"Father! You cannot do that. You can’t sell slaves in our house!" The shout echoed from the study of Feng Manor. Feng Yaoyao was trembling, her eyes blazing with anger. "How can we not sell them? If we don’t, will we feed them and waste our food? What about the food you every day? Now, we don’t even have enough food to feed the servants!" Master Feng shouted back in fury. "Husband, don’t be angry. Calm down," Feng Furen gently stroked her husband’s arm to calm him down. "How can I not be angry? Look at your daughter. She acts without thinking, giving away several pots of rice every day. And now look what happened." Feng Jun’s mustache twitched with rage. During the harsh winter, they managed to get by, but now not even a drop of rain has fallen. And his daughter kept donating rice without fail. With rice costing 700 brass coins per jin, even a noble like him has to think twice before buying. How can he continue to feed so many servants in his manor? Better to sell them and use the money to buy rice for the remaining servants. Who knows how long this drought will last? If it drags on for months, he’ll have to sell his old treasures to feed the slaves. "But the money I used to buy the rice for donations came from selling my fabrics. I didn’t ask for even a single brass coin from you, father!" "Is that so? Then the servants you use to weave the fabrics won’t need any food from this household anymore, will they?" "B-but..." ‘But... but...’ Yaoyao stammered for half a day without finding the right words. She was infuriated. She had been distributing rice since the harsh winter, giving away large pots every day, gaining much praise. She hoped that after the winter, everything would return to normal, and she would become famous throughout the capital, boosting her weaving factory’s reputation to be famous again. However, she never expected that after winter, there would be no rain at all. Most of the city’s crops withered and died. Things didn’t go as planned. From giving away dozen large pots a day, it gradually reduced to just five pots until she had to stop completely due to the soaring price of rice. In contrast, Lady Li Si of the General’s manor increased her donations, overshadowing Yaoyao’s reputation. Everywhere in the city, people talked only about Lady Li Si. If she didn’t , fine. But to sell the household slaves, how could she accept that? How could she face others? Wouldn’t the other ladies in the capital be waiting to mock her? She could not let that happen. Yaoyao clenched her fists tightly. She would not sell the household slaves. She would not sell the weaving factory slaves! Li Si was sitting in the pavilion by the water, swinging her bare feet in the water cheerfully, popping caomei from a plate into her mouth. A’Zhu had even sent her another large basket of caomei, which made her very happy. She shared the caomei with her father and older brother, each getting a plate, to let them taste how good her friend’s new fruit was. "Miss, the master has returned," Nanny Hu Qi hurriedly informed her upon seeing Zhao Yangshi return from the palace. "Really? Go. Let’s go see father." "But Taizi has returned with him." "Huh? Brother Taizi is back too? Why?" "I don’t know, Miss. They’re in the reception hall now." "Then, Nanny Hu Qi, please take the caomei to serve our guests," she wanted everyone to taste A’Zhu’s fruit. Li Si walked directly to the reception hall where they were. Upon entering, she encountered a tense atmosphere. The three men looked worried and concerned. When Zhao Yangshi saw his daughter enter, he called out. "Si’er, is there anything wrong?" "Oh, I just came to see you since I knew you had returned, Father. Are you discussing state affairs?" She bowed to the high-status man before answering her father’s question. "Yes, just some state matters." "Then I’ll leave you to it." Even though she wanted to listen, as it might be about the ongoing drought. But such matters were not for women. "Si’er, since you’re here, stay. You might have some good ideas," Shi Wenlang said. "Thank you, Your Highness." The young girl immediately smiled brightly. Just then, Nanny Hu Qi brought in a plate of caomei. "These are caomei sent by my friend again. Please, enjoy, Your Highness." A’Zhu had sent her a lot, so she could spare some. "Oh, caomei. Your friend is very skilled at growing such plump and ripe caomei even during a drought." Shi Wenlang picked up a caomei to examine it. Managed