Biancheng is some distance away from the imperial capital.

In order not to delay the rescue, I abandoned the princess's carriage and rode my horse swiftly.

The accompanying officials couldn't keep up, so I led the majority of the troops to go ahead.

The closer we got to Biancheng, the rougher and more difficult the road became.

In the end, not only the horses, but even people had to use both hands and feet to enter the city.

So we left the horses behind and proceeded on foot.

By the time we entered the city, it was already night.

Although it was dark all around, the sounds of mourning and groaning were endless.

Despite several rains after the earthquake, the air still carried a heavy mix of dust and the smell of blood.

I set off a signal flare upon entering the city.

Before departing, I had sent a letter to General Yan.

I dispatched nearby Xuanwu Army units to lead the rescue efforts.

Soon, someone came to find me.

Looking at the imposing crimson military uniform, I recognized the deputy general, Qin Meng, by General Yan's side.

"General Yan is here too?"

I was somewhat surprised, as logically speaking, he didn't need to come given the extent of the disaster.

Moreover, he was advanced in age and had an old leg injury.

"General Yan said that even a mere princess can face danger head-on, so how can he, a great marshal, be content with staying in the rear and neglecting the disaster victims?

"But during the past two days in the disaster-stricken area, General Yan has been coordinating and personally involved in rescue operations, straining his leg injury. The military doctor strictly ordered him to rest, otherwise his old ailment might relapse, and he might not be able to preserve his leg.

"Therefore, he could only send me, a junior officer, to assist Princess Chang..."

"General Qin, please don't stand on ceremony. In such extraordinary times, we don't need formalities."

I interrupted Qin Meng.

"Lead your troops, and let's meet with General Yan."

I met with General Yan.

His left leg was completely swollen, and he had a few abrasions on his body, wrapped in bandages.

The silver strands in his temples made me feel a sudden pang of sorrow.

This veteran general was the backbone of my Qi Kingdom, and now he was personally involved in rescuing the disaster victims here.

When General Yan saw me, he briefed me on the current situation.

The Xuanwu Army arrived here and immediately organized the rescue efforts. Most of the disaster victims have already been saved.

There are still some difficult search and rescue operations underway, proceeding in an orderly manner.

In addition, a disaster assessment team has been formed to create preliminary records of the extent of the disaster and the affected population.

It can be said that the Xuanwu Army has worked hard in these past few days.

But the initial rescue efforts are almost complete.

The subsequent focus will be on treating the injuries and illnesses of the disaster victims and addressing settlement issues before discussing how to provide relief.

However, these measures need to be carried out in conjunction with the specific local conditions, and it would be best to involve local officials.

But...

"Where is the Prefect of Biancheng?"

Come to think of it, I've been here for so long and haven't seen the local government officials.

At the mention of this, General Yan's face was filled with anger.

"Don't mention that guy. Once the disaster is dealt with, I will report to the court and have him killed!"

As it turns out, when General Yan led the troops here, Biancheng was already in chaos.

The people were organizing self-rescue efforts, but there was no sign of the authorities.

Later, they found the Prefect of Biancheng in a safe zone.

This official was accompanied by his legal wife and concubines, carrying bundles of grain and other supplies, seeking refuge.

Hearing General Yan's account, I wasn't surprised.

After all, I knew that this Prefect of Biancheng was a trusted confidant of my older brother.

Otherwise, my older brother wouldn't have entrusted me with full authority to come here.General Yan was furious at the Prefect's behavior, which prioritized his personal safety over the welfare of the people. He immediately ordered his arrest and vowed to have him punished for his negligence.

As we discussed the situation further, General Yan emphasized the importance of providing immediate medical treatment to the injured. He requested that I use my authority as the princess to mobilize medical resources and ensure the well-being of the affected people.

I assured General Yan that I would do everything in my power to assist in the relief efforts. I immediately contacted the royal medical academy and requested them to dispatch a team of doctors and medical supplies to Biancheng. I also instructed my subordinates to set up temporary medical stations in the affected areas to provide immediate care to the injured.

Meanwhile, General Yan and I discussed the long-term recovery plan for Biancheng. We agreed that rebuilding the city and providing aid to the displaced residents would be the top priorities. We decided to form a committee comprising military officials, local administrators, and representatives from the affected communities to coordinate the efforts and ensure efficient resource allocation.

Furthermore, I tasked my officials with conducting a thorough investigation into the structural integrity of the remaining buildings in Biancheng. It was crucial to identify any potential risks and take necessary measures to prevent further accidents.

Over the following days, the rescue and relief operations continued with full force. With the combined efforts of the Xuanwu Army, medical teams, and local volunteers, we managed to stabilize the situation and provide much-needed aid to the affected population.

Despite the challenges and the initial negligence of the local authorities, the people of Biancheng showed remarkable resilience and solidarity. Their determination to rebuild their lives inspired me, and I made a promise to myself that I would do everything in my power to support their recovery.

As the days turned into weeks, the city slowly started to regain its former vitality. Temporary shelters were set up, and efforts were made to restore basic amenities such as water and electricity. The royal treasury allocated funds for the reconstruction, and skilled workers were brought in from neighboring cities to assist in the rebuilding process.

I made frequent visits to the affected areas, listening to the concerns of the people and offering words of encouragement. It was heartwarming to witness their resilience and determination to rebuild their lives.

Months passed, and Biancheng began to take shape again. New buildings replaced the ruins, and the scars of the earthquake started to fade. The city became a symbol of hope and resilience, thanks to the collective efforts of its inhabitants and the support received from the kingdom.

Reflecting on this challenging experience, I realized the importance of leadership during times of crisis. It was not enough to have power and authority; one must also prioritize the well-being of the people and take decisive action to alleviate their suffering.

From that day forward, I vowed to use my position as a princess to serve the kingdom and its people wholeheartedly. The lessons learned in Biancheng would forever shape my approach to governance and compassion.