Chapter 167
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The reduction in the frequency of porridge distribution made the refugees realize that the food was running out.
The fear of starving to death made them restless, resulting in several incidents of attacks on the soldiers distributing porridge to seize the food. There were even those who greedily eyed the children and injured refugees, contemplating violence against them.
Before the tragic scenes of cannibalism unfolded, Ouyang Ting increased the intensity of patrols and punishment with his soldiers, and dealt harshly with those leading the unrest and spreading panic, quelling the signs of rebellion.
In times of chaos, stern measures were necessary. As a seasoned scholar and general, Ouyang Ting knew well how to handle such situations. However, he couldn’t oppress the people too much, as desperate people might resort to madness, leading to full-scale riots.
After a series of severe actions against the unruly refugees, Ouyang Ting looked at the trembling crowd and realized that he needed to say something to stabilize their hearts.
He took a deep breath and said loudly, “I won’t hide it from you; Xuzhou indeed has very little grain left. But don’t be afraid, I have arranged for grain to be delivered. As long as you hold on until the relief grain arrives, you will have food! I guarantee that as long as I, Ouyang Ting, have a single meal to eat, you will not starve! Believe me this time, wait with me for the relief grain!”
The starving people listened from their positions against the wall.
Women holding their children looked on carefully, and the weak and injured refugees turned their heads to listen. Their dirty faces and emaciated bodies showed the hardships they had endured, but the numbness in their eyes gradually disappeared as Ouyang Ting spoke, replaced by a glimmer of hope.
Carefully, they asked, “Will someone really bring us food?”
“Sir, when will the grain arrive? Will there be enough for us?”
Ouyang Ting answered each question with certainty. As they heard his replies, the people gained hope and started helping each other up, gazing at Ouyang Ting with eager anticipation, hoping for the arrival of the promised relief grain.
Ouyang Ting knew that the people could hold on at least until the complete depletion of their food supplies.
Even the anxious soldiers felt relieved, no longer worrying about running out of food.
Everyone else was relieved, except for Ouyang Ting, who remained full of worries. He sighed deeply but did not share his concerns with anyone.
After returning to the official residence, Ouyang Ting hesitated for a long time but finally decided to muster the courage to ask the powerful families and clans to lend him grain again.
He was uncertain when Yuan Li would arrive and how much surplus grain he could provide for relief. Ouyang Ting needed a backup plan.
Although he knew that the powerful families and clans were likely to refuse him again, he had to try.
With determination, Ouyang Ting left the official residence once more.
Twenty days later, Yuan Li arrived at the east bank of Xuzhou.
The twenty ships carried grain and medicinal materials, which were quickly unloaded and organized into a long convoy. Soldiers guarded the front, back, and sides, ensuring that the grain and medicines were well protected in the middle.
From this location to the Xuzhou capital, Xia Pi, there was still a distance to cover. After ensuring that everyone was in good condition after disembarking, Yuan Li and Chu Hechao set off day and night to speed up their journey.
Their fleet of ships docked on the east coast, but there was no one to question them. It was evident that the situation in Xuzhou was much worse than they had anticipated.
They encountered the “Cai Ren Market.”
During times of war and famine, people were forced to sell themselves as meat in the market, and these individuals were called “Cai Ren*”.
*Vegetable People
When Yuan Li and his group entered the Cai Ren Market, they witnessed numerous human arms and thighs hanging above the butcher shops. Three people were tied to wooden poles, and their flesh was being carved away. The buyers surrounded them, selecting whose meat looked better, while the sellers sliced the meat from their bodies. The Cai Ren had to ensure the freshness of their “products,” and these three individuals were half-dead but still alive.
This scene, the darkest amidst the chaos, was exposed before Yuan Li’s eyes without any concealment. No matter how many books he had read or how much he knew about the hardships people faced during troubled times, witnessing this scene with his own eyes still shocked him, leaving him speechless.
Yuan Li’s breathing became heavy, and his gaze scanned the crowd, noticing men, women, and even young children acting as the meat for sale.
Seeing the panic and fear in the crowd upon their sudden intrusion, and the greed in their eyes when they saw the carts of grain, Yuan Li tightly gripped the reins in his hand.
Chu Hechao’s face was equally grim, and he reached out to pat Yuan Li’s hand to comfort him.
The others also had solemn expressions. Jia Qing inquired, “Master?”
“Destroy this place,” Yuan Li said in a hoarse voice. “Destroy this place.”
Jia Qing asked, “What about the people here?”
“Kill both the buyers and sellers,” Chu Hechao continued coldly. “In chaotic times, stern measures are necessary. We must strangle this market of Cai Ren, so both sides will have second thoughts and not dare to engage in such activities again.”
