Chapter 0007: Unexpected Developments

"Help me carry my sister to the county town, this money is for the fare," Zhao Han took out a piece of broken silver, "When we arrive, the silver will also be given to you."

The younger sister was burning all over, and upon touching her forehead, it was indeed quite hot.

Then take a nap, have some porridge first, and Er Ge will take you to see the doctor

Because he was disgusted by the wretched heavens

The sun and the moon, this is a proverb

Do not rain, do not rain, please do not rain

The gatekeeper did not dare to be negligent and immediately ran to report.

Water is scooped from the canal, and the millet and corn are mixed and placed into the pot, followed by a pinch of coarse salt. Soon, the aroma of the food wafts through the air

Then, why does Zhao Han want the mother of the sun and the heavens?

Upon reaching the outer moat, the farmer set down Zhao Zhenfang and turned to Zhao Han, saying: "Little brother, I will not be going any further."

Wait! Zhao Han called out again

Zhao Han fetched water from the canal to boil, and also soaked a cotton cloth in cool water to wipe his younger sister's body for physical cooling, taking the opportunity to restore his own strength as well

Zhao Han comforted, saying: "When we grow up, we will go find sister."

... ...

There are also starving people here

They walked all the way to the city gate, which was tightly closed

The father and his two sons discussed for a while and decided that the old farmer and the second son would continue to fetch water, while the eldest son would accompany Zhao Han to the county town. They were also betting on whether Zhao Han would keep his word and provide some life-saving money when the time came

Zhao Han said: "Only one person is allowed to go to the county town, and the others cannot follow. Let me be clear, I am afraid you will commit murder and robbery. Of course, you can try; this spear of mine has already killed more than ten people, so I do not care about killing three or five more."

Zhao Zhengfang was still talking to herself: "If I die, I will definitely be able to see my parents and my elder brother. I just don't know where my sister is. She used to save all the delicious food for me. I have missed my sister so much these days"

If it had not been for the nighttime ambush, it would have been impossible to kill the marquis

Whether in film and television works or while reading novels, Zhao Han feels an inexplicable embarrassment whenever he sees the protagonist pointing at the sky and shouting at the top of their lungs "Damn it, Heaven"

Zhao Zhenfang did not speak again, and it is unclear whether she has fallen asleep

Zhao Han has already mastered the fire starter that was sent from the lord's residence

The heat is unbearable

Uncertain of how far they had traveled, Zhao Zhengfang suddenly awoke and, resting her head on her brother's shoulder, asked, "Second brother, am I going to die?"

The two passed by each other, glancing at one another, both being unfortunate souls

Fei Yinghuan drew his sword and pointed it at the city tower, exclaiming in a state of agitation: "Quickly go and report to Wang Yongshi, just tell him that Fei Dazhao from Qianshan has arrived. If he does not allow me to enter, once I return to Jiangxi, I will publicize the good deeds he has done in Jinghai County. His oppressive taxation and the widespread famine, with people resorting to cannibalism... I will make sure his reputation is ruined, and the Wang family will be forever scorned by the local elders and the people of their hometown!"

Arriving in Yangliuqing Town in the evening, this town was exceptionally prosperous several decades ago. However, with the relocation of Yangqing Water Station, the town has gradually declined and is no longer as lively as it once was

Zhao Han gently stroked his younger sister's head, unsure of what to say

As for corn, it was introduced to China during the Wanli period, with Guangxi being the first province to cultivate it, followed by Henan as the second. The significant geographical leap in its cultivation indicates that there were officials promoting it; regardless of the era, there will always be a few diligent officials who take action.

During the dry season, or in the event of drought, in order to ensure the smooth operation of the canal transport, no one is allowed to come and draw water from the Grand Canal. One of the important tasks of the guard troops along the banks is to prevent farmers from illegally diverting canal water for irrigation of their fields

Zhao Han truly has no way out; his physical strength is nearly exhausted, making it impossible for him to carry his younger sister to the county town for medical treatment

Zhao Han became flustered and hurriedly carried his younger sister to continue on their way, as his younger sister, who was running a fever, could not be exposed to the rain

Zhao Han carried his younger sister across the bridge, where the streets outside the city were strewn with the bodies of the starving, with famished people lying in disarray everywhere.

Zhao Han, fearing that his younger sister might harm her brain, hurriedly asked, "Little sister, can you hear me speaking?"

