C167. Relief Food Arrives.

C167. Relief Food Arrives.

The reduction in the frequency of soup distribution made the refugees keenly aware that food was running low.

The fear of starvation made them restless, leading to several incidents where they attacked soldiers to snatch the soup supplies. Some even greedily eyed children and injured civilians, contemplating violence against women and children.

Before the tragic instances of cannibalism occurred, Ouyang Ting intensified patrols and punishment with the soldiers, swiftly quelling those inciting panic and causing unrest among the refugees.

In troubled times, strict measures were necessary, and Ouyang Ting, a renowned military strategist and scholar, knew exactly what needed to be done. However, he also understood the risks of oppressing the population, as starving people could easily turn to chaos in a desperate bid for survival.

After quelling another group of agitated refugees, Ouyang Ting looked at the trembling crowd and realized he needed to address them to stabilize their morale.

Taking a deep breath, he exclaimed, "I won't hide the truth from you. Xuzhou truly has very little food left. But do not fear, I have arranged for provisions to be delivered. As long as you hold on until the relief supplies arrive, you will have food to eat! I guarantee you all, as long as Ouyang Ting has a meal, none of you will go hungry! Trust me this once, and wait patiently for the relief supplies to arrive together!"

The starving people, too weak to stand, listened attentively from their corners.

Women holding children looked on cautiously, while the motionless refugees on the ground strained to turn their heads. Though their faces were dirty and gaunt, the numbness in their eyes gradually faded as Ouyang Ting's words brought a ray of hope and vitality.

They tentatively asked, "Will someone really deliver the food?"

"Sir, when will the food arrive? Will it really be for us?"

Ouyang Ting answered each question with assurance. Encouraged by his words, the people found hope to persevere, helping each other up, eagerly watching Ouyang Ting, their faces filled with anticipation for the promised relief supplies.

Ouyang Ting knew that the people could endure at least until the complete depletion of their food supplies.

Even the previously anxious soldiers now breathed a sigh of relief, no longer worried about running out of food.

While everyone had found peace of mind, Ouyang Ting was consumed with worry. Though he sighed in his heart, he kept his concerns to himself.

Upon returning home, Ouyang Ting hesitated for a long time before mustering the courage to once again seek help from the wealthy and powerful families to borrow food.

Uncertain about when Yuan Li would arrive and how much surplus food he could bring, Ouyang Ting had to ensure he had a fallback plan in place.

Despite knowing the likelihood of the wealthy families refusing his request, he still decided to give it another try.

With his determination set, Ouyang Ting hastily left the inspectorate.

Twenty days later, Yuanli arrived on the east bank of Xuzhou.

A total of twenty ships unloaded food and medicinal supplies, forming a long convoy. Soldiers guarded the supplies closely, ensuring their safety in the middle of the convoy.

With a considerable distance to travel to reach Xiapi, the capital of Xuzhou, Chu Hechao and Yuan Li wasted no time and embarked on the journey day and night after ensuring everyone was in good condition upon landing.

Despite the multitude of ships docked on the east coast, no one came to inquire. It was evident that the situation in Xuzhou was dire, with the local officials likely having fled the region.

While Yuan Li was prepared to face a devastated Xuzhou, the reality he encountered upon entering the region was even more severe than expected.

As they traveled through the region, they encountered Cairen town.

The term "cài rén (菜人)" referred to individuals who, during times of war and famine, resorted to selling themselves as food at the market. When Yuanli and his group stormed into the "cài rén shì (菜人市)," they were greeted by a horrifying sight - human arms and thighs suspended above the meat stalls, along with three "cài rén (菜人)" bound to wooden poles undergoing flesh removal.

Surrounding them were buyers inspecting the quality of the meat while the vendors wielded knives to slice the flesh. These "cài rén (菜人)" had to keep their meat fresh, and despite their near-death state, they stooped their heads, miraculously still alive.

This scene, the darkest within the chaos, laid bare before Yuan Li's eyes without any concealment. Regardless of one's knowledge from books or understanding of the hardships faced by common people in such times, witnessing this spectacle still brought a profound shock that left one speechless.

Yuan Li's breathing grew heavy, scanning the crowd and noting the men, women, and even children who were unwillingly turned into meat.

As chaos erupted due to their sudden intrusion, the crowd scattered in fear, but their gaze turned greedy upon seeing the carts of food, Yuan Li tightened the reins in his hand.

Chu Hechao's expression mirrored the grim atmosphere, extending a comforting pat on Yuan Li's tensed hand.

Others also wore serious expressions, prompting Jia Qing to inquire, "Lord?"

"Destroy this place," Yuan Li mouthed, his voice hoarse, "Destroy it."

Jia Qing questioned, "What about the people here?"

