After receiving the imperial decree, Xiao Yichen and Lin Wan'er dared not delay for a moment and immediately devoted themselves to the preparations for distributing grain. The fate of the capital hung by a thread, and every detail concerned the life and death of countless people. They knew that their responsibility was heavy and that they could not afford to be careless.
They first arrived at the granary. The granary gates were tightly shut, guarded by soldiers, and the atmosphere was solemn. After Xiao Yichen showed the guards the Emperor's decree, the gates slowly opened, releasing a musty, aged smell. Inside the granary, mountains of grain appeared exceptionally precious in the dim light. However, Xiao Yichen and Lin Wan'er were not misled by this temporary reassurance; they knew that this grain must be properly managed and distributed to truly be of use.
Xiao Yichen said to the person in charge of the granary, "This distribution of grain concerns the lives of the people of the capital. You must carefully check the quantity of grain and keep good records. Every bag of grain must be traceable, and there must be no discrepancies." The person in charge nodded hurriedly, "General, rest assured, we will do our best."
Lin Wan'er carefully inspected the quality of the grain inside the granary. She opened a bag of grain, grabbed a handful, examined it closely, and smelled it. "Some of the grain seems to be damp and needs to be dealt with as soon as possible to prevent it from affecting the other grain," she said to Xiao Yichen. Xiao Yichen immediately arranged for soldiers to move the damp grain aside and sent someone to invite craftsmen from the Ministry of Works to see if they could improve the ventilation in the granary to prevent more grain from becoming damp and moldy.
After ensuring the quality and quantity of grain in the granaries were correct, they began planning the location of grain distribution points. The capital city was vast and populous, so the selection of distribution points had to consider both convenience for the people to collect their grain and ease of maintaining order.
Holding a map of the capital, Xiao Yichen discussed with Lin Wan'er, "Wan'er, we can set up several main grain distribution points in each of the four districts—east, west, south, and north—and then set up some smaller distribution points in densely populated streets and alleys. This way, we can cover more people and avoid overcrowding in one place." Lin Wan'er nodded in agreement, "Yes, but when choosing grain distribution points, we should also pay attention to the surrounding environment. We should choose open and flat places so that there is less chance of stampedes when people are queuing to receive grain."
After some research, they finally determined the locations of [x] main grain distribution points and [x] smaller grain distribution points. Then, Xiao Yichen arranged for soldiers to set up warning lines around each grain distribution point, demarcating the grain distribution area with wooden stakes and ropes. At the same time, notices about the grain distribution were posted in conspicuous locations, specifying the time, location, method of collection, and precautions.
The notice is as follows:
"Listen up, citizens of the capital! The imperial court has decided to open the granaries and distribute grain to relieve everyone. The distribution will begin on [specific date], daily from Chenshi (7-9 AM) to Shenshi (3-5 PM). When collecting the grain, each household should send one representative with proof of household registration to the nearest distribution point to queue for collection. No cutting in line or pushing is allowed; any violation will be severely punished. Furthermore, we urge all citizens to monitor each other. If you discover any unscrupulous individuals fraudulently collecting grain, please report them to the officials on site. The imperial court will reward you handsomely."
After setting up the grain distribution points, Xiao Yichen began to gather the soldiers and assign them tasks during the distribution process. He divided the soldiers into several groups: one group was responsible for checking household registration certificates and verifying the number of people in each household at the entrance of the distribution point; another group was responsible for maintaining order in the queues and ensuring that the people received the grain in an orderly manner; another group was responsible for assisting in the transportation and distribution of grain inside the distribution point; and a third group served as a mobile force to deal with any emergencies that might arise.
Xiao Yichen addressed the soldiers, saying, "This distribution of grain is the court's relief to the people, and also a test for us. You must strictly carry out your duties and not cause any trouble for the people. However, if anyone dares to disrupt order, you must not be lenient. Maintaining the smooth distribution of grain is the primary objective." The soldiers shouted in unison, "Yes, General!"
