(110) Survivors (Yuffie Stanmitz, III)
Yuffie nodded predictably.
With the true strength of the empire, it is easy to track down a dead princess. She didn't understand why the Empire cared so much about a human woman, but the Lord of Darkness had undoubtedly chosen the best time to appearβto avoid more hatred from needless disputes, and to be the light that shone into Suyun's heart when he was on the verge of despair.
"So, as you know, His Highness Shuiyun joined the Pale Hand, and then because of his outstanding talent, he was appointed as the leader of the Mist Division." Something flashed in the old man's eyes, and his voice was a little muddy, "During her time there, she gradually used the information of the 'Fog Department' to gather us remnants together, and secretly delivered us a lot of daily necessities, otherwise...... I'm afraid that more than half of the people here have already become corpses in this wilderness. β
Looking at the situation on the surface, the actions of the Void and the Empire still brought bad retribution to themselves - even this level of enemies was not enough to threaten the Empire. As for what the other party really thinks in his heart, he can only wait until the right time to ask those "parties" directly, Yuffie thought to himself.
"Sounds like ...... Sora is deliberately letting her help you. Lin muttered, "Besides, don't you have a deep hatred for the Empire, and how do you feel about receiving aid from the 'Empire'?" β
The blonde girl was obviously knowingly asking. She has always complained a little about the stubbornness of the Yanwu tribe, and now she also has some deliberate meaning. The old man, however, looked at her gently, neither excessively agitated nor angry.
"In fact, we, the 'first remnants', know that the so-called deep hatred is nothing more than an excuse to escape grief...... and obsession. He lowered his head and exhaled slowly, obviously saying these words made him feel a lot easier, "It's a pity that the obsession has lasted for so many years, even if the current emperor can forgive the Yanwu clan and want to accept it without any guilt...... I'm afraid it's not possible. β
Her friend jumped up and leaned closer to Yan Qi, staring closely into the other's eyes. However, there was not a trace of wavering in the old man's gaze.
"Well, since you say so......" Lynn rubbed her forehead a little weakly, turning her head to look at her, "I'll give up, Yufie." The rest is up to you! β
The girl nodded slightly. This is indeed the irrational side of human beings β even if they know what is the more practical choice, emotions will prevent them from doing so. From the perspective of a bystander, it may seem that it is all unnecessary insistence, but Yuffie does not think that she has the right to accuse these 'remnants' of stupidity.
"I understand your thoughts and your difficulties." She whispered, glancing at the 'guide' beside her, "We are indeed not members of the Mist Ministry. However, we are willing to help the Yanwu clan and Shui Yun to get the life that is rightfully yours. β
The old man stared at her. "Why?" His gaze was inquiring, but not suspicious, "What's in it for you?" β
"Because I saw it, and I don't think you're bad. If I did, I would probably feel a little more at ease. She spoke her mind without reservation, and looked at the old man in front of her, "I wonder if you are willing to accept the help of two 'strangers'?" β
The old man touched his chin, looked at the woman who was a little stunned by the conversation between several people, then closed his eyes and opened them again soon.
"Thank you." "But if the price is to invite us to serve the Empire," he said, I'm afraid ...... I had no choice but to stay here. β
He only mentioned himself, but he was clearly not the only one who had similar thoughts. But that's okay, Yuffie thought to himself.
From the beginning, she didn't think that the current Yanwu people would still be able to become a member of the empire. As a participant in this 'incident', it is impossible for Shui Yun to remain in "Pale Hand", and those who follow her will be equally implicated and punished. As for the populace - the relationship between the Church and the Thatchi on the continent of El is enough to know that being "human" was not a reason to live in harmony in the first place.
"I think I can grant your wishes." She looked at each other quietly, "Where did all the young people of the tribe go before that?" β
The old man looked away and stared at the ground beneath his feet. "They left three days ago, with the members of the Fog Ministry." His voice was still low, but faintly trembling, "It's said that he is going to seek justice from the Empire." Logically, I can't stop them...... and His Highness Shuiyun. β
Lynn frowned, and quickly made eye contact with her. It's not good news β they're still a step late. She asked Yan Qi about the specific whereabouts of everyone, but unfortunately, the old man only knew that they had gone to the interior of the empire, and this was not much different from not saying anything.
"Damn, what is that aunt doing in such a hurry!" Lynn stamped her foot in exasperation, "Are you going to catch up, Yuffie?" β
It's too late, she thought. Even if they find those Yanwu people, the only things that await them are swords and spells. At this point, anyone can see that there is no hope of resolving disputes by words alone.
She could choose to return to the imperial capital immediately and report the movements of the Yanwu clan to His Majesty Bo Yan. However...... Another voice in her heart made her decide to try a little harder.
"Of course, but until then." Yuffie replied calmly, then leaned forward slightly, looked at the old man's face, and softened his voice, "Yan Qi, can you help me gather the people in the clan?" She squeezed the other hand, "I have something I want to say to them." β
The old man looked at her fixedly for a moment, and the ravines that covered his face stretched slightly.
"You remind me of His Highness Shui Yun." Yan Qi exhaled slowly, "Okay, I promise you." He grabbed the crutches that lay horizontally at his feet, and tried to stand up with both hands, "Yan Qing, pass on my orders...... Let everyone who can still move, regardless of reason, gather in the center of the 'homeland'. β
The woman who had brought them with them nodded, glanced at the two of them with a complicated gaze, and quickly disappeared on the other side of the door.
β¦β¦
Yan Qi's order was quickly executed. A quarter of an hour later, the square was filled with the "remnants" of the Yanwu tribe who had come out of their houses. Even the few who were unable to walk on their own were carried to the center of the village by other tribesmen. Yu Fei roughly calculated that the number of people gathered was about 1,400, which according to Yan Qi, about half of the number of 'young people' who left.
Unlike the Saatchi people, who admired strength and regarded the old, weak, sick and disabled as a burden, the Yanwu people did not take the initiative to give up these incapacitated tribesmen even in the predicament of lack of food and clothing. Is this due to differences in history and culture, or is it because of the hardships in front of us that have become a cohesive force of faith?
In any case, after decades, the "Great Qi", which once ruled nearly 100 towns and had a population of more than one million, was left with only a glimmer of light that could not even be called a spark. Perhaps it will not be long before the names of these "remnants" will be unknown, and only the cold chronology will be recorded in the history books.
Now is not the time to think about irrelevant issues. Yuffie shook his head, facing hundreds of pairs of eyes with uneasiness and doubt, and brewed in his mind what he was going to say next.