"Both buyers and sellers are to be killed," Chu Hechao took over, his tone icy, "In times of chaos, strict measures are necessary. We must nip these practices in the bud, instilling fear in both buyers and sellers to prevent the repetition of such atrocities."

Jia Qing shared the same sentiments, looking towards Yuan Li, who appeared devoid of emotions on his face as he coldly nodded, "That's how it's going to be done."

Immediately, Jia Qing led his men outside, swiftly demolishing the cannibalism.

Having completed the task, they wasted no time and hastened their journey.

Meanwhile, in Xiapi County, Ouyang Ting was in the midst of borrowing food from one of the local wealthy families, the Liu clan.

As the food supplies dwindled and with no certainty about Yuan Li's coming, Ouyang Ting had tirelessly sought aid from one powerful family after another, managing to acquire only meager amounts of food, barely sufficient to sustain them.

Finally, several merchants who had previously dealt with him and Yuan Li discreetly sent some food supplies to the inspectorate, explaining to Ouyang Ting in private that the reason they could not lend him any food was due to the warning from the Liu clan, the largest family in Xuzhou.

The Liu clan had sided with Prince Chen, possessing immense wealth and influence, effectively controlling the previous administration in Xuzhou. Once the former Governor had stepped down, Prince Chen had intended to appoint a member of the Liu clan as the new Governor, only to have Ouyang Ting unexpectedly appointed to the role under Chu Mingfeng's influence.

This decision had bred discontent within the Liu clan towards Ouyang Ting. Being a man of resolute character, Ouyang Ting paid no heed to the Liu clan's animosity or attempts at flattery.

Recognizing the clan's overwhelming influence, he had persistently sought to curb their power and reclaim control of Xuzhou from the aristocratic families, returning authority to the Governor's hands.

Moreover, Ouyang Ting's distaste for Prince Chen's regime only fueled the growing enmity. With each of these conflicts intertwined, how could the Liu clan not hold a grudge against Ouyang Ting.

Upon hearing that the Liu clan in Xuzhou was seeking revenge against him, Ouyang Ting found the situation utterly absurd and ludicrous. "This is a critical moment of life and death, yet they are still focused on personal grudges? This isn't just about animosity between us. Without food, the people of Xuzhou will truly suffer..."

The merchants dared not say much and left after delivering the supplies.

Leaving Ouyang Ting alone in the courtyard, he found himself at a loss, unsure of what to think or do in that moment.

It was all so ridiculous, too ridiculous.

That's what Ouyang Ting thought, but he couldn't find it in himself to laugh. In fact, he felt deep sorrow.

All because of personal vendettas, because of political differences, everyone was now forbidden to lend food to Ouyang Ting, helplessly watching the people of Xuzhou face death.

The Liu clan of Xuzhou cared not for how many people suffered or died, only focused on teaching Ouyang Ting a lesson and seizing control of Xuzhou during this opportune moment. For them, no matter how many people perished, there would always be new generations emerging, one after another, never in short supply.

If the Liu clan of Xuzhou acted in such a manner, what hope was there for Prince Chen?

Who in this world genuinely cared for the people?

Ouyang Ting suddenly felt lost.

He couldn't understand, couldn't fathom it all, but the pressing issue at hand was still the lack of food. Now aware of the mastermind behind the food shortage, Ouyang Ting was not about to turn a blind eye.

Did the Liu clan aim to make him submit?

Well, he would submit. Even if it meant being ridiculed, as long as the Liu clan agreed to lend him food, Ouyang Ting was willing to endure it. Even if it meant sacrificing his pride, he'd grit his teeth and do it.

Therefore, Ouyang Ting personally went to the Liu clan's residence.

As expected, as Ouyang Ting anticipated, upon seeing him, the Liu clan patriarch, smiling on the surface, subtly mocked Ouyang Ting multiple times through his words. The other Liu clan members in the hall would occasionally chuckle, their gazes filled with derision.

Ouyang Ting clenched his lips, suppressing his anger. "Xuzhou is currently facing a crisis, and as a prominent local family in Xuzhou, the Liu clan should also contribute to the welfare of the region. I will not take your food for nothing. When Xuzhou's autumn harvest arrives next year, I will return all the borrowed food to you."

The Liu clan patriarch replied with a feigned smile, "Sir, your words are quite stern. It's just that various regions in Xuzhou are facing disasters, and our estates have suffered significant losses in crop yields. It's not that we refuse to lend food, but we truly have no more to spare. Sir Ouyang, as a Governor of the province, surely you wouldn't force us to give up our meager food supplies meant to sustain our lives to aid refugees, would you?"

These were all lies, of course. The Liu clan had concealed a substantial portion of Xuzhou's fertile lands, producing ample amounts of food for the clan each year. These entrenched aristocratic families never lacked food reserves, yet they preferred to let the grains rot in storage or be devoured by rodents rather than provide relief to the people.

