137: Chapter 137 Arrival 137: Chapter 137 Arrival This seems somewhat at odds with what I’m about to ask them to do.
So, watching everyone’s prostration, Lin Yi simply lifted his hand lightly and then spoke:
“The Emperor’s grace is boundless; it has little to do with this official.
Let’s set off while it’s still early.
The first place for porridge distribution is not too far away; just walk for a while, and I will have someone serve everyone a bowl of thick porridge.”
Hearing that there would be thick porridge to drink, and the distance was not far, these refugees immediately began to pack up their belongings without hesitation.
As for their belongings, they were simple—apart from the large bowl distributed by Lin Yi to each person, they had nothing else.
Perhaps some individuals had a few other items, but they too were worn-out and shabby.
In short, this group of people now fared no better than beggars, and some might even be worse off.
Finally, under Lin Yi’s leadership, this destitute group of refugees embarked on a lengthy and rigorous migration.
Or to put it more accurately, it was not under Lin Yi’s lead but under the lead of several dozen carts laden with rice porridge.
This procession stretched for several hundred meters and looked quite impressive.
Standing atop the carriage, Lin Yi looked back at the crowd and momentarily felt an illusion; it was as if he himself had become the chief of the Beggar Gang.
After all, not only were these people dressed in tattered clothes, some weak and elderly, but they also carried wooden sticks, which strongly resembled the Beggar Gang.
The distance between Nanshan and the Capital City is just over 50 miles.
By horse, it’s not far; a round trip can be made in just about an hour.
But marching on foot is much more challenging, especially since this group consists of refugees, so naturally, the pace could not be quick.
After around four hours, they had covered less than 20 miles.
Of course, the slow pace wasn’t entirely due to the refugees.
The main reason was the road, which was too bumpy and uneven, posing difficulties especially for the horse-drawn carts carrying porridge, which had to go slowly for fear of spilling the rice porridge.
Looking at this dirt road with ruts even a dozen centimeters deep, Lin Yi couldn’t help but utter a sigh:
“Alas, the ancient saying ‘To get rich, build roads first’ holds true.”
Had it been a smooth journey, even by foot, this 50-mile journey could be completed in four hours.
But now, these folks had not even covered half of it.
This prompted Lin Yi to make a plan; as soon as he made his first pot of gold, he’d organize a crew to repair the road.
After all, the coal excavated from his side needed to be transported by horse-drawn carriages, and the speed of transport determined the speed of earning money.
Lin Yi glanced up at the sun in the sky, noting that it was nearly noon, and he ordered the carriages to stop.
He then had several large pots taken down and began to distribute food to the refugees.
The refugees, who had been listlessly trudging along, suddenly became excited upon seeing the full bowls of thick porridge Lin Yi had promised.
Some were even moved to tears—it was a real bowl of thick porridge.
How long had it been since these people had eaten something ?
Though this bowl of porridge wouldn’t completely satisfy their hunger, it was undoubtedly much better than what they had before.
For the people here now, to have such a full bowl of thick porridge was the pinnacle of happiness, and nothing could be more blissful.
With the distribution of food completed, the initial reluctance of the refugees dissipated instantly.
Raising his eyes to check the time, it was already midday.
At this time, it’s not suitable for everyone who just had a meal to engage in strenuous exercise.
Therefore, Lin Yi did not ask the troops to continue their march, but instead waved his hand for everyone to rest on the spot.
Upon receiving the order, the people immediately lied down, and some even started snoring the moment they did.
Having a full belly, drinking enough, and basking in the sun was the most enjoyable thing for them in a day.
Seeing this, some brothers might ask, don’t their bowls need to be washed?
Is there a river or stream nearby?
This brings up the point, those bowls that never touched food were cleaner than mirrors.
Even if there was a trace of rice soup left, they would lick it so clean without a trace.
Wasting food at this time is clearly out of the question; even if you can’t finish it, the person next to you will help clean it up in an instant.
In this way, after resting for nearly half an hour, the group, following Lin Yi’s command, resumed their grand journey.
Finally, as dusk approached, the group at last arrived at the base of Nanshan.
By this time, people from the Left Martial Guard, ordered by Lin Yi earlier, had already arrived to make preparations.
Looking at the few large pots set up at the mouth of Nanshan, filled with continuously bubbling thick porridge, all the refugees couldn’t help but swallow their saliva audibly.
Especially the sight before them, which was even piled with several carts of cakes next to those big pots.
This made their eyes light up instantly, and they started to wonder to themselves, did this mean that they would have cakes in addition to porridge today?
This was an unheard-of blessing that they had not even dared to dream of before.
Each person would get a large bowl of porridge and a piece of cake, which surely would be enough to feel fully satisfied.
And once everyone had arrived, Lin Yi’s voice timely rang out:
“Everyone quiet down; tonight, there will be an extra meal for everyone, one bowl of thick porridge and additionally two pieces of cake per person.”
In just an instant, after the comforting words fell, the people burst into cheers and excitement.
Each look towards Lin Yi was filled with grateful eyes.
After all, these refugees were very kind-hearted, and as long as they could survive, they had no complaints.
Watching the excitement among the people, Lin Yi’s mouth curved upwards in a smile, feeling genuinely happy from the bottom of his heart.
At the same time, he murmured to himself in his heart:
“Heh, now you’re this excited just for the sake of having enough food and clothing, I really wonder what you’ll look like when I make you the wealthiest citizens of this great nation in the future.”
Around the mouth of the valley, after getting their meals, everyone sat on the ground and started eating right there.
Those who ate quickly devoured a bowl of porridge in just a few breaths, and the two pieces of cake were also stuffed into their mouths.
At the same time, their eyes eagerly watched the porridge in their companions’ bowls that had not been finished yet.