Pa Chapter 21 (1/2)

Chapter 21: Severe Disaster Zone

“Do you see, Your Highness? This is the border of Northern Qi. The people here are your people as well. What Your Highness needs to do now is to rebuild their homes.” Jun Huang remarked faintly.

“B-brother Feng, d-don’t make jokes like this… this place…” Qi Chen frowned and stammered when he heard these words, pointing at the scenes straight out of h.e.l.l in front of him.

Jun Huang walked two steps forward and seemed like she was about to fall down the slope. Nan Xun s.h.i.+fted to pull her back, but breathed a sigh of relief when he saw that she’d halted.

“Does Your Highness think I am joking? Heh, I don’t know if Your Highness is joking with me, or if I’m joking with Your Highness. The current situation is that the people’s days are filled with fear and agony. They hope that the imperial court will help them in their time of need, and not just leave them to rot in their misery.” Jun Huang’s every word pierced straight through to the heart, her eyes frostily cold.

Nan Xun gazed upon Jun Huang’s profile, marveling that there was still someone in this world who cared so much for the people. He couldn’t help but curve his lips slightly into a smile. “Feng Baiyu speaks truthfully. Since Your Highness has promised the emperor to travel to the border, it would greatly disappoint him if you were to do nothing.”

Qi Chen looked at Nan Xun with gritted teeth, unable to say a single word. This common born prince had always been more influential at court than Qi Chen. So many people fawned over him, hoping for closer ties. This was why the second prince hated Nan Xun so much. Who didn’t know of Nan Xun in Northern Qi? He possessed stunning martial arts skill at his young age, and everyone spoke highly of him. Several royal princes wanted to recruit Nan Xun, and Qi Chen had once sent gifts as well. But the general had actually returned the second prince’s gifts without even opening them. It was an enormous slap in the face, and Qi Chen had viewed Nan Xun as an enemy ever since.

Jun Huang tilted her head to look at Nan Xun. It was a single glance of an absolutely spellbinding sight. With lowered eyes, she opened her jade fan with a crack and descended down the slope from a path to the side, truly setting foot onto Northern Qi border territory.

The people had long since heard that the imperial capital was sending people and many supplies to their aid. They’d been waiting outside the desolation for a long time, and their eyes brightened when they saw Jun Huang and the others.

“They’re here, they’re here! The people from the imperial court are here! We’re saved!” Tears streaked down a woman’s face. She was in tattered clothing and clutching a newborn not even a year old to her chest. In their eyes, Jun Huang and the others were saviors sent by the G.o.ds, here to lift them out of their current situation.

The group was surrounded by people before they even reached the city gates. Nan Xun subconsciously s.h.i.+elded Jun Huang behind him and looked coldly at the refugees. Perhaps due to his frigid stare, none of the refugees dared make a further fuss. Jun Huang coughed lightly and spoke to them, “Worry not. We’re here now and won’t allow you to drift further along in homelessness.”

They entered the city surrounded by people. Qi Chen sent someone to find a clean (but sadly run down) inn to arrange for their quarters. Jun Huang and Nan Xun walked the streets, taking in the lay of the land. Their hearts ached slightly when they saw the people slumped by the side of the streets. Nan Xun c.o.c.ked his head after walking for a while and saw that Jun Huang’s complexion was a bit ashen. He asked worriedly, “Are you tired after the long journey?”

She shook her head and didn’t stop walking. “I just hadn’t thought I’d see such sights.”

They quickly arrived at the yamen. 1 Porridge was being distributed here as Qi Chen had already sent messengers with money over a while ago. But when Jun Huang noted that only clear broth and rice was being served, she frowned.