Chapter 232: If you really chase people away, the misunderstanding will be huge.
Strict investigation and discussion?
As soon as he finished speaking, everything became quiet.
After hearing this, Gartu reacted for a moment. Before he could get up, he knelt down and threw himself at Ma Qi's feet covered in mud: "No, sir, the emperor would not treat a subordinate like this..."
"There must be a misunderstanding in this. Lord Shangshu, please listen to my explanation..."
Fucha Maqi was not prepared for the other party's behavior and almost lost his balance.
The fourth elder brother on the side shouted coldly: "Get up. You are a dignified second-rank local official. How do you behave like this?"
Gartu Crocodile was about to shed tears, but he was dissatisfied with being scolded by an unknown follower next to Ma Qi: "Where did you come from, a bastard? How can it be your turn to speak here?"
Fourth Brother: "What? Now that I'm not the Minister, I'm not even qualified to talk to the Governor?"
Galtu immediately became angry: "You are all destined to die! Why don't you drag this kid down quickly..."
Fuca Maqi looked at him like a fool: "Galtu, I advise you to stop."
Galtu put on a flattering face towards Ma Qi and said: "Master Shangshu, wait until there is no one else, let's talk about what's on our minds and talk about the misunderstanding."
Fucha Maqi was speechless: "If you really kick this kid out, then there may be a real misunderstanding between us. This misunderstanding is not small."
The followers surrounding Brother Si suddenly did not dare to move.
Gartu was also stunned: "Master Shangshu, what is this word?"
The fourth elder brother was too lazy to watch such an official with a corpse lying on a plain diet. He saluted and said: "Sir, I will take people to inspect the surroundings first."
Fucha Maqi waved his hand: "Go ahead and take precautions as written in your pamphlet. At the same time, tell the people that they can wait for the court's compensation with peace of mind and not move easily to avoid causing turmoil."
"Yes. I understand."
Galtu couldn't understand: "Master Shangshu, the entourage around you is so rude and only pays you a courtesy... Come here, take him down quickly and punish him with a stick..."
Fucha Maqi said seriously: "Brother Si, if you don't say anything, you will be punished. After returning to Beijing, even the old minister will not be able to shoulder this responsibility."
Galtu's tongue felt as if someone had pinched him: "Four...fourth brother?"
"Yes, Lord Governor, is it possible that you want the four dignified sons to salute an old man like me? You dare to accept it, and neither do I, old minister."
Gartu's legs couldn't help but feel weak: "Four... The lower official pays homage to the fourth elder brother. The lower official deserves to die! The lower official is too blind to see Mount Tai. Please forgive the fourth elder brother for being disrespectful!"
The fourth elder brother said coldly: "Your sin is your own fault, and it is not my turn. During this period, I still hope that the governor will fulfill his duties and be on duty for the last time. Wait until Lord Ma Qi returns to Beijing. , maybe the officials can still look at the governor’s final performance and discount the merits.”
The emperor only ordered him to be punished orally, and ordered Galtu to accompany Fucha Maqi to Hongdong County. This naturally meant that he wanted to continue to "shine brightly."
Indeed, it was not the turn of Si Age, who had just come to court to discuss matters, to comment.
Gartu kowtowed and apologized: "I understand! I will obey the orders of Fourth Elder Brother and Master Shangshu and do a good job in comforting and reassuring the people after the disaster."
Brother Si took the people away.
Fucha Maqi didn't bother to look at Galtu again and turned in another direction.
Gartu left the shed and put on clean clothes first. He wanted to throw something but was afraid of making a big noise.
He had no choice but to slap the accompanying officials on the head and face and cursed: "How do you do things?"
"We didn't even find out the news that the fourth prince was accompanying the Minister of Household Affairs? This has caused this governor to be so embarrassed today."
The subordinate felt aggrieved: "Sir, there was an earthquake in Pingyang Mansion, and people from the capital came one after another. Shanxi is not too far from the capital, and maybe the fourth prince had already entered the city before Lord Shangshu. .”
"This fourth elder brother kept silent and deliberately concealed the news. How could a villain know this with his hands and eyes as far as the sky?"
Galtu's eyes flashed for a moment: "Yes, if it is really the emperor's instruction, why is there no news at all? Could it be that this fourth elder brother sneaked here secretly? He is so brave..."
The accompanying officials secretly cursed in their hearts, which prince had so much time to spare that he could sneak away to this dangerous earthquake-stricken area without spending time in the beautiful clothes and jade embroidery of the Forty-Nine City?
The governor's head must have been filled with water. Who is the bolder?
"Sir, right now I am still thinking about how to get Master Shangshu and Fourth Elder Brother to put in a good word for you in front of the Long Live Lord when they return to the capital, so as to avoid punishment from the officials. It is more important."
"You're right! Although this fourth brother is a prince, he looks like a mere brat. He is not as slippery as Fucha Maqi. I don't have to worry about being able to coax him."
"Go and find out what the fourth prince likes."
"Yes, I'll go right away."
*
Nearly a month has passed since the day of the earthquake, and the aftershocks have long since disappeared.
As early as when they arrived, the prefect had already sent people to roughly find out the casualties and the situation of the people's houses.
Fucha Maqi only issued the first order: "Pingyang Prefecture's disaster-stricken areas should collect money and grain this year, and the collection will be stopped."
That's enough to keep local officials busy.
At night, in the tent, Fucha Maqi was still immersed in the report in front of him.
The fourth elder brother came over with a pamphlet, which alerted Mr. Shangshu who was sitting at the desk. He said warmly: "The fourth elder brother is here. Sit down."
"You have been looking around these days. The four most severely affected counties, Linfen, Hongdong, Fushan and Xiangling, are more diligent and careful than the old minister. But do you have any experience?"
The fourth elder brother sat down as he was told, lowered his head and said: "Master Shangshu is experienced and prudent, and I have benefited a lot."
Fucha Maqi waved his hand: "I understand your temperament and know that what you are telling the truth. But we don't talk about this between us."
Fourth Brother's face was still calm, but he was actually a little scared: "I do have something to say. There is an earthquake, and local gangsters and town soldiers take advantage of it to rob it, disturbing the people. I think we should send additional officers and soldiers to the disaster area for protection."
Fucha Maqi's face softened and he took out today's announcement: "Look. The emperor just asked the veteran to inform the commander-in-chief Zhou Fuxing to personally lead the officers and soldiers to the disaster-stricken areas in Pingyang Prefecture for proper protection. I just I sent someone with a seal to deliver the message."
"The fourth elder brother is young and thinks very carefully. If Long Live Master knows that you and your son have a good understanding, I will be very pleased."
"Master Shangshu is very complimentary. I also asked many accompanying officials before I came up with the method. Khan Ama and Master Shangshu have already made plans, and have even considered the selection and strength of troops. I still need to study more."
"If Brother Si doesn't believe it, look at this again..." Fucha Maqi took out another booklet.
At this time, Gartu exclaimed from outside: "No, this is impossible!"
"I do not believe!"
