Chapter 37: Jiang Yu’s Heart Stirs

Xu Jifeng listened to the effects of the medicine and immediately thought of its potential use.

Just now, he had been discussing with Jiang Yu how to control the unruly crowd.

He stepped forward and observed it closely.

Xu Jifeng praised it three times in a row.

“This is amazing! Truly remarkable! Have the imperial physicians developed such a miraculous potion? The imperial court never fails to deliver!”

Jiang Qingqing took one from the box.

She picked up a steamed bun and demonstrated its use, specifically pointing out a few key precautions.

The people in the hall were instantly filled with confidence.

This time, they were certain they could ensure that every citizen had something to eat!

But they overlooked one thing—besides the countless refugees in Weizhou City, there were also many of the Empress Dowager’s men. These people wielded swords and were ruthless killers.

Xu Jifeng quickly ordered someone to hide the anesthetic needles for future use.

After they left, Jiang Yu looked at Jiang Qingqing, hesitating to speak.

“What is it?”

Jiang Qingqing thought Jiang Yu had something important to discuss. The two of them had traveled together all the way from a small mountain village, helping each other along the journey.

Their revolutionary camaraderie was strong.

Jiang Yu glanced at the anesthetic needle in his hand before speaking in a low voice. “Did you just go inside that room?”

Jiang Qingqing had no intention of hiding anything and nodded.

“Yes, I did. Do you want to go in and rest?”

As she spoke, she raised her hand to open the door of Jiang Yu’s room.

They had barely gotten any sleep these past two days and were utterly exhausted. Soon, Jiang Yu would be responsible for maintaining order—he couldn’t afford to be worn out.

Jiang Yu stopped Jiang Qingqing’s movement.

“No, that’s not what I meant. Who exactly did you meet inside? And why are you so trusting of what he gave you?”

“What if…”

Jiang Qingqing didn’t quite understand Jiang Yu’s concerns.

“What’s wrong? If you’re worried about the rations being problematic, I can assure you there’s nothing wrong with them. Besides, haven’t we already eaten them ourselves?”

Why was he suddenly doubting this?

Everything had been fine while they were staying in the house before.

Jiang Yu gazed into Jiang Qingqing’s clear eyes. The words at the tip of his tongue suddenly felt impossible to say.

But when he recalled how Jiang Qingqing had been talking to thin air in the courtyard, a strange tightness clenched at his heart.

“You think… he’s very powerful, don’t you?”

Jiang Yu had more or less figured it out by now—Jiang Qingqing must have some kind of support. And that support was very likely not human.

Jiang Qingqing found his words puzzling.

She had never mentioned anything about the divine to Jiang Yu, yet he must have guessed.

After everything that had happened, she had no intention of hiding it but also didn’t want to go into too much detail.

So, she simply answered according to his assumption:

“Yes, it is very powerful.”

Jiang Yu felt as if his heart had been pierced by a needle—a sharp, unbearable pain.

“But it’s not human. It can’t always be there to take care of you, can it? One day, it will leave.”

“It can’t take you horseback riding. It can’t help you search for secret passages. And it can’t stay by your side. You shouldn’t rely on it too much. The people who are truly by your side—that’s your best support.”

Jiang Qingqing remained silent, not fully understanding his words.

It was true that she relied on the divine being a lot.

But why would it need to do all those things for her?

It was a god.

It didn’t need to ride horses with her, didn’t need to help her search for secret passages, and certainly didn’t need to stay by her side.

All she needed was for it to appear when she was in despair. That was enough.

The horse she rode was given by it.

It was the one that knocked out the guards of the Prime Minister’s manor, giving her a chance to find the secret passage.

“Jiang Yu… I don’t know what you’re trying to say. But I won’t allow anyone to insult it.”

“Not even you.”

Jiang Qingqing cast Jiang Yu a deep glance before carrying the remaining plate of steamed buns and leaving the front hall.

Standing alone in the hall, Jiang Yu felt an overwhelming sense of helplessness and defeat.

He was slowly realizing that he had developed feelings for Jiang Qingqing.

Once, he had been the youngest war god and junior general of the Great Liang dynasty. In the military, there had been countless people who admired him.

But now, even the most glorious years of his life seemed insignificant compared to that mysterious existence in her heart.

He knew, deep down, that he could never possess such divine power.

A sense of indescribable dejection settled in his chest.

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At the Street Corner

“Have you heard? They’re distributing food rations outside the Provincial Governor’s Office! Anyone who goes can get some!”

“The Governor’s Office? The new governor is no good. Would he really give us food? If he stops squeezing us dry, that would already be a blessing.”

“It’s not the new governor. It’s Governor Xu.”

“Really? Where did you hear that?”

“Does it matter? Let’s go check it out. At worst, we’d just be wasting some time.”

“…”

In no time, the news of Xu Jifeng distributing food outside the Governor’s Office spread like wildfire.

Most people were skeptical.

They hesitated, watching from a distance. But when they saw people actually coming back with food, the crowd went wild.

Families began rushing towards the distribution site, bringing their children and elderly relatives along.

“Hey! Stop pushing!”

“Ah! You knocked over a child, and that old lady too!”

“What’s the rush? Are you trying to reincarnate early? The governor already said everyone will get their share!”

The once-desolate Governor’s Office was suddenly bustling with life again.

As the news spread, people from all over the city began gathering.

Seeing the crates full of food, the hunger in their eyes quickly turned into greed. There was only so much food, but the number of citizens was overwhelming.

Even if everyone got something today, what about tomorrow?

They didn’t want to live in uncertainty anymore.

A bold man suddenly rushed forward, shoving others aside and grabbing several packs of compressed biscuits.

Clutching them tightly to his chest, he ran.

“What the hell?!”

“Don’t you know how to queue up?!”

Once someone started, others followed. Xu Jifeng saw the signs of growing unrest in the crowd and immediately tried to calm them down.

“Everyone, stay calm! The imperial court has prepared ample supplies. Today, every person will receive food and water.”

“Line up properly! That way, you’ll get your share and go home quickly. Don’t act recklessly!”

At first, his words held some weight.

Especially since Jiang Yu stood beside him, unsheathing his long sword.

His imposing presence, along with his hardened, battle-worn demeanor, made it clear he was a seasoned soldier. Combined with Xu Jifeng’s former status as a provincial governor and his affiliation with the imperial court, the crowd hesitated.

But as those at the back saw others happily receiving food and water, anxiety grew.

“Can you hurry up? My kids are waiting to eat!”

“Yeah! Stop dragging your feet!”

The ones who hadn’t received anything yet became increasingly restless.

Then, someone in the crowd shouted, “Let’s grab the food ourselves! That’ll be faster!”

With that, they started shoving people aside, surging toward the food supplies.

Chaos erupted in an instant.

“Go! Let’s get some too!”

“Hurry up, or there’ll be nothing left!”

In the frenzy, a frail old woman was knocked down.

One after another, feet trampled over her frail body.

She let out a pained cry.

But in the midst of the roaring crowd, her weak voice was drowned out entirely.