Chapter 0006: The People's Sentiment

Thank you, Commander, for your guidance; I will be at your service at all times

With a reluctant glance back, Zhou Ping let out a long sigh

Although the father and daughter do not live in wealth, they are still able to survive. In chaotic times, this is already the most fortunate thing.

Zhou Ping is a straightforward man, naturally not very skilled at storytelling. After pondering for a long time, he finally spoke in a deep voice: "It is said that the Eastern invaders are inherently ferocious, leaving a trail of sorrow wherever they go. In the cities they attack, any resistance is met with a complete massacre. Not a single man, woman, or child is spared; all are killed. As for those soldiers who surrender to the Eastern invaders, they will be incorporated by them and will fight under the green flag for the Eastern invaders."

Due to the urgency of the construction, it appears somewhat rudimentary; however, it is still able to provide shelter from the wind and rain

The soldier scoffed disdainfully.

Er Ya stepped forward and tugged at Zhou Ping's clothing corner, looking at him timidly, her eyes filled with unease

Zhou Ping was taken aback and no longer hurried to pack his belongings; instead, he patiently sat at the bedside to explain to his daughter

... ...

This time, Ping was so moved that tears streamed down her face

They, like Zhou Ping, instinctively felt a sense of fear towards the Eastern invaders

He is a diligent farmer, toiling from dawn to dusk, solely to ensure that he can fill his stomach

Until he was brought in front of the shed, Zhou Ping still found it hard to believe

After a brief pause, he continued: "There will be two meals of porridge each day, remember to come and collect them on time"

Ah! Weren't those soldiers of the Green Camp originally soldiers of the Ming Dynasty, fighting against their own people?

Er Ya's mother died during childbirth due to complications, so Zhou Ping has been both father and mother, raising Er Ya single-handedly until now

Well, let us go now

What surprised Zhou Ping was that after he and his daughter entered the city, they were escorted by designated soldiers to a specific area to rest

Naturally, individuals like Zhou Ping, who temporarily enter the city to seek refuge, do not have any housing within the city

Ah, Your Majesty has bestowed such great grace upon me; how could I not seek to repay it

These shantytowns provided them with a place to settle, sparing them from sleeping on the streets

Er Ya, with a pair of sparkling big eyes, asked curiously.

Zhou Ping has arrived relatively late, and looking at the long queue, he wonders if he will be able to enter the city today

You are not being asked to bend bows and shoot arrows to kill enemies and resist foes, but merely to move some rolling stones, logs, and burn some gold juice

In their view, although the Eastern invaders were brutal, the army, having endured a long and exhausting journey, could only helplessly call out in the face of the most elite troops of the Yongli court and a stronghold.

Indeed, it must be so

Because the Eastern invaders have come, we can only find safety by hiding in the city

Upon hearing that he was to help defend the city, Zhou Ping's face instantly turned pale.

"Sir, is this shed for us to live in?"

Upon hearing that it was merely a request for them to assist and not to engage in battle, Zhou Ping's expression softened considerably

With so many esteemed figures present, everyone has gained a sense of assurance and is no longer afraid

Er Ya sat on the bed, sucking her fingers while asking in confusion.

In a thatched cottage on the outskirts of Kunming, a farmer named Zhou Ping was busy packing his belongings. Hearing that the Eastern invaders were about to attack, the court had permitted the common people to enter the city for refuge. Zhou Ping did not want to miss this opportunity to save his life

The Eastern Lurkers... The Eastern Lurkers are indeed the Eastern Lurkers

As long as we defend Kunming City, everyone will be able to survive, so this city must not be breached

Regardless of the circumstances, this is his home

Ah, Your Majesty is truly a benevolent ruler

Zhou Ping picked up Er Ya and placed him in one of the bamboo baskets on the shoulder pole, while the other side was used for carrying packages and miscellaneous items

Countless citizens are lining up in long queues to undergo inquiries, registration, and inspections, waiting to enter the city

Your Majesty is indeed a wise ruler

This is a temporarily constructed shantytown

When Zhou Ping arrived at the front of Kunming City with a shoulder pole, he was astonished and gaped in surprise

After everything was tidied up, Zhou Ping shouldered the carrying pole and stepped out.

Zhou Ping took a deep breath, no longer hesitating, and stepped forward in the direction of Kunming City

Upon hearing this, Er Ya finally stopped crying and tilted her head to ask

It is heard that the Eastern invaders are about to attack Kunming, and they are all rushing here hoping to enter the city to escape disaster

After all, it is merely a matter of exerting oneself; moreover, everyone is not only serving the court but also serving themselves.

In fact, Zhou Ping was also unsure whether the stronghold of Kunming could withstand the fierce assault of the Eastern invaders, after all, so many strongholds had been captured by the Eastern invaders; could Kunming be an exception? However, in order to reassure his daughter, he could only say this.

As a person from Yunnan for generations, unless absolutely necessary, no one would wish to leave their hometown.

It is uncertain how long the Eastern invaders will stay in Yunnan this time. If they are unable to capture Kunming, they will likely have to retreat, right

Father, why are we going into the city

Otherwise, did I bring you here for amusement? This is His Majesty's grace, to prevent the villagers from freezing.

... ...

Moreover, Your Majesty is in the city, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince is in the city, His Highness the King of Jin is in the city, and the Duke of Qian is also in the city

At that time, he will be able to return with his daughter and continue farming and living his life

"Your Majesty is indeed a wise ruler," the soldier said proudly. "However, everyone must also remember to be grateful. His Royal Highness, the Prince of Jin, has stated that when necessary, everyone must assist in defending the city"

Zhou Ping gently stroked his daughter's head and said in a soothing voice, "Yaya, do not be afraid. Your father will take you into the city. The Emperor is benevolent and has allowed us common folk to enter the city for refuge"

Ah, assist in defending the city

Fortunately, there are soldiers maintaining order, and no one dares to cut in line; the long queue always moves slowly.

In his view, the emperor allowing them, the common people, to enter the city for refuge was already a tremendous grace, and His Majesty even provided food and accommodation, alleviating their concerns.

This emperor is unparalleled in history.

A guard approached and inquired about his and his daughter's names, then recorded them in a booklet

What is the Eastern Lurker? Why do we have to hide in the city when he comes?

Is everything fine once we enter the city

Look at you, such a coward

Father, let's hurry into the city, Yaya is scared

The soldier, upon hearing this, proudly declared: "That is only natural; His Majesty has stated that he would never allow a commoner to suffer from cold or hunger"

Er Ya was startled and shrank her neck, saying: "Ya Ya does not want the Eastern invaders to come, Ya Ya is afraid..."

After an unknown amount of time, Zhou Ping finally made his way to the city gate

The Zhou family has been engaged in agriculture for generations, and Zhou Ping relies on the few acres of land passed down from his ancestors to make a living

Zhou Ping did not bring much, and after a thorough inspection by the soldiers, they were allowed to enter the city

Silly girl, once you enter the city, everything will be fine. Although the Eastern Tartars are fierce, they cannot do anything to a stronghold like Kunming

... ...

Zhou Ping swallowed and said: "Even the livelihood of common folks like us is taken to heart by him."

Families like theirs, who are farmers, do not possess many valuable items at home; they can simply tidy up and take some clothes and quilts to leave.

... ...