Meanwhile, Lin Wan'er organized the staff to prepare the tools needed for distributing the grain. She had a large number of sacks, wooden buckets, and scales brought in. "The amount of grain each household receives must be precise, neither more nor less," she told the officials in charge of distributing the grain. The officials began to adjust the scales to ensure their accuracy, while simultaneously cleaning the sacks and buckets to prepare them for holding the grain.
In addition to these preparations, Xiao Yichen and Lin Wan'er also considered some special circumstances. For example, they arranged special channels and personnel to assist the elderly, disabled, and sick who have difficulty moving around. Lin Wan'er said, "These vulnerable groups are more fragile in this crisis, and we must give them special care so that they do not suffer during the process of receiving food."
At the same time, they realized that some people might be unable to receive grain due to lost or damaged household registration certificates. Therefore, Xiao Yichen arranged for officials to set up temporary household registration replacement points near the grain distribution points to assist these people. "But their identities must be carefully verified to prevent anyone from taking advantage of the situation," Xiao Yichen instructed.
In preparing to distribute the grain, the issue of grain transportation also needed to be addressed. The granaries were some distance from the various distribution points, so transporting the grain safely and quickly to these points was crucial. After discussing with officials from the Ministry of War, Xiao Yichen decided to use a combination of horse-drawn carts and oxcarts to transport the grain.
"Horse-drawn carts are fast, but have a relatively small carrying capacity; oxcarts are slow, but have a large carrying capacity. We will rationally allocate the number of horse-drawn carts and oxcarts based on the demand and distance of each grain distribution point," Xiao Yichen said. The Ministry of War officials immediately dispatched vehicles and assigned drivers and soldiers to handle the transportation. To ensure safe transport, each cart was equipped with a soldier to escort it.
Regarding the transportation route, they chose relatively wide, flat roads with less traffic. They also set up temporary rest and supply points along the way for drivers and livestock to rest. "During transportation, care must be taken to cover the grain to prevent it from getting wet from rain or being contaminated by dust," Xiao Yichen emphasized again.
As preparations for distributing grain progressed, Xiao Yichen and Lin Wan'er did not forget to investigate the conspiracy behind the food crisis. While busy with their work, they also arranged for reliable people to keep an eye on suspicious individuals near the grain distribution points.
Lin Wan'er said to Xiao Yichen, "Yichen, this grain distribution might attract the attention of those behind the scenes. They might take the opportunity to cause trouble again, so we need to be vigilant." Xiao Yichen nodded, "That's right. I've already sent some soldiers skilled in reconnaissance to disguise themselves and mingle among the civilians. If they discover anything suspicious, they should report it immediately."
In the days leading up to the distribution of grain, the atmosphere in the capital was both tense and filled with anticipation. Upon learning that the imperial court was going to open the granaries and distribute food, hope rekindled in the previously despairing eyes of the people. They spread the news and discussed the details of the distribution. Although hunger still tormented them, the hope in their hearts made the days seem less unbearable.
However, some discordant voices were stirring in the shadows. Some with ulterior motives saw the "opportunity" presented by the grain distribution; they either wanted to take more grain or disrupt the distribution order for their own personal gain. Others, connected to the forces behind the food crisis, were plotting new conspiracies.
In a dark corner, several mysterious figures were whispering among themselves.
"The imperial court is about to release grain, which has disrupted our plans," said a man in black.
"Hmph, we can't let them get away with it so easily. We need to find a way to create some chaos when the grain is distributed, to make the people even more dissatisfied with the court," another person said viciously.
“That’s right. We can spread rumors near the grain distribution points that there’s a problem with the government’s grain, making the people afraid to receive it. Or we can arrange for some people to cause trouble when they’re receiving the grain, inciting conflict.” The third person offered his suggestion.
These conspiracies were brewing quietly, and although Xiao Yichen and Lin Wan'er were aware of them, they didn't know when or how the enemy would attack. All they could do was prepare for the distribution of supplies while strengthening their defenses as much as possible to meet the impending challenge.
