Chapter 202 - Chapter 202: Chapter 202: After the Heavy Snow_l (1/2)

Chapter 202: Chapter 202: After the Heavy Snow_l

Translator: 549690339 1

The servants of the Military Prefecture had climbed on the roof several times already, all to sweep the accumulated snow off the eaves, fearing that too much snow would crush the roof, or that a large chunk of frozen snow would suddenly fall and hit passers-by.

The main houses were relatively okay, always kept warm with charcoal fires, so the rooftops were warm and the snow accumulation was comparatively less extensive. The roofs of other rooms, however, accumulated a thick layer of snow, highly dangerous if not dealt promptly.

They couldn’t take care of the snow accumulated in the courtyard anymore, and the servants only managed to sweep a narrow path on the vital routes to facilitate people to get by.

On the main roads outside, some households, too, had cleared a path by sweeping the snow nearby, whereas those uninhabited lanes were still covered in a blanket of white snow.

In Cangyun Garden, Lady Yun was distressed; the heavy snowfall had interrupted everything and it became difficult to purchase many items.

The prefecture still had enough grain, so at least there was food to eat even if they were devoid of fresh vegetables.

However, the charcoal was almost all used up. This year, winter came early, hence the charcoal had been used early too. The high-quality charcoal which Lady Yun had ordered was limited in quantity and another batch was supposed to be delivered these days.

Because of the sudden heavy snow, the charcoal that was supposed to be delivered didn’t make it, and the charcoal at home was consumed faster than anticipated.

So, first thing in the morning, Lady Yun sent some servants to the shops in the street to inquire, to see if any shop was selling charcoal.

However, despite being in the usually bustling Government City, there were hardly any shops open, let alone any that sold charcoal.

This made Lady Yun extremely anxious. Without charcoal, the indoors would be as cold as an ice cellar in such chilly weather.

Wei Qingwan was in Lady Yun’s room accompanying her in managing the affairs. Seeing her such anxious, she didn’t have a better solution and could only comfort her with a few words.

Then more bad news came. A lot of civilian houses had collapsed under the weight of the heavy snow. It was reported that many bamboo groves within Taizhou Prefecture had also been afflicted. A large area of bamboo had fallen.

The specific casualties were not yet known, but the situation might not be too optimistic.

As a result of this, the Government Office was in a state of chaos and panic. It was unclear whether Wei Mingting would be implicated or caught up in the aftermath.

Lady Yun exclaimed with a headache, “What a troublesome season this is!”

The issue with the seventh Prince was yet to be resolved, and another snow disaster had hit. The year-end was challenging indeed.

“Mother, don’t worry. Once the snow melts, the charcoal will be able to be delivered,” Wei Qingwan comforted.

“Hmm.” Lady Yun responded verbally but her worrying mood did not improve, because charcoal was just a small part of the problem.

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Wei Ruo also heard about the snow disaster from the servants.

She was preparing to go out, to have a look at the situation outside. She didn’t necessarily need to do anything, but at least she wanted to see what the situation was like with her own eyes.

Before going out, Wei Ruo and Xiumei put on their full gear. Particularly the boots – Wei Ruo and Xiumei, both, put on the boots that their wet nurse had specifically made for them.

The process of making the boots was explained by Wei Ruo to the wet nurse. They were wrapped in a layer of cowhide on the outside, filled with a thick layer of cotton on the inside. This way the boots could be both warm and waterproof.

The soles were also made with patterns as per Wei Ruo’s instructions to increase friction and prevent slipping.

However, Wei Ruo’s sewing skills were too poor, so the wet nurse had to do it

for them.

To make them look better, the wet nurse added a layer of cloth with embroidery on the outside of the cowhide. With the skirt covering the boots, no one could see what kind of shoes Wei Ruo was wearing.