Chapter 146: Open the City Gate and Release the People
Lotus Town.
When Qin Xiangnuan and the others arrived, they saw the city gates heavily guarded. The prefect, holding a token, approached them, narrowed his eyes, and shouted, "Open the gates!" After he finished speaking, the guards looked at each other, hesitant and afraid to move. The leading guard pulled the prefect aside and whispered, "Sir, everyone inside is desperate to get out. We've finally been able to close the gates and suppress them. If we open them and let them out, we're afraid there will be trouble." They had been ordered to stay here and not allow anyone to escape. Why were they changing their orders now?
"Don't worry, it won't take long for us to get in. Once we're allowed in, we can close the city gates immediately."
Qin Xiangnuan walked up to the prefect, his eyes firm as he spoke. The prefect nodded, a forced smile on his face, but at this point, he had no choice but to bite the bullet and follow Jiang Lin. Just like Old Hao and the others were doing it for the money, the prefect was doing it for himself. If the plague could be successfully resolved this time, Jiang Lin would likely write a petition on his behalf to His Majesty, and his meteoric rise to prominence would be just around the corner.
"That's right! Go and tell the guards inside to control the people and don't let them get close to the city gate. Once we get in, you will close the gate." The prefect had a plan in mind and spoke firmly. The guard looked at him in surprise and quickly reminded him, "Sir, the situation inside is serious. If we lock you up in there, I'm afraid..." You will never come back!
The prefect shook his head and told them to do as they were told. Qin Xiangnuan looked at the several carts of supplies brought by the secret guards, took a quick inventory, and nodded as she gathered everyone. She picked up the cut strips of cloth and distributed them to everyone, finally stuffing one into Jiang Lin's hand. "After we go in, everyone, cover your mouth and nose with the cloth. Don't let any of it leak out. If any civilians approach, don't make direct contact with them. Keep a distance of about two steps. Let's go in and find a place to stay first, and then we can make a long-term plan. Understand?"
"Once you enter Lotus Town, everyone must obey my command."
Qin Xiangnuan said sternly, Jiang Lin nodded, and the others followed suit. Her mood grew heavier, and she wondered if this trip would be successful...
With a creaky squeak, the guards greeted the people inside, and the gate opened a small gap wide enough for one person to pass through. Qin Xiangnuan, Jiang Lin, and the others immediately squeezed in, pushing the carts at a brisk pace. When the unfamiliar figure appeared in their sight, the unkempt victims sitting on both sides of the road immediately stood up. Seeing the rice and flour on the carts, even though they were covered with tarpaulin, the starving people could instantly smell the aroma and rushed over, "There's food! There's food!"
"Give us some food! Grab it!" The victims stirred. Jiang Lin raised his hand to protect Qin Xiangnuan and turned back to signal Anfeng and Anliu. They immediately secured the cart and kicked away several men who tried to break in. "We're here to solve your problem. Tomorrow morning, officials will definitely count you. If you dare to steal, you will be killed!" They shouted loudly, explaining their purpose while putting on a fierce look. Finally, they were safe for the time being.
This group of people know that they don’t have much time left, so they will fight hard whenever they see a glimmer of hope.
The most terrifying thing about people at the end of their rope is the disease. This was the first time Qin Xiangnuan had witnessed such a tragic scene. Sick civilians lay everywhere, half-naked, lying on the roadside, covered only with straw mats. Elderly men, emaciated, held lifeless babies, while men with broken arms were evidently eaten. If this continued, the plague would only worsen, uncontrollable. Was this the end of the world? Qin Xiangnuan frowned and looked at Jiang Lin, who also had a heavy expression, unaware of the situation.
"My lords, this is the residence prepared for you."
The mayor of Lianhua Town led them to a house in the north of the city. "This place is uninhabited, so it's quite spacious. I'll have people guarding the area to ensure no one disturbs you!" The mayor's face was fawning, and in such a situation, he looked rosy, as if he had eaten and drunk his fill. Qin Xiangnuan immediately knew what kind of person he was and said coldly, "Mayor, you're thoughtful. If so, the task of counting the number of victims and their conditions will be left to you. Please do it yourself. Give me the list by noon tomorrow."
"You are!" The mayor's eyebrows jumped when he heard it. He wanted to get furious but when he saw the prefect, he swallowed the words that were about to come out of his mouth.
Seeing Qin Xiangnuan didn't respond, the prefect stepped out to smooth things over, saying, "He's the prince's good friend, and the doctor who came to help. Hurry and do as I tell you..." The prefect winked at the mayor, reminding him not to offend Qin Xiangnuan, or else he wouldn't even know when he took off his official robes. The mayor didn't dare to complain outwardly, so he could only curse inwardly as he turned and left, slamming the door shut.
This house must have been carefully selected by the mayor, as it is quite empty.
"Put the supplies you brought in the backyard warehouse. You'll take turns guarding tonight. The rest of you should rest early and recharge your batteries." Qin Xiangnuan gave her instructions and headed for the backyard kitchen. She looked at the long-abandoned stove and bent down to clean it. She reached out her hand, but before she could even pick at the dust, a pair of hands appeared beside her. "Let me do it." Jiang Lin, dressed in black, looked different than usual. His handsome face had a subtle steadiness, a look that made him worthy of trust and reliance.
Qin Xiangnuan withdrew her hand and stood aside, carrying the iron pot with both hands and placing it on the stove. "Your Highness, you have never done such rough work in the mansion before, right?"
"You don't know me." Jiang Lin buried his head in cleaning, not even looking up. "Since I was fifteen, I've been fighting and patrolling on behalf of my father. Living in such harsh conditions, it takes more than just being the son of Xiaoyao Hou to survive. I've been exposed to all kinds of undercurrents and dangers, living in the open air. We've faced even harsher conditions than you have. We've encountered wolves, tigers, leopards, even snakes, insects, rats, and ants... Do I look like a gigolo in your eyes? Someone who drinks tea and watches operas in the capital?"
Jiang Lin lit the hay, the flames blazing. He stood up, turned back and looked at Qin Xiangnuan intently, pursing his lips and saying nothing. His features were blurred in the firelight. Qin Xiangnuan's ears were red, and the herbs in her hands were crushed. She coughed twice and muttered, "Then help me."
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
