The night passed slowly.
Although the refugees had finally received a little rest, the settlement remained restless. People were waking repeatedly because of thirst, children were crying, and several elderly people were coughing beneath their thin blankets.
The newly reunited families slept close together, keeping their belongings within reach.
But the Emperor had no intention of sleeping.
He sat beside the dying fire with General Wei, Wei Rong and Prince Liang. The four men spoke in low voices, careful not to attract the attention of the guards.
A little distance away, the Empress was sitting with the Dowager Empress, Princess Zhi, Lady Chen, Qiao Qing and the twins.
The Emperor looked towards the instructor's tent.
"We cannot allow this to continue."
General Wei nodded.
"People are dying while he keeps food and water hidden. If we wait for the authorities to arrive, more people will suffer."
Wei Rong leaned forward.
