The congee made from boiled rice was very appealing, its aroma making one's mouth water.
Everyone hadn't eaten porridge in a long time.
They found it very appetizing, and after the rice porridge cooled, they slurped it down.
It was so much tastier than the hard, dry rations, and felt incredibly comfortable.
Even Cheng Hao and Su Miaomiao didn't need to use their spatial abilities for private meals; they ate with everyone else. After a bowl of rice porridge, they felt refreshed all over.
As they were cleaning up after eating their fill, another group of dusty, disheveled people arrived. Their pitiable state was on par with theirs, perhaps even worse. They were truly in a sorry state.
Everyone stared blankly.
Yet, they continued their tasks silently, while secretly remaining on guard.
This group was more polite than the previous refugees. They sent someone to inquire if they could share the water from the pool.
Ji Bo went to ask the young couple.
Cheng Hao and Su Miaomiao looked at the pool, which was quite spacious despite being called "small." Their group certainly wouldn't use all the water, nor would they stay here long. So, they nodded in agreement, "Tell them they can fetch water during the day. They are absolutely forbidden to approach at night."
Furthermore, they had to collect water under their watchful eyes during the day, to prevent them from poisoning the water source. It would be impossible to keep them away at night due to the darkness, but fortunately, they had surrounded the area with their own people.
This way, they weren't afraid of outsiders snatching their water source.
Ji Bo received the order and went.
The other party was quickly filled with gratitude, bowing repeatedly in thanks.
Then, they hurried back to their convoy and brought people to fetch water.
Their attitude was very humble.
Everyone didn't make things difficult for them; they merely monitored them to ensure they wouldn't cause trouble. As for drinking water, they only needed enough for themselves.
Even though a few people were reluctant, upon hearing that the young couple had given their permission, they naturally said nothing more and busied themselves with their own affairs.
Ji Bo was very cautious. As a steward, he needed to be not only bold and meticulous but also constantly vigilant. Therefore, he used the opportunity to engage the newcomers in conversation.
"Come, come, young man, don't be shy. Take as much water as you need. If you find it dirty, you can let it settle for a while. Then, use the water from the top, it will be much better. I see you're also in a sorry state. Have you traveled a long distance? Where are you from, and where are you going?"
Ji Bo watched them fetch water from the side, casually striking up a conversation with the young man in the lead. His tone was gentle, and his smile was like that of a kind elder.
The young man had encountered too many hardships on his journey, which had made him feel wronged. Now that he had finally met kind people, he couldn't hold back and immediately blurted out, "You are truly kind. Thank you for reminding me. If we were to wash with that dirty water, our master wouldn't be able to bear it. Thank you so much..."
Following this, he recounted their situation in general terms.
It turned out they had come from another city, where the drought was even more severe and had lasted longer than here. They had traveled slowly and endured considerable suffering.
Their family head had gotten separated while protecting them. Only a few concubines and young masters and ladies were with them here. Fortunately, most of the guards were also present, which allowed them to reach this point, though they had indeed been bullied a lot.
"You have no idea," he said, "we've encountered so much on this journey. You are the only ones who are kind enough to let us take water. Many people hoard their water sources and don't let any out..."