The two of them walked intermittently, stopping to rest briefly after every two miles. They took the opportunity to fetch water and used a wet towel to wipe the little sister's forehead, to prevent her from overheating.

Zhao Zhengfang opened her eyes, forced a smile, and weakly said: "Second brother, I have no strength..."

After the word "day" became popular, "sun" began to sound like an insult, which even forced the term "sun" to gradually transform from a scientific name into a colloquial expression.

Zhao Han gazed across the moat, feeling a chill in his heart, as he sensed that he might not be able to enter the city

The character "日" (sun) and "入" (enter) have the same meaning, which was universally accepted during the Ming Dynasty

Continue on the journey

Sorghum is also known as yellow millet, one of the five grains in ancient times

Ten-year-old Zhao Han, carrying his six-year-old younger sister on his back, set off along the canal on the journey to Jinghai County

Zhao Han let out a long sigh, while the local farmers could only lament

Zhao Han asked, "How much longer until we reach the county town?"

Zhao Zhengfang proudly said: "I could start a fire when I was four years old, and both my mother and elder sister praised me for being capable"

All the shops in the town chose to close their doors, fearing being robbed by the starving populace desperate for food

It is unclear when the dark clouds in the sky dispersed, and it seems that the heavens have no intention of bringing rain again

On the first day of heading south, I traveled less than twenty miles, spending most of the time resting in the shade to avoid the sun

Moreover, the starving populace has already crossed the moat, spreading into the residential areas outside the city, begging for food in the streets and alleys

Suddenly, Zhao Han took out a handful of copper coins and said, "Old man, do you need money?"

"Second brother, I am here to wash the rice." Zhao Zhengfang was very enthusiastic

The three of them, father and sons, looked at each other in silence

The siblings picked up dry branches and fallen leaves along the way, took out a broken clay pot, and prepared to start a fire to cook porridge to drink

He did not return to Yangliuqing Town, as the presence of a large number of starving people had caused all the shops in the town to close, making it impossible to open the door for strangers

Really? The old farmer's son was overjoyed

Fei Yinghuan and Wei Jianxiong, the master and servant, left Tianjin a day later than Zhao Han, but they traveled quickly and have now arrived in Jinghai County.

However, now that the weather has turned warm, the temperature last night was normal, and I was able to eat well and dress warmly, with nutrition being relatively sufficient, I inexplicably fell ill and developed a fever

The old farmer said irritably: "Who isn't lacking?"

Mazu is not only the sea goddess but also the guardian deity of the shipping industry, with official endorsement from the Ming Dynasty. Yangliuqing Town prospered due to shipping and raised funds to build the Tianfei Temple, but now it has long lost its incense offerings

"Certainly." Zhao Han took a few steps back, placed the broken silver on the ground, and then stepped aside to wait for the other party to pick it up

Zhao Han's eyes lit up as he instructed his younger sister to lie against the wall comfortably. He straightened his clothing and walked over, cupping his hands in a gesture of respect, saying: "Young man pays his respects to you, sir"

As the first large town south of Tianjin, it is naturally a good place for those fleeing famine and seeking alms. At this time, there are probably hundreds of starving people, transformed into beggars, congregating both inside and outside the town to beg for food

Zhao Han placed the copper coins on the ground and took a few steps back: "Come and take them yourself"

Even after resting for more than half a month, this body is still too weak, with physical strength below the average line of peers.

After walking another 2 miles, they encountered a willow tree by the river that had not been stripped of its bark. Zhao Han could no longer continue, and was drenched in sweat from the heat, so he had no choice but to stop and rest for a moment in the shade of the tree

The price of rice is too high, so Zhao Han only bought 3 jin of millet and 3 jin of corn

These individuals are tenants who only pay rent to the landowners and are not subject to the tax collectors. They are indeed fortunate to encounter benevolent landowners who allow them to defer their rent payments and even lend them seeds to replant their autumn crops

Having confirmed through a glance, they are completely unrelated individuals

After advancing only one mile, Zhao Han's legs began to tremble

"This place is not suitable for living." Zhao Han pulled his younger sister and turned to continue walking along the canal

Open the city gates!" Fei Yinghuan shouted loudly

After nearly twenty li of travel, having walked for a good part of the day, the city walls of Jinghai County finally came into view ahead.

