mtl008 Chapter 404 Changes in the sky
Chapter 404 Changes in the sky
His connection with the former Prince Rongyang, who had long been stripped of his title and was now hiding in the shadows, was unknown to anyone.
Their purpose is related to a larger strategic game and involves far-reaching interests.
Chuzhou was merely an important piece in this grand game, and Shi Wanxia's southern tour happened to stumble into the very center of this game.
Yuan Xiaomiao's smile grew even more gentle. He inquired about Shi Wanxia's safety with concern and expressed his condolences to the injured guards, like a good official who cared for his subordinates and was concerned about the country and its people.
As night fell, Chuzhou City finally regained some order.
More than thirty temporary sheds were set up, and the line in front of the porridge stall gradually shortened. Shi Qing led a group of women to sew quilts in the backyard of the government office. The sound of silver needles gliding through the air was surprisingly lively.
Shi Wanxia stood under the eaves of the government office, her brows furrowed as she looked at the dwindling numbers in the account books.
Just then, Wang Qinian's voice came from the doorway: "Lord Shi has quite the skills; he stabilized the situation so quickly."
She turned around and saw Wang Qinian wearing an official robe, holding a food box in his hand, with a smile on his face, but his eyes were like ice coated with poison: "I just wonder, how many more days will the provisions you brought last, sir?"
"Lord Wang, please speak frankly."
Shi Wanxia was too lazy to play along with him. "Do you know anything about the grain and medicinal materials?"
Wang Qinian walked in, placed the food box on the table, opened it, and found a plate of steaming hot meat buns inside.
He picked one up and handed it over: "Lord Shi, please have something to eat first."
Seeing that Shi Wanxia didn't move, he took a bite himself and mumbled, "I do know where Prefect Yuan hid the grain and medicinal herbs."
Shi Wanxia's heart skipped a beat: "Where?"
"But I can't tell you."
Wang Qinian swallowed the steamed bun, his eyes suddenly becoming complicated. "Lord Shi, do you think I'm afraid of Yuan Xiaomiao? I'm afraid of those disaster victims."
He pointed out the window, “Do you know how many people are in the city? Thirty thousand! If all the disaster victims from outside the city flood in, there won't be enough food, and the epidemic will spread. What will happen to the people in the city?”
"So you just stood by and watched the people outside the city die?" Shi Wanxia's voice trembled.
"I didn't just stand by and watch."
Wang Qinian suddenly raised his voice, "I secretly transported three boatloads of grain to the granary outside the city and had the village head distribute them quietly! I had people burn lime and sprinkle it in the places where the disaster victims gathered, just to prevent the spread of the epidemic!"
"Yuan Xiaomiao is trying to incite the disaster victims to rebel so he can take the opportunity to embezzle disaster relief funds! Was I wrong to stop him?"
Shi Wanxia was stunned. She had never imagined that this seemingly ruthless and corrupt official would have such thoughts.
As summer fell, she stood in front of the makeshift shed, gazing at the gray sky in the distance, the meaningful words Wang Qinian had spoken when he left still echoing in her ears.
"The waters of Chuzhou run deep. We're new here, so we should be careful in everything we do."
Her fingertips unconsciously caressed the jade pendant at her waist, her eyes deep and thoughtful.
Wang Qinian is cunning and shrewd. He did contribute some efforts in the early stages of the flood, but the probing and warnings in his words made her hesitant to fully trust him.
There's no time to ponder these intricacies right now.
In the aftermath of the flood, the city was devastated, and temporary shelters outside the city were crowded with displaced people. The shadow of disease loomed overhead like a dark cloud, ready to fall at any moment.
She took a deep breath, suppressing her doubts for the moment, and turned to look at the two people behind her.
"Lord Cui, Prince Lin,"
Shi Wanxia's voice was clear and bright, carrying an undeniable calmness.
"The most urgent task is to ensure that these disaster victims have food and clean water, and to prevent the spread of disease."