to produce spirit fruits of pure indigo-tier spirit energy , this friend of Li Si’s was certainly not to be underestimated. "Indeed, A’Zhu is very talented," Li Si boasted, almost as if she were Zhenzhu’s mother. "I would like to meet this friend of yours someday." Shi Wenlang noted how highly Li Si spoke of her friend each time. The rıghtful source is 𝗇𝗈𝗏𝖾𝗅✦𝖿𝗂𝗋𝖾✦𝗇𝖾𝗍 "I’ll invite her to visit the capital next time, Your Highness." "Then I will look forward to welcoming her," Shi Wenlang chuckled at the girl’s enthusiasm. "Is the state affair you mentioned about the drought, Father?" She turned to ask her father. Since the previous month, her father had proposed preparing for the drought by dredging rivers, building water retention dams, constructing reservoirs, and digging wells. However, his proposal was rejected as more than half of the nobles opposed it, prioritizing funds for winter relief and food shortages for the people. The nobles expected the situation to improve after the winter, but it hadn’t. The drought had become severe, drying up rivers and canals, causing crops to wither and die, and worsening the famine. Now it was too late to dredge rivers and build reservoirs. The hardship spread everywhere. "Yes, the problem is severe now. Even merchants and wealthy families in the capital are selling their slaves.” "I heard that in Fengfu, people can still grow vegetables. That’s your friend’s city, right?" Shi Wenlang asked. According to reports from ombudsman, Fengfu was the only city where people could still grow crops. They had deepened the river to store water, built retention dams, and constructed reservoirs and wells. Although the yield wasn’t much, it was enough to sustain them through the crisis. "Yes, Your Highness," Li Si nodded eagerly. "Before the winter, A’Zhu predicted there would be a severe winter followed by a drought. She and the Governor encouraged the townspeople to dig ponds and wells on their land and used tax money to dredge rivers and build water retention dams. A’Zhu is very talented; her garden has both vegetables and fruit trees. She can still grow crops as usual," Li Si continued to praise A’Zhu without pause. "Hmm, that’s fortunate for the people of Fengfu. If there’s an opportunity, I should go and thank her," Shi Wenlang said. "But for now, we must solve our own problems. The rivers are drying up, and dredging them won’t be timely," Yong Saiweihao, who had been silent, spoke up. "There’s no water in the rivers, and no rain from the sky. Our only option is groundwater, Big Brother," Li Si said. A’Zhu had told her so. Groundwater could help them survive, at least allowing for the growth of some vegetables or yams. "We only have to dig wells," she added. "Indeed, we must act quickly. Tomorrow, I’ll propose this to His Majesty," Zhao Yangshi nodded in agreement. Li Si listened intently as the three men seriously discussed solutions to the crisis. Occasionally, she interjected when she wanted to oppose some idea. After more than two hours, they were still deep in discussion. Feeling tired, Li Si excused herself and left the reception hall. Shortly after leaving, a servant ran up to her in a panic. "Miss, there’s a major issue in town." "While I was buying embroidery needles, I saw Lady Yaoyao’s weaving factory workers gathered in front of a restaurant in town.” "Why are they at the restaurant?" "Lady Yaoyao went there to eat.” "Oh," Li Si responded. "Let’s go watch the show," her beautiful eyes sparkled with excitement as she quickly led the servant out of the manor toward the restaurant her servant mentioned. It didn’t take long to reach the restaurant, where a crowd had gathered outside. Some people were shouting. Li Si glanced around and saw a two-story teahouse across the street with an open second floor that provided a clear view below. She hurried upstairs to the second floor of the teahouse. "Miss, where are you going?" "To find the best spot." The show did not often occur for one to watch, but since the opportunity came, the seat must be closest to the stage, seeing the actor in clear view to enjoy it. Li Si chose a seat by the railing to clearly watch the drama unfold. "Bring three plates of snacks and some tea!" she ordered the snacks to be prepared. Meanwhile, Feng Yaoyao was furious. She hadn’t expected her weaving factory workers to follow her to the restaurant and cause trouble. "Miss, what should we do? If you don’t go out, things will get