Shen Xi took a few sips of water, then handed the bottle back to Zheng Ankang: "You guys drink it."

Zheng Ankang did not drink it, but returned it to the villager.

The only villager with a bottle of water was this woman, because she had a small child who needed to drink water frequently.

The woman hesitated for a moment, then took the bottle. After another moment of hesitation, she took out a piece of bread from her bosom and handed it to Zheng Ankang: "Let the commander have something to eat."

Zheng Ankang looked at the child in the woman's arms, then at the pancake, and finally took it.

The leader's health is of utmost importance.

When the water was handed to Chenxi, she shook her head. She drank the water because she was unbearably thirsty, but she could still endure the hunger.

Seeing that Chenxi wouldn't eat, the villager didn't take the cake back, but instead knelt down very devoutly: "We can never repay the kindness the leader has shown us, even if we work like oxen and horses. Please eat the cake."

When she knelt down, all the villagers knelt down as well.

"Please eat, sir."

Do you have any food left?

Shenxi saw the child in the woman's arms staring at the pancake.

Children don't lie; he's only about two years old and doesn't understand social etiquette yet.

All he knew was that he was hungry and that his mother had brought him this pancake.

The woman's lips trembled, but she didn't speak.

It seems this is all the pancake we have left.

Adults can bear it, but it's hard for children.

Shenxi directly stuffed the pancake into the child's hand: "Child, eat it, I'm fine."

At this moment, several more people took out food from their pockets: "Please eat, sir."

These are the most simple and honest people. They don't know many words, and they don't even know that a drop of kindness should be repaid with a spring of gratitude. But they understand that whoever gives them a way to survive is their benefactor.

Chenxi had only given them food, and they still had to earn it through labor, yet they remembered her kindness.

She came to rescue them not because of any noble sentiments, but because she wanted to ensure that her people would not be abused or bullied.

Shenxi's goal has always been to become the master of her own destiny. She doesn't want to be at the mercy of others in an era where any powerful person can bully or even kill a commoner.

At that moment, seeing these people at the very bottom of society offering her their only food, Shenxi was moved.

She had never truly integrated into this era, but now, she, Chen Xi, had accepted that she was a person of this era.

Shen Xi's heart skipped a beat, and then she smiled.

She wasn't pretentious. Although she was only acting out of her own interests, she ultimately achieved the goal of benefiting all living beings.

This was the first genuine smile she had given since coming to this era.

The Shenxi of the new century can only be her past memories; now, that is her real life.

Shenxi had his guards help the people up.

"Fellow villagers, I, Chenxi, was originally just an ordinary citizen. In this chaotic world, Heaven has abandoned us, the most honest and simple people. Your land has been seized by powerful families, and your taxes are becoming increasingly heavy. Logically speaking, those in power should be benevolent and virtuous, neither arrogant nor impatient, while those in lower positions should be fearless and dedicated to serving the people. Even those at the bottom can live in peace and prosperity. But now, Heaven and Earth are ruthless, treating all things like straw dogs; those in power are ruthless, treating the people like straw dogs. I, Chenxi, have only done what I believe is right, with a clear conscience and without shame before Heaven and Earth. I hereby guarantee that as long as I am here, you will all live a happy and fulfilling life. I promise you a worry-free life for this lifetime and for generations to come."

Shenxi's words were quite persuasive; the common people, hearing that they could live and work in peace and contentment without worry, readily agreed.

"The leader has such a great spirit, we will follow the leader."

"If it weren't for the leader, I would still be fleeing famine, and I might have died long ago."

"We will all listen to the commander from now on."

Before Chenxi came along, their gratitude was only superficial, a stuttering gratitude; now it comes from the bottom of their hearts.

This is exactly the effect that Chenxi wanted.

She couldn't let the bandits' scheme succeed. How could she let the people say that her rule was chaotic and bandits were rampant?

As long as we appease these areas that have been plundered by bandits, there won't be too many problems.

As things stand, not only is there no problem, but the people of Lu Zhuangzi will also promote her.

Shenxi thought that next, he would arrange for someone to specifically guide Lu Zhuangzi's people to spread the word outside.

Publicize all the bandits' evil deeds. Also, publicize her kindness and virtue.

Small victories rely on intelligence, great victories rely on virtue.

If you don't have a good reputation, who will come to you, who will work for you, and who will put you in a position of power?

Chenxi needs more people to come and pledge their loyalty.

We cannot allow a situation to arise where there are no great generals in Shu, and Liao Hua is the vanguard.

Once everyone had quieted down, Chenxi continued, "I won't eat your food. If you really want some, those of you without children at home can give me some."

Immediately, the villagers felt even more grateful: the leader really cared about them.

So, the two families without children contributed two pieces of bread.

Honestly, it wasn't very tasty; it was dry and lacked oil and salt. But Chenxi found it quite delicious.

This was the most delicious meal I've ever had in Shenxi.

Li Qin had cooked many delicious meals for her. Chen Xi was indeed a bit picky about food, after all, her tastes had become more discerning in the new century.

So, when faced with so many delicious foods, Shenxi simply felt that they suited her taste, she ate well, and she was happy.

But honestly, this is the best I've ever had.

It was so sweet it warmed my heart.

It's a sense of belonging.

She found a sense of belonging to herself and to this era.

I no longer feel like a lost soul, adrift and helpless, thrown into this era.

From then on, this place became her roots.

Zheng Ankang silently thought to himself, "The leader is really hungry. Look at her, she's eating these two hard biscuits with such relish. I must always bring her food from now on."

Leng Aofu silently took out two meat buns and handed them to Chen Xi: "Here, eat up."

Chen Xi's eyes widened: "You, you have food?"

Leng Aofu looked up at the sky and said, "Nonsense! When you're out in the world, you're always preparing for food and drink. Who's like you guys who don't have any sense of preparedness for the future?"

Chenxi: ......

How can you blame her? The situation was urgent, and we didn't expect to be trapped in the basin, unable to get out anytime soon.

Given the size of the forest here, it would take at least one or two days to extinguish the fire.

Before it is destroyed, it is impossible to go out at will.

Currently, only this basin is the safest.

Even if their own soldiers came from outside, they would have a hard time getting in for a while.

Leng Aofu launched another attack, this time targeting Zheng Ankang.

"You are even more incompetent as the head of the guard. It's really bad luck to be your superior."