Chapter 606 - 600_1
The reputation of Madam Lin of the Zhao Family Village had been heard by others in vague snippets, and at the time everyone was skeptical, unsure if Madam Lin was really as kind as others had claimed. Even if Madam Lin’s family was wealthy, how could they possibly have so much grain to spare for relief efforts? That’s why no one had gone to Zhao Family Village before. Now, with no other options available, the idea began to appeal to people, and wave after wave of refugees made their way towards Zhao Family Village.
"Even if someone is kind-hearted, they can’t look after everyone, especially these days when there’s hardly any surplus food to give to us. And with so many of us, how could a typical wealthy family have that kind of capability, not to mention that the Zhao Family has only risen to wealth in the past two years? They cannot compare to the long-established landlords," somebody pointed out skeptically.
"Let’s just go and see, anyway, it’s still a hope. If it doesn’t work out, we can think of something else. Besides, there are a few landlords nearby. If all else fails, we might have to resort to force. With so many of us, the landlords doesn’t have the government’s soldiers to suppress us, and their servants are limited in number. We can’t just sit here and starve to death," another argued urgently.
"Right, this young man is correct, we cannot just sit here and wait for death. Those landlords have been ruthless while growing rich, and they have oppressed us without mercy. It’s time for them to bleed a little for us. Let’s head for Zhao Family Village!" someone else chimed in with determination.
"However, while I said this much, there is something else I hope everyone will listen to," the young man who had come up with the idea stepped forward again.
"If the young man has something to say, just speak, we are all ears!" said the crowd, eagerly awaiting his counsel.
"What I mean to say is that we are going to seek shelter with Madam Lin out of sheer desperation. Madam Lin is kind-hearted—that’s why her good deeds have reached our ears. But even kindness has its limits; her own family needs to survive, and with so many servants, they can’t possibly give away everything they have to help us. That’s human nature, and we must understand it!
So even if we get there and Madam Lin refuses, we shouldn’t force the issue. Let’s discuss it properly and see if there’s a solution. If it turns out that Madam Lin has really done her best, we cannot be too demanding and take advantage of her. I’ve heard that Madam Lin’s husband is highly esteemed by the Emperor, and although he’s away now, he will come back eventually. If we go too far, Madam Lin’s husband will be sure to seek retribution upon his return. Besides, Madam Lin’s servants are not useless—they know their way around a fight. We may not get the better of them, so let’s avoid any rash actions. If it truly comes to that, I will communicate with Madam Lin myself. What do you all think?"
The young man was from Xin’an City and had indirectly received Lin Yue’s kindness. Despite his desperate situation, which forced him to head to Zhao Family Village, he didn’t want to harm his benefactor, thus he spoke out of good conscience.
"The young man speaks the truth. Madam Lin’s family has been accumulating merits and virtues. We cannot harm good people. Once we reach Zhao Family Village, we will do as the young man suggested. Even if we have to resort to robbing, there are other landlords and wealthy families nearby. It’s better to rob them than to do something we cannot live with," agreed someone from the crowd.