Regarding the matter of incorporating these refugees, Ning Ye ultimately decided to go and see for himself with Wang Wu.

When Ning Ye arrived at this refugee gathering place, the sun had already set over Huangshan. Under the dim sky, there were not many fires to be seen in the place where thousands of people had gathered. They sat on the ground like walking corpses, each with a blank look in their eyes, not like humans.

Only young children still have the energy to play, while the adults have long since lost their vitality.

Among these people, there wasn't a single elderly person; no elderly person could endure the long journey.

To ensure the stability of this reorganization, Ning Ye brought all his men with him, along with several large pots and two large carts of grain.

As a simple tent was set up, Ning Ye gave the order to have several large pots start cooking porridge at the same time.

The aroma of rice began to spread, and almost at the same time, everyone who smelled the fragrance couldn't help but look towards Ning Ye.

A group of refugees who had previously paid no attention to Ningye and the others surged toward them, none of them willing to stop.

Ning Ye looked at the faces of the people, pale and emaciated, barely recognizable as human beings. "Everyone, stop right there. Anyone who disobeys will be killed."

Dozens of gleaming steel swords had been drawn, and the guards were all clad in armor; the military's majesty was ingrained in their very bones.

But hunger was also tormenting them; the steaming pot and the aroma of rice seemed to beckon them to their very souls.

Ning Ye said with a serious expression, "I know you are very hungry, but now I hope you can expose each other. If any of you have eaten human flesh, point it out to me."

The guards relayed the message one by one, since there were several thousand people, and it was impossible for Ning Ye to make sure everyone heard him.

But after listening, the refugees showed a puzzled look on their faces. In years of famine, the practice of exchanging children to eat was countless. Even the flesh of the dead would be eaten when people were starving.

In previous years, the government never cared about such matters, so why is it different this time?

"I hope everyone will not hesitate. Only after exposing these cannibals will you be able to get a share of rice porridge. Otherwise, you can just stay here and starve."

After Ning Ye said that, everyone became agitated and began to accuse anyone they knew.

Soon, more than 600 people were selected from thousands of people, which is a very high percentage, showing how difficult their journey had been.

Of course, it's possible that some of these people were bad people to begin with, but Ning Ye still couldn't accept that they had eaten human flesh.

Ning Ye didn't chase them away directly. Instead, he gave each of them a bowl of rice porridge before sending them off. Unfortunately, they didn't go far away but just stood there watching longingly from a short distance away.

The remaining people were all swallowing their saliva frantically, eagerly anticipating the rice porridge in the large pot.

Ning Ye said loudly, "Everyone, I'm going to rebuild a village, and you will be the new people in this village. You will have a new home, and I will give you a job."

The word "home" seems to have deeply pierced the hearts of many people, almost an obsession etched into their blood, but their homes are gone.

A man who appeared to be dressed fairly cleanly stepped forward. "Sir, do you mean you intend to take all of us as long-term laborers?"

Ning Ye shook his head and said, "You're wrong. I won't treat you as long-term laborers. I'm really going to give you a new home. You'll also have to help me with some things, but I will never restrict your freedom."

Shen Yuanzhi asked in confusion, "Sir, I don't quite understand what you mean by that."

"If you don't understand, then you don't understand. You'll naturally understand in the future. Now, let's fill your stomachs first. Each person can only take one bowl, otherwise I'm afraid I'll stuff you to death if you eat too much."

Apart from a few rational people who might ponder Ning Ye's true intentions, everyone else had already started queuing up with their broken bowls; nothing was more important than the dog food they were eating right now.

Beside Shen Yuanzhi was a little boy who looked to be about ten years old, but he was extremely thin.

While everyone else was scrambling to get their share of rice porridge, Shen Yuanzhi held the little boy and stood still, waiting until everyone else had finished before coming forward.

Ning Ye looked at the man with great interest. "You seem to be different from other people. You must have been a wealthy family before."

Shen Yuanzhi nodded and said, "Back in Guanzhong, we lived a fairly good life thanks to the small amount of property passed down from our ancestors, but a famine wiped it all out."

"Everyone can get this rice porridge, why don't you go? Do you need something from me?"

"Although I don't know what you want to do, I think I can find a job here that is different from others."

Ning Ye crossed his arms and said, "Since you've volunteered, you must have some skills that are different from ordinary people. Why don't you tell me what you can do for me?"

Shen Yuanzhi said confidently, "I have some knowledge of reading and punctuation, and I am also good at general planning and arithmetic. I am equally capable of business."

"Since that's the case, I'll give you a chance. I'll come again tomorrow morning. I need you to compile basic information about everyone here, such as where they're from, their age, who their family members are, and what skills they have."

After Ning Ye made this series of demands, even the confident Shen Yuanzhi hesitated for a moment.

Keep in mind that there are still at least three thousand people left. It's practically impossible to count all of them in one day.

But after glancing at his son beside him, Shen Yuanzhi gritted his teeth and said, "Young Master, if I can accomplish this, what exactly will the Master ask me to do?"

Ning Ye smiled slightly, "If you can really do it, these thousands of people will also need a village chief. You will be in charge of this matter then. I don't know if you are capable."

Shen Yuanzhi clasped his hands and said, "Young Master, please come and inspect tomorrow morning. If you fail to meet the requirements, you may dispose of the matter as you see fit."