Acai's Sky

Chapter 698: What Does the Heroine's Escape Have to Do with Me?

The drought continues and it hasn't rained for half a year.

Ah Cai stared at the account book in her hand with a serious expression, frowning slightly, and said slowly, "The amount of food we use for relief has increased so much. The amount of potatoes, rice, and potato flour we use each month has doubled!"

Upon hearing this, Aunt Rong, who was sitting nearby, was also filled with worry. Her eyebrows knitted tightly together as she spoke anxiously, "Yes, there are nearly a million refugees gathered around Jialu County now. If they are not properly guided, I'm afraid that sooner or later there will be chaos."

Ah Cai sighed helplessly, then gently closed the account book and responded in a somewhat cold tone, "This is something the county magistrate should worry about. You must know that the scope of this drought is not just our Fengyu Kingdom, but also the surrounding neighboring countries have not been spared."

After saying that, she raised her head and looked at the distant sky through the window, thinking to herself: I wonder if Xiao Tiandao has successfully refined that trace of the incarnation of the former Tiandao?

It's really worrying.

As she thought about it, Ah Cai couldn't help but stand up and began to pace back and forth in the room, muttering to herself, "If it doesn't rain any more, I might as well use some magic to make it rain. After all, not every place is like Jialu County, where there are still green mountains and clear waters."

Hearing this, Rong Mama's worry deepened, and she quickly spoke out to dissuade him, "Miss, please don't act so impulsively! Artificial rainfall will have a huge impact on the outcome of your mission. And that so-called punishment plane, just by hearing the name, you know it's definitely not a good place!"

However, Ah Cai waved her hand nonchalantly, saying confidently, "What are you afraid of? We've even made it through the perilous world of cultivation. Is there any place more dangerous and unpredictable than that?"

In an instant, Xiaojia suddenly appeared before him like lightning. He knelt on one knee, clasped his fists, and bowed his head to report to his master: "Master, the bandits on Qipan Mountain have been completely wiped out by us! Not a single one is left!"

After finishing his words, Xiao Jia paused for a moment, then lowered his voice and continued, "Especially those ruthless villains who stole children and ate human flesh. Our subordinates have beaten them to a pulp, ensuring they will never be able to enter the cycle of reincarnation again!"

At this moment, Madam Ying walked into the room. After hearing what Xiaojia said, she couldn't help but show anger and spat fiercely:

"Humph! These heartless things are so disgusting!

Our Jialu County is a place with beautiful mountains and rivers. In addition, our several major families often provide relief to the people. Logically, everyone should live a good life.

But how could they possibly do such a cruel and inhumane thing? They actually eat human flesh! It's simply outrageous!"

Xiaojia shook his head in grief and indignation, sighing, "Alas... It's a pity that we were a little too late when we rushed over. Many innocent children had already been killed. Only piles of heartbreaking bones were left at the scene. It was truly horrific!"

You know, although Rong Mama and the other sisters are intelligent robots, because they have been following their master for a long time, they have gradually become contaminated with some worldly practices and have a certain degree of human touch.

At this moment, they were full of doubts and confusion: there was clearly sufficient food and water supply here, and as long as the bandits were willing to put in a little effort, they could support themselves and not starve or freeze.

However, they chose the most evil and cruel path - eating those defenseless children!

Why is this?

Can human nature really degenerate to such a level?

...

The large study in the front yard of the Tong family's old house

County Magistrate Chang Yuzhou was sitting with Old Master Tong Xin and Marquis Nong'an Tong Yan, sipping tea.

Chang Yuzhou gently put down the exquisite teacup in his hand, a humble and gentle smile on his face. He politely said to everyone present: "This drought is severe. Fortunately, our Fengyu Kingdom vigorously promoted high-yield grain varieties in recent years, which enabled the court to maintain relative stability for a short period of time. However, this drought has lasted for several months. Without more countermeasures, I am afraid the situation will worsen."

After saying this, Chang Yuzhou stood up and solemnly raised his hands toward the Imperial City. He continued, "As you all know, His Majesty has already issued an imperial decree ordering Nanqi City to donate grain to aid the victims. Jialu County is also on the list of recipients."

Upon hearing this, the old man sitting beside him, Tong Xin, could not help but frown and said with difficulty, "Master Chang, you don't know that the Tong and Tang families of Jialu County started setting up porridge stalls and distributing porridge to relieve the disaster half a year ago. Even today, the millions of refugees gathered outside Jialu County are all supported by the hard work of our two families!"

Chang Yuzhou nodded slightly to show his understanding, but at the same time revealed a hint of helplessness.

He sighed and said, "Although high-yield crops have been widely promoted in Fengyu, the problem is that this drought has lasted for over half a year without a drop of rain! In such a situation, even if there are a lot of high-yield crops, it's still useless without rice!"

At this moment, Tong Yan, who had been silent all this time, suddenly looked up at his father and asked softly, "Dad, are you donating grain this time to supply the army?"

As soon as Tong Yan finished speaking, Lord Chang, who had been somewhat nonchalant, straightened up instantly, with a hint of surprise in his eyes.

After a brief hesitation, he lowered his voice and replied, "My Lord, you are indeed well-informed. To be honest, our neighboring countries are all eyeing our Fengyu Nation covetously. Although our country has also suffered from this severe drought, the situation is relatively optimistic compared to neighboring countries. Therefore, to prevent other countries from taking advantage of the situation, we must ensure that our army has sufficient food and fodder to prepare for any emergency."

Tong Yan turned to the old housekeeper Qi and said, "Miss Nine is in charge of our family. Go ask your second son how many dan of grain we can spare at the moment."

Old Master Tong also instructed, "Go tell Xiao Jiuer that this is food for the army. Be sure to collect more. We will donate all of this year's new grain."

Butler Qi quickly bowed, walked back to the door of the study, and turned to leave...