ieve that we could save the court a considerable sum each year."But more importantly, it's open source. But there's nothing I can do about that.Li Chen listened and glanced at Xu Changqing, saying: "C...Chapter 1760 As Lord Zou said.

Zou Qingyuan's words were well-reasoned, and even the disgruntled commoners had to admit that he made some sense.

Seeing that the people's emotions had stabilized, Zou Qingyuan continued, "But to put it bluntly, it was my fault for having all of you, our elders and fellow countrymen, living in these tents in this freezing weather, enduring the biting wind. Therefore, Zou Qingyuan offers his apologies to everyone."

Keeping one knee on the ground, Zou Qingyuan bowed deeply before speaking loudly: "Times are tough right now, and all of you will likely have to endure more hardship for a while longer. But please rest assured, no matter how difficult things get, Zou Qingyuan will always ensure that you have a way out. Once we triumph at the border, I, Zou Qingyuan, swear on my head that I will petition the court for a fair and proper solution for all of you. If I fail, you are welcome to scold me, beat me, I will accept it all!"

Zou Qingyuan, a high-ranking official of the fourth rank, had appealed to their emotions and used reason to explain things. He had explained himself so thoroughly that the people had nothing more to complain about.

Those who still harbor resentment are now a very small minority, and they pose no real threat.

At first, the old man who used to throw porridge looked ashamed and said, "Sir Zou, I was impulsive just now. As an old man, all I knew was that officials in their uniforms did not act properly, and they treated imperial decrees as waste paper. However, I didn't know there were so many hidden circumstances involved. Please forgive me, Sir Zou."

Saying that, the old man trembled and was about to kneel down.

Zou Qingyuan hurried to his feet and jumped off the table, supporting the old man. He said emotionally: "The words you just scolded, sir, are not entirely unreasonable. Standing from the standpoint of the people, some grievances they have are justified. Now that we have explained it, the government has done what is right for the people, and the people understand the government. In this way, with the unity of officials and the people, there is nothing that cannot be overcome."

As soon as these words were spoken, someone in the crowd cried out, "Well said!"

"Well said!"

"Lord Zou is truly a good official."

"To be honest, this is the first time in my life I've seen a fourth-rank magistrate kneel before the people. This would be a beautiful story to spread."

"Well, that's understandable. With the war raging at the border, the pressure on supplies falls entirely on these local officials. Lord Zou being able to spare grain to give us two bowls of congee a day is already quite remarkable."

"That's right. I heard that the other gathering points, even though they are within the city walls, are in complete disarray. The government officials barely care about the lives of the people. The common folk can't afford to eat, so they have to resort to robbing and stealing. It's a chaotic mess everywhere, with murders and banditry rampant. Compared to them, although things are tough here, at least we won't starve. As long as we get through this winter, everything will be alright..."

Such discussions quickly quelled a small-scale uprising that was on the verge of erupting.

And the resentment that the common people had accumulated over these past few days was also released in large part during this opportunity. At least for the next period of time, this group of commoners would be much easier to manage.

"Xu Wei."

Li Chen's eyes remained fixed on Zou Qingyuan, who was being seen off by people in the distance. He slightly leaned back and said to Xu Wei beside him, "Find someone quick-witted and have them follow that old man and see where he goes later."

Xu Wei was a little confused, but he agreed immediately.

Then you wait a while, until the matter of Zou Qingyuan is settled, then go over. Reveal your identity and have Zou Qingyuan come to the Sending Guest Pavilion five miles away to meet this palace.his moment, regret, annoyance, anger, hatred, all sorts of emotions surged up to the heavens. Jian Xin's eyes instantly ignited with blood fire, looking like two black and red lanterns floating in his...