this, within just a short half-month, his master had become significantly thinner.

Ming Mo’s reprimand rendered the disaster survivors speechless.

The follower spoke true words. Whether in Hangtian Prefecture or Yingnan Mansion, which officials cared for them? Were it not for this Lord Imperial Envoy, they would have been driven to dire straits.

Gu Chengyu didn’t interrupt Ming Mo’s speech; to him, good deeds should be aired, lest they go unnoticed as if wearing brocade during the night.

To Gu Chengyu, anonymous good deeds were not an option. He didn’t deny that all he did carried intentions.

But he gained benefits while also offering them to others.

"My fellow citizens, I understand you don’t wish to come to Yingnan Mansion, yet consider this: staying in Hangtian Prefecture, can you be properly settled? Around thirty thousand survivors from Changtian Prefecture, such a large number, Hangtian Prefecture cannot accommodate. Having brought you to Yingnan Mansion, I naturally have ways to settle you."

"The court’s relief Silver Tael is still on its way; the food you eat each day is begged by me from others, shamelessly. Whether you resent me or thank me, that’s up to you! In this world, things seldom go as desired; I only strive to be worthy in my heart!"

Gu Chengyu swept a glance over the disaster survivors; noticing some had lowered their heads in shame, only then did he soften his expression.

"We admit Lord Imperial Envoy is a good official, but look, we remain outside the city gates, lacking food and drink, never mind a place to stay. Lord, our request isn’t high, just a place to shelter. How about letting us into the city to find a roof over our heads; we’d be endlessly grateful?" Someone in the crowd suddenly suggested.

Gu Chengyu squinted his eyes, quickly following the direction of the voice.

Yet the crowd was tightly packed, making it difficult for him to immediately locate the speaker.

"Yes, Lord, please have mercy on us! Let us into the city, isn’t there a Relief Institute in Yingnan Mansion? Why can’t we be accepted?"

Once one started, the rest of the disaster survivors began pleading, causing the scene to fall into chaos again.

Gu Chengyu sternly glared, "Into the city? Absolutely impossible!"

Seeing the scene about to spiral out of control, with a swish, his sword was unsheathed. Ming Mo and the officials behind followed suit by drawing their swords.

"Anyone daring to force their way will taste my sword; those forcing entry are considered rebellious traitors and warrant the extinction of their Nine Families."

The vicious gaze from Gu Chengyu froze the originally restless disaster survivors; the gleaming sword blade made everyone hesitate.

In a large crowd, it’s easy to be swayed by ill-intentioned individuals; Gu Chengyu scanned the crowd without discovering any obvious suspicious expressions.

This person seemed to have better acting skills than the prior one at Hangtian Prefecture; after just one sentence, he immediately shrank back into the crowd, daring not to show his face.

Gu Chengyu raised his sword, his tone softening slightly, "Don’t worry, everyone; I plan to first set up temporary shelters for you, so you have a place to stay. Following this, Yingnan Mansion needs strong labor for the river work, and each village head must select one hundred and twenty strong men for registration."

Having explained the matter, Gu Chengyu glanced at the crowd once more before turning to leave.

The disaster survivors, hearing the government was recruiting river workers, couldn’t help but brighten with smiles.

A hundred and twenty strong men per village—one member from each family working could earn money to buy food, ensuring the family doesn’t starve.

"Let go, I’m not selling my daughter anymore." A man pulled back the young girl being led away by a steward; why sell his daughter if there’s no fear of starvation?

"Hey? Didn’t we agree before? Why the sudden change of heart? I’ve already taken out the Silver Tael."

The steward was immediately displeased, considering it a breach of agreement.

Gu Chengyu ignored the chaos behind, heading into the city with Ming Mo and the officials.

"Detail people to carefully watch these disaster survivors over the next two days; report any suspicious individuals to me immediately."