Seeing the scene before him, Su Fei hurried forward and reached out to help the nearest elder to his feet, his voice gentle.
"Everyone, please get up. His Majesty sent me here as an imperial commissioner to provide disaster relief and investigate the case. This is all part of my duty. I cannot accept such a grand gesture from you!"
He helped people up as he spoke to the crowd.
"This is only the beginning. Once the grain arrives, we will cook porridge at regular times every day and make sure everyone has enough to eat. We will also build new shelters and distribute padded winter clothes. When the floodwaters recede, we will help you rebuild your homes. As long as I am here, I will not let you suffer cold or hunger again!"
"Thank you, Imperial Commissioner! Thank you, Imperial Commissioner!"
Only then did the refugees gradually rise, though they still crowded around Su Fei, their eyes filled with admiration and gratitude. The fifty men selected earlier had already finished their dry rations. They thumped their chests and shouted in unison.
"Imperial Commissioner! We'll go haul the grain right now! We promise to bring every bit of it back."
Su Fei nodded and instructed the Imperial Guard members beside him.
"Take them to the Chen Residence's granary. Be careful on the road. Anyone who obstructs you is to be beaten out of the way."
"Yes, sir!"
The fifty men followed the Imperial Guard, striding toward the eastern part of the city with powerful steps.
For they knew that what awaited them ahead was not merely grain, but hope of survival.
The refugees stood on the hillside at the relief camp, watching the grain haulers' receding figures. Only when they could no longer see them did they slowly disperse.
But