The old farmer immediately came over to pick up the money

However, he now also wants to curse the damn fate!

more than ten miles

The eldest son carried his younger sister forward, while Zhao Han followed closely behind with a spear, ready to strike and kill at the slightest sign of disturbance

The residents of Jinghai living on the outskirts are indeed in a state of anxiety, with every household staying indoors. If this continues for a few more days, they will run out of food, as there is simply no way to go out and buy rice.

When the boiling water is no longer hot, wake up the younger sister to drink it

The gatekeeper stood on the city tower and, seeing Fei Yinghuan dressed in a scholar's robe, replied: "This gentleman, please return. The county magistrate has issued an order prohibiting anyone from entering or leaving."

Zhao Han continued on his journey, while three tenants headed to the canal to steal water

The common people, with no other desires, can only hope to encounter good officials. Moreover, they do not need to be virtuous leaders; it is sufficient that they can accomplish practical matters

Hoo hoo hoo ... ...

I touched my little sister's forehead again, and it was still burning hot

The term "直娘贼" may appear classical and elegant, but in reality, these three characters are quite vulgar, being a hundred times more disgusting than "日X妈". Its appearance in a major CCTV drama is nothing short of absurd. Indeed, I am referring to the television series "Water Margin"!

On the way, it is necessary to stop and rest, finding a shaded place to avoid the sun.

He set the younger sister down and tore the cotton cloth, which was to be used for warmth, into several long strips. Then, starting from the feet and wrapping slowly up to the knees, he wound it in circles to create a military tool—leg bindings

One can only take a gamble, betting that these three farmers are honest individuals

Zhao Han smiled and said, "Then from now on, cooking will be entrusted to you."

As he continued on his journey, Zhao Han encountered three farmers, who appeared to be a father and his two sons

The Sun and the Moon, these are their scientific names

Wang Yongshi, who is the magistrate of Jinghai.

Yes, stealing water

The siblings feasted heartily, and after eating their fill, they wrapped themselves in a cotton cloth and huddled together to sleep outdoors

Zhao Hanyi supported himself with a spear in one hand while holding his younger sister's leg in the other, gritting his teeth with every step forward

In Tianjin, encountering a cold wave, Zhao Han specifically spent money to buy several feet of cotton cloth, and the siblings wrapped themselves in it at night to keep warm. However, shortly after leaving Tianjin, having walked only a few miles, the weather suddenly changed from overcast to sunny, causing him and his younger sister to nearly suffer from heatstroke.

The three of them, father and sons, were also taken aback, staring at Zhao Han from a distance with wide eyes.

Zhao Han immediately stopped in his tracks, placed his younger sister on the ground, and then picked up the spear in a state of alertness

Reality is indeed unreasonable, Zhao Zhengfang fled with her entire family to escape famine. During this time, they endured hardships, sleeping outdoors and facing hunger, yet she did not fall ill despite her weakness. In Tianjin, she was caught in a heavy rain and soaked to the skin, yet she remained healthy. When a cold wave struck, she shivered in the night from the cold, but still did not become ill

It is impossible to proceed without leg bindings; overloading during long-distance travel will result in the legs becoming completely incapacitated, even if one manages to reach the destination.

"I won't die." Zhao Han paused to wipe the sweat from his brow

Using dry grass to cushion the flint, and then striking it with a fire steel, it can ignite in just a few seconds, offering convenience comparable to matches, and it is also resistant to being soaked by rain

Short and heavy breaths, accompanied by the muffled thunder from the sky, forced Zhao Han to move forward step by step. He dared not stop, fearing that if he did, he would be unable to move again. However, gradually he truly could not continue and could only sit down to rest, while also providing physical cooling for his younger sister

On the banks of the canal outside the town, there stands an abandoned Tianfei Temple

Dark clouds drift across the sky, instantly obscuring the sun, and the temperature becomes sultry

The siblings planned to spend the night at the Tianfei Temple, but before they even stepped through the temple door, they saw a multitude of starving people lying inside.

After walking for two more miles, the sky had already turned completely dark

Is there anything else? the old farmer asked

Only because there are also a large number of starving people gathering outside the city of Jinghai County

The multigrain porridge cooked last night still remains, and Zhao Han helps his younger sister drink it

Without any unexpected events, the farmer picked up the silver and left

Crack, crack!

The next morning, Zhao Han felt that something was amiss