Northern Shaanxi.
This miserable Loess Plateau has not had a few rains since this year. Large tracts of crops on the ground died.
The soil is as dry as sand. When you hold it in your hands and blow it with your mouth, it turns into dust.
Once the strong wind passes, the dust will billow, as if there are demons flying in the clouds and mist.
The people in northern Shaanxi have a very favorable impression of the Han Dynasty. Zhang Zhen crossed the Yellow River and entered northern Shaanxi, relying on the support of local gentry, wealthy families and ordinary people.
Without logistics, the Han army captured Yan'an and swept through northern Shaanxi.
But they are also ready to make a move.
In the mountains east of Yan'an County, there is Lijia Village.
The village is small, with just over a hundred people. Although it is called Lijia Village, there are not many people named Li in the village.
On the contrary, there are many people named Chen.
then. Zhang Zhen led his troops into Yan'an and asked for alms here. The village contributes a lot.
Seeing that the crops in the fields could no longer be saved. People in the village began to think of a way out. The leading figure in the village, Chen Yougen, gathered men, women and children for a meeting at the head of the village.
Chen Yougen is thirty-six years old this year. His face is covered with wrinkles, just like the Loess Plateau, with its crisscrossed ravines. He looks at least fifty years old.
When he was young, he went out to do business and was well-informed. He is very prestigious in the village, and everyone is willing to listen to him no matter what.
"Everyone, you have all seen what the crops in the fields are like. They won't be able to do it this year, and we used a lot of our grain reserves last year to supply the Han army. Now our grain reserves won't last until next autumn."
"Staying here is a dead end." Chen Yougen smoked a dry cigarette, sat on a big rock, puffed out smoke, and told the villagers.
"Brother Yougen. Just tell us what you think." Someone said.
"Yes. We listen to you." The villagers said one after another.
"Okay. Then I'll make the decision." Chen Yougen nodded and said: "A few years ago, there was a drought in Shaanxi, and many refugees went to Hebei, transferred to Liaodong, and went to Sanhan to seek life. Now when the letters from home are sent back, they all say Life was good.”
"We will starve to death if we stay here. Why don't we cross the Yellow River and go to Sanhan. Besides, even if we can't go to Sanhan, there is food in Hebei."
"We, the Emperor of the Han Dynasty, are the masters of benevolence and righteousness. The Han army crossed the river and we contributed our strength again. I believe that the Emperor will not let us starve to death."
Although they were mentally prepared, the villagers still struggled internally after hearing what Chen Yougen said.
Although this poor place is either mountains or soil. But after all, this is my hometown, and it’s hard to leave my homeland.
but.
Staying here is a dead end.
"Okay. Let's cross the river together and join the emperor."
"Let's go to Hebei. Go to Sanhan."
"good."
The villagers thought about it and gritted their teeth and said one after another.
"Okay. Let's go back and get ready. We'll set off the day after tomorrow." Chen Yougen nodded, stood up and said.
"Okay." The villagers also stood up. Everyone was planning to break up.
Suddenly, a group of people immediately went up the mountain, and the big yellow dog started barking. Everyone was surprised and turned to look at the person.
Chen Yougen was even more surprised, but it was a group of government servants, surrounded by an official. Judging from his official uniform, he is still a county magistrate.
Chen Yougen had a good impression of the Han Dynasty and did not dare to neglect. He quickly asked the villagers to stand up and greeted them. He clasped his fists and bent down to salute: "Chen Yougen, a common man, pays homage to your parents."
The person who came was Cao You, the magistrate of Yan'an County. I am twenty-eight this year and have a good appearance.
"No courtesy." He helped Chen Yougen up kindly, then looked at the villagers in front of him and asked, "Why are you gathered together?"
"Report to the eldest master." Chen Yougen did not hide anything and said what he wanted to do.
Cao You frowned. He originally came to inspect the disaster, but now he realized the seriousness of the problem.
After thinking for a while, he persuaded in a good voice: "Brother Chen. There is food in Hebei, and the Sanhan area is indeed vast and sparsely populated. If you go to Hebei, you will be properly accommodated."
Before Chen Yougen could show his joy, he changed the subject and said, "But have you ever thought about it. Not only you, but also the people in northern Shaanxi cross the Yellow River and go to Hebei. Then there will be chaos in Hebei."
"If Hebei is in chaos, it will be bad."
Chen Yougen was shocked when he heard this. When he thought about it carefully, it was true that if everyone from northern Shaanxi went to Hebei, Hebei would definitely not be able to survive.
He said in panic: "What should we do?"
Cao You said in a deep voice: "Brother, you must believe in the emperor. Our emperor, a man of great strength, would rather starve himself than let the people starve."
"I haven't received the news yet. But I believe that the food for disaster relief is already on the way."
"Moreover, even if the people of Shaanxi are to go to the Three Han Dynasties to seek life, the imperial court must make overall arrangements based on the actual situation. Whether to move 300,000 people or 500,000 people. The imperial court has the final say, so that there will be no trouble."
"This is my idea. Wait. You have to believe me, brother."
Chen Yougen nodded repeatedly when he heard this and said, "Of course I believe in the emperor and my parents."
In all his life, he has never seen a county magistrate come into the valley and say something to a farmer like him.
How can you not believe it?
"Thank you, brother." Cao You breathed out and smiled.
"You're welcome, sir." Chen Yougen waved his hand quickly and said. Immediately, he warmly invited: "Sir, you must be tired after traveling across mountains and rivers. Please come to my house to rest."
"Thank you, brother. I won't sit down. The situation is not good now, I have to rush back to the Yamen. Handle this matter properly." Cao You waved his hand, looking serious.
Then, he cupped his fists and saluted, turned around and left with the Yamen servant.
The situation is not good. The situation is not good. The situation must be reported to the prefect first, and the prefect must send people to contact all prefectures in northern Shaanxi, and the governor must also be notified.
We must first appease the people on the land. But we can't form refugees. Once a large number of refugees go to Hebei, it will be bad.
Cao You left in a hurry.
Chen Yougen was very sorry that his family had not entertained the county magistrate yet. He took a deep breath, turned to look at the villagers, and said loudly: "Everyone, you all heard what I said to my parents just now."
"I came up with a bad idea, let's give it up now. You all go back to your homes. Do whatever you have to do. Wait for our emperor to send us food and save us."
The villagers had no idea. Chen Yougen said whatever he said. Suddenly the birds and beasts dispersed.
The officials of the Han Dynasty were very efficient. The county magistrate first reports to the prefect.
The prefect contacted the prefects in northern Shaanxi to explain the situation. Under the strong coordination of the government, the refugee problem was temporarily solved.
But the food problem is urgent.
Without food to eat, refugees will inevitably form.
