Chapter 285

On their way to the capital city, Shen Yu’an noticed that there were many people along the route, either in the woods or at the foot of the mountains.

These individuals gathered together, looking anxious, and were on high alert, carefully observing any sounds or disturbances that occurred when someone passed by.

After a while, Shen Yu’an finally put down the curtain and asked Fei Yanchen, “Why are there so many homeless people around?”

Shen Yu’an used the term “homeless” because these people had a distinct characteristic. They carried a considerable amount of belongings with them, appearing as if they were fleeing for their lives, along with their families.

Fei Yanchen’s expression remained quite composed, as if he had known about this matter for a while. He gently pulled Shen Yu’an closer to him before speaking.

“They are coming from the estates of several nobles.”

Shen Yu’an pressed further, asking, “Why?”

Fei Yanchen gently pulled her even closer before explaining, “The Emperor’s days are numbered, and the various princes have been expelled from the capital by the Fourth Prince’s faction to return to their own fiefdoms. They understand that no matter which prince ascends the throne, their own fates won’t be pleasant. So, they are now conscripting troops and imposing taxes.”

“The common people are suffering, and that’s why some of them are trying to escape.”

“But these commoners don’t have official documents permitting them to relocate to another province. So, when they travel to places like this, they are considered refugees. Other provinces don’t want to take them in either.”

“First, they don’t want to attract the collective wrath of all the princes at this time. Second, every province already has refugees arriving, and opening the gates would lead to problems with resources and finances that they can’t handle.”

While Fei Yanchen’s explanation resonated with Shen Yu’an, she also understood that having too many refugees gathering in one place could become problematic.

However, she realized that this was a situation that couldn’t be rushed. So, Shen Yu’an decided to put this matter aside for the time being.

Thinking about Fei Yanchen’s recent words, Shen Yu’an changed the topic.

She lowered her voice and asked, “If you were to ascend the throne, what would you do with those princes?”

Fei Yanchen answered without hesitation, “I would definitely eliminate them completely.”

Shen Yu’an didn’t express whether she thought his approach was right or wrong.

In this era, not eliminating potential threats could indeed lead to problems.

Survival of the fittest was the harsh reality of the world.

On their journey, Shen Yu’an continued to notice refugees scattered in different places. At this early stage, their supplies were still sufficient, and the weather hadn’t turned too cold yet, so they hadn’t caused any significant disruptions.

During the days when Fei Yanchen had returned, the Double Ninth Festival, a traditional Chinese holiday, was being celebrated in the capital city. Many temples held vegetarian feasts, adding to the festive atmosphere. Fei Yanchen decided to take Shen Yu’an out for a trip.

When Shen Yu’an thought of temples, she remembered hearing about the Lingchan Temple located in the outskirts of the capital city.

With enthusiasm, she suggested, “I’ve heard that the Lingchan Temple on the outskirts of the capital is especially auspicious. I’ve never been there before. How about we go?”

Fei Yanchen looked at Shen Yu’an with an indulgent expression and replied with a smile, “Sure.”

To avoid the crowds that would gather later in the day, Shen Yu’an and Fei Yanchen arrived early at the Lingchan Temple.

Although they arrived early, the temple had a great reputation, so there were already quite a few people there, aside from them.

Thankfully, Fei Yanchen had undergone a disguise in advance. Otherwise, in such a crowded place, someone with ill intentions might have noticed him.

They climbed the steps one by one, and after about an hour, they finally reached the mountaintop.

The young monks of the temple were already waiting at the entrance, politely inviting visitors inside.