Jia Qing also shared the same thoughts. He looked at Yuan Li, who seemed to show no emotions, and nodded, saying, “Let’s do it.”
Jia Qing then led the group to destroy the Cai Ren Market swiftly.
After completing this task, they did not delay and continued to hasten their journey.
In Xia Pi County, Ouyang Ting was in the process of borrowing grain from one of the local powerful families, the Liu Family.
With the grain quickly running out and no news from Yuan Li, Ouyang Ting had sought help from one powerful family after another. Although some families lent him a small amount of grain, it was merely a drop in the ocean.
In the end, a few merchants who had previously done business with Ouyang Ting and Yuan Li secretly sent some grain to the governor’s residence. They tactfully explained that no one wanted to lend grain to Ouyang Ting because the largest family in Xuzhou, the Liu Family, had warned them not to lend grain to him.
The Liu Family in Xuzhou was a powerful family that had surrendered to Chen Wang. They were wealthy and influential, and they had almost completely controlled the previous governor, turning him into a puppet governor. After the previous governor stepped down, Chen Wang had promised to appoint a member of the Liu Family as the new governor of Xuzhou to have control over the region. However, unexpectedly, due to Chu Mingfeng’s intervention, Ouyang Ting was appointed as the new governor, taking the position from the Liu Family.
As a result, the Liu Family held a deep grudge against Ouyang Ting. Moreover, Ouyang Ting’s strong personality, indifferent to the Liu Family’s antagonism or attempts at flattery, and his attempts to regain control of Xuzhou from the powerful clans further fueled their animosity.
Adding to Ouyang Ting’s dislike of Chen Wang’s policies, the enmity between them escalated. All these incidents combined, how could the Liu Family not harbor resentment towards Ouyang Ting?
Upon learning that the Liu Family was behind the refusal of the grain, Ouyang Ting found it ridiculous, “At this critical juncture, they still think about personal grievances? This is not about the hatred between us. Without grain, the people of Xuzhou will truly suffer.”
The merchants dared not say much and left after delivering the grain.
Ouyang Ting stood alone in the courtyard, not knowing what to think or do for a moment.
Ridiculous, it’s all so ridiculous.
He thought so, but he couldn’t laugh. Instead, he felt an overwhelming sense of sadness.
Just because of personal grievances and political differences, everyone refused to lend grain to Ouyang Ting, allowing the people of Xuzhou to die before their eyes.
The Liu Family of Xuzhou didn’t care how many people suffered or died; they only cared about teaching Ouyang Ting a lesson and taking control of Xuzhou. They believed that no matter how many people died, there would always be more to replace them, generation after generation, and the population would never decrease.
If the Liu Family in Xuzhou acted this way, then what could be expected of Chen Wang?
Who among the people in the world truly cared about the common folks?
Ouyang Ting suddenly felt lost.
He couldn’t understand, couldn’t fathom it, but the immediate concern was still the matter of grain. Now that he knew who was behind the refusal to lend him grain, Ouyang Ting didn’t plan to turn a blind eye.
The Liu Family wanted to see him submit, right? Well, he would comply. Even if it meant being ridiculed and mocked by the Liu Family, as long as they were willing to lend him grain, he would endure it. Even if it meant giving up his pride, he would grit his teeth and do it.
Therefore, Ouyang Ting personally visited the Liu Family.
As expected, the moment they saw Ouyang Ting, the head of the Liu Family wore a smile on his face, but his words carried a hidden taunt, which he repeated several times. Other members of the Liu Family inside the hall occasionally chuckled, their expressions full of ridicule.
Ouyang Ting suppressed the anger that threatened to burst out and calmly said, “Xuzhou is currently in dire straits. As a local powerful family in Xuzhou, the Liu Family should also contribute to the efforts in Xuzhou. I won’t take your grain for free. Once the autumn harvest arrives next year, I will return all the grain I’ve borrowed.”
The head of the Liu Family smiled insincerely and said, “Your words are quite serious. However, every region in Xuzhou is facing a disaster, and our estates have suffered severe losses. It’s not that we are unwilling to lend you grain, but we genuinely don’t have any left. Governor Ouyang, as the governor of a province, surely you won’t force us to give up our lifesaving grain to aid the refugees, will you?”
These were all lies. Xuzhou’s fertile lands were filled with harvests secretly hidden away by the Liu Family, providing them with abundant grain every year. These long-standing powerful families never lacked stored grain, but they preferred to let it rot and be eaten by rats rather than use it to aid the people.
Ouyang Ting held back the words “absurd” that he wanted to say and calmly replied, “If others were to say they have no grain, I might believe it, but for the Liu Family to claim the same, we both know how false it is. Lord Liu, I am aware that you forbid others from lending me grain. If I have offended you in the past, I apologize to you now. I only hope that you can put aside our enmity for the sake of the refugees from Xuzhou and lend them grain. If you have any conditions, feel free to tell me. I, Ouyang Ting, will not refuse any request I can fulfill.”
