How I Pampered the Tyrant Into Devotion With My Space-Chapter 595: More Like Marching to Their Death Than Attacking

Chapter 595: Chapter 595: More Like Marching to Their Death Than Attacking

All houses with courtyards transformed as much space as possible into more land for the purpose of growing vegetables and grains.

For those without courtyards, the bold ones brought soil into their homes to create a plot of land, using bricks to contain it within a specific area.

Even the corners of small paths had seeds being scattered by hopeful hands.

Now that they had seeds distributed by the Princess Consort, growing vegetables became much simpler.

Growing rice was too complicated and had a long maturity period, so it wasn’t suitable for their situation, leading them to plant tuber crops instead.

They planted potatoes, sweet potatoes, and other seeds they had never seen before, but these had a high survival rate and short growth cycle.

Every household had some land to till.

These seeds were soaked in Spiritual Spring Water by Pei Shu’er, which naturally increased their vitality.

Moreover, there was barely enough water available now.

The government officer kept searching for water sources, making irrigation less challenging for everyone.

Everything seemed to be improving.

However, crops require a growth cycle from planting to harvest.

Meanwhile, people discovered a mysterious shop in the city that sold fresh vegetables and grains.

The prices were within what people were willing to pay.

If they didn’t have cash, they could work to offset their debt.

Many more people survived this way.

The situation within the city was improving.

But outside the city, the plight of the refugees was worsening.

They had no food sources, subsisting on tree roots and bark, and then eventually resorting to consuming human flesh.

Truly, their circumstances were pitiable.

Their deteriorating health led to increasingly rampant diseases, reaching uncontrollable levels.

Yet, some continued to poison the city’s water supply.

Fortunately, by then, the city’s residents had developed immunity, and Pei Shu’er had created a preventive medicine that, taken for seven consecutive days, completely eliminated the virus.

So, their attempts had zero effect.

In desperation, the refugees began negotiating with Tang Zan and his allies.

The leader of the rebel army was a man named Ye Kai.

This man was ruthless and cold-hearted, initially obtaining food by pillaging and plundering nearby villagers.

Later, when food ran out and water resources were depleted, negotiation seemed the only option.

Ye Kai’s demands were outrageous.

"If you give us a hundred thousand shi of rice, we will retreat ten kilometers."

Tang Zan couldn’t help but laugh at this proposal.

"No problem, you can stay there as long as you like. Maybe you can live outside the city for a lifetime."

To offer provisions would be simply aiding the enemy.

When the tiger recovers, would they return to devour us?

Tang Zan said, "We would gladly welcome that."

Even the other commanders were uncharacteristically resolute.

With good reason, the life in the city had improved remarkably.

Ye Kai sneered, "Well, the Dog Emperor won’t provide you with food. We can afford to drag this out, and resort to eating human flesh. Would you really do the same?"

Tang Zan replied with a cold smile, "No, we’ve never been pushed to those extremes."

And so, the stalemate continued.

Yet soon enough, the refugees discovered another wall behind the back gate, expanding the city’s area significantly, seemingly constructed overnight.

The refugees continued waiting outside, eventually noticing that their numbers dwindled, while those on the opposing side seemed healthier. They could even hear sounds of cultivation from behind the walls.

Curiosity drew them to see, but the walls, made of blue bricks and much taller than the front’s mud wall, obstructed their view.

The thirst tormented more and more people, and their numbers kept decreasing.

Even the remaining ones, with their bodies burdened by various diseases, appeared barely human anymore.

Pei Shu’er never imagined facing refugees in such a dire state.

She had thought of them merely as pitiful, but witnessing their cannibalistic acts out of starvation, she felt both disgusted and saddened.

Tang Zan said, "This was their choice. I had offered these refugees the chance to settle in the city as residents for a stable life."

"Those who agreed are already inside, and those who didn’t chose to join the rebel army, leading to their current miserable state."

Commander Sun sighed, "Indeed, the Emperor has his shortcomings, but the rebel army was even more brutal."

Thinking of this, Commander Sun sighed again.

Ultimately, before retreating, the refugees launched a final massive attack.

Only one hundred thousand people remained, yet their attack was fierce nonetheless.

Soon, the city gate began to quake under their assault.

Tang Zan didn’t hesitate, ordering gunfire and the use of earth bombs.

The catapult was also deployed.

The refugees stood no chance, already sickly and weak, and they suffered heavy casualties after the strike.

In Tang Zan’s eyes, these people weren’t here for battle, but to throw their lives away.

The refugees were forced to retreat, finally bringing stability to the area.

Now, the distance between them and the city is two kilometers.

However, regardless of the distance, the peaceful and prosperous life within the city remained unaffected.

They had ample food, clothing, and water, with diseases no longer an issue.

Life couldn’t be better.

Everyone was most grateful to Pei Shu’er.

Commander Sun blushed, feeling too embarrassed to face Pei Shu’er.

When Pei Shu’er proposed self-sufficiency through home gardening, he had thought it was a foolish idea.

Now, witnessing the happy lives of everyone, he truly understood that Pei Shu’er was right all along.

Commander Sun laughed, "The War Princess is indeed clever."

Others quickly raised their glasses to Pei Shu’er.

"The War Princess is wise."

Pei Shu’er smiled and was about to drink when Tang Zan stopped her.

Pei Shu’er had to smile and say, "I appreciate the gesture, but I’m not good with alcohol; I’ll toast everyone with tea instead."

Only then did Tang Zan relent, resting his chin on his hand, quietly watching Pei Shu’er.

Pei Shu’er reluctantly drank a cup.

She didn’t drink any more after that.

Yan Huan Yu came over with a plate of Mapo Tofu, smiling.

"Sister, try this. I specially had the cook prepare it for you."

Pei Shu’er’s eyes sparkled, happily picking up a piece.

"Thank you, Fengqing, it tastes great."

She thought Yan Huan Yu just wanted her to taste it, but he placed the entire dish on her table.

Then he smiled at her.

Yan Huan Yu sat down, while Tang Zan looked somewhat displeased at Yan Huan Yu.

Yet, Yan Huan Yu remained unperturbed.

At this moment, he subtly raised his glass towards Tang Zan, an enigmatic smile playing on his lips.