Large numbers of disaster victims were arriving at the outskirts of Kaifeng City, causing the city's defense forces to gradually become overwhelmed. However, those who arrived first took the initiative to take on the important task of guiding those who came later.
After all, numerous regulations had already been enacted. Even with the full might of the city guards, it would be difficult to effectively manage a population of nearly one million. Therefore, the victims spontaneously organized themselves into small groups, each responsible for a specific area.
Those who could read helped interpret the regulations, explaining to the newly arrived victims what was permitted and what was prohibited. Some of the stronger ones took the initiative to carry supplies, unloading food, clothing, and medicine from carts outside the city and distributing them to the victims in need.
As time went on, this atmosphere of mutual assistance spread beyond Kaifeng. Strangers, once strangers, united in their shared experiences and needs. They helped and supported each other, facing this once-in-a-millennium disaster together.
Throughout this process, some disaster victims demonstrated exceptional leadership and organizational skills. They not only efficiently coordinated activities within their own groups but also established smooth communication bridges with other groups, ensuring order throughout the area. Their presence, constantly moving among the crowd, became a formidable and powerful presence.
To commend these leaders who stepped forward in times of adversity, the Minister of War, Changsun Dechong, not only personally received them but also established the honorary title of "righteous men" and awarded them practical prizes, such as food, clothing, and priority for temporary housing. He also promised that after the new city was completed, they would have priority in choosing a house to live in free of charge.
These measures greatly encouraged more disaster victims to participate in self-rescue and mutual rescue actions, and also further improved the order in the periphery of the entire Kaifeng city.
The sun gradually sank, tinging the sky with a tinge of orange. Though night was approaching, the lights outside Kaifeng City remained bright, and the bustle of activity continued unabated. Thanks to the joint efforts of the city guards and the disaster victims, temporary shelters sprang up like mushrooms after rain, providing a warm haven for the homeless.
In this land woven of suffering, the brilliance of humanity is most directly reflected. The surviving elders gather around the fire, recounting stories of the past and giving hope and courage to the young. Well-fed children play and frolic in the open fields, their laughter as clear as silver bells, dispelling the surrounding gloom.
During this period, the imperial court provided the vast majority of food, successfully calming the uneasy emotions of the victims. Various supplies were gradually delivered from other cities in the Wei Kingdom.
Supplies poured in from all directions. Local governments, chambers of commerce, and even ordinary people lent a hand, delivering much-needed food, clothing, and medicine to the victims outside Kaifeng. These supplies were like timely rain, nourishing the parched hearts and giving the desperate people a glimmer of hope for life.
In the past, the government and chambers of commerce in these cities did not give food to the court because they were afraid that some of the victims would go to their cities, so they kept these supplies to prepare for treating the victims. Now that all the victims have come to Kaifeng City, the supplies they left behind are not so needed, so they all transported these supplies to Kaifeng City to assist the court in disaster relief.
Meanwhile, residents of Kaifeng also actively participated in the rescue efforts. They donated money and supplies, while others traveled outside the city walls to help build shelter and distribute supplies. This outpouring of care and support, extending beyond the city walls, made the victims feel the warmth and strength of the entire Wei State. This reassured them that they would never betray the Wei State, or even the Emperor.
Faced with this unprecedented disaster, people chose not to flee or stand by indifferently, but to unite and overcome the difficulties together. Their actions exemplified the traditional virtue of "helping one side in need" and showcased the best and most resilient side of human nature.
As night fell and a chilly wind began to rise, outside Kaifeng, a warm, spring-like scene unfolded. A blazing bonfire illuminated everyone's face and warmed their hearts. The victims gathered around the fire, sharing their stories, drawing strength from their suffering and finding direction in hope.
Under the intertwining glow of fire and moonlight, some disaster victims began to spontaneously organize cultural activities. They sang ancient folk songs and performed simple dances, using art to express their love for life and their longing for the future. These activities not only enriched the victims' spiritual lives but also strengthened their confidence and courage to overcome difficulties.
After witnessing these events, Changsun Dechong summoned Qin Hui and others for a brief meeting. Subsequently, stories of His Majesty's heroic deeds and extraordinary abilities spread widely among the victims.
They praised His Majesty for saving nearly one million disaster-stricken people with the help of divine food. Some even regarded His Majesty as the incarnation of the Emperor of Wei and a god who had descended to earth, believing that it was he who brought the divine food to save them.
As rescue efforts progressed, order gradually returned outside Kaifeng. Most of the victims found shelter. City guards and disaster leaders continued to intensify patrols and oversight, ensuring strict enforcement of regulations and preventing chaos and conflict.
Outside the city of Kaifeng, deep in the hearts of these victims who have experienced many vicissitudes of life, they are not only engraved with the tenacious persistence in life and infinite longing for the future, but also with a deep and sincere gratitude to His Majesty the Emperor.
Whenever they mentioned the Emperor's care and assistance, tears welled up in their eyes, a radiant glow of gratitude and admiration. They firmly believed that the current difficulties were only temporary, and that under His Majesty's wise leadership, the State of Wei would usher in an even more glorious future and grow stronger.
Thanks to the tireless efforts of Changsun Dechong and others, the victims deeply felt the emperor's care and assistance, and were filled with gratitude and admiration. They expressed their determination to always remember the emperor's great grace, cherish their current happy lives, and look forward to the future.
They vowed to use their hands and sweat to create a better tomorrow, in return for the emperor's deep affection. This gratitude not only inspired them to forge ahead courageously and strive for self-improvement, but also made the land outside Kaifeng bloom with the brightest light.
Seeing this effect, Chang Sun Dechong was very satisfied. The current situation will reduce a lot of resistance to the next plan.
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