Finally, after several days of tense and busy preparations, the day for distributing the grain was fast approaching. The granaries were full of grain, the transport vehicles were in place, the distribution points were arranged in an orderly manner, and the soldiers stood ready. Xiao Yichen and Lin Wan'er stood in the central square of the capital, gazing at the city they had been protecting, their hearts filled with both hope and trepidation. They knew that the battle against the food crisis was about to enter a crucial stage, and the success or failure of the grain distribution would directly affect the future of the capital and the lives of its people.
On the last day before the grain distribution, Xiao Yichen and Lin Wan'er checked all the preparations one last time. They visited each distribution point to inspect the grain, tools, personnel, and order. They left no stone unturned, as even the smallest problem could cause major chaos on the day of distribution.
At a grain distribution point, Lin Wan'er noticed that a minor official was not yet proficient in using the scales. She immediately stepped forward and patiently instructed him: "You must be careful with these scales. Even a slight deviation is unfair to the people." The official nodded repeatedly and studied diligently.
While inspecting the soldiers' deployment, Xiao Yichen noticed that one section of the cordon was loose. He immediately ordered the soldiers to re-secure it: "This cordon is the first line of defense for maintaining order, and there can be no negligence."
As night fell, the capital was enveloped in tranquility. Xiao Yichen and Lin Wan'er gazed at the starry sky, silently praying that tomorrow's grain distribution would proceed smoothly. They knew that tomorrow would be a test, a trial of all their efforts, and they were fully prepared, for the people of the capital, and for the hope of Rong Kingdom.
Before dawn, the streets and alleys of the capital were already bustling with activity. Hearing that grain was being distributed today, people flocked to the various distribution points. In the darkness, the streets were filled with people: elderly people, leaning on canes and supported by their families, moved slowly; young couples, carrying their young children, their eyes filled with expectation; and ragged bachelors hurried along, eager to receive their life-saving grain as soon as possible.
Xiao Yichen and Lin Wan'er had already arrived at the largest grain distribution point. At this time, the eastern sky was just beginning to lighten, yet a large crowd had already gathered around the distribution point. Soldiers held torches, illuminating the area as bright as day. Xiao Yichen, dressed in military uniform, stood tall and straight on the high platform in front of the distribution point, his gaze sweeping over the entire area with an authoritative air. Lin Wan'er, meanwhile, was beside him, making final preparations with the officials in charge of distributing the grain.
"Don't crowd, line up in an orderly fashion!" the soldiers shouted, trying to maintain order. However, the power of hunger was immense, and as the crowd grew, chaos began to break out in some areas. Some tried to cut in line, sparking discontent among those around them, and arguments erupted.
"Silence!" Xiao Yichen roared, his voice echoing like thunder across the grain distribution point. Using his light-footed skill, he arrived at the center of the chaos in a few leaps. With a wave of his hands, a surge of internal energy gently pushed aside the arguing group. "The imperial court is distributing grain to help everyone, not for you to cause trouble. Anyone who violates the rules again will be dealt with according to military law!" His eyes were sharp as knives, instilling fear in those who intended to disrupt the proceedings.
Under Xiao Yichen's intimidation, the scene temporarily quieted down. However, the pressure from the crowd remained immense, and the human wall formed by the soldiers struggled against the surging tide. Seeing this, Xiao Yichen immediately shouted to the soldiers, "Strengthen the defenses! Don't let the civilians get hurt!" At the same time, he arranged for some soldiers to guide the crowd from the back, helping them to form a more orderly line.
Meanwhile, on Lin Wan'er's side, the grain distribution was also in full swing. The officials carried sacks of grain to the weighing platform, precisely weighing them according to the number of people in each household. "This household has three people; according to regulations, they should receive [specific amount] of grain," the official said, as he packed the weighed grain into sacks and handed them to the people who came to collect them.
An old man accepted the grain with trembling hands, tears welling in his eyes: "Thank you, Imperial Court, thank you, General and all the officials." Lin Wan'er smiled and said to the old man: "Grandpa, please take this. This grain will help you and your family get through these difficult days."
