In the prosperous Tang Dynasty, Chang'an, as the center of the world, brimmed with vitality. Zhuque Street bustled with traffic and crowds, lined with shops overflowing with silk, porcelain, spices, and more. The shouts of merchants, laughter of children, and storytelling in teahouses wove a lively urban tapestry—until a sudden earthquake shattered this idyll like a dream.
It was a seemingly ordinary night, the moon casting a gentle glow over the city. People slept soundly, unaware of the impending danger. Without warning, the earth trembled violently, emitting a deep roar like a growl from hell. Mountains and rivers quaked, the ground twisted as if manipulated by invisible giants. Buildings collapsed, bricks and tiles raining down.
Sleeping residents woke to chaos, their terrified screams, sobs, and cries for help piercing the night. The entire nation plunged into panic and grief. News of the earthquake reached the palace swiftly. Li Yi, the emperor who cared deeply for his people, paced anxiously, knowing every second counted for saving lives. He immediately summoned ministers for an emergency meeting. The council hall was heavy with tension, candlelight flickering over anxious faces.
"Our people suffer tremendously in this disaster," Li Yi said gravely, his voice firm. "As servants of the Tang, we must act without delay to rescue them!" Ministers nodded, their eyes reflecting concern for the affected and resolve to aid them.
Lin Yue, the skilled and compassionate physician, rushed to the palace in disheveled attire upon hearing the news. "Your Majesty, the people in the disaster area are in desperate need of medical help. I request to lead the Imperial Medical Bureau to the disaster zone and do my part," she pleaded earnestly. Li Yi was moved by her determined gaze, filled with medical ethics and courage. "Lin Yue, this rescue is of utmost importance. I rely on you to save thousands of lives," he said, placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder.
Lin Yue nodded solemnly and hurried to prepare herbs and medical equipment, checking each item meticulously. Li Yi swiftly organized the rescue: deploying troops to the disaster area at top speed, assigning officials to tally casualties and damages, and coordinating supplies of food, water, tents, and quilts. He personally oversaw the operation, issuing clear commands that mobilized forces efficiently. Soldiers and civilians worked together, digging through rubble with reverence for life and compassion for kin.
After a long journey, Lin Yue and the physicians arrived at the disaster area, shocked by the devastation: once-thriving towns reduced to rubble, injured people lying bloodied and moaning in fear. She forgot her fatigue and immediately began treating the wounded, moving among them with focused eyes and steady hands, expertly bandaging and stopping bleeding.
Challenges arose: damaged roads blocked supply routes. Li Yi led an elite unit to clear paths, braving aftershocks to build temporary roads. "Our people are suffering—we must overcome all obstacles to deliver supplies!" he rallied the soldiers. Their cheers boosted morale, and supplies reached the disaster area rapidly.
Facing a medicine shortage, Lin Yue remained calm. She led teams into nearby mountains to identify herbs, taught locals to gather them, and supervised the preparation of simple remedies from raw materials. She also soothed wounded patients, sitting by their beds to offer encouragement: "Have faith—we will overcome this together. Your families await your safe return."
Li Yi ordered temporary tents erected in safe areas and visited them personally, bending to listen to survivors' needs and ensure supplies were distributed fairly. "Make sure no one goes hungry or cold," he instructed officials repeatedly. Lin Yue, busy at the makeshift medical site, knew many suffered not just physical wounds but also trauma. She spent hours chatting with patients, using stories and smiles to lift their spirits, especially comforting those who lost loved ones.
In severely hit villages, Li Yi and Lin Yue organized intensive rescue efforts, joining the search for survivors amid ruins. Their actions inspired villagers to dry their tears and join the relief, uniting against the disaster. As more survivors were pulled to safety, the two leaders smiled wearily but joyfully, though they knew the work was far from over. They oversaw debris clearance to prevent epidemics and began planning reconstruction, consulting day and night to restore normal life.
Throughout the rescue, Li Yi and Lin Yue stayed on the frontlines, sharing hardships with the people. They subsisted on dry rations and cold water, resting only briefly before returning to work. Their dedication inspired rescuers and brought warmth to survivors, who praised their deeds with gratitude.
After strenuous efforts, the rescue achieved phase victories: most survivors were sheltered, and the wounded received care. But Li Yi and Lin Yue turned to reconstruction, a tougher challenge. Li Yi formulated plans: expert surveys, detailed rebuilding blueprints for homes, infrastructure, and agriculture; nationwide appeals for donations and craftsmen. Lin Yue focused on sanitation: full-scale disinfection, health education, and regular medical checkups.
Working in tandem—Li Yi coordinating resources, Lin Yue ensuring medical security—the disaster area gradually revived. New homes rose, roads and bridges were repaired, and smiles returned to people's faces.
Though the earthquake caused huge losses, it deepened Li Yi and Lin Yue's sense of duty. Their courage, wisdom, and commitment in the crisis earned the people's respect. In the days ahead, they would continue striving for the Tang's prosperity, guarding its people, and making its golden age even more brilliant.