"It's truly ironic that such a situation has occurred in the city under my jurisdiction. I was expecting to see unequal distribution in other places first, and then implement the plans I had prepared. I never imagined that a famine would first appear under my own watch!" Shen Feng shook his head helplessly after hearing Xu Xing's report.
Initially, Shen Feng believed that the people under him were fundamentally different from those in other factions. However, it now seemed that all crows were black. As long as one held a high position, they would inevitably use their power to pursue more benefits, disregarding the lives of those below. Now, Jiang Yang was experiencing a famine, with thousands dead, yet the City Lord, Li Xiang, was completely unaware and was instead congratulating himself on his business ventures.
"The impact of this matter is already enormous. Even in Yuzhou, many people have learned of this news, and many are waiting for the City Lord to handle it. If you don't address this, your subordinates will not be convinced," Xu Xing said.
"This matter is indeed quite difficult to handle. If I were to eliminate an elder who has followed me for many years, it would undoubtedly chill the hearts of my subordinates. But if I don't eliminate him, many of the common people will feel disheartened. This puts me in a difficult position!" Shen Feng said slowly.
"City Lord, indecisiveness leads to trouble. Moreover, isn't it only right to eliminate those who have made mistakes? If killing one person can pacify the public and keep your subordinates in check, then it is a worthwhile trade," Xu Xing supported Shen Feng's decision to deal with Li Xiang. After all, to put it bluntly, not punishing them would not appease the public anger.
Shen Feng pondered for a moment and said, "I plan to convene some people to discuss this matter. I will say that I am hosting a banquet and inviting some old friends for a chat! You will also be present this time. At a critical moment, you will explain the specific situation so that everyone can discuss it. In fact, even though Li Xiang has made a mistake, I am still prepared to give him a chance. However, if he cannot seize this opportunity, then he will have only death to look forward to."
Upon hearing this, Xu Xing was speechless. The situation had reached such a point, with a famine occurring, yet the City Lord was still unwilling to kill someone. Was he going to continue to shield his subordinates indefinitely?
"City Lord, can you be more decisive! You should swiftly eliminate these big rats right now. Yet, you hesitate like this, which is not fitting for a City Lord!" Xu Xing criticized.
Of course, Xu Xing dared to speak so presumptuously because she believed that Shen Feng would not arbitrarily lose his temper. Otherwise, she would not have said so much.
Upon hearing Xu Xing's criticism, Shen Feng did not get angry. Instead, he patiently explained, trying his best to clarify the matter: "Xu Xing, when one holds a high position, every action attracts attention. Therefore, whatever I do, I must consider the consequences and cannot make a decision on a whim!"
"But didn't we establish rules earlier? These people did not abide by the rules. Not only did they not distribute grain, but they also used grain to brew wine at this time. Such actions should be handled impartially to gain the people's trust!" Xu Xing argued.
"What you said makes sense, but have you considered that if I handle this matter impartially, many of the elders under me will feel disheartened? Because I would kill a meritorious official without even notifying them. What would they think? Would they think I have changed, become difficult to get along with, and thus harbor thoughts of betrayal? Therefore, although this matter has a huge impact, we cannot act rashly. We must find some elders to discuss and make a decision!" Shen Feng earnestly explained why he was giving the other party a chance.
"Since you have said so, let's hold the meeting quickly. The matters over there must be resolved as soon as possible. If we cannot cut the Gordian knot quickly, it will trigger a famine for more people, and then the number of dead will not be in the thousands, but possibly tens of thousands!" Xu Xing said immediately.
"Don't worry, I will have someone find them shortly. My three advisors will also be summoned! For now, accompany the children to play. Do not tell them anything about this before dinner!" Shen Feng instructed.
"Understood. Then you should consider it carefully. However, I believe that this matter has already caused public panic. If it is not handled well, then it will truly be a disaster!" After saying this, Xu Xing turned and left, going to play with Shen Feng's disciples.
Shen Feng thought for a moment and quickly made a phone call to the people under him, inviting them to his home for a simple dinner. He asked them not to bring any gifts and stated there was no special reason, just that he hadn't seen his old friends in a long time and wanted to gather for a meal and drinks.
Some people who received the call did not believe Shen Feng's stated reason. They knew that every move he made was observed, and he generally did not do meaningless things. At his age, in his thirties, he was far from the point of reminiscing about the past. Therefore, this banquet was definitely not as simple as it appeared.
"What exactly happened? Otherwise, why would a banquet be held at this time? It's truly strange!" Everyone had their doubts. Then, at 5:00 PM, they all arrived at Fengshen Palace, each bringing gifts with them. Although Shen Feng had not instructed them to bring gifts, they did so instinctively.
