The surrounding civilians took a long time to realize what Mr. Wen He had said. Were the Qilin Army leaving? Yes, the Qilin Army originally belonged to the Eighteen States of Jiangnan, and they came here for the autumn hunt in the Central State.
Now that the Emperor’s autumn hunt is over, they will naturally leave.
But suddenly, they felt a sense of panic and confusion in their hearts.
It was as if something was about to depart.
The elder who spoke lowered his head, looking at the porridge in the bowl. It wasn’t refined white rice, but even rough rice was solid and filling. There was some oil used during cooking, not only rice but also steamed buns and cornbread.
There were several dishes, with big chunks of stewed pork, and stewed vegetables.
A big pot was on the fire, and then the powerful warriors of the Qilin Army made a big meal, steaming hot. These days, they helped the Qilin Army with odd jobs. It wasn’t much, and the Qilin Army would pay them, including meals.
If willing to do more work, they could even bring family members here, and meals would be provided for everyone. The army seemed to have accompanying doctors to assist with diagnoses, and there was a man named Wen Lingjun who would teach children to read and write.
Compared to this treatment, what was life before?
Thin rice porridge, with each bite gritting with sand.
The elderly man’s lips quivered as he said, "Are you leaving?"
Wen He said, "I am also reluctant to leave you."
"But, [the world is in chaos]."
These four words were spoken plainly yet appropriately.
This modest and sincere strategist softly said, "In the Northern region, Iron Futu and the Night Rider Cavalry are fighting. From the Central Plains to Chen Country, the Tiger Barbarian Cavalry are advancing. In the Western Regions, it’s General Lu Youxian and the Wolf King, along with remnants of the Western Regions."
"This world has already descended into chaos."
"People are dying everywhere."
Wen He said, "Our Lord is the master of the Eighteen States of Jiangnan, and our Qilin Army must return to protect our people. During this time, your help to us has been significant. We have nothing to aid everyone."
"Here, finish the meal. There are also some copper coins here, as wages for this period, which you can take with you. Afterward, this vast world, take care!"
The crowd was dead silent, and the Qilin Army indeed brought out many boxes, filled with fragmented silver. Clearly, the aroma of the food was enticing, and money could be taken, yet the atmosphere became oppressively heavy in an instant.
People ate the rice, ate the greasy stewed meat, yet for some reason, no words came out. Some, after eating, just felt a twinge in the nose, like they were about to cry.
Each adult had their own feeling of discomfort.
Only the children were simply happy because there was meat to eat and were even happier that they didn’t have to study today.
"Great, there’s meat to eat!"
"No need to recognize words today, but I remembered all the ones the teacher taught before."
A child tugged at their mother’s clothes, saying, "The meat is delicious."
"Mom, can we eat meat again in the future?"
The woman wanted to smile and comfort her child, but for some reason, tears fell. The child was flustered, wanting to wipe the tears away for their mother, but no matter how much they wiped, they couldn’t dry them. This emotion seemed infectious, soon filling the place with cries.
Wen Lingjun watched this scene, feeling compassion, sighed, and said, "Using such methods, it highlights the cruelty of war to win over people’s hearts. Qingyu, your approach is rather unattractive..."
Wen He replied, "Did I threaten them, or harm them?"
"Our Lord helped them, and taking the civilians away was part of your and my strategy."
"I only hope to utilize this strategy’s effect to the fullest."
"Though today this scene stirs the emotions of the civilians, using some scheming tactics, my intent is simply to bring away more people."
Wen He’s face rarely lacked its usual indifference as he simply said:
"In these turbulent times, the conflicts of the great families will intensify. If these people stay in the Central State, they will be among the first to perish. If they to the Eighteen States of Jiangnan, at least they can have some acres of farmland, learn to read, and enjoy at least three years of peace."
Wen Lingjun sighed and sat back down. In his bowl was the same food as the civilians, and though he was from a prestigious family, he was not spoiled. He ate his meals neatly and attentively, dealing with people and matters with warmth and elegance.
Wen He suddenly said, "It was unexpected that our Lord would act this way."
"I just hoped to leverage this great trend for one more act, but our Lord didn’t do so; he paid them the wages for work before leaving."
"And even, our Lord was unwilling to come out himself to put on a show to win over the hearts of the people."
Wen Lingjun softly said, "What our Lord did was simply to provide corresponding pay for their work, give them food, help with medical needs, and teach their children some literacy. Just like that."
"Our Lord just treated them as people."
Wen He said, "That is very difficult."
"Even the Mo School has split into three branches; Heroic Mo alone has divided into countless factions. Our Lord said that when in Chen Country, outside Guan Yi City, he was assassinated by one of the Mo School’s radical martial artists."
"They only retained the concept of practicing Tao through martial arts, but slowly in this troubled time, they changed."
"In a chaotic world, things just drift uncontrollably with the tide."