Feng Jinyao and the others had never witnessed such a scene before. To say they were unmoved would be a lie.
Yunxu had been sold into the Feng family to serve Feng Jinyao since she was young. Otherwise, she would likely be toiling in the fields, relying on the heavens for sustenance.
Therefore, seeing this sight stirred her compassion.
"Miss, we still have some pastries in the carriage. Why don't we share them with everyone?"
"Yes, yes, they are truly too pitiful."
Hehuan pointed to a mother and daughter nearby and said.
Judging by their clothes, they were reasonably neat, but both were gaunt and clearly underfed.
Especially the younger daughter, her clothes hung loosely, as if she had stolen an adult's attire, or perhaps she had become so thin that she could no longer fill them out.
Hehuan's heart ached, and she couldn't help but think of her mother, who had passed away many years ago, and the almost forgotten mother-daughter bond.
"These pastries are but a drop in the ocean. Our entourage is already conspicuous. If we attract attention, we might find it difficult to move. Let's listen to the Prince's arrangements first."
Feng Jinyao also felt pity for them, but this was not the time for softness of heart. The problem needed to be truly solved.
Xiao Tingyi, who was riding ahead, saw all this, and the coldness in his eyes did not diminish.
The nobles in the capital feasted every night, and the wealthy citizens of Liangzhe adorned themselves with gold and silver. Who would have thought that while living in the same Great Jin, these people were now starving and displaced?
This was merely the edge of the flood zone; who knew what the center would be like.
Chi Zimo followed Prince Ding, remaining silent.
Having been in business for many years, he had traveled extensively.
However, this was his first time seeing such a scene. He couldn't quite describe his feelings, only that his heart felt heavy.
Even if he were to produce ten thousand taels of silver notes now, it would be of no use. Without grain, everything was out of the question.
The group traversed the muddy terrain and finally found a slightly elevated open space to rest briefly.
Xiao Tingyi stood on a protruding rock, exuding an aura that warned others to keep their distance.
Yang Zhao and Xu Lin dared not approach to disturb him, so they brought the dry rations to Feng Jinyao.
"Third Miss, the Prince hasn't eaten all day."
Feng Jinyao frowned at the two of them, as if asking, "Then why haven't you taken it to him?"
Compared to Xu Lin's sternness, Yang Zhao was a little more amiable, saying to Feng Jinyao,
"If you take it to him, the Prince will likely eat it. If we take it, it will probably be returned untouched."
They had followed Prince Ding for many years and knew his temperament well.
With the common people suffering below, how could he possibly eat?
Yet, inexplicably, he still had the strength for the difficult battle ahead.
Feng Jinyao took the flatbread and beef jerky, took a deep breath, and walked towards Xiao Tingyi.
The wind whistled past their ears. It should have been the most comfortable time in the sweltering summer, yet no one present dared to speak of comfort.
Feng Jinyao approached Xiao Tingyi and said calmly,
"Your Highness, please eat something. Otherwise, if you fall ill from hunger, the road ahead will be difficult."
Xiao Tingyi ignored her, seemingly lost in the sorrow before him.
Feng Jinyao did not disturb him, standing by his side, waiting until he spoke.
Sometimes, silent companionship was more important.
After the time it took for an incense stick to burn, Xiao Tingyi finally took the dry rations from her hand and said with a bitter smile,
"I regret it. I shouldn't have let you come along."
"Your Highness, I came of my own accord."
While these words were true, to outsiders, they sounded like Feng Jinyao's deep devotion, willing to follow him through life and death.
The words, carried by the wind, reached Chi Zimo's ears. For some reason, the meat patty in his hand suddenly lost its appeal.
"In half an hour, we travel at full speed and reach Shuzhou as quickly as possible."
"Yes!"
As Xiao Tingyi gave the order, everyone began to bustle.
Methodical and orderly, Chi Zimo observed the men he had brought with a cold eye. Although he felt a pang of envy, he had to admit that the soldiers were exceptionally well-trained.
Compared to the private soldiers who gave him a headache, these men possessed both combat effectiveness and strict discipline. He would have to seek out Prince Ding for advice on military matters another day.
However, this was not the time for such thoughts, so he instructed his retinue to pack up quickly as well.
For the next dozen hours or so, Chi Zimo witnessed firsthand what was meant by the ironclad will of soldiers.
They had not rested since they set off.
Feng Jinyao and the others in the carriage could snatch a brief nap, but those on horseback were constantly on the move.
Even the horses they brought seemed tireless, much to Chi Zimo's astonishment.
By the evening of the second day, when they reached Shuzhou city, the situation was not as dire as they had imagined.
There were few refugees, but the damage to the fields was severe. Houses and tiled roofs had been washed away, and dried fish and shrimp lay on the ground. The combination of rain and sun gave off a strong, nauseating fishy odor.
Prince Ding ordered everyone to take a medicinal pill and then tie their masks tightly over their mouths and noses.
"Plagues often follow natural disasters. Seeing that few have died, perhaps the plague can be contained. However, these fish and shrimp must be dealt with quickly, otherwise, if other ailments arise and spread, it will be disastrous."
"Yes!"
Yang Zhao, with two others, immediately approached Prince Ding and said,
"Your Highness, let me go find my brother. I'll have a thousand elite soldiers brought over to clean up this place."
"Yes, go and return quickly. Do not delay."
"Yes!"
Yang Zhao tugged at the reins and led his men towards the Southwest Army. Xu Lin rode forward a few steps, guarding Prince Ding's side.
Watching Yang Zhao's retreating figure, Prince Ding withdrew his gaze and then said to everyone,
"Depart."
The group headed towards the main city of Shuzhou.
The closer they got, the tighter Xiao Tingyi's brows furrowed.
It turned out that the refugees were housed outside the city, with a large number of tents erected. However, Shuzhou was extremely hot and humid in the summer, and the more crowded it was, the more shocking it felt.
Although they were dressed simply, the demeanor of Prince Ding's entourage was extraordinary. The able-bodied refugees gathered on both sides, watching the group.
Who would be rushing here at such a time?
If they were ministers of the court, they would not have brought grain carts behind them, so most people remained observational.
Upon entering the city, the previous crowding eased considerably.
There were a few pedestrians on the city streets, not many, and judging by their attire, they seemed to be servants from wealthy families.
Most likely, they were out buying supplies and were acting furtively, perhaps fearing encounters with others.
Prince Ding and his entourage headed directly for the Prefect's yamen.
Just as they reached the entrance, they encountered Wen Jia's uncle, Wen Zhonghe, the Prefect of Shuzhou, returning from outside.