Grinding Cultivation Toward Martial Saint

Thinking of this, he immediately walked towards the soldiers.

The next moment.

The leader among the soldiers saw Jiang Ning.

His expression was momentarily blank, and he immediately approached.

"Greetings, Lord Jiang!" He released his grip on the long knife at his waist and bowed towards Jiang Ning.

"What's going on with these refugees?" Jiang Ning asked.

"Back to you, sir, these are refugees from Xichuan County," the soldier said.

"Xichuan County?" Jiang Ning's expression showed surprise.

He was aware of Xichuan County, located to the west of Dongling County, not far from Dongling City.

Seeing the look on Jiang Ning's face, the soldier continued, "Due to consecutive years of drought, Xichuan County experienced a locust plague this year, worsening the situation, leading to a mass exodus of refugees. Our situation in Dongling County is relatively better, so many refugees from Xichuan County have come to Dongling City with their families."

"I see!" Jiang Ning nodded immediately.

"What is the current situation of the locust plague in Xichuan County?" Jiang Ning asked.

"This little man doesn't know!" The soldier replied, "But according to some rumors, it is said that people from the Observatory in the Royal Capital have arrived, so there probably isn't much time left for the locust plague!"

Upon hearing this, Jiang Ning nodded.

He glanced again at the distance, and under the organization of the soldiers, he saw the refugees orderly entering the city.

A moment later.

Jiang Ning asked a couple more simple questions, then went into the city alone.

...

West of the city.

The shanty town.

Some temporary shelters had already been built with planks.

Under the large tent in the front, two large pots were already lit, and soldiers continuously stirred the rice in the pots.

The rising steam carried the aroma of congee into the air.

"Lord Jiang?" Wang Shouyi's face showed a change of color when he saw the suddenly appearing Jiang Ning.

"Greetings, Prefectural Governor!" Jiang Ning went forward and saluted.

"No need for these formalities!" Wang Shouyi waved his hand and then said, "What brings Lord Jiang here suddenly with leisure and interest?"

Jiang Ning said, "I just returned from outside, and saw quite a few refugees at the city gates, which piqued my curiosity, so I came to take a look."

"Thoughts?" Wang Shouyi asked.

Jiang Ning said, "I didn't expect there to be refugees in the neighboring Xichuan County."

At this comment, Wang Shouyi sighed, "The situation in Xichuan County is relatively better! Zeshan State, with its many mountains and rivers, has historically been scarcely affected by drought."

Hearing this, Jiang Ning nodded in agreement.

In past droughts, they mostly concentrated in Guanzhong and the northwest regions.

Regions like Jiangnan West Road and Jiangnan East Road have historically experienced infrequent droughts, mainly occurring during consecutive extreme climates, rarely severe and often localized crises.

The former, however, is different, with frequent drought occurrences and full-scale famine in provinces.

The current situation in Zeshan State is similar, unlikely to experience true drought.

Nonetheless, when all counties in Zeshan State experience drought, it undoubtedly signifies harsher conditions elsewhere.

Thinking of this, he felt a heaviness in his heart.

Born as humans, it is inevitable to feel compassion.

"Prefectural Governor, do you need money?" Jiang Ning steadied his Heart Spirit and asked.

At this, Wang Shouyi shook his head, "Lord Jiang, thank you for your offer, but the food in Dongling City is still sufficient, and the granaries have already been filled in earlier years!"

"I admire you!" Hearing Wang Shouyi's words, Jiang Ning expressed respect with a salute.

Wang Shouyi smiled and said, "As for money, there is plenty now in the treasury, but it's already very difficult to buy food!"

"Is the situation so serious?" Jiang Ning frowned.

Having money and unable to buy food is indeed a major issue.

Wang Shouyi nodded, "In the Nine States, Zeshan State already suffers from the least disasters and weakest drought conditions. Dongling County is among the best within Zeshan State. Lord Jiang might not know, but in the Thirty-six Prefectures of the Nine Provinces, drought is already quite severe in most places, and cannibalism may have already happened."

Upon completion, Wang Shouyi sighed heavily.

"The Prefectural Governor is a good official!" Jiang Ning said.

Wang Shouyi shook his head, "I'm just doing what my position entails! There's only so much I can do!"

In conversation, he looked again at the refugees queuing in front of the porridge tent.

Then said, "Currently, there are few refugees, and Dongling City can barely accommodate them, but if the situation continues to deteriorate, then Dongling City will have to close its doors to refugees. I can't indefinitely accept refugees; as Prefectural Governor of Dongling County, my priority is to ensure the safety of Dongling County's citizens."

Jiang Ning nodded, "They may be able to understand."

