Yuan Qingshan said, "General, even if he harbors sinister intentions, the measures he proposed could resolve our immediate crisis. We could let the elderly, women, and children through the pass first..."
"No!" Su Yuchi refused flatly.
Yuan Qingshan had not expected Su Yuchi to remain so adamant. He sighed. "General, a downpour is almost upon us. Tens of thousands of refugees outside lack enough clothing to cover themselves, enough food to fill their bellies, or even somewhere to shelter from the wind and rain. Can you really bear to watch them die trapped outside the city? The grain Hu Xiaotian sent can only meet their immediate needs. It will be exhausted in a few days. The only way to solve the problem at its root is to give these refugees a way to survive. They are subjects of Great Kang too!"
Su Yuchi said, "Softhearted foolishness. If we truly let those refugees through the pass, Hu Xiaotian will surely exploit it." He clenched his fists and declared resolutely, "Without an order from the Imperial Court, not a single refugee is to enter the city."
Hu Xiaotian led his party out of the Refugee Camp at dusk. Long Xiyue was deeply distressed. "How could they be suffering so terribly?" she asked softly. "Xiaotian, can we please help these people?"
Hu Xiaotian nodded. "I'll do everything I can."
Behind them, the refugees fell to their knees together and cried out mournfully, "Long live Your Highness! Your Highness, Princess Consort, please let us through the pass! The wind and rain are coming, and we have nowhere to shelter. If Your Highness takes us in, we will repay your kindness even if we must toil like oxen and horses for the rest of our lives."
Hearing the wretched pleas behind her, Long Xiyue could