Chapter 232

During times of famine, people exchanged their own children to eat.

Fan Xiaoxiao had heard about it from the old people in the village, but seeing these cannibals in person still sent a chill down her spine.

They're eating people!

She turned her head and glanced again at the shivering refugees in the middle; the drought outside had left them with no harvest this year.

This is just the beginning of a disaster.

But what happened in the following three years? Three years of drought, and the vast land was barren.

She lowered her eyes, not daring to look at those people anymore.

In such a chaotic and war-torn era, she had neither the means nor the ability to care for others.

She had a home and family. Thousands of people were fleeing famine, and Fan Xiaoxiao was no saint. What she had to do was protect her family.

Fan stared at the refugees for a while, then turned away, her voice tinged with a sigh.

“We arrived early, but we didn’t expect there to be such a disaster outside. Luckily, Father appeared to you in a dream. You know, there were so many people, we don’t even know where they came from.”

"Yes, and with so many of them, they need to be able to sit still for now!"

Hu San was close to Fan Xiaoxiao and the others, and his words immediately enlightened Fan Xiaoxiao.

Yes, there are quite a few refugees! If they were to launch a coordinated attack on Tianshan Town, seizing its food wouldn't be difficult. After all, they've been starving for so long; when people are at their limit, they'll do anything to survive.

But this group of people huddled together quietly for warmth. No one begged for food from others, and no one cried or screamed.

Even the small group that Fan Xiaoxiao had just seen was standing obediently in the crowd, waiting.

What are they waiting for? And who has the ability to make such a large group of people obey?

As more and more people gathered ahead, Fan Xiaoxiao and her companions had to exert a great deal of effort to squeeze in.

"Sister! Hold me tight! Don't get lost!"

Fan Shi grasped Fan Xiaoxiao's hand and carefully led the way.

Fan Xiaoxiao responded, but she was small and thin, and it was already very difficult for her to keep up with the others.

They walked and stopped frequently, and what should have been a distance that took a cup of tea ended up taking about an incense stick's time.

From afar, they could hear some noise coming from the other side of Tianshan Gate, as if someone was shouting something.

"Make way, make way!"

With the help of several strong young men from Ginkgo Village, Fan Shi and Fan Xiaoxiao managed to squeeze to the front.

But as soon as she came out, Fan Xiaoxiao bumped into a sturdy suit of armor. A loud thud was heard, and a large bump quickly rose on her forehead.

"Ouch, that hurts so much..."

"My wife, are you alright?"

A clear voice rang out above Fan Xiaoxiao's head. She looked up and realized that she had actually bumped into one of the soldiers guarding the area.

Before she could speak, Madam Fan behind her was startled. She rushed to Fan Xiaoxiao's side and hugged her tightly, pleading with the soldier for mercy.

"Sir, my sister didn't mean it just now, please don't take offense."

"Um...madam, I...I didn't mean to blame you. Please, you and this lady, step back behind me. Please don't push anymore!"

The soldier spoke very gently, showing no intention of blaming them.

As they were speaking, another burst of mixed sounds came from ahead.

Fan Xiaoxiao then realized that the part of the room near the Renle tent had been covered with white cloth.

The soldier's expression changed slightly, and he quickly whispered to the two men, "Princess Renle is coming out. You two should quickly step back!"

Fan Xiaoxiao reacted quickly, pulled Fan Shi up, thanked the soldier, and then hurriedly retreated to the back.

As she left, she noticed that the soldier's clothes seemed somewhat different from those of the Imperial Guards of Renle.

A slight tremor ran through her; it seemed these generals before her were newcomers. Their manner of speaking and demeanor differed greatly from those of Renle's imperial guards.

Moreover, the fact that they were able to manage so many refugees shows that the general who led them was a man of both virtue and talent.

But why bring refugees to attack Tianshan Town?

Fan Xiaoxiao frowned. Generally speaking, if a war breaks out, there will inevitably be refugees.

However, given the current situation, it's unlikely that any general would lead so many refugees into battle.

After all, soldiers need provisions, and people need food.

The possibility of war is still very small.

Fan Xiaoxiao's thought was very clear: since this general brought so many people here, he certainly wouldn't start a war immediately.

After all, it was the Tianshan Sect that was in the way of the imperial court, not the Tianshan Town below.

However... the possibility of war cannot be completely ruled out.

With such a large number of people, if they don't get food, it's entirely possible that they could launch a coordinated attack and overthrow Tianshan Town.

Fan Xiaoxiao frowned. There was a famine outside. They really couldn't afford to have to flee for their lives again.

Village Chief Fu, standing to the side, also frowned, seemingly having the same thought as Fan Xiaoxiao, his expression quite unpleasant. Then, as if he had made up his mind, he leaned close to Hu San's ear, preparing to say something.

Before he could say two words, Fan Xiaoxiao, who had heard him clearly, quickly interrupted him: "Village Chief, don't think about producing more grain right now!"

Village Chief Fu was taken aback, seemingly not expecting Fan Xiaoxiao to hold an opposing view.

He looked around and, seeing that no one was paying attention to them, quickly bent down and approached Fan Xiaoxiao.

"Why do you say that, my wife? Haven't you seen the number of these disaster victims? What will happen to our village if we don't have enough food to meet their needs?!"

"No, that's not right."

Fan Xiaoxiao shook her head, her brows still furrowed. Giving them food directly would only lead to more doing it this time. Besides, springtime was unpredictable; even without the war, their food supplies might not withstand the drought.

Seeing her deep in thought, Village Chief Fu grew anxious: "Oh dear, my dear Xiao Niangzi! Things have come to this point, stop beating around the bush! If war really breaks out, how will our village survive against them?!"

Fan Xiaoxiao was awakened by his words and suddenly looked up.

"Yes! That's it!"

The village chief was completely bewildered and couldn't understand what Fan Xiaoxiao was saying at all.

She waved to the village chief, signaling him to come closer.

"Village chief, if they mention food... then you just..."

"Good! Good! Good!"

After a long pause, Village Chief Fu said "good" several times in a row, his old face almost bursting into laughter. Then, realizing his mistake, he quickly covered his mouth.

After glancing around warily, he looked at Fan Xiaoxiao again to confirm, "Wife, is this method really alright?"

Fan Xiaoxiao knew what he meant and smiled slightly at him: "It's nothing. We have to save everyone's lives first!"

As the two were talking, a noise came from inside the curtain.

The town mayor of Tianshan Town, along with several elders of the Tianshan Sect, came out.

The noise from everyone present instantly ceased, becoming so quiet you could hear a pin drop.

The next moment, Fan Xiaoxiao heard the town mayor speak.

"The princess has given an order! Everyone, donate grain!"

(End of this chapter)