Ning City!
The city gate tower stood tall and majestic, its blue-black bricks polished to a shine by time, like a giant beast lying in wait.
The city gate was tightly shut, a bright brass lock on the bolt, exuding a cold hardness that kept people at a distance.
Beneath the gate tower, the refugees were densely packed, like withered grass swept in by a fierce wind.
Tattered clothes, sallow faces and emaciated bodies, some leaned on broken sticks, others held barely breathing children.
Their muddy eyes held nothing but exhaustion and bewilderment, with only a faint glimmer of hope when gazing towards the city gate.
"Order from the County Magistrate! To prevent the spread of the epidemic, the city gate is to close immediately, all refugees are strictly prohibited from entering the city!"
Above the gate, two public servants in green robes, holding brass gongs, shouted sternly, their voices penetrating the crowd with a degree of cruelty:
