"You and I, indeed, birds of a feather, worried about my brother and your brother."

Zhao Minghua laughed with frustration, feeling that they were a couple who worried too much.

"When one’s family prospers, everyone prospers; when one suffers, everyone suffers." Chun Nuan said, "The stakes are high, and we can’t afford to be petty."

"Yes, indeed, I will listen to my wife." Zhao Minghua said, "Those who need to exert effort will exert effort, and those who need to contribute resources will contribute resources; we should prepare for them."

Zhao Minghua called his trusted people.

"Xuan Mo, take a team to secretly protect Mr. Zhao and Lord Xiao’s safety."

"Yes, master."

Xuan Mo accepted the order and left. 𝐟𝚛𝕖𝚎𝕨𝗲𝐛𝚗𝐨𝐯𝐞𝕝.𝐜𝗼𝗺

Xiao Chun Nuan nodded, knowing Xuan Mo is Zhao Minghua’s most capable person. Sending such a formidable man shows how much he understands the crises involved in this disaster relief.

Internal and external troubles must be guarded against.

"Firstly, we fear covert attacks from dark forces; secondly, we’re worried about harm from refugees who have lost their senses." Zhao Minghua said, "My second brother is a bookworm, has little practical skills beyond studying and administrative duties."

He can’t even perceive where the danger lies; he’s such a rigid thinker.

"That’s not entirely correct; he’s very good with Qiu Yan and patient with the children."

Chun Nuan couldn’t help but add.

This statement left Zhao Minghua unable to argue.

This is indeed the truth.

"In any case, our family has protected my second brother the best." Zhao Minghua sighed, "For his studies back then, he wasn’t involved in anything."

Whether it was the management of Hundred Herbs Hall or several crises, the whole family kept him in the dark.

As grandfather said: Studying well is your duty, everything else is not your concern and should not worry you.

The whole family united with the singular aim of producing a scholar to change the family’s fortune.

It’s said that if united, even dirt can turn into gold.

Indeed, the Zhao family united to nurture a Champion Scholar who changed the family’s status, fulfilling grandfather’s expectations.

However, Zhao Minglang, who was overprotected, has issues with survival skills.

In the capital, with Zhao Minghua watching over him, he can’t be unruly.

But this time he must travel thousands of miles to the Two Lakes Region for disaster relief, encountering unpredictable challenges along the way.

What needs guarding should be guarded, what needs preparation should be prepared.

"Chun Ning is also undertaking duties for the first time, bearing such heavy responsibilities."

Xiao Chun Nuan was curious about the Emperor’s thoughts on entrusting two frail scholars with the disaster relief.

Did he think these two had lived too long?

In the disaster-struck areas, countless refugees make it easy for exploiting officials sent by the court.

"I’m most concerned about their safety."

Not just external safety, but internal as well.

"I heard that both requested medicinal herbs from the Emperor, and two young Imperial Physicians have been assigned to accompany them."

"That’s good, making thorough preparations." Chun Nuan said, "History records that an epidemic inevitably follows a flood. I need to find Chun Ning."

Upon hearing his sister returned to the mansion, Chun Ning promptly visited her after court adjourned.

"I heard you’re going to the Two Lakes Region for disaster relief?"

"Yes, the journey begins tomorrow."

"Are the travel supplies prepared?"

"All prepared."

"What medicinal herbs did you request from the Emperor? Are they sufficiently prepared?"

"Atractylodes, Patchouli, Rhizoma Dryopteridis, honeysuckle, indigo leaves, Isatis root, Ligusticum chuanxiong, mint, burdock seeds..." Chun Ning listed them, "Some herbs unavailable at the Imperial Hospital, the Emperor has decreed that they be immediately procured and sent to the Two Lakes Region without delay."

"Did you request white cloth from the Emperor?"

White cloth?

What is its purpose?

"Back then, father and others encountered an epidemic in Mo Bai, and I sent supplies including white cloth used to cover the nose and mouth to prevent disease." Chun Nuan explained, "Father said our family avoided sickness at that time because we used clean white cloth to cover our mouths and noses."

"Did this happen?"

Chun Ning decided to ask his father.

After confirming the information, Chun Ning quickly headed to the palace to see the Emperor.

"Since Mr. Xiao suggested, there’s no harm in being prepared. Someone..."

This time for disaster relief, they were truly provided with everything.

However, many court officials didn’t understand.

Why take medicinal herbs and cloth for disaster relief?

Some thought they were making a mountain out of a molehill, believing two inexperienced youths could properly resettle millions of refugees.

Meanwhile, Zhao Minghua addressed the key points to Zhao Minglang.

"You need to be cautious with provisions."

"Could anyone possibly dare to tamper with relief provisions escorted by soldiers?"

"Being cautious ensures things last. When people are starving, they’re reckless. What worries me is saboteurs."

What to do then?

"How does this arrangement sound?"

Zhao Minglang was startled by the strategy of the third brother.

"If an enemy discovers it, doesn’t it imply we’re lining our pockets? At that point, jumping into the Yellow River won’t clear the suspicion."

The third brother has a terrifying plan: let him transport one-third of the relief provisions, while sending others with two-thirds.

Essentially, it’s a ploy of feigned openness and hidden strategy.

"Thus, you must explain the reason for this arrangement to the Emperor first." Zhao Minghua said, "Here’s another point; you can open warehouses in the Two Lakes Region to distribute relief food. Distant water won’t quench immediate thirst, by the time relief provisions arrive, the area might already be barren."

People are flesh and blood, one meal missed makes them deeply hungry.

Post-flood, everything’s barren; there’s nothing to fill stomachs; they’re all counting on relief provisions.

"Alright, I will submit a memorial to the Emperor for instructions."

The Emperor handed Zhao Minglang a memorial.

"This task entrusted to you by your brother Zhao Minghua, is the same person who supported General Xia during King Shu’s revolt?"

"Yes, my brother."

"Very good, your Zhao family truly are loyal ministers. Entrusting this disaster relief to you and Xiao Aiqing surely wasn’t misplaced. I’m awaiting your good news."

"We will not fail in this mission."

Zhao Minglang was about to travel far for disaster relief; Qiu Yan, hugging their child, sobbed uncontrollably, like a pear blossom in tears.

"Husband, promise me you’ll return safely. We’re waiting for you."

"Don’t worry, I will return safely."

This trip, uncertain when he’d return.

The road ahead is fraught with danger.

Mrs. Zhou handed her son a bundle.

"These are clothes I had hurriedly made by the embroiderers. You may not bathe much due to the poor water conditions there, but at least you can change clothes frequently."

"Thank you, mother." Looking at Qiu Yan and their child, Zhao Minglang said, "Mother, Yan’er and the child are still young; please take extra care of them."

"Don’t worry, I will certainly look after your wife and child. You must also be careful while you’re away." Mrs. Zhou said, "Father and Nuannuan have given you prescriptions; remember them well. Take some herbal medicine in advance when you reach the Two Lakes Region for prevention."

"Yes, I understand."