Rebirth: Phoenix Riding the Ninth Heaven

The Fourth Prince, deeply concerned about the affected people, meticulously orchestrated a series of relief efforts. He mobilized numerous personnel and established distribution points at village entrances, village gates, and the gates of the county town. These locations were filled with mountains of relief food, with bags of white rice neatly stacked.

Furthermore, the Fourth Prince ordered the construction of rows of spacious relief tents, ensuring that every disaster-stricken person seeking help would have a place to shelter from the elements. In front of each tent, several huge iron pots were lined up. From sunrise until dusk, the firewood beneath them never went out. Steaming hot rice porridge bubbling in the pots, its rich aroma filled the air, making one salivate.

In addition to rice porridge, baskets of freshly baked steamed buns were delivered continuously. The victims formed a long, seemingly endless line. Each face was filled with anticipation and gratitude as they patiently waited to receive their hard-earned food.

Watching the endless stream of people pouring into the city like a tide, their emaciated, haggard faces were heartbreaking. The meager amount of food available was a drop in the bucket for such a large number of victims, far from enough to meet their basic needs. Without effective self-help measures, it was undoubtedly difficult to survive this terrible drought.

At this moment, everyone understood one crucial issue: water! But where would this water come from? The Northwest was ravaged by a severe drought. Even the once-flowing rivers had dried up, and the sky was devoid of clouds, let alone rain. Clearly, relying solely on a providential solution to this disaster was hopeless.

The anxious Fourth Prince stood atop the city wall, his eyes scanning the surroundings anxiously. He knew time was running out and he couldn't wait any longer. So, he decisively issued an order: "Send down quickly to carefully investigate whether there's a large river nearby. Even if there's only a glimmer of hope, we must go all out to find water!" With his command, a group of soldiers quickly took off, carrying everyone's last hope on the arduous journey to find water.

Across the vast northwest, drought ravages the land like a demon. Once-rushing rivers have dried up, and clear, sweet springs have long since dried up, leaving only cracked riverbeds and barren land. The people suffer terribly, crops fail, livestock perish from lack of water, and the entire region is plunged into despair.

However, in this difficult time, the Fourth Prince stepped forward. Caring for the suffering of the people, he was determined to bring hope and vitality to this devastated land. He issued an imperial edict summoning elites from across the country to discuss solutions to the drought. Immediately, talented individuals from around the world responded.

After rigorous screening and selection, a special team of experienced officials, erudite scholars, and fearless explorers emerged. This team, shouldering a grave mission and driven by the conviction to save humanity, resolutely embarked on a journey westward. Their goal was clear and unwavering: to find the sweet spring that would nourish the parched land.

Along the way, they crossed the endless expanse of the Gobi Desert, a vast expanse of yellow sand. A fierce wind whipped up a cloud of dust, like a ferocious beast lunging at them. The team members squinted their eyes and trudged forward, each step sinking deeply into the soft sand. During the day, the scorching sun scorched the earth mercilessly, pushing temperatures to tens of degrees Celsius; at night, the chilly wind scraped across their faces like ice knives. But they showed no sign of retreat.

Then, they began their ascent of the towering snow-capped mountains. The steep peaks pierced the sky like sharp swords, and the thin air made their breaths short. The team members supported each other, climbing step by step. The snow beneath their feet kept slipping, and a single mistake could have meant a plunge into the abyss. But their faith burned like a torch, illuminating the path forward.

After months of arduous journey, this heroic team finally arrived in the heart of the northwest. Although it was still dry here, they firmly believed that as long as they persevered, they would definitely find the precious sweet spring.

During their long journey, they encountered countless dangers. Fierce sandstorms swept in, scattering their tents and burying their supplies beneath thick sand. Hungry wild animals stalked the camp at night, attempting to attack the weary team members. At one point, they were even faced with a desperate situation, running out of food and water, their lives in grave danger.

However, no matter how great the difficulties, this team never gave up. With strong will and deep friendship, they supported each other and overcame difficulties together. In the most difficult moments, they shared their last morsels of food and encouraged each other. It was this unity and never-give-up spirit that kept them moving forward.

At dusk the following day, the afterglow of the setting sun gently blanketed the earth like a vast, warm golden blanket. However, for the exhausted and near-desperate team, this beautiful scene offered little solace. They dragged their heavy feet, struggling to advance across the barren land, their hearts filled with confusion and helplessness.

Just then, a sliver of green suddenly appeared on the horizon ahead, like a beacon of light in the darkness, instantly capturing everyone's attention. As they drew closer, the green sliver gradually became clearer—a lush, verdant grove! The trees within the grove, lush and leafy, resembled a green barrier meticulously woven by nature. Even more surprising, a crystal-clear stream flowed through the forest, its gurgling water creating a melodious sound, like the sound of nature.

This unexpected discovery thrilled everyone, their previously low morale instantly ignited. As if revitalized, they quickened their pace, eagerly rushing towards the vibrant oasis. When they finally reached the stream, each one, disregarding their appearance, bent down, scooped up handfuls of the cool spring water with both hands, and brought it to their mouths. At that moment, the sweet taste of the spring water spread across their tongues, like tasting the finest honey, rich and sweet. This wonderful feeling was intoxicating, as if what they were drinking was not just ordinary spring water, but nectar from heaven.

After careful investigation, the expedition team made a significant discovery: the stream actually originated from a distant mountain stream. The water there was plentiful, pure, and unpolluted. This discovery was undoubtedly great news for the local people, who were suffering from a severe drought. Properly utilizing the stream's water resources would not only effectively alleviate the current drought but also provide a reliable guarantee for future development.

The expedition team immediately sprang into action. Drawing out their paper, pens, and other tools, they diligently began drawing detailed maps, recording crucial information about the terrain, stream flows, and surrounding environment they observed along the way. Everyone was fully aware of the value and importance of this information, so they concentrated intensely, not daring to slack off in the slightest.

With all preparations complete, the expedition team embarked on their return journey, laden with a bountiful harvest. They gazed into the distance with hope, longing for the sights to come upon their return to the capital. They would then present this detailed map and related information to the Fourth Prince, confident that he would value this discovery and take appropriate measures to develop and utilize this precious resource. They would also become heroes who resolved the local drought, bringing well-being and peace to the people.

On the way back, the team was filled with joy and anticipation. They knew that this expedition had not only found life-saving water for the northwest, but more importantly, it symbolized the close bond between the Dashun Dynasty and its people, demonstrating the monarch's benevolence and the nation's determination to revitalize the nation.

After completing their arduous task of finding water, the team set out on their journey back to the camp. However, as they were exhausted, an accident happened - a group of ragged and haggard refugees suddenly rushed out from the roadside, surrounded them, and frantically scrambled for the precious food they were carrying.

Faced with this sudden situation, the team members were initially stunned, but quickly regained their composure. They tried to communicate with the refugees with gentleness and patience, explaining that the food was vital to everyone and that if it was taken away, everyone would be in trouble. But to their dismay, no matter how they persuaded, the refugees seemed to have completely lost their minds and refused to listen.

Amidst the chaos, some refugees seized some food, then turned and ran. Watching them retreat, the team members felt a mixture of frustration and anger. In such scorching weather, water and food were crucial for survival, and having some of it taken away undoubtedly put immense pressure on the entire team.

After a brief moment of deliberation, the captain decisively issued an order: "We can't just sit there and wait for death. We must take precautions!" The team quickly sped up, forming a tight defensive formation and keeping a vigilant eye on their surroundings to prevent further refugees from looting. At the same time, they quickened their pace, hoping to return to camp as quickly as possible to replenish supplies and seek more help.