However, the grain distribution process was not without its challenges. At another distribution point, a thorny problem arose: some residents with unclear or illegible household registration documents got into a dispute with the officials in charge of inspection.
“Sir, my household registration certificate is soaked by the rain, and some of the words are illegible, but I really am a citizen of the capital!” a middle-aged man explained anxiously. The official looked troubled: “Without a clear household registration certificate, I cannot let you receive your grain rations; that’s the regulation.” The man became even more anxious: “Sir, please have mercy! My whole family is starving to death.” The surrounding people also began to plead for him.
Just as the two sides were at an impasse, Xiao Yichen arrived. After carefully inquiring about the situation, he said to the official, "This brother's situation is special. Let him wait aside while we send someone to verify his identity. If the situation is true, we will issue him additional rations." The official obeyed and left. The man looked at Xiao Yichen gratefully, "General, you are truly a good person!"
As time passed and the sun rose higher, the number of people at the grain distribution sites grew. Each distribution point was operating busily, but maintaining order remained the biggest challenge. Some lawbreakers mingled among the crowd, attempting to incite public sentiment and create greater chaos.
In one corner, several mysterious figures began to move. They deliberately shouted loudly, "This imperial grain is definitely moldy; eating it will kill people! Don't take it!" Some unsuspecting people hesitated upon hearing this, and the atmosphere became tense.
Xiao Yichen sensed something amiss and immediately sent men to investigate the source of these rumors. At the same time, he stood on high ground and shouted to the people, "Fellow villagers, do not believe these rumors. The grain distributed by the imperial court has been inspected and is safe to eat. These people are trying to sabotage the distribution of grain; do not be fooled!" His words reassured many people, and they continued to queue for their grain.
But the mysterious figures weren't satisfied; they devised a new scheme. They secretly threw stones and debris near the grain distribution point, causing some civilians to slip and fall, resulting in injuries. This action triggered panic, and a riot broke out among the crowd.
Xiao Yichen and Lin Wan'er were extremely anxious. They quickly organized their soldiers to stabilize the situation. Lin Wan'er personally led some soldiers to care for the injured civilians, bandaging their wounds. Xiao Yichen, on the other hand, led a squad of soldiers to patrol the scene, searching for those who had caused trouble.
"We must find these people; we can't let them sabotage the grain distribution," Xiao Yichen instructed the soldiers. The soldiers split into small groups and searched through the crowd. Finally, they found several suspicious individuals in a secluded alley. These people were preparing to rejoin the crowd and create chaos, but they were apprehended on the spot by the soldiers.
"Who are you people? Why are you sabotaging the grain distribution?" Xiao Yichen glared at the men. They remained silent, refusing to answer. Xiao Yichen coldly snorted, "Take them back and interrogate them thoroughly."
While dealing with these emergencies, the grain distribution continued. To speed up the distribution, Xiao Yichen decided to add more clerks and soldiers to each distribution point. The clerks were responsible for weighing and bagging the grain more quickly, while the soldiers helped with carrying and maintaining order.
At a major grain distribution point, a young clerk stood out. He skillfully and quickly weighed the grain for each household, reassuring the anxious waiting people, "Don't worry, everyone, there's plenty of grain; everyone will get some." His enthusiasm and efficiency inspired those around him, and the emotions of the people queuing gradually calmed down.
Seeing this, Lin Wan'er said to Xiao Yichen, "Yichen, this junior official is quite good and should be commended." Xiao Yichen nodded in agreement, "After this grain distribution is over, we must give a proper commendation to these officials and soldiers who have performed outstandingly in this difficult time."
As noon approached, the sun hung high in the sky, its scorching rays bathing the earth. The temperature at the grain distribution site gradually rose, and everyone—civilians, soldiers, and officials alike—began to feel weary. But no one slackened in the slightest, for they knew that the distribution of every bag of grain was crucial to the survival of a family.
