The Yangzhou Prefecture was in complete chaos. All the city's garrison troops had been recalled to guard the gates of the State Mansion, where a defensive wall had already been constructed, barring disaster victims from entering. Some of the aides and the families of officials had fled Yangzhou in the first wave of evacuations long ago.
Lin Cheng had not foreseen Yangzhou descending into such disorder. When he had received orders to travel to Yangzhou, the only news he had heard was of Su Ming's critical illness. On the way, he learned of the Liujiang River's breach and immediately sent messengers to report back to the Capital City. However, the issue with Liangjiang was being suppressed and not reported, and his updates might reach the imperial cabinet first. But even if the news had already reached them, it was unclear what the court would do now.
