The young servant beside him was displeased upon hearing these words. This person spoke so rudely; what did they mean by asking if he was someone who could handle affairs in Dayan City?

Their young master was of noble lineage, the legitimate eldest son of the Prefectural Governor. Although he held no official position, he was still a decisive presence in Dayan City.

Of course, these were unspoken rules, and nobody would blatantly say it aloud. If they did, their young master indeed held no official title, yet he could still make decisions. How could these intricacies be explained openly?

Zhao Wuling found the other’s words quite interesting and wanted to hear more insights from him.

"It’s all right, let them through."

The guard, having received the order, naturally dared not obstruct them any longer. The young servant, however, indignantly said, "Young Master, how can we let these ill-intentioned people come forward? What if...?"

The young master raised his hand to stop the young servant’s unfinished words.

"I wonder what guidance the young master has for us?"

Cheng Xiaoxiao quite admired this man’s demeanor. He was very handsome, yet not in a greasy, superficial way. Every gesture and move was refined and sophisticated.

There was even a hint of noble aura about him, naturally cultivated, not something ordinary people could possess.

Cheng Xiaoxiao silently mocked; do ancient people all like to talk about guidance? What guidance could she possibly have? She was merely discussing matters as they stood.

Despite her mockery, Cheng Xiaoxiao still courteously spoke, "I am sorry to disturb you, young master. It’s truly a last resort action, and I hope you can tolerate it. It’s not guidance, just a small suggestion that I hope you can consider."

When the person came closer, Zhao Wuling carefully scrutinized the newcomer.

Although this person was dressed in men’s clothing, it was not hard to tell she was petite, with delicate features, a beauty in the making. Such attire did not seem out of place; it carried a natural charm with a faint but undeniable imposing aura.

Though well concealed, he still detected it, finding it even more interesting for the moment.

Since the other party intended to conceal her identity, he saw no need to expose it, leisurely clasping his hands behind his back, wanting to hear what suggestions she might have.

"What brilliant idea does the young master have? You might as well speak directly."

Zhao Wuling’s speech always left the listener feeling as if bathed in a spring breeze, instantly raising a good impression in both their hearts.

The demeanor of a young master from an aristocratic family was apparent.

"Since the young master is so straightforward, I won’t beat around the bush either."

She turned and pointed to the rescue workers outside.

"Does the young master know the current temperature outside? And how much can the bodies of these rescue workers withstand after being drenched by rain and snow?

Don’t be deceived by their bamboo hats and straw raincoats, they don’t offer much protection.

Even if your soldiers are mostly of Martial Arts Master Level, in such weather, after their clothes are soaked, how much Qi Force is left to nourish their veins? Not to mention the common people who do not practice martial arts. Do you think they can even get up tomorrow after going through today?"

Cheng Xiaoxiao’s words were indeed quite blunt.

It was almost akin to calling them idiots, wasting their efforts.

Before the young master could speak, the young servant in the back shouted, "Who are you to spout nonsense in front of the young master? Speaking nonsense, disrupting the morale of the troops.

The people are already suffering, not helping would be one thing, but you’re here spreading wild words instead. Who sent you, and what is your intention?"

Cheng Xiaoxiao did not answer the young servant’s question but stared directly at the handsome young master.

"Does the young master also think I am talking nonsense?"

Unexpectedly, with just a few words, she pinpointed the issue he was most concerned about.

Although the soldiers had Qi Force temporarily protecting their bodies, over time, it could not prevent damage or lasting aftereffects that might impair them from progressing further in the future.

As for the common people, there’s no need to mention them. Most were merchants and laborers, with only a few being scholars or martial practitioners. Their endurance up to now relied heavily on their thin household savings.

But what difference does that make?

The families whose relatives were buried would not heed your advice. Anyone whose relatives were buried would not remain unmoved. Even if they knew there’s no tomorrow, they’d still march forwards without hesitation, just to grasp the slim chance of possibility.

Living with hope and expectations is always better than despair, like a walking corpse — an empty shell without a soul.

"Young master, how do you know those people are not willing?"

Zhao Wuling posed a counter-question.

Wasn’t this something Cheng Xiaoxiao had already considered?

Who would want to leave their families or abandon that sliver of hope for rescue? But this way, they’d end up involving more people.

This is different from an ordinary earthquake. Previously, as long as people could be dug out, they could be rescued and treated. But the current situation is unique, and continuing this way would only lead to more deaths.

"The people’s will is only for their own families, a personal act. What matters is whether those in power want to save more lives."

"Young master, please choose your words carefully. If those in power did not want to save more lives, why would they dedicate all resources of the prefecture, striving to rescue the people’s lives, provide shelter to prevent them from becoming homeless, tend to their wounds to prevent deterioration that could lead to unnecessary death, and prepare porridge to keep them from dying of hunger or cold?"

The young master still spoke steadily and calmly, with no visible anger or joy. Yet, within his words, one could sense an undercurrent of stern discontent beneath his composed demeanor.

Cheng Xiaoxiao neither agreed nor disagreed with their implemented measures.

"Indeed, our old master is kind-hearted. If he hadn’t immediately ordered aid for the people, the city would have been in chaos already. If you don’t understand, don’t spout nonsense."

The young servant retorted with indignation; the newcomer was too presumptuous, daring to sow discord before their young master and criticize their old master’s actions.

"The young master misunderstood. I didn’t intend to denigrate Lord Governor’s actions, but times have changed. Some traditional methods and solutions no longer suit the current situation."

After a brief pause, Cheng Xiaoxiao continued, "In the past, an earthquake was merely an earthquake, whereas the extreme cold right now is more terrifying than the earthquake. Continuing this way would risk not only the people being saved but also those saving them. Of course, this isn’t to say no measures should be taken at all. Only effective measures can restore the situation with minimal loss; otherwise, the more you save, the worse it gets."

"From your analysis, young master, it seems you have a plan in mind. Now, what would be considered effective measures? What could salvage the situation optimally? These require concrete plans; they can’t just be talk. Furthermore, even if things are done this way, can the young master guarantee the outcomes will be as effective as you claim?"

Zhao Wuling’s handsome eyes hinted at amusement, amiable and agreeable, as if implying that if you come up with a good plan, I’d be convinced and follow your instructions.

However, the smile in his eyes was disconnected from the gaze, even carrying a touch of mockery and chill.

Whoever speaks truthfully is a fool; don’t think she couldn’t see through it.