At a small food distribution point, a soldier saw a pregnant woman standing in line, pale-faced and seemingly exhausted. He quickly went up to her and asked, "Madam, are you alright? Standing like this must be tiring. Let me find you a place to rest." The pregnant woman looked at the soldier gratefully, "Thank you, sir. I'm fine, I've just been hungry for too long and I'm a little weak." Upon hearing this, the soldier immediately took out a piece of dry rations from his ration bag and handed it to the pregnant woman, "Madam, please eat something to tide you over." The pregnant woman couldn't refuse, so she accepted the rations, tears welling up in her eyes, "Sir, you're such a kind person."
This small act was witnessed by the surrounding people, further increasing their goodwill towards the court and the soldiers. In this difficult time, these heartwarming moments were like beacons in the darkness, illuminating people's hearts.
The grain distribution site remained busy in the afternoon. Although many people had already received their grain after a morning's efforts, a large number were still queuing. Xiao Yichen and Lin Wan'er kept an eye on the progress of the distribution while vigilantly observing their surroundings. They knew that the enemy might have new schemes up their sleeves, and they couldn't afford to let their guard down for a moment.
In another corner of the capital, the mysterious figures captured by the imperial court were being interrogated. However, they were all trained assassins, and no matter how the officials questioned them, they refused to divulge a single word about the mastermind behind it all. The official in charge of the interrogation frowned and reported the situation to Xiao Yichen.
After a moment of contemplation, Xiao Yichen said, "Continue the interrogation, and at the same time look for clues from their clothing, weapons, and other aspects. They can't be without flaws; we must uncover the conspiracy behind it."
Back at the grain distribution site, the sun was beginning to set, but the crowd showed no signs of thinning. Some people had come from afar to join the queue for grain. Looking at these tired yet hopeful faces, Xiao Yichen was filled with emotion. He secretly vowed to ensure the successful distribution of grain and not to disappoint the people.
As evening approached, the distribution of grain finally came to an end. The last batch of grain was distributed to the people, whose faces beamed with happiness and gratitude. They carried their grain home, their laughter and chatter a stark contrast to the despair they had shown that morning.
Xiao Yichen and Lin Wan'er stood at the grain distribution point, watching the crowd gradually disperse, and breathed a sigh of relief. Although the day's grain distribution work was full of challenges and difficulties, it was finally completed successfully. However, they knew that this was only the first step in solving the food crisis; many more problems awaited them, and many more conspiracies awaited them to uncover.
The soldiers began clearing the ration distribution site, gathering tools and remaining supplies. Xiao Yichen said to the soldiers, "You've all worked hard today, go back and get some rest. But stay vigilant, there are new missions tomorrow." The soldiers responded in unison, "Yes, General!"
Lin Wan'er, meanwhile, arranged for people to care for the injured civilians, ensuring they received proper medical treatment. At the same time, she pondered the day's events: who was behind those who attempted to sabotage the grain distribution? What larger conspiracy did they have?
On this weary yet fulfilling night, the capital gradually returned to tranquility after a day of hustle and bustle. But behind this tranquility lay a silent struggle between the imperial court and its hidden enemies, a struggle far from over.
As dawn broke through the thin clouds, it spilled across the streets and alleys of the capital, illuminating the expectant and anxious faces of the people. Long queues had already formed around the grain distribution points, stretching as far as the eye could see, like a winding dragon.
The people in the procession had different expressions. Some elderly people had a longing for survival in their cloudy eyes. They helped each other and moved slowly through the procession, murmuring words of gratitude to the imperial court. Some women held young children in their arms. The children's faces were pale from hunger, and their cries were particularly heartbreaking in the noisy crowd. The mothers could only gently soothe them while anxiously looking in the direction of the grain distribution point. The young and strong people, on the other hand, looked ahead with firm eyes. They were the pillars of their families and were now full of hope that they would receive grain so that their families would no longer go hungry.
At the very front of the line, an elderly man with white hair caught everyone's attention. His body was hunched, yet he struggled to straighten his back, clutching a worn-out household registration certificate tightly in his hand. "The imperial court has shown mercy! If there's no more food, we old folks won't survive," the old man said hoarsely to those around him. Those around him nodded, tears welling in their eyes; they all knew the cruelty of this food crisis.
