the table, Zhang Shenyi also looked refreshed and came to eat.Golden millet porridge, soft egg and scallion pancakes, wood ear stir-fried cabbage, plus braised pork belly with green beans.It's not opu..."Da Yong, don't go just yet! Have a meal with me first. I'll have Fu Niuer cook your favorite dishes!"

Li Dayong refused, replying, "Auntie, this time I really don't have the time. With the Lord absent, the responsibility of guarding the wharf is heavy, and I dare not be careless at all. It's just that the two hundred wounded soldiers are all from the battlefield in Jiangbei, they've come back with difficulty. It would be a great help if our family could take good care of them."

"What nonsense are you talking about!" Old Madam Li glared at him, scolding, "You child, how can you be so out of touch! You say we're family, then why are you being so polite"

These wounded soldiers all fought alongside the Marquis and the Fourth Master against the barbarians. Not to mention that they came to Suijin Beach to protect everyone's safety, even if they were to settle down here for the rest of their lives, it would be justified.

"Just rest assured, I definitely won't mistreat them!"

Li Dayong slapped himself lightly and chuckled, comforting the old woman. "It's my fault for being tongue-tied and getting it wrong. Don't be like me, grandma. I'll punish myself by buying you roast chicken next time I come back."

Everyone burst into laughter. Li Lao Tai patted his back and said, "It doesn't matter about the chicken, the important thing is that you all stay safe and well."

"Now that there's no one at home with you in the barracks, you must be very tired being on your own. But just hold on a little longer. Things will get better soon. When you reunite with Tong Hui and the children, life will only be about enjoying yourselves!"

“Okay, Auntie. I’m looking forward to that too.” Li Dayong nodded heavily in response.

After some more idle chatter, he got up to take his leave. The city gate was about to close soon.

Jia Yin just came over from the kitchen, Shui Ling following behind carrying two baskets. Seeing this, Jia Yin laughed.

"Big Yong, I knew you wouldn't be able to stay for dinner. So, I quickly fried some meatballs and made dozens of dumplings. Take them all back with you, just boil some rice porridge, it'll be a full meal."

Li Dayong didn't hesitate at all, smiling as he took it with his own hands and said, "If anything happens, please let me know."

After saying that, he took his men and left.

The wharf defense is important, not a moment can be left unattended. If it weren't for worrying about his family so much, he wouldn't have made this trip...

After seeing Li Dayong off, everyone chatted about trivial matters while having dinner.

And outside the city, Suijin Beach was still bustling with activity. Torches were lit everywhere, illuminating both inside and out.

The produce from the mountains and fields was quickly requisitioned.

Similarly, the estates of the Liu family, Jia family, and Xing family were also like this.

Such commotion naturally attracted the attention of neighboring estates, who were quite surprised.

Once they had investigated, these people thought they were crazy.

Although the drought was severe, each estate had some reserves, such as several deep wells.

So, the crops and vegetables in the estate reduced production, but there was still four or five points left.

But at this time, it's not yet ripe. Wouldn't it be a pity to harvest it back They can't bear to...

Therefore, the heads of various estates were not in a hurry and planned to report to their masters the next day to inquire about the situation....

It's a pity they don't know, time is fleeting, and what it fears most is waiting.

Thus, some people are busy, some watch the bustling night scene, and some run on the road or insist on moving forward with their families.

When the sun once again rose above the horizon, the soldiers guarding the gate looked down at the throng of refugees that had tripled or quadrupled in size. They couldn't help but gasp, almost dropping their swords in surprise…

The message was swiftly relayed in. The shift commander, yawning as he approached to take a look, was instantly jolted awake.

These ragged, emaciated, and weary-looking refugees, with their families in tow, wore expressions of numbness and despair. When did they come to occupy most of the space outside the city gate

Those makeshift shacks, put together with branches and scraps of wood, tarpaulin, under the city wall, when were they built!

Must report this immediately!

The leader muttered curses under his breath, lamenting his terrible luck to be on duty on this very day. If he had known beforehand, he would have found any excuse to take a few days off and avoid this altogether...

Because the Empress passed away, and the funeral hasn't taken place yet, all court meetings, big and small, have been suspended. But the government cannot be delayed.

Therefore, the Study of Avoidance became a temporary court, and from time to time, important ministers from the Six Ministries gathered there for discussions.

While the Emperor's wife had passed away, he still forced himself to endure his "grief" and handle state affairs. He was constantly praised by the cunning officials!

At this moment, Yi the Grand Steward brought the imperial decree and selected five or six officials who were still weeping in mourning to go to the Imperial Study for a discussion.

The other officials, seeing their colleagues being ordered to "slack off," were all envious, their eyes practically bulging.

And the ministers who successfully escaped felt smug inside, but unfortunately, they regretted it soon after.

They entered the Imperial Study, and before they could even settle into their seats, news from the city defenses arrived.

The number of refugees has rapidly increased to over 3,000, and there is a fear that unrest may erupt!

Both the Emperor and the Crown Prince, as well as the officials brimming with superiority, were so shocked that they remained speechless for a long while.

Of course, I just... don't know what to say.

This result was, in a way, expected, yet it never came to pass. Everyone remained oblivious, deceiving themselves and enjoying a few days of peace and quiet.

It's really shocking to hear this all of a sudden! It's hard to accept.

The Emperor was the first to get angry, "When did so many people gather Why didn't you report it sooner!"

The commander of the city defenses immediately replied, “Your Majesty, this happened suddenly. Only a handful of refugees came yesterday, and my men stopped them from entering the city for fear of disrupting Her Majesty's funeral rites.”

"Unexpectedly, in just one night, the number of people has surged! They are all gathered at the city gate now. If someone were to stir up trouble with a few words, it would be very easy to cause chaos. Your Majesty, please show us how you intend to handle this situation."

The Emperor was agitated and wanted to reprimand them further, but the Crown Prince dissuaded him.

"Father, please calm your anger. Your health is important. Now that things have happened, there must be a way to solve them."

The rest of the court officials also nodded and said.

"His Royal Highness is right, Your Majesty should calm your anger. Such a disaster is beyond human control."

"Yes, Your Majesty. Right now, the only plan is to quickly arrange for the refugees, lest things turn chaotic."

"Moreover, how have the southern states been taking care of their people So many refugees didn't form overnight. Why haven't any state governments submitted reports on this!"

The Emperor rubbed his aching temples. He was about to speak when Yi, the chief steward, hurried in.

"Your Majesty, an urgent report from the southwest has arrived!"

Southwest

Everyone was shocked. Could it be that the enemy from the southwest border had also begun to attack!

Seeing that the Emperor remained silent, the Crown Prince said, "Present it!"

The chief eunuch quickly held the imperial edict above his head. The prince was about to pass it to the emperor, but the emperor waved him off.

Whether you call him a escapist or a coward, the fact remains that even a king can get tired and weary of reality. Sometimes, he simply doesn't want to see any more bad news.

Furthermore, the lingering toxins from before, which had not been completely purged, were still gradually damaging his body. Recently, his energy levels have been declining...

The Crown Prince understood, unsealed the imperial decree and quickly finished reading it, his face becoming increasingly difficult to look at.

Now, both the Emperor and the courtiers were curious and worried.

The Crown Prince was usually composed and rarely showed his emotions. The fact that he had changed color like this indicated that the matter at hand was certainly serious.e next morning, all the villagers, young and old, worked together to clean the area around the archway until it was spotless. Then they set up an incense altar and offered fruits and snacks.Firecracke...