The crowd was stunned when they heard the soldiers' insults; they stood there dumbfounded.
They were overjoyed, thinking that after their arduous journey to Zhongzhou, they would receive aid and food from the state.
However, reality was like a bucket of icy water, mercilessly splashed on them, instantly waking them from their beautiful fantasies.
For a moment, the scene fell into a deathly silence.
The crowd looked at each other, bewildered.
What exactly is going on?
Wasn't it supposed to be that Zhongzhou would be distributing free food?
Aren't they heroes who defeated the enemy?
Finally, one of the people in the crowd could no longer contain his anger and confusion. He strode forward, faced the arrogant soldier directly, and loudly questioned him:
"We went through a life-or-death battle to finally gain the right to enter Zhongzhou, why won't you give us food?"
"Hmph, you vagrants think you can enjoy special privileges just because you fought a war?"
Faced with the questioning, the soldier merely smiled coldly and retorted mercilessly:
"It's just a battle, why are you acting like a hero?"
"You're still dreaming of special treatment? Stop dreaming!"
Then, the soldier loudly emphasized again:
"The food of Zhongzhou isn't given to just anyone. You think you can get it without working for it? You're dreaming!"
At this moment, another awakened individual in the crowd could no longer endure the humiliation. Veins bulged on his forehead, and he roared hoarsely:
"Nonsense!"
"We didn't get this for nothing; we earned it with our lives!"
His eyes, filled with rage, were fixed on the soldier before him, as if he wanted to devour him alive.
"We just fought a bloody battle for the Central Plains defense line, do we not even deserve a bite to eat?" someone questioned, their voice filled with resentment.
"Worthy? Are you worthy?" The soldier still sneered, his eyes full of contempt.
"What do you mean by this?" Hearing such insulting words, the people around were immediately enraged, their eyes widening as they stared intently at the soldier.
"What do you mean? You want to get something for nothing, and you're asking me what I mean?"
The soldier scoffed:
"Only a good-for-nothing would eat like that!"
"I've said it many times, we only feed those who work."
"You!..." The crowd clenched their fists, their faces flushed.
Those who had survived the battlefield were instantly filled with rage, and they all surrounded him, demanding an explanation.
Just as the two sides were deadlocked, a burly captain with a serious expression strode over.
Seeing the chaotic crowd gathered together, he frowned and shouted:
"What happened?"
Upon seeing the captain arrive, the soldier immediately lowered his head and respectfully replied:
"Captain, you've arrived."
"That's how it is. These people are ungrateful and try to get something for nothing. They even want to eat our military rations for free."
"That's not how it works!" someone immediately retorted.
Seeing the captain arrive, the crowd seemed to see a glimmer of hope and began to tell him about their ordeals.
When they were forcibly conscripted, their treatment and everything else were clearly agreed upon.
Now that they have finally survived the war, how can they go back on their word?
I thought this captain was there to uphold justice and defend them.
To everyone's surprise, the captain's face grew even darker after hearing this. He stared coldly at the group that had just entered the defensive line and demanded in a stern voice:
"You keep talking about the agreed-upon terms, what evidence do you have?"
“We all heard it!” A slightly bolder man in the crowd stepped forward and shouted at the top of his lungs.
The people behind him nodded in agreement.
"You heard that?"
The captain scoffed dismissively and asked repeatedly in an icy tone:
"You think you can count just by listening? Have you even signed an agreement with Zhongzhou?"
Upon hearing this, everyone shook their heads.
"Are there any witnesses?" the captain pressed.
After another period of silence, the refugees shook their heads helplessly once again.
"Do you have any records of applying for proactive combat?" the captain pressed.
The crowd had completely fallen silent by this point, and everyone could only lower their heads silently and shake them again.
"Words are meaningless; why should I believe you?" He crossed his arms and glanced sideways at the bewildered group of people in front of him.
Those who survived the battlefield looked at each other, their faces filled with helplessness.
They learned about all the issues concerning the treatment of forced conscription from the shouts on the Great Wall, without even knowing who was shouting them.
The idea of signing agreements and documents is utter nonsense. They can't even get into the Central Plains defense line, so what right do they have to sign agreements with the Central Plains?
This is a promise from Zhongzhou, not something made by those vagrants who talk nonsense. It was clearly agreed upon before the war started, so how can Zhongzhou go back on its word?
Seeing this, the captain smiled smugly, put on a righteous and awe-inspiring look, and then said in a righteous and indignant tone:
"Without rules, nothing can be accomplished!"
"I really didn't mean to make things difficult for you."
"According to the rules of Zhongzhou, if you want to eat, you have to pay for it. We in Zhongzhou don't support idlers!"
After speaking, the captain deliberately pointed to the majestic Great Wall of the Central Plains defense line and began to mock the crowd:
"If you think Zhongzhou is not good, you can leave the Zhongzhou defense line now."
"......"
The crowd fell silent in response to the captain's aggressive words.
No one dared to easily respond to the captain's words.
Everyone involuntarily turned around and glanced at the Great Wall behind them. They had given almost everything to get here, and nearly lost their lives because of it.
Because everyone knew perfectly well that if they really went out across the Great Wall again, they would likely face dire consequences.
Outside the Central Plains defense line, there are not only savage beasts that roam freely, but also safe zones and shelters where people indiscriminately slaughter refugees with weapons.
In contrast, the Great Wall was free of strange beasts and firearms, making it much safer for them. Zhongzhou could be considered a relatively safe haven.
To survive, what do these insults and abuses matter? They'll just have to endure them.
Because when it comes to survival, everything else is insignificant.
The captain's gaze swept over the numb crowd. Seeing their submissive reaction, he knew his words had achieved the desired effect, and a barely perceptible smug smile appeared on his face.
Seeing that the time was right, the captain suddenly adopted a condescending tone, pretending to be in great difficulty, and said:
"Oh, I see you're all so pitiful, so on behalf of Zhongzhou, I'll give you some food," the captain shouted.
"Someone come here."
"Here." The soldier immediately stepped forward.
"Give them some algae sticks to fill their stomachs first," the captain ordered.
"yes."
After receiving the order, the soldier immediately turned around and led a few men toward the truck parked not far away.
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