AWB Chapter 1536 The Tyrannical and Arrogant Lord Sun
Chapter 1536 The Tyrannical and Arrogant Lord Sun
Sun Shan disagreed with the idea that the government should do nothing.
So he said, "Now that the disaster victims have been settled, we should also think of giving them some supplies to help them through the transition period."
Upon hearing that supplies were to be distributed, alarm bells rang in Wang County Magistrate's mind.
She screamed, "Sir, what supplies are you planning to give us?"
According to the law of conservation of energy, if the government gives more, it means that the officials will receive less.
County Magistrate Wang was certainly not willing to take things out of his own pocket.
Other officials were also unwilling.
Qiao Wenshu asked, "Sir, nowadays the yamen can't provide anything except grain."
Since Sun Shan has offered to provide supplies, he will definitely do so.
Everyone has already experienced how domineering and autocratic Lord Sun is.
The slush funds of government offices mostly came from grain tax and commercial tax.
Commerce in Yuanlu County was underdeveloped to begin with, and the commercial taxes collected were pitifully small. The only thing that could support the operation of the entire government office was grain tax.
Fortunately, this year's taxes were much higher than in previous years. After selling several batches of grain, we still had some left after deducting the wages paid out.
They had hoped to make a profit from the bird droppings workshop, but unfortunately, all they got back was grain, which is still sitting in the warehouse unsold.
As Qiao Wenshu said, nowadays the government only provides food to disaster victims.
Sun Shan nodded and said, "First, distribute the first batch of food to the disaster victims to solve their hunger problem. As for the rest, we'll deal with it as we go along and talk about it later."
As soon as he finished speaking, everyone looked at Sun Shan with suspicion.
I can't believe they're only distributing food and not doing any other relief work.
If all we need to do is distribute grain, there's no need for a meeting. The government office has nothing but an abundance of grain.
If all the money is distributed to the disaster victims, no one will have any objections.
Sun Shan continued, "The government will cover the costs of casualties, funerals, and medical treatment. The disaster victims have already suffered, and post-disaster reconstruction requires even more money. The government will help as much as it can."
After hearing this, no one had any objections.
Four people died, including two children; it didn't cost much money.
As for medical expenses, the government agreed to make the purchases, and the clinics didn't dare to ask for exorbitant prices, so it wouldn't cost much.
What worries everyone is the cost of post-disaster reconstruction, which is a bottomless pit.
Everyone breathed a long sigh of relief when Sun Shan didn't bring up the issue.
Wu, the clerk, flattered him, saying, "Sir, you are benevolent and righteous. Providing funeral and medical expenses has greatly reduced the burden on the disaster victims. I believe the disaster victims will be extremely grateful to you."
The other officials glanced at Wu, the chief clerk, in silence.
I never imagined that Wu Zhubu would be such a sycophant, even going so far as to flatter Sun Shan.
What happened to the integrity of intellectuals?
When Wu, the clerk, said this, Xia, the clerk, followed suit and flattered him: "Sir, not only are funeral and medical expenses provided to the disaster victims, but also food is provided to help them get through this difficult time."
On behalf of the disaster victims, I want to express my gratitude to you, sir. Without your help, how could the disaster victims have found a place to settle down so quickly? You are truly a role model for us all.
Sun Shan and his officials: .....
Xia Dianli was even more extravagant than Wu Zhubu. Not to mention Wang Xiancheng and others, even Sun Shan couldn't stand him.
Magistrate Wang wanted to say something, but in the end, his conscience prevented him from doing so.
He could only force a smile and say, "My lord, you are wise. This humble official will certainly assist you in handling this matter and help the disaster victims overcome their difficulties."
Sun Shan waved his hand awkwardly but politely and said, "Everyone, let's not say anything unnecessary and get back to work."
Upon hearing that the meeting was adjourned, the subordinates immediately collapsed and fled.
It's freezing cold; it's better to hide inside the government office and warm yourself by the fire.
Sun Shan wanted to propose reconstruction work after the New Year, but the officials seemed "extremely reluctant to part with the money," so he didn't say anything more.
Once the plan is finalized, it can be implemented directly after the New Year; further discussion is pointless.
Back in the backyard, I called Yun Jie over.
