Disaster Apocalypse: Farming, Family, and My Hidden Secret Space
Chapter 286. Do not underestimate anyone

Chapter 286: 286. Do not underestimate anyone

Even in the family of Qin Dagen, who had some grains and seeds, it was clear that surviving in such difficult circumstances required going along with others and following the flow to live longer.

Don’t underestimate anyone’s wisdom; although Qin Dagen hadn’t read books, he grit his teeth and used the money he earned to send his son to school. This alone was something many could not match.

Even if it was just their family’s seeds, he wouldn’t dare to plant them, except perhaps secretly in his backyard.

So, upon learning that the survivors in the village planned to go to the town’s government office, he decisively followed along.

Li took her young son and tilled the backyard to plant the seeds and vegetables as quickly as possible.

Meanwhile, Qin Shu continued to strengthen their courtyard wall with his elder brother. As for bricks and stones, they were sourced locally since almost none of the village’s houses were intact, so finding stones wasn’t difficult. Furthermore, their courtyard wall was already high; although part of it had collapsed, the bricks and stones hadn’t been washed away far, and with effort, they could dig them out.

With Silver, Qin Dagen went to town with the few remaining villagers. Although they hadn’t had much leisure lately, returning home and finding food had refreshed him entirely. He hadn’t gained much weight, but his eyes were noticeably brighter.

Others felt the same; although they were eating wild vegetables and dried fish saved from earlier days, the presence of hope uplifted their spirits.

It’s not that Qin Dagen had prepared some backup plan; those living at the grassroots level were experienced, each having their survival method. While failing to transport some of the grains, they tried their best to store them.

The survivors didn’t hesitate to seek treasures in other village houses.

Qin Dagen and his son dug through several nearby homes, indeed finding quite a bit, especially focusing on cellars. Unfortunately, most had poor waterproofing, either letting in water or causing the grains to mold and become inedible.

Though it was a village, and everyone maintained some wariness, the atmosphere had improved since their initial return; at least they had started speaking.

They instinctively banded together as they set off and encountered many heading to town on the same mission.

They departed early and walked for over an hour before barely arriving.

Looking ahead, hope inexplicably rose within everyone.

Perhaps the quality of the town’s buildings was much better; mostly brick and stone houses were visible. Although mud was ubiquitous, it was apparent that the town had suffered far less than the countryside, with somewhat tidy houses still standing.

Essentially, the town’s terrain was significantly higher than the countryside, naturally resulting in fewer losses.

Some two-story buildings weren’t completely submerged, with their roofs still intact.

Seeing the town somewhat intact was one of the few pieces of good news lately.

As they walked into the town, they noticed some people tidying up, although occasional bones were still encountered on the road.

In response to the sudden influx of people, the townsfolk almost instinctively shut the seemingly flimsy doors.

Only after the crowd passed did they dare to slightly open the doors.

The eyes of those people were too eager, scaring the townsfolk away from remaining outside.

As they entered the town, everyone’s eyes instinctively fell upon various shops, which unfortunately were seemingly unwilling to open yet, even if some shops had people inside.

Some persistent individuals knocked on doors, but they were never opened. After all the madness on the mountain, who dared easily trust human nature now?

"Is there anyone? Shopkeeper, we’re here to buy seeds." Some continued shouting stubbornly.

The people from Qin Village walked slowly, filled with hope whenever someone shouted, but each door remained tightly shut.

There was no choice but to place all hope on the town’s tallest and grandest mansion.

This scene was occurring simultaneously in almost every location across the land.

To survive, people could only entrust their hopes to the government.

The government office was deep within the town, at the highest and most luxurious mansion, and gradually more people gathered outside, raising a sliver of hope upon seeing the government officials guarding it.

By the time Qin Dagen’s village arrived, quite a few people were already waiting outside. Besides the officers maintaining order with weapons, the county governor wasn’t seen.

Occasionally, some farmers mustered the courage to step forward.

"Officer, officer, when will the governor come out? Please show us a way to survive!"

As the old man’s words rang out, the crowd behind him followed, bowing and begging.

"Folks, don’t worry. Our governor cares for the people as if they were his children and is more anxious than anyone else. But as you know, the disaster struck too suddenly, catching everyone off guard, with little time for preparation. The governor is trying, but he is also limited by resources. However, he has already sent someone to report to the court, and surely, news will arrive soon. Please be patient for a few days, and rest assured, our governor is committed to finding a solution in the shortest possible time. Whining and begging here won’t help; it’s better to return quickly."

Following the plea from the villagers, a duty officer, appearing exceptionally thin, came out to reassure them.

His brows were furrowed, his face serious, but within his eyes lay hidden anxiety. Though wearing official attire, it was worn out, yet still better than the masses’ clothes, at least being complete.

"Officer, what about the relief grains? When will they be distributed?"

"Yes, officer, the court can’t abandon us; our families are so hungry they’re eating dirt, and so many have died..."

"..."

"Please, sir..."

Many knelt and bowed, hoping it would make a difference.

Based on previous major disasters, the court would allocate relief grains to help the people overcome difficulties, which comforted the masses and remained their last hope.

Upon inquiry, nearly everyone craned their necks, expectantly watching the officer, constantly shouting.

The officer was also troubled; he wished for relief grains, too. Although being forewarned allowed them to prepare better than the masses, a year and a half of consumption without replenishment left their stores nearly depleted, and they came to work with empty stomachs.

"Everyone, please calm down. The officer understands your feelings. Frankly, I also want relief grains, but given the current situation, everyone is short of food, and it’s impossible to rush things. The governor has reported already, but it takes time, so please be patient and wait."

The officer shouted, realizing they had limited manpower, facing a crowd of peasants. Even with weapons, they dared not act as arrogantly as before.

A crowd gone mad wasn’t manageable by just a few hands.