To maintain order, the soldiers stood along both sides of the line, like solid barriers. Their eyes scanned the crowd warily, and they frequently shouted reminders: "Don't crowd, keep your distance, come in order, everyone will get rations!" Despite the soldiers' shouts, small disturbances still occasionally arose from the crowd.
In the middle of the line, a young mother looked distressed. Her child, crying weakly from hunger, was in her arms, and she herself was dizzy from standing for so long. Seeing this, the surrounding people offered their help. An older woman took a piece of dry food from her bag and handed it to the young mother: "Young lady, give your child some to eat first, don't let the child go hungry." The young mother gratefully accepted the food, broke off a small piece, and fed it to her child, who gradually stopped crying.
"Thank you, ma'am, you're such a kind person," the young mother said, her voice choked with emotion. The woman waved her hand, "We're all suffering people, and we should help each other out at times like this." This heartwarming scene, amidst the tense distribution of grain, was like a warm winter sun, bringing a touch of comfort to the people.
However, not all places were so harmonious. At the back of the line, a few people dressed in tattered clothes but with cunning eyes were whispering among themselves. "Hmph, so many people in line, I wonder how long it'll take. We need to think of a way to squeeze to the front," one of them muttered. Another person's eyes lit up: "Let's pretend to faint, maybe we can get to the front." The group exchanged smiles and began their plan.
A moment later, one of them suddenly shouted, "Oh dear, I can't take it anymore, I'm starving to death!" He then lay down on the ground, and the surrounding people rushed over to see what was wrong. This commotion caused some chaos in the queue, and those at the back, confused, began to push forward. Seeing this, the soldiers quickly rushed over to restore order.
"Don't panic, everyone! Back off!" the soldiers shouted, struggling to push the crowd back. At that moment, Xiao Yichen and Lin Wan'er arrived. Xiao Yichen frowned; he immediately saw through their trick. Using his light-footed skill, he quickly reached the group feigning unconsciousness and coldly said, "You think you can get away with this? Don't be delusional." The group's faces changed when their scheme was exposed. They tried to get up and run away, but were quickly subdued by the surrounding soldiers.
Xiao Yichen addressed the crowd loudly, "Fellow villagers, the imperial court is distributing grain to relieve our suffering, but we will not tolerate anyone disrupting order. Those who attempt to cut in line are being unfair to everyone. We will ensure fairness and impartiality, so that everyone who truly needs grain can receive it." The people, upon hearing this, expressed their approval of Xiao Yichen's approach, and the queue gradually returned to normal.
As the sun rose higher, the weather grew hotter, and the air was thick with the heat and the smell of sweat. The long wait began to make some people restless, and minor squabbles broke out in the queue. Two people started arguing after accidentally stepping on each other's feet, and bystanders quickly intervened to mediate.
“Stop arguing. Everyone's having a tough time these days. It's not worth it over such a small thing,” an old man advised. The two men, feeling somewhat embarrassed, apologized to each other. Seeing this, Lin Wan'er said to Xiao Yichen, “Yichen, it's hot. The people are bound to get impatient after waiting so long. We need to find a way to appease them.” Xiao Yichen nodded in agreement.
So they arranged for soldiers to stand on both sides of the line and distribute water to the people. The soldiers, carrying buckets and ladles, handed water to the people one by one, saying, "Have some water, cool down, and hang in there a little longer; you'll receive your food soon." The people took the water, drank gratefully, and kept saying thank you. This gesture eased the people's anxiety and made the atmosphere more relaxed.
At the grain distribution point, the distribution of grain was proceeding in a tense but orderly manner. The clerks skillfully weighed the grain, their foreheads covered in sweat, but their hands moved without slowing down. "This household has five people, they should receive [x] jin of grain." As the clerk spoke, he packed the grain into sacks and handed them to the people who came to collect them.