Ouyang Ting suppressed the urge to utter the word "absurd" and calmly stated, "If others claimed to have no food, I might believe it. But knowing the falsehoods within the Liu clan's claims of scarcity, we both understand the truth. Clan Chief Liu, I am aware that you have prevented others from lending me food. If I have wronged you in the past, I apologize here. I only hope that despite our differences, you can set aside our grievances in the face of the suffering of the refugees in Xuzhou. If you have any conditions, please let me know. I, Ouyang Ting, will not hesitate to do what is necessary."

The Liu clan patriarch gave him a deep look and replied politely, "Governor Ouyang, it is commendable that you prioritize the country and its people. Very well, if that is your stance, the Liu clan will consider lending you food."

Ouyang Ting's heart tightened. He knew what was coming.

"I will present two options to Governor Ouyang," the Liu clan patriarch said casually, stroking his beard. "First, pledge allegiance to Prince Chen and serve under him, helping to efficiently govern Xuzhou at his command. Second, if Governor Ouyang refuses to join Prince Chen, simply hand over your official seal as Xuzhou's governor to me, kneel here to apologize, and I will agree to lend you food. How do you see it, Governor Ouyang?"

Ouyang Ting couldn't contain his anger, his hands trembling. "You are going too far with this!"

The Liu clan patriarch slammed the armrest, retorting coldly, "Governor Ouyang, you are the one seeking help from me, not the other way around! I have laid out the options for you, and the decision is yours to make. However, Governor Ouyang, let me remind you— you are now at a dead end. No one in the surrounding provinces is willing to lend you food, and no one within the province dares to risk angering the Liu clan to assist you. This is your final chance, so think carefully."

Ouyang Ting instantly grasped the implications in his words, shocked. He pointed at the patriarch in disbelief, "Are the surrounding provinces also under Prince Chen's orders, refusing to lend me food?!"

The patriarch smiled cryptically, choosing not to respond, essentially confirming it.

"Absurd, truly absurd," Ouyang Ting mumbled. "You would go to such lengths to seize control of Xuzhou. Despite your reputation for righteousness and loyalty, you all are heartless, disregarding the welfare of the people. Prince Chen? Ha ha ha! What right does he have to be called a prince!"

He clenched his fists and slammed the table, shouting, "Even if it means death, I will never associate with such people!"

Shaken by Ouyang Ting's outburst, the Liu clan patriarch retorted angrily, "You dare to slight Prince Chen, Ouyang Ting, you have some nerve! Besides Prince Chen, who else can save you from this predicament?! Are you still counting on your disciple, Yuan Lejun? Ridiculous! With Prince Chen holding power over three provinces, Xuzhou falls under his influence. Yuan Lejun is far away in the desolate north. Don't think he will support you just because of your bond. Yuan Lejun fears Prince Chen. If not, why would he propose the Luoshui Alliance with Prince Chen? If Prince Chen forbids aid to Xuzhou, do you truly believe Yuan Lejun would risk angering Prince Chen to deliver food to you in Xuzhou? Ouyang Ting, not everyone in this world is as naive as you!"

The Liu clan patriarch was certain that Yuan Lejun would not support Xuzhou.

Since Yuan Li proposed the Luoshui Alliance, agreeing not to send troops to Prince Chen within five years, it is clear that he fears Prince Chen's power and intends to ally with him.

Over the years, Yuan Li has been offering tribute to the emperor every year, in an attempt to please the emperor. But isn't this also a way to please Prince Chen?

Even if Yuan Li truly has courage, with most of the south now under Prince Chen's control and Xuzhou located to the north of Yangzhou, Yuan Li, if concerned about his own safety, would not personally come to Xuzhou and get entangled in Prince Chen's power structure.

Confident that Yuan Li would not come, the Liu clan patriarch dared to humiliate Ouyang Ting. Even if Yuan Li sent something later on, as long as Duke Wen did not personally oversee it, and with Prince Chen as their support, the Liu clan would boldly withhold everything sent by Yuan Li, leaving Ouyang Ting isolated and alone.

Ouyang Ting was so angry that his beard trembled, and his breathing grew heavier.

Watching his distress, the Liu clan patriarch felt a sense of satisfaction.

A descendant of the Liu clan sneered and said, "If Governor Ouyang truly cares for the people of Xuzhou, he surely wouldn't stand by and watch them starve to death. Now that you have a chance to save the people, Governor Ouyang, if you truly intend to help, just hand over the seal of the governor of Xuzhou, kneel down, and it will be done. Not too difficult, right? If you can't even do this, it shows that Governor Ouyang's intentions to help are merely superficial, and his previous words were just for show."

Ouyang Ting's face suddenly aged as if ten years had passed, appearing weary and old, drained of spirit. He closed his eyes and after a moment, laughed bitterly, "Fine, this is Prince Chen, this is your Liu clan of Xuzhou... truly cunning, cunning!"