Yun Jie'er's eyes darted around in surprise as she asked, "Brother Shan, do you want me to solicit donations in front of all the ladies?"
Sun Shan nodded: "The disaster victims have no problem being fed; the rest is about keeping warm. Let wealthy families donate a batch of clothes, blankets, and charcoal. This way, the government won't have to spend any money, the wealthy families will gain a good reputation, and the disaster victims will benefit."
That's killing three birds with one stone.
He paused for a moment, then continued, "This is something I can't do myself, so I'll have to let you do it."
Sun Shan recalled that when he was a child, his aunt would pick up the clothes that Hejia Village didn't want and bring them back to Sunjia Village to help the villagers get through winter after winter.
Now that the people of Yuanlu County are suffering from disaster, it's time for the wealthy women to show off.
Even if we donate money, we can still donate clothes, blankets, and charcoal.
Sun Shan knew that there weren't many wealthy families in Yuanlu County, but the number of people affected by the disaster was also small. With a little effort, they could manage to squeeze out some supplies.
Moreover, women are inherently emotional and prone to acting impulsively.
Sister Yun led Little Fatty to cry for the disaster victims, wipe away her tears, and take the lead in donating some supplies. Surely the other ladies would follow suit and donate supplies too?
If we don't donate, wouldn't that be incredibly disrespectful?
Disrespecting Sister Yun and Little Fatty is disrespecting Sun Shan.
Such an offensive thing is something most people wouldn't do.
After hearing about Sun Shan's plan, Sister Yun...
Her eyes shone brightly as she nodded: "Brother Shan, that's a good idea. Let the wealthy donate clothes, blankets, and charcoal to the disaster victims. First, it will help the victims; second, it will bring them good reputation; and third, these things are nothing, and they can afford them."
"Brother Shan, let's do as you say. I'll take Little Fatty to raise funds."
As for why it wasn't the Su family who took the lead?
I'm sorry, but an illiterate old lady like me has trouble even communicating with others. How could I possibly accomplish anything?
Su Shi is best suited to sit high on the side and serve as a "pretty face".
Sun Shan looked at Yun Jie'er with admiration, grabbed her plump hand, and said with a smile, "You truly are my virtuous wife. Yun Jie'er, marrying you is the greatest blessing of my life."
Yun Jie'er was startled when Sun Shan suddenly grabbed her hand. She looked around and only felt relieved after finding no one was there.
Then a shy yet sweet feeling of gratitude welled up in her heart, and she said with a blush, "Brother Shan, being able to marry you is the greatest blessing of my life."
Sun Shan and Sister Yun were surrounded by pink bubbles, and he was about to say a few more words about their feelings.
Suddenly, the sound of light bulbs came from outside.
She called out urgently, "Father, Mother, where are you? Xiaoxiao is here to find you."
Yun Jie was startled and quickly shook off Sun Shan's hand. Then, a surge of anger rose in her heart, and the blush on her face turned into a furious black.
The chubby girl flew over heavily like a little flying pig.
She ran and shouted, "Father, Mother, Xiaoxiao has been looking for you for so long!"
Sister Yun transformed into a dinosaur, pointed menacingly at the feather duster not far away, and said coldly, "Rules, rules, rules!"
Important things should be said three times.
The chubby girl was suddenly filled with fear, her steps faltered, and she changed from running to walking slowly in small steps.
He respectfully bowed and greeted Yun Jie'er and Sun Shan: "Your son greets Father and Mother."
He curtsied and stood at a distance, not daring to approach.
Little Fatty was really afraid that her mother would use violence again, so she quickly explained, "Dad, Mom, Xiaoxiao built a big snowman. It's Dad and Mom, come out and see."
It turned out that Sun Shan and Sister Yun were showing their work, and the couple stopped being angry.
Sun Shan stepped forward, picked up the little girl, and said happily, "Daddy's good girl, let's go see the snowman."
Although Yun Jie was annoyed by Xiao Fei Mei's disturbance, her daughter had specially invited her to see the snowman, showing that she cared about her parents.
She couldn't help but feel happy: "Where is Xiaoxiao's snowman? What a clever and good girl, she can build a father and mother now."
A family of three basked in the sunset, their shadows stretched long, a scene of human warmth.