Chapter 294

After arriving in the capital city, Shen Yu’an went to the General’s Mansion to pay her respects to General Xiangnan.

Upon hearing the report from his subordinates that Shen Yu’an had arrived at the General’s Mansion, General Xiangnan quickly had her invited inside.

Before leaving, Fei Yanchen had emphasized to him that he must treat Shen Yu’an with the utmost respect. The implied significance was not lost on General Xiangnan, and after a brief moment of contemplation, he understood.

Moreover, Shen Yu’an was accompanied by two attendants, and their presence gave off a distinct aura. It was the kind of presence one would expect from individuals who had experienced the battlefield for many years.

General Xiangnan approached Shen Yu’an and asked, “Miss Shen, is there something you need during this visit? Would you like to stay in my mansion for a while?”

Shen Yu’an’s return this time was to inquire about General Xiangnan’s thoughts regarding the refugees outside the city.

She said, “I’ve found a place to stay within the city, so I won’t trouble General. However, I do have some matters I’d like to discuss with you.”

General Xiangnan replied, “Please, go ahead.”

“Currently, the number of refugees outside the city is increasing. Do you have any plans to address this issue?”

General Xiangnan hadn’t expected Shen Yu’an to come to discuss this matter. He sighed and said, “I won’t hide it from you, Miss Shen, but I was just worrying about this matter.”

“The number of refugees outside the city is too great, and resolving the issue of food is a challenge.”

After hearing General Xiangnan’s complaint, Shen Yu’an suggested, “In that case, why don’t you consider recruiting able-bodied men from among the refugees into the army?”

General Xiangnan looked at Shen Yu’an and asked, “Are you suggesting, like some of the princes, to conscript them into the army by force?”

Shen Yu’an shook her head and explained, “I inquired from Lord Ah’Chen, and these people fled here with their families precisely because some of the princes conscripted them by force.”

“But if General conscripts them, offering family members of voluntarily enlisted men a place to settle and financial support, I believe they won’t be as opposed.”

“General can also send people to mix in with the refugees and take the lead when implementing the plan; it can be very effective.”

General Xiangnan’s eyes brightened after hearing Shen Yu’an’s proposal.

Indeed, why hadn’t he thought of this method?

This approach not only expanded the army but also allowed the refugees gathered outside the city to be dispersed and resettled.

The soldiers would work diligently in the army for the sake of their families.

However, the smile on General Xiangnan’s face didn’t last long.

“The method proposed by Miss Shen is excellent, but there is one thing Miss Shen may not be aware of. The number of refugees outside the city is vast. Implementing Miss Shen’s method would require an enormous amount of silver, and I can’t unilaterally decide on this matter for now.”

Shen Yu’an took a moment to ponder the General’s question regarding the refugees outside the city.

Shen Yu’an initially looked concerned when she considered the situation mentioned by the General. However, she quickly realized that she had ample resources within her space, and her eyes brightened.

She proposed, “We can exchange the financial assistance with food, such as grains, eggs, and pork, allowing them to make their own choices.”

The General hesitated, saying, “Although this approach would reduce the financial burden, considering the current situation, food… sigh!”

“Thank you, Miss Shen, for your suggestion. I will carefully consider it.”

The General appreciated Shen Yu’an’s idea, understanding that it was a substantial contribution. However, Shen Yu’an had different intentions.

By offering this solution, she intended to actively involve herself in the matter. She seemed to have sensed General Xiangnan’s difficulty in discussing it and took the initiative to address it.

“I can offer some assistance to the General,” Shen Yu’an stated.

General Xiangnan looked at her with excitement and asked, “Please, Miss Shen, go on.”

Shen Yu’an calmly replied, “The Auspicious Grain Store is an establishment owned by me and Ah’Chen. If there are individuals who voluntarily join the military and choose to exchange their financial assistance for food, I can provide support in the form of grains and other supplies to aid the General’s efforts.”

“Really?!!”

“Indeed.”

With Shen Yu’an’s material support, General Xiangnan found himself saving significant effort and trouble. Excitedly, they discussed the matter for about an hour and reached an agreement.

Once the discussion concluded, Shen Yu’an bid her farewell.

However, General Xiangnan sat in his study, contemplating for a while, still feeling that this matter shouldn’t rely solely on Shen Yu’an’s contributions. He decided to go out and speak with the local officials and wealthy merchants in the city.

With the plan for managing the refugees in place, the subsequent arrangements proceeded much more smoothly.

Officials were sent out from the city to collect the names of refugees staying outside the city.

Three days later, all the information had been gathered, and Shen Yu’an had prepared various supplies.

Both Shen Yu’an and General Xiangnan sent individuals who disguised themselves as new refugees to mingle among the displaced population.

The next day, notices were posted outside the city. Given that most of the refugees couldn’t read, those who had infiltrated the refugee camps played a crucial role.

Someone stood up and read the notice aloud twice to ensure that most people heard it. Then, animated discussions began.

These refugees had fled to this place to avoid conscription, and now, they were upset to see a notice about military recruitment. Emotions ran high.

However, the individuals sent in advance helped maintain some stability among the crowd.

“Why is everyone so agitated? Didn’t the notice say it’s not mandatory? We can choose for ourselves.”

Feeling that the crowd had calmed down a bit, the speaker changed the subject and continued speaking.