Rebirth and Reversal of Fortune

Chapter 315 Artistic Prosperity, Natural Disasters

The Marquis's residence supported the development of the arts, and artistic creation in the area flourished.

While steadily advancing education, the Marquis's residence also focused on the arts. Xiao Ling and Su Jinxiu knew that art could not only cultivate people's sentiments but also add cultural depth and charm to the region.

The Marquis's residence first funded various art competitions, covering poetry, calligraphy, painting, music, dance, and many other fields. The generous prizes attracted many art enthusiasts to participate.

"I'm determined to show my best in this competition!" a young poet said passionately.

To provide artists with a better creative environment, the Hou Mansion has also established an art workshop, providing high-quality materials and tools. Furthermore, renowned artists from various regions have been invited to come and exchange ideas and offer guidance.

"It has been incredibly beneficial to be able to exchange ideas with the masters," one artist said excitedly.

With the strong support of the Marquis's residence, a large number of outstanding works of art emerged within the territory. Poems and songs were recited in the streets and alleys, calligraphy and paintings filled the exhibition halls, and music and dance performances attracted many audiences.

However, with the flourishing of art, some problems have also emerged.

In pursuit of fame and fortune, some people plagiarize others' works or deliberately cater to the preferences of judges, leading to a gradually superficial and frivolous atmosphere in artistic creation.

“If this continues, true art will be buried,” a highly respected artist worriedly.

Upon learning of the plagiarism, Su Jinxiu immediately ordered a thorough investigation and established strict judging criteria to ensure the fairness and impartiality of the competition.

"Art requires sincerity and innovation, and will never tolerate any fraudulent behavior."

At the same time, due to the large influx of artworks, the market has become uneven in quality, with some poorly made works flooding the market and affecting consumers' willingness to buy.

“These works are a complete waste of our money,” one buyer complained.

Xiao Ling decided to establish an art appraisal institution to evaluate and screen works on the market and provide consumers with reliable purchasing advice.

But new challenges followed. Some art groups from other places became jealous of the artistic prosperity in the Houfu area and began to maliciously slander and suppress it.

"They're just creating a temporary buzz; they have no real artistic value."

The area under the jurisdiction of the Marquis's residence suffered a severe natural disaster, and the people were affected.

A sudden torrential rainstorm, which lasted for several days, caused widespread flooding. Large tracts of farmland within the Marquis's territory were submerged, houses collapsed, roads were washed away, and the people were displaced, plunging them into dire straits.

"What are we going to do? Our homes are all gone!" The cries and shouts of the people echoed through the sky.

Upon learning of the disaster, Xiao Ling and Su Jinxiu were extremely anxious. They immediately mobilized all the resources of the Marquis's residence to devote themselves to the disaster relief work.

"No matter what, we must ensure the safety of the people!" Xiao Ling issued the order.

The soldiers of the Marquis's mansion acted swiftly, searching house to house for the trapped civilians and moving them to safety.

"Don't be afraid, everyone! The Marquis's mansion will protect you!" The soldiers' shouts brought some comfort to the people.

Su Jinxiu organized people to prepare disaster relief supplies, and food, clothing, medicine and other items were continuously transported to the disaster area.

However, with so many people affected by the disaster, relief supplies quickly became scarce.

"We're running out of supplies, what should we do?" The official in charge of supply allocation was sweating profusely with anxiety.

Xiao Ling decided to seek help from the surrounding counties and prefectures.

"We hope they can lend a helping hand and help us get through this difficult time."

However, some counties hesitated to accept the Marquis's request for assistance, fearing that their aid would affect local reserves.

"We ourselves are not well-off, how can we easily help others?"

Su Jinxiu then mobilized the merchants and wealthy households of the Marquis's mansion to donate money and goods, but some people were unwilling to contribute generously.

"My own money didn't grow on trees, so why should I donate it?"

Faced with these difficulties, Xiao Ling and Su Jinxiu did not give up. They personally visited the hesitant counties and wealthy households, explaining the suffering of the people and the urgency of disaster relief.

"At this time, we should unite as one and overcome the difficulties together."

Through their efforts, they finally secured some assistance.

But as time went on, the epidemic began to spread in the disaster area.

"This is terrible! We must bring the epidemic under control as soon as possible!"

The Marquis's residence organized a medical team to go deep into the disaster area, but medical personnel and medicines were still insufficient.

"We've done our best, but we're still overwhelmed." The medical team members were exhausted.