Southern disaster relief efforts: united as one
When Shen Jiye arrived at the heart of the disaster area, the floodwaters had not yet receded, and many villages were still submerged. The people were huddled on higher ground or in makeshift shacks, their faces pale and emaciated, their eyes filled with despair. Without a moment's rest, he immediately convened an emergency meeting with local officials, only to find that many officials were either helpless or taking the opportunity to line their own pockets, resulting in relief supplies being unable to reach the people for a long time.
Shen Jiye's face darkened, and he immediately ordered: "Immediately inventory the grain and supplies allocated by the national treasury, and distribute them all to the disaster-stricken people within three days! Anyone who dares to hoard or withhold supplies, regardless of rank, will be dealt with according to military law!" As soon as he finished speaking, he ordered his accompanying soldiers to take over the supply warehouses and post notices to appease the people, promising that he would overcome the difficulties together with everyone.
To control the disaster as quickly as possible, Shen Jiye personally surveyed the water conditions by boat, drew up a map of the river channels, and formulated a dredging plan. He took the lead, jumping into the icy floodwaters to work alongside his soldiers and civilians to move sandbags and repair the dikes. The muddy floodwaters reached above his knees and were icy cold, but he was oblivious, guarding the dikes day and night until his eyes were bloodshot and his voice became hoarse.
Deeply moved by the pacification commissioner's leading role, the people spontaneously joined the relief efforts. The elderly, women, and children—young and old alike—did everything in their power to help, whether it was moving supplies, building shelters, or caring for the wounded. In an instant, the entire disaster area was united in its efforts, a vibrant and bustling scene of relief work.
After arriving in the disaster area with her apprentices from the medical clinic, Shen Jifang immediately set up a temporary medical station on higher ground. Knowing that epidemics were likely to break out after a disaster, she organized her apprentices to treat the wounded and taught everyone how to use mugwort and calamus to boil water for disinfection, spreading knowledge about disease prevention. She treated those who contracted the disease with great care, working day and night, often without even having time for a hot meal.
Liu was not idle either. In the temporary shed, she organized the women to boil water and cook, preparing hot meals for the soldiers and civilians who were helping with the disaster relief. She also specially brewed ginger soup to dispel cold and dampness, and personally delivered it to the embankment, handing it to everyone: "You have worked hard, have a bowl of ginger soup to warm yourselves up, and don't get cold."
With the combined efforts of Shen Jiye's family, soldiers, and the common people, the dikes gradually stabilized, and the river channel was dredged. Half a month later, the floodwaters began to recede, and the affected people returned to their homes one after another. Shen Jiye then ordered the granaries to be opened and grain distributed to the people, along with seeds and farming tools, to help them rebuild their homes. When the new emperor learned that the disaster had been effectively controlled, he was overjoyed and issued an edict to commend Shen Jiye and his family, praising him for his "commendable loyalty and courage, and for sharing the people's burdens."
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