The rain had poured the entire night.
The next day, the sky cleared, and the world felt washed anew.
The land was nourished; though the destroyed crops could not recover, at least the people could see hope.
News of the “Immortal Maiden” of Qingfeng Temple who could pray for rain and relieve drought spread like wildfire across a hundred-mile radius.
At the foot of the mountain, there were no longer encircling refugees but a crowd of bowing villagers, coming to pay respects. They dared not climb the mountain, only kneeling at the base to give thanks to the Immortal Maiden.
Su Jinse said nothing.
She carefully put away Su Muchen’s letter, then found Xiao Jue directing his men in counting supplies.
“I’m going down the mountain.”
“To do what?”
“To aid the disaster victims.”
Xiao Jue was taken aback.
Su Jinse looked at him calmly. “I have more food than I can eat. Rather than let it sit, it’s better used to save people.”
She was not a saint, but within her means, she did not mind helping. Her experiences during the apocalypse had taught her that societal collapse begins with hunger. She needed a stable rear base to cultivate her strength.
Xiao Jue studied her deeply, then nodded. “Very well. I’ll accompany you.”
Thus, the people of Qingshi Town witnessed a remarkable sight.
The legendary, mysterious Immortal Maiden of Qingfeng Temple personally descended the mountain under the protection of the Prince, setting up porridge stands in town to feed the starving.
The porridge was made from the temple’s rice—plump grains with a fragrant aroma. One bowl filled the stomach and replenished strength.
Su Jinse’s reputation soared to its peak.
The villagers even built a shrine in her honor, offering incense day and night.
As for Magistrate Li and his ilk, they became outcasts, reviled by all.
The porridge stands operated for ten days.
During those ten days, Su Jinse not only distributed food but also used the herbs she had nurtured to treat sick disaster victims for free.
On the last day of the distribution, a gray-haired grandmother dragged her seven- or eight-year-old grandson and knelt before Su Jinse, banging her head against the ground.
“Immortal Maiden! Living Bodhisattva! You saved my grandson’s life!”
The child had suffered from a severe cold and high fever; it was Su Jinse’s herbs that pulled him back from the brink.
“Stand up,” Su Jinse said coolly, with no change in her tone.
But the grandmother refused, crying with snot and tears. “We can never repay the grace you’ve shown us, even if we became beasts of burden!”
Su Jinse frowned slightly, lifted the child, and handed him a steaming multigrain bun.
The child timidly took it, looking up with wide, curious eyes. “Sister Immortal, they all say you’re a god—do gods need to eat?”
The innocence of a child eased the tense atmosphere around them.
Su Jinse did not answer, merely patted his head.
Xiao Jue observed everything quietly. He watched how she treated the people with an unusual combination of detachment and patience, calming hearts with just a few words.
This woman was fascinating.
She seemed indifferent to everything, yet handled every matter flawlessly. She carried a sense of compassion but was as cold as ice.
After the porridge stand cleared, the two walked back to Qingfeng Temple side by side.
“Magistrate Li has been dealt with,” Xiao Jue suddenly said, breaking the silence.
“Oh?” Su Jinse’s reaction was as calm as if he were reporting a trivial matter.
Xiao Jue continued without minding her reaction: “He embezzled funds, hoarded resources, and treated lives carelessly—every accusation is backed by solid evidence. The report has been sent posthaste to the capital; soon there will be an official decree.”
He paused, glancing at Su Jinse as the evening sun highlighted his features.
“The county magistrate position in Qingshi Town will be vacant.”
Su Jinse understood his meaning.
“You wish to install your own person?”
“This fief cannot continue to deteriorate,” Xiao Jue said, his voice tinged with exhaustion and helplessness. “But I lack people—especially someone who can maintain order and understands farming.”
His gaze burned into Su Jinse.
The implication was clear.
He wanted her to manage the livelihood of Qingshi Town.