27: When chaos erupts, people act righteously by distributing porridge.

Linhai City, Li Family territory, Council Hall.

It was exactly Chen Shi (7-9 AM), and the morning light streamed through the carved wooden windows, scattering across the bluestone floor.

Inside the hall, the scent of sandalwood wafted, and the atmosphere was solemn.

The Eldest Young Master, Li Qingshan, sat in the main seat, dressed in an indigo brocade robe, his expression calm as his gaze swept over the various Family industry managers seated below him.

Although his father and some of the younger generation had journeyed overseas for secluded cultivation, the Family's daily affairs were not neglected in the slightest.

The monthly Clan meeting arrived as scheduled.

"Everyone," Li Qingshan began the agenda, "Today's Clan meeting, as usual, will start with each of you reporting on the progress of your respective affairs from last month. Let's begin with Uncle Zhong."

The old steward, Uncle Zhong, was the first to rise. Though over sixty, he remained robust. He cupped his hands and said, "Reporting to Eldest Young Master, the total revenue from all the shops in the city last month was thirty-six thousand seven hundred taels of silver, a 20% increase compared to the previous month. The newly acquired Lin Family storefronts have been fully integrated, the flow of goods is smooth, and the staff are all performing their duties."

A look of relief was on his face: "Thanks to the Clan Chief's great fortune, the Family Head's prestige grows daily. The city's residents all trust that our Li Family's goods are genuine and fairly priced, making business increasingly easy."

Next, Lei Heng, the acting chief of the Escort Agency, boomed, his voice like a great bell, with the forthrightness of a Jianghu person: "Eldest Young Master, the Escort Agency is also doing well! We completed seven major escort missions, traveling as far south as Suzhou and Hangzhou, and as far north as Youyan, all returning safely. Now, when friends on the Dao hear it's the Li Family's escort flag, most give us some face, saving us a lot in incidental expenses along the way. Last month's net profit was twenty-eight thousand five hundred taels!"

He patted his chest: "The brothers' morale is also high; they all speak of the Clan Chief's and... and Third Young Miss's kindness."

He quickly corrected himself, his tone particularly respectful when mentioning Li Qingzhu.

Li Qinghe, the superintendent of maritime transport, was a capable middle-aged man from a collateral branch, promoted due to his outstanding abilities. He smiled and said, "Qingshan, the seas are peaceful too! Our eight ships made three short-sea voyages this month, transporting salt, iron, and furs, earning substantial profits. The sea routes are clear, and pirates seem to have reined themselves in considerably. In my opinion, after the spring next year, we could try to resume the long-distance route to the Nanyang (Southeast Asia) that the Lin Family used to run; the profits should be even greater."

The accountant, Zhao Zhiyuan, pushed up his glasses and meticulously reported a series of numbers: "The autumn grain from all the estates has been stored, including rice... and miscellaneous grains... The granaries are full. Additionally, income from wharf storage rentals... also saw a slight increase compared to the previous month. In summary, the Family's total income and expenses for last month, as well as the net profit, will be reported separately to Eldest Young Master later."

"The accounts are clear and verifiable."

Everyone spoke in turn, and the atmosphere in the hall grew lively. Everyone's face glowed with the prosperity and joy brought by the Family's flourishing.

Only the second son, Li Qingchuan, sat in the corner, his face grim, silent, and completely out of place with his surroundings.

Li Qingshan's gaze fell on him, and he sighed inwardly, his tone still calm: "Qingchuan, how are things at the iron mine in the west of the city? Tell us about it."

Li Qingchuan looked up as if startled, a slightly mocking smile playing on his lips. He said languidly, "The mine? What else could it be? All day long, I'm surrounded by Ore and mud, clang, clang, digging the mountain without end. What does Eldest Brother want to know? The iron Ore produced each month is transported back to the city on time, the accounts are clear, and nothing is missing."

His tone was perfunctory, with clear impatience.

Li Qingshan frowned slightly.

He remembered that before his father left, the iron mine's output was stable, and this autumn had little rain, so where did the 'mud' come from?

He pressed further: "The iron Ore output last month, I vaguely recall the accounts stating, seemed a little less than the previous two months? Was there an obstruction in mining?"

Li Qingchuan reacted as if his tail had been stepped on, suddenly raising his voice: "Water is seeping into the deep parts of the mine! Don't we need manual drainage? Don't we need to reinforce the tunnels? That delays work, so output is naturally affected! If Eldest Brother doesn't believe me, you can go to that mountain gully and see for yourself. Staying in the city all day, living in luxury, you naturally don't know the hardships of those below!"

The more he spoke, the more agitated he became, suddenly rising to his feet: "If there's nothing else, I'll be leaving first. The mine tunnel is waiting for me to oversee the drainage; I don't have time to waste here on empty talk!"

With that, he ignored the astonished gazes of everyone present, flicked his sleeve, and strode out of the Council Hall, leaving behind a room full of awkward silence.

The managers exchanged glances, then all lowered their heads, not daring to speak further.

After all, he was the Clan Chief's own son; even if they had complaints, it was not their place to comment.

Li Qingshan's expression was calm, but his hands in his sleeves were subtly clenched.

He knew this younger brother harbored resentment due to his father's punishment, but he hadn't expected him to lose composure so completely at a Clan meeting.

The slight change in output might indeed have a reason, but his hostile attitude and rude words were already out of line.

He suppressed the anger in his heart. This was not the time to pursue the matter, so he merely made a mental note of it, intending to investigate later.

