TFWYH – Chapter 370 The Escape Begins

Tang Wan added, “Keep the doors and windows shut these days and don’t go out. Also, is there enough food stored in the building?”

The mother and daughter looked at each other.

Yuan Yuan said helplessly, “I was just talking to my mother about this. All the food in our establishment is bought fresh — we don’t keep reserves. There are so many girls here now, plus Ye Yi and the others. At this rate, we can only last one more day at most.”

Tang Wan made a prompt decision. “I have grain. I’ll take Ye Yi and Ye Er with me right away to haul back five hundred jin of grain.”

“That much?” Yuan Yuan was stunned. “And in such a hurry? Why not eat something first before you go?”

Tang Wan stood up and shook her head. “We must get the grain moved over before tonight. With such a big incident and so many deaths — and with me opening a clinic at a time like this — the coming days will definitely be very busy.”

“You opened a clinic?”

“And at a time like this?”

The mother and daughter were both shocked.

Yuan Yuan said anxiously, “If you need any help, you must tell me!”

“As long as you stay safe, that’s already a big help to me,” Tang Wan said lightly on purpose. “Don’t worry — I have food. If you’re really afraid, you can also take the girls from the house to stay at the manor for a few days.”

“Alright, then we should—”

“Mother!” Yuan Yuan shook her head and interrupted Aunt Hong. “We can’t leave. There are too many girls here and too many belongings — moving everything would be too conspicuous. Besides, if the place is left empty, the townspeople might come in and cause damage. I need to stay and guard it.”

After thinking it over, Aunt Hong nodded. “Alright, I’ll stay with you. With Ye Yi and the others here, we’re not afraid.”

Only then did Yuan Yuan say to Tang Wan, “Sister Wan, don’t worry about us. Go take care of your matters.”

Tang Wan replied, “Alright. I’ll have Su Xi come over later to protect you.”

“No need — we already have Ye—”

“Listen to me. Otherwise you’re going to the manor.”

Tang Wan cut her off and settled the matter decisively.

Yuan Yuan laughed. “Alright, we’ll do as you say, Sister.”

“It’s still early. I’ll take Ye Yi and Ye Er to move the grain first.” After giving the mother and daughter a few more instructions, Tang Wan left with Ye Yi and Ye Er.

The earthquake didn’t just strike Xiangxi Town — other places were affected as well. For a time, carrier pigeons carrying urgent messages from various towns and cities kept arriving in the capital.

The entire court was shaken.

The epicenter of the earthquake was mainly north of the Heavenly Dynasty, including Weng City, Xiangxi Town, Wutong Town, and seven or eight other small towns — all heavily damaged, with countless casualties.

Wutong Town was the epicenter and suffered the worst destruction. Many of the residents there had already begun fleeing as refugees.

Their destination was Weng City, and along the route from Wutong Town to Weng City lay several towns — Xiangxi Town among them.

With this situation, unrest was inevitable.

Those small towns — and even Weng City — would all be affected.

The emperor could not remain seated. He immediately summoned the civil and military officials to discuss countermeasures.

Disaster relief was necessary — the question was who should be sent.

The officials launched into heated debate.

The emperor grew dizzy from the noise.

The Eldest Prince, Huangfu Xiao, glanced subtly at the Marquis of Yong’an. After exchanging looks, he stepped forward and said, “Father Emperor, Second Brother is skilled in both civil and military matters and unmatched in benevolence and righteousness. He recently defeated the northern frontier and brought great prestige to our dynasty. He is now returning to the capital and is not far from Xiangxi Town. Why not send a pigeon message ordering him to lead troops there?”

The Marquis of Yong’an immediately stepped out as well. “I second this proposal. Xiangxi Town sits at the junction between Wutong Town and Weng City. No matter which place needs support, it can be reached quickly from there.”