At this, Wang Shouyi bitterly smiled.

"It's impossible for them to understand, if that day comes, I will likely bear the burden of infamy! Refugees unable to enter the city will result in my reputation being tarnished."

Hearing these words, Jiang Ning felt a bit heavy-hearted.

He understood that what Wang Shouyi said was the harsh reality.

If that day truly came, Wang Shouyi, as the Prefectural Governor of Dongling County and as a decision-maker, would inevitably bear the brunt of criticism.

If the disaster were severe, and an imperial envoy descended, they would often drag out a local official like Wang Shouyi to execute as a scapegoat, to appease popular outrage.

Whether it was just or not, whether the local official had made every effort, or if it was truly impossible to make bricks without straw, those above would not care.

Because if the public anger is not diverted onto an individual, it would ultimately be directed at the current Emperor.

"I can only do my best!" Wang Shouyi said heavily.

"Where there's a will, there's a way. Your Excellency doesn't need to worry too much!" Jiang Ning comforted him.

Wang Shouyi shook his head, then looked at Jiang Ning.

"If the day ever comes when I face misfortune, I implore Lord Jiang to protect my two daughters."

"Rest assured, Your Excellency!" Jiang Ning replied.

Wang Shouyi's face immediately lit up with a smile: "With your words, I am relieved."

...

A moment later.

After bidding farewell to Wang Shouyi, Jiang Ning returned to the front of his residence.

"Master!" Lv Yi opened the door and saw Jiang Ning standing outside. Her eyes immediately showed signs of joy.

Jiang Ning smiled and stepped over the threshold.

"Has everything been well at home these past two days?"

"Very well!" Lv Yi nodded emphatically, then followed Jiang Ning and continued, "This morning, Yiming returned on leave, and Wanwan and the others are very pleased!"

"Oh? Yiming returned from the Martial Arts Garden?" Jiang Ning said.

"Yes!" Lv Yi nodded again emphatically: "I heard he's on a half-month long leave!"

"Uncle!" At this moment, Jiang Ning saw Jiang Yiming emerging from the house and appearing in the front yard.

Jiang Ning walked over and patted Jiang Yiming's shoulder.

"Not bad, you've grown taller and a bit stronger."

Hearing this, Jiang Yiming smiled and scratched his head.

"Uncle, I want to ask you for a favor!"

"Just say it, don't be so hesitant!" Jiang Ning replied.

"Uncle, I've found that my character matches well with Lin Jiaxin, the daughter of the Lin family, at the Martial Arts Garden. I wish to ask you to tell my parents that I want to propose marriage to the Lin family," Jiang Yiming said.

Hearing this, Jiang Ning looked at Jiang Yiming with a surprised expression.

In today's Great Xia, although men and women generally marry relatively young, it's quite unusual for someone of Jiang Yiming's age, who has just turned fifteen, especially for those of the scholar class or those who have embarked on the path of Martial Arts, to marry so early.

Because embarking on Martial Arts, while there is no requirement to remain celibate, indulging in affection can ultimately hinder the progress in Martial Arts.

Therefore, usually only common people marry early, while those who have risen above the common class tend to marry later.

At Jiang Yiming's current age, it is not appropriate for him to marry.

"Have you thought it through?" Jiang Ning asked, looking at Jiang Yiming.

"Uncle, I've thought about it for a long time! I also understand that it's too early for me, having just embarked on Martial Arts, to marry. I've decided to first establish a betrothal with Xin'er, and then, after achieving something in Martial Arts, I'll marry her openly," Jiang Yiming said.

"Have you two crossed the final step?" Jiang Ning asked.

"Not yet!" Jiang Yiming shook his head and said.

"Do your parents know about this?" Jiang Ning asked again.

"I haven't told them yet!" Jiang Yiming said again.

Upon hearing this, Jiang Ning nodded.

He also understood why Jiang Yiming hadn't spoken yet.

Because he doesn't dare to.

He knows that his elder brother and sister-in-law have high hopes for Jiang Yiming, hoping that he can achieve academic success and Martial Arts mastery.

So Jiang Yiming's words would likely face opposition.

He also understood why Jiang Yiming came to him; not only does he want his help in speaking for him to his elder brother and sister-in-law.

There's also the Lin family.

The Lin family in Dongling County, is Lin Qingyi's family.

A prestigious family, not easy for an ordinary person to ascend to.

In terms of status, Jiang Yiming's current standing does not match the Lin family's, so he also needs to step in.

After pondering for a moment.

"I'll talk to your elder brother and sister-in-law later."

"Thank you, Uncle!!"

Hearing Jiang Ning's agreement, Jiang Yiming immediately beamed with joy and enthusiasm.