The flooded zone within the city spanned a considerable area, enough that boats could now traverse through its waters. In one section, the current grew particularly swift due to the terrain, and though it was not yet impassable, it posed real risk.
Yun Shu sat quietly in the boat, calculating the passage of time. She estimated that they had rowed for nearly ten minutes before finally reaching the shallows.
As she stepped down into the water and made her way forward, she saw that the soldiers who had arrived ahead of her had yet to evacuate a single civilian. They were now knocking door to door, raising their voices against the sound of rain.
"Is anyone there? If this rain keeps falling, this whole district will be swallowed completely!"
"We are soldiers sent by the court. We've come to escort you to safer ground for temporary resettlement!"
"Who asked you to escort us?" came a sharp cry from within one of the homes.
"You think we're fools? You lot are just using this disaster to extort and steal!"
"If we refuse your help, we might die. But if we accept, we'll lose both our lives and our possessions!"
"We're not here to rob you!" a soldier shouted back. Rain battered the rooftops and eaves, muffling their voices. They had to shout to be heard at all.
"We won't lay a hand on you. We are bound by military discipline!"
"If your words could be trusted, even sows would be climbing trees!" someone scoffed from inside.
"I said we don't need your help! If you dare barge in here, I'll fight you with everything I have!"
"This place isn't safe to stay in!" another soldier cursed under his breath, frustration boiling over. "Damn it, I came all this way in a downpour to do good, and I get treated like some bandit!"
Understandably, not every soldier had the patience for this. Being greeted with suspicion and slander wore heavily on morale.
But a few were more perceptive. They knew full well that in the eyes of the people, their uniform no longer commanded trust. Quickly, they thought to invoke Yun Shu's name.
"You may not believe us, but surely you trust Princess Sheng An?"
"Most of you live in this district. You must remember it was Princess Sheng An who led the repairs on the rear levee not long ago. It was her warning that spurred everyone to stock up on food. That's the only reason you've made it this far!"
"And now, Her Highness is here in person to lead the relief effort. Why would you not believe her?"
"You say Princess Sheng An sent you? Where is the proof?"
The soldier had raised a point that struck a chord. The citizens trapped in this flooded ward had indeed survived largely because of Yun Shu. Not long ago, she had quietly spread word across the city that she had dreamt of a great flood. Households began to prepare, storing food and essentials. Many had held on thanks to that.
So even those who had initially kept silent began shouting again, but not in support.
"How dare you use Princess Sheng An's name for your lies!"
"Exactly! You think you can tarnish Her Highness's reputation?"
"Shut your mouths, all of you!"
The entire area fell into chaos, a cacophony of rain and shouting.
Yun Shu, who had been watching from the side, could only sigh in helpless dismay.
This was no longer mere distrust between the army and the people. Anyone listening in might think a foreign army had invaded.
She stepped further into the ward, seeking a spot surrounded by more homes, and raised her voice.
"Everyone, please listen!
This Princess is indeed Princess Sheng An, Yun Shu.
This Princess swears upon her name and reputation: these soldiers were brought here under my command. We have come to escort you to safety.
These men are soldiers of Tian Sheng. They are the finest of the Capital Garrison. Their duty is to protect the people of our dynasty.
They will not take so much as a thread or needle from you. They will not lay a hand upon you.
If anyone among them commits such offenses, you may come to This Princess directly to report them.
And if your accusation is found true, not only will This Princess mete out severe punishment upon the offender, you will also be rewarded for your courage."
Among the shouts and protests of the soldiers, a clear and steady voice rang out. It was unmistakably female, and she had claimed to be Princess Sheng An herself.
Inside the homes, the citizens glanced at one another, uncertain.
In a household not far from where Yun Shu stood, a young girl about the same age as her stepped toward the door. Before she could open it, her mother yanked her back.
"Have you lost your mind? What if those men found some random woman to pretend to be Her Highness?"
"You're a pretty girl. If you fall into their hands, it will be the end of you."
"Surely not," her older brother hesitated. "Impersonating a princess is a capital offense."
"And it's true. Princess Sheng An did warn us of the flood before it happened. She had the levees repaired, told us to stock up."
"If she's now come to help us evacuate, it wouldn't be so strange."
Their father, who had helped with the levee repairs, furrowed his brows in thought. Then he quietly suggested, "Why don't we open the window and take a look?"
"That voice does sound a lot like Her Highness's."
"...Alright."
His wife hesitated, then nodded. The rain showed no sign of stopping, and if the water rose even a little more, the house might truly be submerged.
"At least this gives us a chance. And if they truly wanted to break in, these flimsy doors wouldn't stop them anyway. We might as well see for ourselves."
…
This sort of conversation repeated throughout the area.
Windows and doors that had remained tightly shut for days finally cracked open, one by one.
Those further away could not see clearly through the rain and the scattered crowd. But those nearer caught sight of a young woman in the center of the soldiers, dressed in bright crimson riding attire.
The girl's father, who had taken part in reinforcing the levee, recognized her face instantly. His eyes lit up like lanterns.
"It is Her Highness! It's really Princess Sheng An!"
"Aqiao, Tieniu, quickly! Help your mother pack the things we'll need. We're going with Her Highness!"
For families like theirs, there were not many valuables to bring. Since they would only be away temporarily, until the skies cleared and the waters receded, they needed little more than a few coins, some silver scraps, and a change of clothes.
Once their belongings were gathered, they became the first household to appear outside, stepping into the waterlogged streets where the flood had risen past their ankles.
Their emergence reignited the soldiers' morale.
At last, one family had trusted them.
Afraid of messing up and discouraging others, the soldiers scrambled to assist, eager and attentive, determined to prove themselves worthy of the reward they had been promised.