The western gate opened just after noon. Families entered carrying a medicine chest, a cage with two hens, school tablets, and blankets tied to the handles of their carts. The queue slowed when one wheel caught against the stone lip.
Ning organized people by what they needed first, not by their registration status. She asked a volunteer to separate the sick from those seeking a place to sleep. Bai opened a cart lane beside the foot traffic and kept the supply wagons moving toward the south depot.
The gate captain stepped forward. “Every household needs to be entered in the central ledger.”
Ning held up the temporary relief order. “We need names to count food and beds. We don’t need a Registry status to treat someone or offer shelter.”
The captain hesitated. The families in line looked at one another. One woman set down her box and asked if she could leave again after she entered.
“You can,” Ning said. “The gate remains open.”
Wei showed the captain the stamped relief order. “Keep the passage clear. Let the families decide whether to enter.”
The captain nodded and told the guards to move away from the cart lane. Families began passing through in small groups. Those who wanted to stay outside could return to the queue without being followed.