"However, the roads leading from the city to the counties have been destroyed by the flood, making it difficult to transport grain and medicine. This is the biggest problem."
Cui Zhihao's blue robe was covered in mud, and his usually gentle face was now filled with solemnity. He cupped his hands and said, "Miss Shi is absolutely right. I have already had someone take stock of the food and medicine that are currently in the city, and it is only enough to last for a few more days."
"With roads blocked, supplies will be difficult to continue, and if the disaster victims lose their livelihoods, it could lead to chaos."
Lin Yiyu, who was more carefree, was also frowning at this moment, his young face full of anxiety: "I took people to see those destroyed sections of road and bridges. The damage is severe and they can't be repaired in a short time."
"The current is swift, and boats can hardly pass."
Shi Wanxia nodded; she had already anticipated this situation.
She walked to a makeshift map and pointed to the road marked as damaged: "The road must be repaired, and the bridge must be built."
"It's not just about transportation, but also about giving these disaster victims something to do."
She looked up at the two men, her gaze resolute: "We don't have enough money to appease everyone, but we have food."
"Starting today, we will organize the able-bodied young people among the disaster victims to participate in road and bridge construction in batches. They will be provided with three full meals a day, and some extra dry food will be distributed to them to take home according to their contribution."
"In this way, we can solve the manpower problem and also allow them to earn food through their own labor, so that they won't be trapped in a state of distress and harbor resentment."
Cui Zhihao's eyes lit up, and he clapped his hands in praise: "Miss Shi's plan is brilliant! Using work as relief not only solves the immediate crisis but also calms people's hearts. It's ingenious!"
Lin Yiyu suddenly realized what was going on and quickly said, "I'll go organize the manpower and divide the area so that they can start work as soon as possible!"
Just do it.
Under Shi Wanxia's overall coordination, Cui Zhihao was in charge of distributing provisions and medical and epidemic prevention, while Lin Yiyu led the militiamen to enthusiastically engage in the road and bridge construction project.
The resettlement site gradually came to life. The disaster victims were no longer waiting aimlessly, but had a goal and hope. Although they were tired, their faces showed more peace of mind.
However, the peaceful days did not last long.
Just two days later, the sky was once again shrouded in thick dark clouds. At first, it was just a light drizzle, and no one thought much of it, treating it as ordinary weather.
But by evening, the rain suddenly intensified, with large raindrops pounding against the thatched roof of the shed, making a crackling sound, and it didn't stop all night.
The next morning, when Shi Wanxia opened the shed door, the outside world was a vast expanse of water. Rainwater had formed streams that rushed across the ground, and the distant river roared, several times louder than usual.
Her heart sank suddenly, and an ominous premonition surged into her mind.
"not good!"
Shi Wanxia made a quick decision: "Young Master Lin, you take your men and continue to keep an eye on the road repairs. Make sure the repaired sections are not washed away by the rain."
"Lord Cui, I would like to trouble you to oversee the resettlement site, ensure the supply of food and medicine, and at the same time closely monitor the health of the disaster victims and strictly prevent disease."
She paused, her voice carrying a barely perceptible tension: "From today onwards, I will lead men to check the water flow along the river and embankments. We cannot let our guard down for a moment."
Seeing her grave expression, Cui Zhihao knew the situation was serious and replied in a deep voice, "Don't worry, sir, leave this to me."
In the days that followed, Shi Wanxia practically made her home on the riverbank.
Based on her knowledge of modern flood control and disaster relief, she methodically made arrangements:
The river embankment was divided into sections, and each section was assigned a dedicated person to patrol and guard it. Any dangerous situations such as piping or cracks were to be reported immediately.
Organize manpower and horses in advance, and stockpile flood control materials such as sandbags and stones nearby to ensure that they can be quickly transported in case of danger.
They also ordered the diversion ditch to be dug on the inner side of the river embankment so that if seepage occurs, the water can be diverted in time to avoid eroding the foundation of the embankment.