CHAPTER 195: CHAPTER 190 HONEST

Everyone was stunned; no one expected the truth to be like this.

Fan Ying’s eyes reddened, and she murmured, "I, I didn’t know it was you, nor did I know it was this difficult."

Zhao Hanzhang heard this, turned her head and gave her a slight smile, then looked up at the crowd and said, "I once promised everyone that I would provide labor in exchange for relief, ensuring the people of Xiping County would not suffer from hunger or cold this winter. I promised to provide food, winter clothing, and bedding. Today, I have to break half of this promise. The winter clothing and bedding distributed to you, except for the elderly and children, will be filled with cattail and willow fluff."

"What I can promise now is that as soon as I can purchase sufficient cotton, I will redistribute them, replacing the cattail and willow fluff," Zhao Hanzhang stood straight, extended her hand and bowed deeply to everyone, almost bending to the ground, "This is Hanzhang’s apology to you all."

Fan Ying was the first to react, hurriedly curtsying, "No, it’s not Miss Zhao’s fault, it’s my fault. I failed to inquire clearly."

"Tsk, what’s this have to do with Miss Zhao? From my perspective, having a set of clothes and bedding is already very good. When we came here, we were barely clothed and still survived, didn’t we?"

"Yes, which County Magistrate can offer such good treatment as Miss Zhao here? All the refugees who come are able to find work, eat daily meals, and now they’re even given house to build?"

"We are already very satisfied. In my opinion, it’s those rich people making a fuss. These clothes are given to us, not to you."

Once everyone looked closely, they saw that those gathering around the two clerks first were well-dressed; obviously, they weren’t lacking money at home.

Fan Ying seemed to realize something, her complexion changed dramatically, turning pale. She looked at Zhao Hanzhang, opened her mouth but couldn’t speak for a long time.

Seeing her eyes filled with tears and about to cry, Zhao Hanzhang quickly raised her voice and said to the crowd, "It’s not their fault. Using cattail and willow fluff to fill clothes and bedding was inappropriate. Their concern in coming to ask is a good thing. I hope they will continue doing this in the future."

Zhao Hanzhang paused and continued, "They are all well-intentioned, caring for the soldiers fighting for Xiping County and the refugees rebuilding Xiping County. Everyone, Hanzhang lacks no money, and Xiping County lacks no funds. What is missing are the roads to buy cotton, so if any family can contact someone selling cotton, as long as the price is appropriate, I’m willing to purchase it."

"Without new cotton, if there are old or idle cotton at home, they can also be brought to the county government. We have clerks to appraise and will offer a fair price for recycling. After reprocessing, they can be made into new bedding and winter clothes," Zhao Hanzhang said. "The existing cotton in the county will first be prioritized for the disabled soldiers, children, and the elderly, followed by women. I don’t dare hope that everyone can receive a set of winter clothes and bedding filled with cotton. I just wish to prioritize these people, but indeed, it is still significantly lacking."

Fan Ying immediately said, "I have some at home, and I am willing to donate them to the county government for free." She just wanted to make up for her mistake, even if it meant tearing apart her own quilts.

Zhao Hanzhang watched her with a smile, shook her head imperceptibly and said, "No need for donations. Still, you should receive some payment, I won’t let you suffer any loss. Everyone can go home and check, if you find any, bring it to the county government. I will let the clerks set up a table exclusively for purchasing."

Someone immediately asked, "Will you take old ones too?"

Zhao Hanzhang nodded and confirmed, "Yes!"

"I just remembered there are some left over from previous years in my storehouse."

"I also have some in my home..."

Zhao Hanzhang’s eyebrows twitched; among ordinary folk, whose family has a storehouse, and whose family could have excess cotton?

These people clearly aren’t from ordinary families.

"Let’s go, go search at home to see if there’s any. If there is, don’t sell it; just send it like Miss Fan did, treating it as a charitable act."

"Didn’t expect it was Miss Zhao who decided to use cattail and willow fluff..."

"There’s no other way; we can’t buy cotton..."

The anger stirred earlier dissipated, most people expressed understanding toward Zhao Hanzhang and the county government but some still harbored dissatisfaction and resentment. Clearly promised bedding and winter clothes ended up filled with cattail and willow fluff.

With keen ears, Zhao Hanzhang could accurately hear who voiced those dissenting opinions. She overlooked most complaints and disapproving voices, focusing only on a few individuals.

Because the rhetoric from these individuals was intriguing; not particularly intense discussion, yet their few words managed to stir more discontent among others.

Zhao Hanzhang called over Qiu Wu, whispered a few instructions, and Qiu Wu quietly left.

As most people expressed understanding, the misunderstanding between them and the county government was resolved. Zhao Hanzhang then let the crowd disperse, turned to Fan Ying and invited, "Miss Fan, since you’re here, why not come in for a cup of tea? I’d also like to ask how you have been lately."

Fan Ying originally intended to find an excuse to stay and talk with her. Upon hearing this, she nodded repeatedly.

The two turned to enter the county government, raising their heads to see Fu Tinghan and Chang Ning standing at the entrance, accompanied by a young man who was gazing at her with admiration and praise.

Zhao Hanzhang raised an eyebrow, realizing she didn’t recognize him, guessed he was the esteemed guest the clerks mentioned earlier.

She smiled slightly and approached with Fan Ying.

Chang Ning hurriedly saluted, and was the first to say, "Miss Zhao, this is the Second Young Master Zhu from Zhujia Trading House."

Zhujia Trading House?

Unfamiliar!

Nonetheless, Zhao Hanzhang maintained a smile, returning the salute after he bowed, "Second Young Master Zhu."

Zhu Erlang bowed and said, "I’ve long heard of Miss Zhao’s esteemed name, and today I finally get to meet you."

Zhao Hanzhang asked, "Where have you heard of me?"

Zhu Erlang paused, isn’t this just customary pleasantries?

But indeed, he had come specifically to see her after hearing about Zhao Hanzhang’s deeds. So he responded calmly, "Outside Xiping County, Miss Zhao, aren’t you aware that you’re now renowned far and wide?"

Zhao Hanzhang: "I wonder what is being circulated about me outside?"

The heroine, eight feet tall, possessing immense strength and formidable martial arts... Zhu Erlang glanced at Fu Tinghan; rumors had it she not only overshadowed the men of the Zhao Family but also excelled over the notably talented Fu Changrong, directly confining the frail yet gifted Fu Changrong in Xiping, preventing him from returning to the capital.

It was these rumors that piqued his curiosity to see the commotion in Xiping.

Unexpectedly, contrary to the rumors, Zhao Hanzhang was tall and slender, elegantly poised, her face fair as jade. Her eyebrows and eyes exuded heroism; even with a smile at the corners of her mouth, she didn’t seem weak, instead exuding an aura of control.

Recalling her recent honesty with the populace, Zhu Erlang was moved, and even he, an outsider seeing her for the first time, felt this way, let alone the citizens within Xiping County blessed by her kindness.

Today’s events might spread, and it’s not merely about them wearing clothes filled with cattail and willow fluff. They might even endure the winter exposing their bare chests and bellies, and the people would still face it joyfully.

Didn’t you notice the raggedly dressed refugees at the end of the crowd watching with an expression of gratitude?