When Bai Hanyun and Feng Xiyan arrived at the entrance, she saw a large horse carriage waiting there.
Seeing them approach, the coachman clasped his fists and bowed. "This subordinate greets the Great General."
Feng Xiyan nodded in response, then turned to Bai Hanyun and extended his hand. "Miss Bai, let me help you."
The horse carriage was high, and since it was Bai Hanyun’s first time riding one, combined with her long skirt and the veil obstructing her sight, she was afraid of missing a step and falling.
Placing her hand in Feng Xiyan’s warm, broad palm, Bai Hanyun said, "Thank you."
With his help, she climbed onto the stool and into the carriage. Feng Xiyan followed easily after.
Sitting beside her, Feng Xiyan rubbed his right hand slowly and was lost in thought. While he was lost in thought, Bai Hanyun was excited to see a real ancient city for the first time.
Lifting the curtain slightly, she peeked outside.
However, what met her eyes was far from her expectation of a beautiful, clean ancient city. Instead, she saw muddy streets after rain, a desolate atmosphere, and dilapidated houses.
Sighing inwardly, she thought, ’After all the supplies I gave them, it still wasn’t enough to save these people. It seems that, in addition to bringing rain, I also need to address the root problem—self-sustainability.’
After thinking for a long time, Bai Hanyun suddenly said, "Feng Xiyan, I remember you mentioned that many refugees are still arriving here every day."
Feng Xiyan nodded. "Yes. Why do you ask, Miss Bai?"
Bai Hanyun lowered the curtain and looked at him calmly. "I want to see their living conditions."
Hearing this, Feng Xiyan studied her for a moment before tapping the carriage roof with the hilt of his sword.
A second later, he commanded, "Head to the south city gate." This text is hosted at NoveI-Fire.ɴet
"Yes, Great General," the coachman replied, immediately steering the carriage toward the south gate.
Along the way, Bai Hanyun gazed out the window, quietly observing the city’s state.
By the time they reached the southern city gate an hour later, she already had a rough idea of Xiqiang City’s true condition and the hardships its people faced.
The coachman pulled on the reins to slow the horses and presented his token to the Gate Captain.
The moment the Gate Captain saw that it belonged to the Great General’s Mansion, he quickly returned it, clasped his fists toward the carriage, and said respectfully, "This subordinate greets the Great General."
At that, Feng Xiyan lifted the window curtain. Looking directly at the Gate Captain, he ordered, "Open the gate."
"Yes, Great General."
The Gate Captain turned at once and shouted to his men, "Open the gate!"
Following his command, the soldiers moved quickly to pull the massive, heavy gate open.
Watching their hard effort, Bai Hanyun thought, ’It would be much easier to open such a heavy gate if they used winches.’
While she was thinking about what kind of winches were suitable to use to open the heavy gate, the city gate creaked as it slowly swung wide.
Once it stood fully open, the Gate Captain stepped aside and said, "Great General, the gate is open."
Feng Xiyan gave a nod and ordered the coachman, "Take us to the refugee camp."
"Yes, Great General."
The coachman cracked his whip, and the horses moved forward. The wooden wheels rumbled against the ground as the carriage rolled out of the city.
Once they passed through the city gate, Bai Hanyun was stunned by the sight before her.
As far as her eyes could see, there was no vegetation at all. Countless military tents stretched to the left and right, hundreds of meters from the gate, forming a broad, long road.
The refugees wore patched clothing, yet both their garments and bodies were surprisingly clean and tidy. Some were little more than skin and bones, but the rest—though thin—appeared energetic and in good health.
Feng Xiyan noticed her silent observation but said nothing.
When the carriage stopped before the entrance of the nearest refugee camp, the coachman announced, "Great General, we have arrived at the Yuezhi Tribe’s refugee camp."
Hearing this, Feng Xiyan glanced at Bai Hanyun and explained, "Miss Bai, the situation inside is unpredictable. Though it looks calm and peaceful now, the refugees could riot at any time."
From his tone, Bai Hanyun could tell that Feng Xiyan didn’t want her to get down from the carriage or enter the camp. But she truly wished to see how the refugees lived, so she could offer better help when she returned to her world later.
Shaking her head, she looked at him firmly. "Feng Xiyan, I want to see the refugees’ living conditions. That way, when I return later, I will know how to help them."
Hearing her mention of returning, Feng Xiyan’s expression sank, and his breath stopped for a second.
Clenching his fists, he lowered his gaze and thought, ’Feng Xiyan, what are you expecting? Fairy Bai will return to Heaven one day. She won’t stay here for you.’
Noticing his silence, Bai Hanyun gently reached for his clenched fists and said sweetly, "Feng Xiyan~ I want to go inside the refugee camp. Can you accompany me in?"
Watching her act cute, Feng Xiyan’s face flushed red, and his heartbeat quickened. As if she cast a spell on him, Feng Xiyan slowly nodded in a daze.
The moment she got his permission, Bai Hanyun beamed. "I knew you would protect me. Let’s go!"
She then hopped out of the carriage excitedly, leaving Feng Xiyan frozen in place. Absentmindedly, he touched his chest, where his heart was still racing.
He sat for a few seconds until Bai Hanyun’s voice called from outside, "Feng Xiyan, what are you doing in there?"
Snapping back to his senses, Feng Xiyan quickly went out. Jumping down from the carriage, he found Bai Hanyun scanning her surroundings and approached her.
Standing beside her, he whispered, "Miss Bai, it’s dangerous here. Please stay close to me."
Bai Hanyun nodded, then slipped her hand around his left arm. "Got it."
Feng Xiyan’s lips curved upward unconsciously at the sight of her hand on his arm.