Chapter 1663: Let Song Ci Pray for Blessings?
Chapter 1663: Chapter 1663: Let Song Ci Pray for Blessings?
As Song Ci said, when people are caught in the vortex of tragedy, the suffering, fear, and anger all need an emotional outlet. Now someone has torn open a mouth. Regardless of right or wrong, they rush forward, hurling insults, slanders.
Do you blame the people for being ignorant?
How many of the common folks are not ignorant? Peasants are as such, especially with the guidance of those with ulterior motives; can it not escalate?
The Song Family did not immediately refute the rumors, and after the servants experienced verbal abuse and spitting during shopping errands, and even when some people rushed to the Prime Minister’s Mansion to curse and call for eradicating evil, that’s when the people inside got angry.
Their family has done charitable deeds year after year, even now amidst the disaster, the porridge factory hasn’t closed, and they continue to distribute the now scarce water as usual, but how are the outsiders treating them?
Eradicating evil?
Haha, isn’t this just holding the bowl and cursing your mother!
In a fit of rage, Madam immediately ordered the porridge factory to withdraw, stopping her goodwill to avoid feeding the dogs.
Regarding Madam’s decision, everyone agreed. Why should their good deeds support these people with black hearts and foul mouths?
The cold-hearted even cursed those refugees in their hearts, saying they deserved it.
Song Ci could only sigh at this.
This move by the Song Family also left some of the disaster victims dumbfounded. Although the Song Family is now in the vortex, the truth is the porridge they provided, you could stick chopsticks upright in them, unlike some other places where the porridge water floated a few old coarse grains.
Some people, in embarrassment and anger, cursed even more vigorously.
Meanwhile, others stood up and retaliated. Those were the people who had been comforted by Song Ci and the Song Family before, especially those from Song Ci’s Charity School and Charitable Hall, spontaneously forming small groups, going wherever someone claimed Song Ci was possessed by a demonic spirit.
More and more people joined the two opposing factions, cursing and arguing.
Those who want to attack the Song Family seize this chance to criticize. If not saying Song Ci is a monstrous demon, they accuse the Song Family of bribing people’s hearts, intending to disrupt the nation.
This undoubtedly forcefully placed a heinous label on the Song Family.
The situation grew increasingly murky.
In the early court, an Imperial Censor submitted a memorial impeaching the Song Family, citing the calamity and claiming the Song Family incited turmoil, stirring up people’s grievances to the heavens.
Song Zhiyuan stood in the Prime Minister’s position, eyes slightly closed, expressionless.
Below, Song Lingjie ground his back molars, glaring at that Censor Zhu, wishing to bite him alive. But without his uncle’s instruction, he remained still.
The followers of Prime Minister Song first jumped out, angrily condemning the nonsense, accusing him of malicious intent.
Emperor Chu sat on the dragon throne, coldly watching the disputes below in the court, rubbed his temples, and looked at Song Zhiyuan.
He didn’t expect that this year’s great drought would escalate to targeting Song Ci.
Possessed by a demonic spirit?
Emperor Chu glanced at Song Zhiyuan, yet internally wondered if Song Ci’s deeds over the past decade were indeed true?
But then he shook his head.
"A gentleman does not dwell on the supernatural," he thought, saying "Amitabha."
The argument below spewed saliva wildly.
Emperor Chu saw Song Zhiyuan unmoving, and couldn’t help but cough lightly. Chief Eunuch Zhou immediately shouted, "The court is sacred, no shouting, maintain decorum."
The sound of the quarrel instantly quieted down.
Emperor Chu looked at the Censor, saying, "According to Zhu Qing’s words, is there a method to calm the people’s grievances?"
Censor Zhu said, "Since it was Madam Song who initiated the rumors, I propose that Madam Song should go to the temple to pray for our Great Qing, seeking rain. In doing so, it would calm public resentment and naturally dispel the rumors."
Song Zhiyuan’s eyelids twitched, a cold gleam bursting in his eyes.
"Bold and presumptuous!" A dignified female voice sounded from outside the hall.