Shen Feng and his wives had little desire for material possessions, as they disliked wearing gold and silver, finding it too vulgar. As for more elegant gifts, they were difficult to choose. Thus, everyone thought of gifts like toys, as Shen Feng's children were still young, and toys would be suitable for them.
When everyone arrived at Fengshen Palace, they found that many old friends were present, and they all shared a common characteristic: they had all come from Jiangyang. It was truly a gathering of those old friends from back then.
Yang Chang, Tu Xuhuai, Cao Fuelie, Yang Ye, and others had already arrived. After gathering, they began to discuss what had happened and why everyone had been summoned. Those who had joined later were not called.
At this moment, Lu Kaiyang looked at Luo Qing on the side and asked, "You often escort the ladies out, so you are close to them and have a good relationship. You must know some secrets. Now that everyone has been called here, give us a clear explanation. What are we here for? So we can be prepared!"
"Actually, I really don't know. Don't look at me like that. I was also called here in a state of confusion. If I knew anything, I would have told you long ago!" Luo Qing replied.
At this moment, Yang Ye looked at the three advisors on the other side. Among these three advisors, only one was new; the other two were very familiar.
"You three must know some different information. We are all on the same boat, so let's not hide anything from each other. Tell us the truth at this time, how about it?" Yang Ye asked.
"Let's not guess wildly anymore. Actually, we don't know anything either. We were just summoned here. As for our companion here, perhaps he knows something different!" Feng Shicheng looked at Xie Mu'an on the side.
"Since it is the City Lord's arrangement, we will only know what is happening once we enter. Guessing here yields nothing. As for me, the information I received is the same as all of you, and I even know less than you. How can I offer any advice?" Xie Mu'an said indifferently.
No matter how much they thought, they couldn't figure it out, so they had no choice but to enter Fengshen Palace. Naturally, someone took the gifts they brought and took them to the warehouse. If they arrived during festivals, children would go to the warehouse to find these toys.
Everyone was finally led to the main hall. In the past, only during grand festivals would the City Lord host them, and the entire hall would be very lively. For example, when he held his son's wedding, this hall was used. However, the number of guests invited now was too small, only a dozen old friends, so it appeared rather deserted.
Although it looked deserted, when it was time to eat, many of Shen Feng's disciples and his children were brought here.
"It seems we were really just called to attend an ordinary banquet. Otherwise, if important matters were to be discussed, why would these children be present?" Yang Chang said directly upon observing the situation.
"That may not be the case. Although there are many people present, and the presence of many children is not conducive to secrecy, don't forget there are side halls nearby. We can talk in separate rooms then!" Yang Ye countered.
While they were talking, someone suddenly approached from a distance. It was Shen Feng's sister, Shen Yu. She smiled and said, "You gentlemen should not be sitting with these children. Separate banquets have been prepared for you in the nearby rooms. Please follow me!"
Upon hearing this, everyone thought to themselves, "As expected, the banquet is not as simple as it appears."
Meanwhile, Mu Ying was dining with her son. Du Fansheng sat beside her and said to his cousin, "This is real beef, not what they call mixed beef. This is meticulously prepared and called 'Lantern Shadow Beef.' Pick up a slice with your chopsticks and hold it up to the light; you can see the shadow of the lamp, which is why it's called Lantern Shadow Beef! I specifically told the chef to make this dish for you. Hurry and try it!"
"Thank you, cousin. This beef is truly delicious!" Lin Xiu Shen's eyes lit up when he saw the beef, as he never expected to find such delicious food before him.
Mu Ying said to Xiao Long, "Don't spoil his appetite. I still have to bring food back to the mountains. We won't find such good things in the mountains. If he becomes picky and misses this beef, I won't be able to take care of him!"
Xiao Long replied, "Since we've come all this way, we can't possibly let you eat plain food. In another two years, when I turn 15, I'll be able to move around outside on my own. When I go to Dabie Mountain, I will definitely bring delicious food for you!"
"When you grow up a bit, your father will entrust you with important responsibilities. If you still want to come and play with me, it will probably be impossible!" Mu Ying chuckled.
Suddenly, Mu Ying thought of something and said, "I advise you to find a girl you like quickly. You don't need to like her very much for marriage; just have a little feeling and get married quickly. Otherwise, later on, some families might come to propose marriage, and you'll be forced into an arranged marriage!"
"Understood. I will consider it, Auntie. Please don't worry!" Xiao Long said earnestly.