The head of the Liu Family looked deeply into his eyes and said indifferently, “Governor Ouyang, you are indeed dedicated to the country and the people, worthy of admiration… Well then, since you put it that way, the Liu Family can consider lending you grain.”
Ouyang Ting’s heart tightened, knowing it was coming.
“I will give you two options,” the head of the Liu Family stroked his beard and slowly said, “First, you can surrender to Chen Wang, become his subordinate, and manage Xuzhou on his behalf, following his orders. Second, if Governor Ouyang doesn’t want to submit to Chen Wang, you only need to hand over your governor’s seal of Xuzhou to me, kneel down here, apologize, and admit your mistake. Then I will agree to lend you grain. What do you think, Governor Ouyang?”
Ouyang Ting couldn’t contain his anger, and his hands trembled in fury. He pointed at the head of the Liu Family incredulously, “You’re going too far!”
The head of the Liu Family slapped the armrest heavily and sneered, “Governor Ouyang, you are the one asking for my help, not the other way around! I have shown you the options, and it’s up to you to decide whether to accept them or not! But, Governor Ouyang, let me remind you of one last thing: you have no way out now, do you? No one in the surrounding provinces is willing to lend you grain, and no one within the province dares to risk offending the Liu Family by providing assistance. This is your last chance. Think it through carefully.”
Suddenly, Ouyang Ting understood the hidden meaning behind his words, and he was extremely shocked. He pointed at him, his disbelief evident, “The reason why no one in the surrounding provinces is willing to lend me grain is also the doing of Chen Wang, isn’t it?!”
The head of the Liu Family gave a meaningful smile but didn’t say anything, which confirmed Ouyang Ting’s suspicions.
“Absurd! Truly absurd!” Ouyang Ting muttered, “You all want control of Xuzhou, and this is the method you employ. It’s useless for you to be famous, each carrying the names of benevolence and loyalty, proclaiming to serve the ruler and the people, yet you have wolf hearts and dog lungs, never putting the people in your eyes… Chen Wang? Hahaha, Chen Wang! How is he worthy of being called a Wang!”
He clenched his fist and slammed the table hard, shouting, “Even if I, Ouyang Ting, have to die, I will never associate myself with people like you!”
The head of the Liu Family was taken aback by his forceful gesture and then became furious. He retorted, “How dare you offend Chen Wang, Ouyang Ting! You have a lot of nerve! Do you think there’s anyone else besides Chen Wang who can save you from this dire situation? Are you still counting on your disciple, Yuan Le Jun? Ridiculous! Now that Chen Wang controls three provinces, and Xuzhou is within his influence, do you think Yuan Le Jun would dare come from the desolate north to support you, even if he is willing to risk angering Chen Wang? Ouyang Ting, not everyone in this world is as foolish as you!”
The head of the Liu Family was confident that Yuan Le Jun would not support Xuzhou.
Since Yuan Le Jun had proposed the Luo River Alliance, promising not to send troops against Chen Wang for five years, it showed that he feared the power of Chen Wang and had the intention to form an alliance with him.
Over the years, Yuan Le Jun would offer tribute to the emperor whenever he received valuable goods, trying to please the emperor and, indirectly, Chen Wang. Even if Yuan Le Jun did have the courage, with most of the South now under the control of Chen Wang, he wouldn’t personally come to Xuzhou, risking getting deeply entangled in Chen Wang’s influence.
Because he was sure that Yuan Le Jun wouldn’t come, the head of the Liu Family dared to be so shameless with Ouyang Ting. Even if Yuan Le Jun sent something over, as long as Duke Wen didn’t personally come, the head of the Liu Family with Chen Wang’s backing could still withhold everything sent and leave Ouyang Ting isolated and helpless.
Ouyang Ting was so angry that his beard trembled, and his breathing became heavy.
Seeing his appearance, the head of the Liu Family felt extremely satisfied.
One of the Liu Family members sneered and said, “Since the Governor cares so much about the people of Xuzhou, you must not be willing to watch them starve to death without help. We are giving you the opportunity to save the masses. If you truly want to help, just hand over your governor’s seal of Xuzhou and kneel to apologize. It’s not that difficult, is it? If you can’t even do this, then your concern for saving people is just a sham, and your previous words were nothing but pretense.”
Ouyang Ting’s face suddenly aged, as if he had aged ten years, showing a haggard and weary expression. His spirit seemed to vanish completely. He closed his eyes and after a while, let out a bitter laugh, “Well done, Chen Wang, and well done, Liu Family of Xuzhou… Truly clever schemes, clever schemes!”
