The north wind outside the window brought with it fine snow particles, like countless tiny snowflakes, constantly hitting the glass windows.
Xie Yun sat alone at his desk, the dim desk lamp casting shadows of varying depths on his angular face.
The military newspaper in his hand had been read countless times, and the lead type blurred into gray and black spots before his eyes.
He raised his hand and rubbed his temple, and the blood vessels under his fingertips throbbed.
"Report!"
Adjutant Zhou pushed open the door, his cotton shoes rubbed against the blue brick floor, creating fine snow particles, and the white breath he exhaled quickly condensed into frost in the cold air.
He handed over the telegram: "Forty-seven people froze to death in the Nanjiao refugee camp last night. The hungry people began to attack the Xigu granary."
Xie Yun's fingertips paused on the telegram.
Since the outbreak of the war in North China, Tianjin has been like an isolated city in a snowstorm. Every day, refugees with purple faces fell outside the city gate. The bodies were rolled up in straw mats by the body collection team and thrown into mass graves like rags.
"What are the specific casualties?" Xie Yun's voice was so low that it was almost inaudible.
"The granary guards opened fire, killing three people and injuring ten." Adjutant Zhou replied.
Xie Yun slowly closed his eyes, and his long eyelashes cast a dark shadow under his eyelids.
Military rations are related to the lives of thousands of soldiers on the front lines, but those who steal food are all parents and children who are desperate.
"Young Marshal, do you want to send more troops?" Adjutant Zhou felt a little uneasy when he saw him silent.
Xie Yun opened his eyes, and a trace of pain flashed in his eyes.
"Send the cavalry company, fire warning shots first, and try to disperse the crowd..." His voice was as hoarse as sandpaper, "If anyone forcibly attacks the granary, then... deal with them according to military law." He paused, his Adam's apple rolled, "According to wartime regulations, deal with them according to military law."
"yes."
The house fell into deathly silence, with only the ticking of the clock and the sound of wind and snow outside the window.
Xie Yun suddenly remembered the secret report he received last night. He took a deep breath and asked, "Have you contacted the representative of the Chinese and Foreign Relief Association?
"The representative will arrive in Tianjin in a few days." Adjutant Zhou replied quickly, "But..."
"explain."
"Just received news that they encountered robbers in Baoding and lost three carts of food."
Xie Yun's eyes flashed coldly: "When did it happen?"
"Just this morning." Adjutant Zhou wiped the sweat from his forehead.
"Arrange for them to stay at Shunde Hotel." Xie Yun stood up and walked to the clothes rack, took off his dark gray sheepskin military coat and put it on his shoulders, his leather gloves making a "squeaking" sound. "Notify the city defense headquarters that from today on, all relief food transportation will be escorted by the independent regiment, and three additional checkpoints will be set up along the way."
Adjutant Zhou was stunned for a moment, then stood at attention and saluted: "Yes!" Just as he was about to leave, he suddenly turned around, looking a little hesitant: "Mitsui Kosuke of Mitsui Yoshitsugu wants to see you, saying he wants to discuss important matters."
Xie Yun's hand, which was wearing cashmere gloves, paused, and his fingertips rolled out wrinkles on the soft cashmere.
He frowned slightly, thought for a moment, and said in a deep voice, "Let him in."
A moment later, Mitsui Kosuke walked in with small steps.
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