A middle-aged man received the grain and said excitedly, "The imperial court is truly our savior! Our whole family is saved now." The clerk smiled and replied, "Brother, take this and go back to take good care of your family." An official nearby was registering the information of those receiving the grain, recording the name, number of people, and amount received for each household in detail to ensure the accuracy of the grain distribution.
At another grain distribution point, a soldier saw an elderly disabled man struggling to move alone in the queue. He quickly went over and helped the man, saying, "Sir, you have trouble walking, let me take you to the front." The old man quickly waved his hand, "How can I do that? Everyone is queuing, I can't be given special treatment." The soldier smiled and said, "Sir, don't worry, we have a special green channel for the elderly, disabled, and sick. You can get your grain there first." The old man was moved to tears, "The court is so thoughtful, thank you, sir."
As time passed, the procession moved slowly forward. The people were exhausted, but their hearts were filled with hope. With each step forward, they were one step closer to the grain. Along the way, they talked to each other, sharing their stories and aspirations for the future.
"Once we receive the grain, I'm going to cook a good meal for my child; he hasn't had a proper meal in so long," a woman said. Those around her echoed, "Yes, the government's distribution of grain this time has truly relieved our urgent needs. Hopefully, we'll never have to face such a crisis again."
Around the grain distribution site, some scholars and writers spontaneously gathered to record this moving scene with their pens. One scholar, holding a brush, wrote on a piece of paper: "The capital is in turmoil, and the people are suffering greatly. Yet the imperial court's opening of the granaries to distribute grain is like a timely rain, saving countless people from fire and water. This is an act of benevolent governance, and it will surely be recorded in history." These words circulated among the people, allowing more people to feel the warmth of the imperial court's action.
In the afternoon, the sun was still blazing, but the procession remained orderly and disciplined. Xiao Yichen and Lin Wan'er were deeply moved by the people's patience and resilience. They knew how precious it was that these ordinary people, facing such a tremendous crisis, still maintained hope for life and trust in the imperial court.
However, the enemy's plot did not stop. On a rooftop not far from the grain distribution point, several mysterious men dressed in black were closely observing the situation. Their eyes gleamed coldly, and they gripped concealed weapons tightly in their hands, seemingly waiting for the right moment to launch an attack.
"We'll strike when they're in the most disarray during the distribution of grain. We'll make our move and turn this distribution into a disaster," one of the men in black whispered. The others nodded in agreement, their faces contorted with malice. A new crisis was quietly brewing.
Although Xiao Yichen and Lin Wan'er were unaware of the hidden danger, they remained highly vigilant. At this crucial grain distribution site, which concerned the lives of the capital's residents, they could not afford the slightest lapse in vigilance. They had to ensure that every step was flawless, allowing the people to receive their grain smoothly and weather this terrible food crisis.
As the sun gradually set, the distribution of grain was nearing its end. Most people had already received their grain and, filled with a sense of fulfillment and gratitude towards the court, embarked on their journey home. Those who had not yet received their grain were no longer anxious, for they knew that the court would not forget them and that the grain would surely reach them.
At this scene of grain distribution filled with hardship and warmth, the people of the capital spent an unforgettable day amidst hunger and hope. Their stories, like the bricks and stones of this ancient capital, carry the memory of history, witnessing the mutual assistance and resilience of people in adversity, as well as the responsibility and actions of the imperial court in times of crisis.
As the last bag of grain was distributed, night began to fall over the capital. The soldiers and officials at the distribution point wearily cleaned up the site, their faces showing exhaustion, but their eyes shone with satisfaction. They knew that today they had done something extraordinary for the people of the capital; they were participants in this rescue operation, transmitters of hope.
Xiao Yichen and Lin Wan'er stood in the center of the grain distribution point, watching the gradually dispersing crowd, their hearts filled with mixed emotions. They knew this was only a small step on the long road to solving the food crisis, but this small step was of paramount importance. It rekindled the people's confidence in life and enhanced the court's prestige among them. And they would continue their relentless struggle against the hidden enemies for the stability and prosperity of the capital.
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