The head of the Liu Family coldly snorted, “It’s just the heavens assisting me.”
The heavens’ assistance?
Yes, the heavens’ assistance.
If it weren’t for this flood disaster, how could Chen Wang have easily taken control of Xuzhou?
But oh, Lord above, why would you aid such people?
Ouyang Ting’s words tasted bitter in his mouth. He sighed and slowly stood up.
As a renowned scholar and a general, Ouyang Ting had his own pride. However, this kind of pride was insignificant in the face of the lives of millions of refugees. If surrendering the governor’s position and enduring this humiliation could save the people of Xuzhou, how could Ouyang Ting not do it?
He seemed to carry a burden of a thousand pounds, with his hands stiffly raised and his back bent under the weight. His knees began to lower.
The head of the Liu Family looked at him with a smug smile, feeling as if the position of Xuzhou Governor was within his grasp.
But just as Ouyang Ting was about to kneel, a voice of surprise came from outside, “Governor, Duke Wen and the relief supplies have arrived!”
“Duke Wen is here!”
“What?!” The smile on the head of the Liu Family froze, and then he stood up abruptly, his eyes wide with fear and panic. “Who has come? How could it be Duke Wen? No, this is impossible!”
But the calls from outside grew urgent, “Governor! Duke Wen is outside the city!”
“Governor, the Great General has also come with him!”
The head of the Liu Family’s figure trembled, muttering to himself, “Impossible.” The rest of the Liu Family members exchanged anxious and panicked glances.
Ouyang Ting felt the heavy burden in his heart suddenly dissipate. He straightened up slowly, looking at the Liu Family with a sudden burst of laughter. He swung his sleeves and walked away, loudly proclaiming, “It seems there is someone else in this world as foolish as me, and that person is my disciple, Duke Wen. Thanks to the favor of the Liu Family of Xuzhou, our teacher-disciple duo’s reputation for foolishness will spread far and wide!”
His spirits had returned, and Ouyang Ting’s face was flushed, his back straightened. He felt an immense joy in his heart. He hurriedly left the Liu residence, following the soldiers as they rushed towards the city gate with a mix of urgency and delight.
Many refugees saw the Governor’s hurried and joyful expression and seemed to realize something. They quickly caught up and asked, “Sir, is the Governor heading to the city gate? Is something good happening?”
The soldiers following Ouyang Ting couldn’t help but rejoice. When they heard the questions, they raised their heads proudly and said, “Duke Wen, the Governor’s disciple, has brought relief supplies. He is waiting outside the city gates, and now you will have food to eat!”
After a moment of reaction, the refugees erupted into cheers. Tears of joy soaked their clothes as they followed Ouyang Ting towards the city gate.
As they moved, more and more refugees joined them. Many people didn’t understand what was happening, but they heard the various cries of “Food has arrived!” from the crowd and hurriedly followed.
The city gates were tightly closed, and the soldiers guarding the gates saw Ouyang Ting approaching. They quickly came to inquire, “Governor, shall we open the gates?”
To manage the refugees and prevent other forces from taking advantage of the situation, the city gates were tightly closed every day and only opened by Ouyang Ting’s command. At this moment, without Ouyang Ting’s order, the soldiers dared not open them.
Ouyang Ting’s heart was pounding with excitement. He took a deep breath and immediately said, “Quickly open the gates!”
Moments later, the city gates swung open.
Yuan Le Jun and Chu Hechao had already dismounted, and when they saw the much thinner Ouyang Ting, Yuan Le Jun couldn’t help but call out, “Teacher,” and stepped forward to embrace Ouyang Ting.
Ouyang Ting’s eyes instantly turned red.
He patted Yuan Le Jun’s back, saying “good” several times. His gaze swept over Chu Hechao, Jia Qing, and others, and then he saw the endless convoy of carts in the distance.
The carts were neatly piled with bags of grain, bulging as if about to overflow.
One cart after another, Ouyang Ting’s vision blurred. He couldn’t count how many carts of grain there were.
So much, he thought, feeling a sense of satisfaction and fullness just from looking at it. He felt as if he had never seen so much grain in his life.
His heart was both sour and joyful. Tears of excitement fell on his disciple’s shoulder. Just when he felt a little embarrassed, he heard loud sobbing and weeping behind him.
He and Yuan Le Jun separated, and everyone turned to look behind them.
The refugees who had followed the Governor were hugging each other in groups of three or four, crying, but this crying was not the desperate and panicked cries Ouyang Ting had heard before. Instead, it was the weeping of overwhelming joy. They knew that the food had arrived, and they saw a glimmer of hope for survival. So they cried out loud, venting their emotions after surviving a disaster.
They knew they were saved.
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