Transmigrated To Ancient Time: Thrive With An Auction System!

Chapter 287: Winter Disaster ( 10 )

From a group of beggars, the news of their store distributing porridge and steamed buns spread widely in less than half an hour. When the town guards learned of this matter, the people lining up outside the store had reached the next alley.

Just after Ling Yi and his brothers finished distributing the second batch of porridge and steamed buns, a group of town guards walked over.

Noticing them coming, Yao Zhi went out. She had put on her skin mask and changed her clothes beforehand, guessing that this matter would alarm the guards.

She walked over to them and cupped her fists. "Greetings, Sir."

The guards raised their eyebrows when they saw her. They knew about this rich Young Master from their comrades. Since she was rich and doing a good deed for the Magistrate, they didn’t want to offend her.

One of the guards, presumably the squad leader, cupped his fists and returned her greeting. "Greetings, Young Master Lei. I received a report that people are crowding in this area and blocking the road. What’s going on?"

Hearing this, Yao Zhi smiled and replied, "I apologize for causing trouble to everyone."

She paused for a moment before she continued, "A few days ago, my Father received the news that the river area was struck by the winter disaster and ordered me to help the people."

"From what I know, the number of people coming to Zhu’an Town is higher than in other places. That’s why I decided to focus on this town."

"Since my power is limited, I can only do my best and distribute some porridge and steamed buns to alleviate the suffering of the commoners. It’s indeed my negligence for failing to inform the Magistrate and Squad Leader Min."

The town guards had no intention of finding fault with her in the first place. So after they listened to her explanation, they nodded in understanding.

The squad leader bowed to her slightly, which was avoided by Yao Zhi stepping aside. He smiled and said, "It’s the blessing of the commoners that Young Master Lei and your father lend a helping hand."

"Since this matter concerns the safety of everyone, I will appoint my men to help Young Master Lei control the order. I wonder what Young Master Lei’s opinion is about my suggestion."

"Since Squad Leader Min has offered his help, of course, I gladly accept it." Yao Zhi cupped her fists, bowed slightly, and added, "I thank everyone for helping me."

She gestured to them and said, "We don’t have anything else to offer, but please come to rest inside and try out my cooks’ skills."

The guards were indeed feeling cold and hungry. Since their task was to keep order in this place, it was all right for them to sit inside for a while.

Squad Leader Min nodded and said, "Young Master Lei, please."

Yao Zhi smiled and walked a step behind him. Even if they addressed him politely and called her Young Master, her current identity was only that of a merchant, while this group was officials who worked for the imperial court.

After they took their seats, Ling Shiliu and Ling Shiqi arrived holding a tray. They served a bowl of millet and sorghum porridge to each of them and placed a basket of steamed buns. Besides the food, they also served two pots of hot tea.

When the town guards saw the thick porridge and white steamed buns, they were taken aback. Usually, when wealthy families or officials’ families set up a porridge stall, the porridge was very thin.

They added a lot of water to save the grains. This way, they could use fewer grains and keep the stall running longer, gaining a good reputation for their family.

This was the first time they saw someone actually distributing such thick porridge and steamed buns made of white flour.

When Yao Zhi saw them not moving their chopsticks, she asked, "Everyone, does the food not suit your taste?"

Hearing this, they came back to their senses. The guards shook their heads, picked up their bowls, and took a sip. The moment they tasted the porridge, Squad Leader Min said, "Young Master Lei, this porridge is sweet."

"People will easily get sick if they don’t eat enough sugar. So I asked my cook to add some rock sugar to the porridge. This can prevent the commoners from getting sick," Yao Zhi nodded.

The guards’ impression of her improved instantly. They had always thought that Lei Feng was an arrogant, rich young master who loved to use his money to smooth things out. Unexpectedly, they were wrong. He was a very generous and kind person.

Feeling embarrassed by their previous thoughts, the guards didn’t dare to look at her directly.

While they were still lost in their own thoughts, Yao Zhi checked the sky and said, "Squad Leader Min, I still have a matter to attend to and can’t accompany you."

Hearing this, Squad Leader Min quickly said, "Young Master Lei, you don’t have to worry about us."

"If you need anything, just inform my men. Please enjoy your meal slowly. I will take my leave first," Yao Zhi said as she stood up.

After saying this, she nodded at them and went to the backyard. When she arrived, she saw Ling Shi’er was helping Xi Si and Xi Qi down from the donkey cart.

She thought that there were only they who came. Unexpectedly, she saw Ye Ying and Bai Hei also jump down from the cart.

The moment they saw their Master, the wolf cubs let out a pitiful cry and rushed over. Remembering their Master’s words, they didn’t pounce on her but circled around her while licking her fingers.

Meeting their pitiful eyes, Yao Zhi squatted down and spread her arms. The wolf cubs snuggled against her while whimpering in complaint.

She rubbed their backs and said, "I’m sorry, it’s my bad. Something came up, and I can’t go back. I will prepare delicious food for both of you as an apology. Don’t be angry anymore, okay?"