He took a deep breath, breaking the silence, and brought the conversation back on track: "Qingchuan is impetuous by nature; please do not take offense, uncles. Regarding the mine affairs, I will verify them separately later. For today's Clan meeting, there are other matters to discuss."

He turned his gaze to Uncle Zhong: "Uncle Zhong, when I entered the city earlier, I saw quite a few displaced people gathered outside the city. Do you know the reason?"

Upon hearing this, Uncle Zhong's expression turned grave. He stroked his beard and mused, "Eldest Young Master brings it up, and I was just about to report. This matter has indeed been occurring recently, and it may not be ordinary. According to various inquiries and gathered intelligence, all reports indicate that the Central Plains have suffered continuous natural disasters in recent years, leading to widespread misery."

"In Yuzhou, Jizhou, and other regions, it is said there have been three consecutive years of severe drought, leaving thousands of miles of scorched earth, no harvests, and countless starved corpses. Meanwhile, in the Jingxiang and Jianghuai areas, there have been continuous torrential rains, causing widespread flooding that destroyed countless homes and fields, leaving the populace displaced. Government relief efforts have been ineffective, and there are even corrupt officials embezzling funds and grain, leading to boiling public resentment."

Li Qinghe, the superintendent of maritime transport, interjected to confirm: "That is indeed the case. My boatmen returning from the south also reported seeing large numbers of displaced people migrating south along the coast, dressed in rags, with sallow, emaciated faces. They all say that conflicts are brewing in the interior, with evil individuals taking advantage of the situation to incite unrest, proclaiming 'the heavens are dead,' and stirring up the hungry populace to rebel and clash with government troops. Where the flames of war spread, it only adds to the misery, countless families are broken and destroyed, forcing them to abandon their homes and flee everywhere."

The atmosphere in the Council Hall instantly grew heavy.

The earlier joy of reporting increased revenue was diluted by this sudden news of external suffering.

Although Linhai City was temporarily peaceful and unaffected, the turmoil in the Central Plains was like a giant stone thrown into a lake, its ripples eventually spreading in all directions.

Li Qingshan was silent for a moment, a thoughtful look in his eyes.

After a long while, he slowly began: "Natural disasters and man-made calamities are not the fault of the people. Being displaced is a great suffering in this world. Since our Li Family is a prominent clan in Linhai City, enjoying this Foundation thanks to the goodwill of our neighbors, at this extraordinary time, we must act."

He looked around at everyone: "Currently, after our Li Family took over the Lin Family's businesses, all the estates, mines, workshops, and wharves require a large workforce to operate at full capacity. Previously, there was often a shortage of labor, and many industries could not fully realize their potential. Now that displaced people have arrived, though it is a calamity, it is also an opportunity."

"I intend to set up porridge stalls at the gathering points of the displaced people outside the city, serving porridge twice daily, first to alleviate their hunger and stabilize their morale. This matter will be overseen by Uncle Zhong, who will select capable individuals to handle it. The rice and grain will be drawn from the Family's public funds. It is essential that the displaced people receive hot porridge and feel the goodwill of our Li Family."

"Three days later, when the displaced people have settled a little, each manager will go there to openly recruit able-bodied young men according to the needs of their respective industries. Those with artisan skills will be prioritized, and anyone with a clean background who is willing to endure hardship can be hired. Wages and treatment can be at market rates, or even slightly better, to ensure they settle down and serve our Li Family. In this way, we will both resolve the plight of the displaced people and fill the labor shortages in our various industries, strengthening the Family's Foundation. What do you all think?"

As soon as these words were spoken, the managers were first stunned, then their eyes lit up.

Uncle Zhong was the first to applaud: "Eldest Young Master is benevolent! This is a strategy that achieves both good deeds and strengthens the Family! I will do my utmost to manage the porridge kitchen!"

Lei Heng laughed heartily: "Good! The Escort Agency needs some good prospects! If we can pick out some strong-boned, clean-background individuals from among them and train them well, they will be fine young men to protect our Li Family's trade routes in the future!"

Zhao Zhiyuan fiddled with his abacus, his eyes gleaming with shrewdness: "This is a great act of kindness. With ample manpower, the productivity of all industries can increase. In the long run, the benefits far outweigh the disadvantages. The accounting office will handle wage calculations and record-keeping."

Li Qinghe also nodded: "Seamen for the ships can also be recruited. Among these displaced people, there must be some who are familiar with water and have been to sea."

Everyone echoed their agreement, and the atmosphere became lively once more.

"Since that is the case," Li Qingshan stood up, making the final decision, "we will proceed with this plan. Uncle Zhong, start the porridge stall matter immediately. Everyone, attend to your duties. In three days, recruit manpower as needed. Remember, treat people with sincerity, manage with strictness, and do not let any trouble arise."

"Yes, Eldest Young Master!"

Everyone responded in unison, cupped their hands to receive the order, and quickly departed, each becoming busy with their tasks.

Li Qingshan stood alone in the hall, gazing at the sun rising higher outside the window, yet he felt no sense of ease.

Li Qingchuan's abnormality and the turmoil in the Central Plains were like two hidden stones, weighing heavily on his heart.

The Family was thriving, but internal and external hidden worries had quietly emerged.

With his father away, he needed to bear this burden more steadily.

Outside the city, the Li Family's benevolent act was about to begin.

And the landscape of Linhai City might also quietly change due to these displaced people who had traveled a long distance.