But they did not let their guard down, for they saw refugees everywhere, just like them, who were also migrating.
The sight of empty villages along the way made it clear that the drought was more severe than they had imagined.
The city walls of Shipo County were tall and large, no less impressive than those of Chunyang County.
Before the drought, the unique stones of Shipo County were sought after by wealthy businessmen, and their prices remained high.
Furthermore, their products were sold throughout Pingzhao Kingdom, making Shipo County the wealthiest county in the surrounding area, and even several prefectures.
Qin Ling and the others looked at the throngs of people at the city gate.
They kept blocking the city gate and wouldn't go in.
He then asked Qin Xing and Qin Yi to go forward and find out what had happened.
The two finally managed to squeeze to the city gate, and then went their separate ways.
Qin Yi went to ask the people in front of the city gate, while Qin Xing went to ask the soldiers guarding the city.
Qin Xing clasped his hands in salute to the soldiers guarding the city.
"May I ask, sir, why are you blocking the city gates and preventing the people from entering?"
Judging from Qin Xing's salute, the city guard must also be someone working in the government office.
He then softened his tone and explained to Qin Xing.
"Brother, it's not that we won't let you in, it's just that we received orders from the county magistrate that the entrance fee will be raised to five copper coins per person. Anyone without money won't be allowed in. Look, there are people watching from the city walls. We have no choice!"
Qin Xing knew the hardships of these lowest-ranking soldiers, so he didn't make things difficult for them, but simply asked again.
"Do we accept children too? If so, what about donkeys and horses? Do we accept those as well?"
The soldiers guarding the city nodded.
"It's five coins for the old and children alike, three coins for livestock; it's written right there!"
He pointed to the notice board in front of him.
After obtaining the information he wanted, Qin Xing thanked the city guards and then went to find Qin Yi.
The two returned to Qinling's side together. Qin Xing looked at Qinling with a worried expression.
"Uncle, the soldiers guarding the city said they're charging five coins per person for entry, regardless of age or gender, and three coins for each animal!"
Qin Yi added, also dissatisfied.
"Not only that! We charge a coin for every chicken, duck, and goose that's alive!"
The villagers of Qixia Village were all deeply moved by what the two men said!
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