The Liu clan patriarch snorted, "Just have the heavens assist me."

Assist from the heavens?

Yes, from the heavens.

If not for this flood, how could Prince Chen have acquired Xuzhou so easily?

But dear heavens, why assist such people?

Ouyang Ting's bitter words, sighed, and slowly stood up.

As a renowned scholar and a respected general, Ouyang Ting had his pride. But in the face of the lives of countless refugees, his pride seemed insignificant. If his position as governor and a humiliating gesture could save the refugees in Xuzhou, how could Ouyang Ting not do it?

He felt as though he carried a burden of a thousand pounds, hands trembling, spine bent under the weight, knees giving way.

The Liu clan patriarch watched with a satisfied smile, feeling that the position of the governor of Xuzhou was within his reach.

Just as Ouyang Ting was about to kneel, a voice of joy suddenly rang from outside, "Governor, Duke Wen and the relief supplies have arrived!"

"Duke Wen has arrived--!"

"What?!" The patriarch of the Liu clan's smile stiffened on his face, then he abruptly stood up, his eyes widening in fear, panic engulfing his entire being in an instant. "Who has arrived? How can it be Duke Wen, no, this is impossible!"

How could Duke Wen personally come to Xuzhou!

But the calls from outside continued, the urgency in their voices increasing, "Governor! Duke Wen has arrived outside the city!"

"Governor, the Grand General has also come!"

The Liu clan patriarch's figure swayed, muttering repeatedly, "It's impossible." The rest of the Liu clan descendants wore expressions of anxiety and panic, exchanging uneasy glances.

Ouyang Ting felt a sudden release in his heart, the tension dissipating instantly.

He stood up slowly, looking at the mixed expression on the faces of the Liu clan members, suddenly burst out laughing, shook his sleeves, and walked away, loudly declaring, "It seems that there is someone in this world as foolish as me, and that person happens to be my disciple Duke Wen. Thanks to the blessings of your Liu clan in Xuzhou, the reputation of two fools, teacher, and disciple, will spread as a good tale!"

His spirits returned in an instant, Ouyang Ting's face flushed with happiness, his back straightened. He felt an immense weight lifted off his heart, overwhelming joy coursing through him. He strode out of the Liu residence, hastening towards the city gates with his soldiers, growing more anxious yet elated with each step.

Many refugees, witnessing the governor's urgent and happy demeanor, as if realizing something, hurriedly followed, asking, "Master, is the governor heading towards the city gates? Is there good news?"

The soldiers accompanying Ouyang Ting couldn't contain their joy, and when asked, they eagerly replied, "Governor's disciple, Duke Wen, has brought relief supplies and is waiting outside the city gates. You will have food to eat!"

After a moment of realization, the refugees burst into cheers, tears wetting their clothes, closely following Ouyang Ting towards the city gates.

As they walked, more and more refugees joined, unsure of the situation but encouraged by the various jubilant cries of "Food has arrived!" resonating from the crowd.

The city gates were sealed shut, and the guards, seeing Ouyang Ting approaching, quickly came forward to ask, "Governor, should we open the city gates?"

For ease of managing the refugees and to guard against other forces taking advantage to attack the city, the city gates were closed tightly every day, only to be opened by Ouyang Ting's command. With no orders from Ouyang Ting at that moment, the guards did not dare to open them privately.

Ouyang Ting, excited with his heart pounding, took a deep breath and immediately exclaimed, "Open the gates!"

Moments later, the gates opened with a bang.

Yuan Li and Chu Hechao had already dismounted, and upon seeing the visibly thinner Ouyang Ting, Yuan Li couldn't help but exclaim, "Teacher!" and stepped forward to embrace Ouyang Ting.

Tears welled up in Ouyang Ting's eyes.

Patting Yuan Li's back, he repeated "good" several times, his gaze sweeping over Chu Hechao, Jia Qing, and others, noticing the continuous and seemingly endless caravan behind them.

The caravan was neatly stacked with bags of food, bulging as if they were about to burst.

Carriage after carriage, Ouyang Ting's vision blurred as he couldn't count the amount of food on the carts.

So much, thought Ouyang Ting, feeling a sense of fullness just by looking at it, as if he had never seen so much food in his life.

Feeling a mix of extreme bitterness and joy, tears of emotion spilled onto his disciple's shoulder. Just as his old face felt embarrassed, he heard loud sobbing and cries behind him.

Parting ways with Yuan Li, they all looked back together.

The refugees who had run after the governor were huddled together in groups, weeping with joy, their tears not of despair and fear that Ouyang Ting had often heard, but tears of extreme happiness. They knew the food had arrived, they saw a glimmer of hope to survive, and so they wept with relief, as if celebrating a second chance at life.

They knew they had been saved.