Chapter 129: Reunion

Cheng Xi raised her eyes, her gaze shifting back and forth between Li Zhi'an and Jiang Zhongqiao; to fully open Wanxing City and accept the displaced commoners from Jindu was undoubtedly a bold decision, and one filled with great compassion.

Although Wanxing City had Wanxing Mountain as a resource base, the sudden influx of a large population would face unprecedented challenges, whether in terms of material supply, housing arrangements, or the maintenance of order within the city.

"This..." Cheng Xi frowned slightly and said hesitantly, "Opening Wanxing City is a great act of kindness, but the practical implementation is fraught with difficulties. The city's reserve supplies are limited; how can we guarantee food and daily necessities for a suddenly increased population? Furthermore, housing the commoners requires a large number of dwellings; how can this be resolved in such a short time?"

Jiang Zhongqiao nodded slightly, his expression grave: "What Cheng Xi says is very true, and this is precisely what I am concerned about. But the Prince has the commoners at heart; Jindu has been reduced to ruins and the people have lost their homes. If we do not extend a helping hand, it is truly unbearable to the heart."

Li Zhi'an gripped Cheng Xi's hand, his gaze as steady as a torch: "Cheng Xi, I understand that this matter is difficult, but what fault is it of the commoners? The disaster in Jindu has its roots in the chaos of the imperial court and the machinations of treacherous officials, yet they are the ones who must bear the bitter fruit. Wanxing City has the spirit mines and Spirit Plant resources of Wanxing Mountain; as long as we arrange things reasonably, we will certainly be able to let the commoners live and work in peace here."

Cheng Xi knew well that Li Zhi'an cared for the world, and since he had made up his mind, he would not easily change it. After pondering for a moment, she said slowly: "If we are to open Wanxing City, the top priority is to take stock of the existing material reserves in the city and estimate the number of commoners we can accept. At the same time, we must organize manpower to build temporary dwellings outside Wanxing City to settle a portion of the commoners first. Additionally, we must establish rules for material distribution and management to avoid chaos."

Jiang Zhongqiao stroked his beard and nodded: "This plan is feasible. I will summon the Elders of the Academy now to discuss the specific details. Young Master Li, you are more familiar with the situation of the Jindu commoners, so we will need you to contribute much effort."

Li Zhi'an stood up and bowed with cupped hands: "Rest assured, Dean. This matter concerns the life and death of the commoners; I will naturally do my utmost."

The three of them reached an agreement and began to act accordingly. Cheng Xi returned to Qingtian Peak and locked herself in her room to carefully sort through the supplies in her Storage Bag. She knew well that in the days to come, every single resource would be of vital importance. Spirit Rice, spirit fruits, Pill... she categorized and organized the various supplies, estimating the assistance she could provide for settling the commoners.

At the same time, Li Zhi'an rushed to various parts of Wanxing City to communicate with city officials and wealthy merchants, persuading them to contribute money and effort to jointly cope with the coming wave of refugees.

Although Jiang Weiran was immersed in the grief of losing his family, upon hearing of this matter, he also pulled himself together to assist Li Zhi'an in running about. He had operated in Wanxing City for a long time and had extensive connections; relying on past friendships, he persuaded many merchants to open their purses generously.

Cheng Fenglan and Cheng Yunjian led the Academy students to set up temporary tents in the open space outside Wanxing City. Under the scorching sun, everyone sweated like rain, working together to transport timber and canvas to build one simple dwelling after another. Although most of the students came from cultivation families, at this moment they had no complaints, single-mindedly contributing their strength to settle the commoners.

However, things did not go smoothly. Some commoners in the city heard that they were to accept a large number of Jindu refugees and were filled with worry. They feared that resources would be carved up and their lives affected; for a time, rumors flew, and some even gathered to go to the City Lord's Mansion to protest.

After Cheng Xi learned of this, she rushed to the City Lord's Mansion together with Li Zhi'an. They saw hundreds of people gathered in front of the City Lord's Mansion, clamoring and agitated.

"We cannot let those refugees in; we don't even have enough to eat ourselves!"

"Exactly, if they come, how are we supposed to live our lives?"

Everyone spoke one after another, and the scene was in utter chaos. Li Zhi'an stood on a high spot and said loudly: "Wanxing City has the resources of Wanxing Mountain; as long as they are distributed reasonably, we can certainly guarantee everyone's livelihood. Moreover, accepting refugees also adds manpower to our Wanxing City to jointly build our home."

Someone in the crowd shouted: "That's easy to say! If that many people really come, how will things be divided? Who will guarantee fairness?"

Cheng Xi stepped forward and said in a loud voice: "Everyone, rest assured. We have already formulated a detailed material distribution plan, which will be supervised and executed by the Academy to ensure fairness and justice. Furthermore, we will organize the refugees to participate in the construction of Wanxing City; they provide the labor, and we provide food and lodging. This is a mutually beneficial matter."

Under the patient persuasion of Li Zhi'an and Cheng Xi, the crowd's emotions gradually calmed down.

Having resolved the resistance of the city's commoners, Li Zhi'an and Cheng Xi threw themselves into the subsequent preparatory work without stopping. They labored day and night, communicating and coordinating with all parties, striving to make every detail perfect. And as time passed, the first batch of Jindu refugees finally arrived at Wanxing City.

They saw dust rising in the distance as a long procession slowly approached. The refugees were in rags, sallow and emaciated, their eyes filled with exhaustion and helplessness. Cheng Xi felt a sharp pain in her heart at this sight. She and Li Zhi'an immediately led the others to meet them and guided the refugees to the temporary settlement point.

"Everyone, do not worry. Rest here first; we will provide food and shelter for you all," Cheng Xi said gently.

The refugees were moved to tears and thanked them one after another. Watching the refugees eat hot meals and move into tents, Cheng Xi and Li Zhi'an felt a sense of relief.

Just then, Cheng Xi saw Mulan, Jinxiang, Zhao Mama, and Zhao Kang in the crowd. She walked over with long strides. As soon as Mulan saw her, she was startled, then choked up as she called out, "Eldest Miss!"

Mulan knelt down to kowtow, but Cheng Xi caught her: "It is good that you have come. The Prince told me he asked you to return with him, but you were unwilling."

Zhao Mama looked the Eldest Miss over, and seeing that she was safe and sound, said happily: "The Prince is a noble man with many affairs; how could we add to his troubles? Besides, traveling with everyone along the way allowed us to help and take care of each other. Being able to see the Eldest Miss makes us even happier."

Jinxiang also said from the side: "That's right, Eldest Miss. We cannot add to your and the Prince's troubles. We didn't suffer on the road; the Prince looked after us."

Cheng Xi wanted to take them back to Qingtian Peak, but they all refused.

"Eldest Miss, we want to stay and help; building houses requires many people. This old woman cannot do heavy work, but I can always help everyone cook and tidy up," Zhao Mama said hurriedly.

Zhao Kang also nodded from the side: "We discussed it all along the way. Eldest Miss, you can rest assured."

Cheng Xi did not force them and smiled as she looked at them: "Very well. If you lack anything, come find me. Do not be afraid if you encounter trouble; I am here."

"Yes," Zhao Mama replied with a smile. With those words from the Eldest Miss, they felt secure; they could not ask for anything more.

With so many eyes watching, they could not add to the Eldest Miss's troubles.