worse. The townspeople are starting to gather and watch.” However, Yaoyao remained silent, deep in thought. The issue stemmed from her absence of paying her workers. Due to the drought, people were saving their money to buy rice, grains, and food, which significantly reduced the income of textile businesses, including hers. As a result, her finances were strained. Asking her father for money was out of the question since they had a big argument about selling slaves. "Miss, please hurry. If you don’t face them now, your reputation will be ruined.” Yaoyao, who valued her reputation highly, glared at the servant but finally rose and walked out of the reception room. She walked downstairs where the commotion was loud. "We won’t stand for this! You have delayed our wages for seven days. We’re about to starve." "Yes, my child hasn’t eaten for two days." "We work every day. Why don’t you have any sympathy for us?" "If you don’t meet with us today, we’ll report this to the authorities." These people were Lady Yaoyao’s weaving factory workers, not slaves but hired laborers. They worked daily at the weaving factory, and initially, Lady Yaoyao paid them on time, with bonuses. During the harsh winter, while people died of cold and hunger, they still received their wages and could survive. They believed they would always be paid as before, especially since they heard that Lady Yaoyao had distributed dozens of pots of rice porridge daily during the last winter. However, over the past two months, Lady Yaoyao had started delaying their wages. The slaves working in the weaving factory had daily meals, weren’t as affected since they had no right to demand wages. But they were her hired workers, not slaves. They were in much trouble since she did not pay them their wages. At first, they thought it was just a little delay, but till this day, the seventh day, they still did not get paid. They were soon to be starving. When they sent a representative to ask for their wages, Lady Yaoyao kept postponing it, so they gathered here at the restaurant to demand their payment with the townspeople as witnesses. The onlookers began to enjoy gossiping. "Is it true? Lady Yaoyao is cheating her workers? People said she was kind-hearted. Why would she cheat them?" "Has she been pretending to be generous all along?" "She’s overextending herself. Didn’t you see how she used to rice daily? Now she doesn’t anymore, probably because she’s out of money. It’s ridiculous; she acts generous when she’s broke." "Yes, pity those workers. They work but don’t get paid." "Miss Yaoyao is really awful." As Yaoyao descended the stairs, she heard the townspeople’s gossip and clenched her fists tightly. She tried to keep her composure, not wanting to lose her temper and shout at those people which would make things worse for her reputation. "There she is!" people shouted. "Send a representative to meet me at the manor," Yaoyao said through gritted teeth, fists still clenched. She wanted to get out of this situation and discuss matters elsewhere, not in the middle of the busy town. She was about to head to her carriage when she was halted by a sarcastic voice from a woman. "Oh my, so Lady Yaoyao is actually a cheater? Did all her acts of charity just pretense? How shocking." A lady mocked her in an over-acting manner. This lady had attended several banquets with Yaoyao but never liked her, feeling that Yaoyao was insidious. This incident confirmed her suspicions. "I almost died from the shock. Turns out it’s a fake jade!" another lady chimed in, playing along. "Indeed, let’s leave. It is so smelly here.” Feng Yaoyao clenched her fists so tightly that her neck veins bulged. She almost lunged at the two ladies but restrained herself, merely shooting them a fierce glare. Her gaze then met a pair of eyes across the street from the restaurant. There she saw Li Si, sitting with her chin propped up on one hand, while the other hand picked up snacks, as if enjoying a show. If those eyes could speak, they would be saying: ‘More, more. I’m having fun.’ Yaoyao could only turn away in frustration, her chest tight with anger. At the end of the third month, the forest turned brown and orange. Green leaves were scarcely seen, and the mountain wind blowing against the face was scorching. Everywhere, only dried and withered leaves could be seen. People throughout the kingdom were starving and dying. Although His Majesty distributed some food and rice, it was not enough to meet the demand. However, there was one place that served as a haven for the hungry—Fengfu City. In Fengfu City, the inhabitants were still able to grow crops. When they harvested agricultural produce, they did not lack generosity. Some city dwellers even brought food to at the city gate. As a result, outside Fengfu City became a refuge for people migrating from nearby towns. They traveled here in hopes of finding something to eat. Some were lucky enough to find work as laborers tending the crops in exchange for food. The He family continued to distribute rice and food regularly. Though they could not provide enough for everyone, they managed to alleviate some of the hunger. Zhenzhu was serving rice porridge to refugees in a never-ending line. She noticed an elderly woman with white hair standing in line with a frail, dirty little girl about three years old. Zhenzhu filled the wooden bowl the elderly woman handed her. Seeing that one bowl wouldn’t be enough for the two of them, she asked a servant to bring another empty bowl. She then filled it in as well. "Grandmother, this bowl is for you, and this one is for the little girl," Zhenzhu kindly offered another bowl of rice. "Thank you, Miss. You have such a kind heart, but it’s okay. My granddaughter and I don’t eat much. Save it for those behind who are hungry," the old woman said. "I can share a bowl with Grandma, big sister," the little girl said with a clear voice. Zhenzhu smiled at them both. Despite their own severe hunger, they thought of others, not being selfish. She admired them deeply. "Grandmother, where are you staying?" "We are at the refugee camp outside the city walls that the Governor set up." "Oh, take both bowls. There is still plenty of rice in the pot.” "Thank you very much, Miss," the old woman took both bowls of rice porridge. She then rummaged through her shirt and handed a small, old piece of paper to Zhenzhu. Zhenzhu took it with a puzzled look and was about to ask what it was when she noticed that the old woman and the little girl had disappeared. Huh! Why did they go? Where did they go? Walked so quickly. "Aunt, did you see the old woman and the little girl who were here? Where did they go?" she asked another refugee who was waiting in line to receive the food. "What old woman and little girl, Miss? I didn’t see anyone like that," the woman asked. "The old woman with completely white hair and the little girl. Those whom I gave them two bowls of rice porridge.” The woman looked at Zhenzhu with confusion. She had seen Lady He place two bowls of rice porridge on the table in front of her, but she hadn’t seen any old woman or child. "Those two bowls of rice porridge are right in front of you, Miss.” "What! How did these get here?!" Zhenzhu looked down and saw the two bowls of rice porridge sitting on the table, just like what the aunt told her. Eh? Where did the old woman and the little girl go? Did I imagine it? She looked down at the small piece of paper in her hand. How could it be her imagination when she had this piece of paper as proof? The old woman and the little girl were real. Feeling alarmed, Zhenzhu asked the servants who were distributing the rice porridge, but none of them had seen the old woman and the child. They had been too busy serving the food. Zhenzhu unfolded the small piece of paper the old woman had given her. Inside, it was written in ancient calligraphy, the handwriting was quite messy. It’s in ancient character! Fortunately, she could now read ancient characters. The paper read: Yushi slumbers, creating a replacement soul. Once finished reading it, she became even more confused. What is ‘Yushi slumbers, creating a replacement soul’? However, her gut told her this message was important. She entrusted Peipei to continue the food distribution and hurried to the refugee camp outside the city walls, driven by curiosity. However, despite encountering many refugees, she couldn’t find the old woman and the little girl. Even when she asked other refugees, none had seen an old woman with completely white hair. This confirmed her suspicion that what she experienced was not ordinary. Zhenzhu quickly made her way to her house outside the city. At that moment, He Lei was weeding the vegetable patch. She handed him the piece of paper and recounted the entire incident. Read ‘Rebirth: This Farmgirl Has Spirit Fish Scales’ before anyone else with more Chapters at https://www.jinovel.com/en