Not long after, we arrived at the Shimen County Government Office. Fortunately, the local government took certain emergency measures to prevent the water from spreading too deep, but even so, walking was still a bit troublesome.
Arriving in front of the local government office, Tang Jianqiu neatly showed off his special token for the Fusi envoy of Beizhen Fusi Town.
The Shimen County Magistrate and the local prefect had already heard about this and rushed forward to greet them. They were surprised and happy to see Tang Jianqiu so quickly, and used the best etiquette to invite Tang Jianqiu and others in.
"Master Tang, you have worked hard all the way. I have prepared warm tea and invited Master Tang to come in."
Hearing this, Tang Jianqiu was not restrained and walked into the mansion under the leadership of the county magistrate;
Out of etiquette, the local magistrate and county magistrates bowed and prayed in succession, speaking with great respect:
"As a humble magistrate of Shimen County, I am here to serve as the governor and envoy, Mr. Tang!"
"I will be the magistrate of Shimen County and join the town as governor!"
Tang Jianqiu, the witness, quickly waved his hand and said no: "You two adults, there is no need to be polite, please get up quickly."
Tang Jianqiu took off his bamboo hat and raincoat as he spoke. Seeing this, several clever servants quickly reached out and excused themselves, closing the door.
Naturally, the rest of the Royal Guards are not easy to get involved with. Under the leadership of the butler, they will find a place to rest first, and they will naturally appear when they are needed.
Now there were only three of them left. Taking this opportunity, the Shimen County Magistrate asked: "May I ask where Mr. Tang, Mr. Sun, Mr. Qiao and Mr. Zhao are now? But with you?"
"The three adults came in a sedan chair. It will probably take a few days. I am always impatient, so I rushed here eight hundred miles away. I wonder if the county magistrate can tell me about the stone gate."
Although he had heard Zhao Nanxing report this matter before, he also wanted to know what happened in the past few days. Was anyone injured? Is there a bigger change?
The magistrate seemed a little embarrassed after hearing this, but he still said truthfully: "To be honest, sir, this sudden heavy rain has covered all areas of Shimen.
The people who are close to the water and have small floors are probably in trouble. Since the water under the jurisdiction of the humble post is relatively small, extra manpower has been sent to repair it. It is only a hardship for the people in this place.
When the heavy rain came, we had prepared corresponding measures, but we were still no match for God. We realized that if the rain continued to surge, it would inevitably lead to floods, so we sent people to disperse and bring the people near the water source to a relatively safe place.
It is true that some people are good, but it is a pity that there are so many people who really do not listen to advice.
At that time, I had sent people to persuade them, and even wanted to take them away by force. They were also persistent and refused to leave no matter what, they just wanted to hold on to this house. "
"How could such a thing happen? It's a pity. Even if the house is damaged, it can still be rebuilt after the water recedes. Now that the rain has surged and flooded, we should cherish our lives."
Tang Jianqiu can also understand the relatively traditional concept of his father and ancestors. They believe that the old house is the root, and they must keep it together even if they die. It is really a pity.
"Sir, I have tried to persuade you several times, but they really don't want to listen!"
The county magistrate Shimen was a little tired when he thought about it. He was also trying to persuade her with all his sincerity at that time, but now that he heard such words again, it really made him a little embarrassed.
The reason why the Shimen County Magistrate made such remarks was because he thought Tang Jianqiu was blaming him and emphasized it, and he was afraid that Tang Jianqiu would punish him.
Tang Jianqiu was not confused, and quickly reacted: "The county magistrate is too worried, and I have no intention of blaming the town governor. Now that the heavy rain has caused disasters, I will patrol on behalf of the sky.
It's just that this food has to wait until Mr. Sun and others come before they can distribute the food. The governor came on horseback, so it was not convenient to bring so much food, but he just brought some clothes. "
"That's it, sir, this heavy rain has been going on for more than ten days. If it goes on for a long time, it will probably cause even greater disasters. Even if people have been sent to deal with it, disasters are still rampant.
The floods have killed hundreds of people and destroyed hundreds of houses. I am just worried that if this continues, tens of thousands of houses will be destroyed!
This will damage people's lives and local fields, and the poor people who survived the disaster are already in dire straits! We are really helpless! "
Tang Jianqiu banged the table angrily. The image of local villagers submerged in the river appeared in his mind. His words were full of decadence and disappointment.
"Damn it! It's a pity that this town governor doesn't have the magic of immortality and can't share the worries of the local people, otherwise he would definitely save the people of Shimen!"
"Why do you need to worry, sir? We feel honored that the emperor has sent you here. Besides, your arrival earlier than the agreed time is enough to show your sincerity. You don't have to blame yourself."
The county magistrate was still worried about another matter, and he was a little worried when he thought about it. He said:
"What I am most worried about is food and people getting sick. More importantly, this flood will directly threaten people's survival and food production.
After the floods, there is a period of high incidence of epidemics. Floods and droughts harm people, and diseases follow one after another. There are really not enough manpower and medicinal materials! "
This is what really troubles Magistrate Shimen. Even if the flood eventually recedes, it won't be that simple once various diseases spread!
What Tang Jianqiu said next made him feel a little relieved: "Please don't worry, Mr. Sun has taken everything you said into account. After they return to Shimen, the people will have nothing to worry about."
Shimen County Magistrate Shimen was overjoyed after hearing this. They had to praise Sun Chengzong, "Master Sun is still thoughtful! He is worthy of being a mentor from the Holy One! I should learn from you in my humble position."
"Master Sun and Master Qiao are old and have more experience in handling cases than us. It is inevitable to think carefully. There is one more thing I want to declare to you two. From today on, the governor of this town will lead the royal guards to stay at the post house. ."
Tang Jianqiu said in a normal tone. Both of them were shocked after hearing this, as if they couldn't believe what Tang Jianqiu said.
The two looked at each other, with incredible emotions flashing in their eyes. Even though they knew it was inappropriate to say this, they still bravely said:
"Sir, why do you choose to live in this post house? This Shimen is not as good as Peking. The conditions may be a little worse, and the private rooms are relatively better. Why not let me make arrangements for you to live in peace of mind? "
"I would like to thank you both for your kindness. This post house was originally set up to facilitate the temporary accommodation of officers and soldiers. Since I came to Shimen to live in the post house, it is natural for me."
Tang Jianqiu originally didn't want to see the local people suffering, but now he couldn't bear it when he heard that so many people were suffering. How could he be so picky? Besides, he didn't think it was too bad.
The Shimen County Magistrate was still a little confused. He always felt that something was inappropriate. After much hesitation, he said:
"But...but this place is too simple and crude, and it is really not suitable for adults to live next to each other! I'd better go to the government office to make arrangements for you! Please ask your Excellency..."
Before Magistrate Shimen could finish his words, he was rejected by Tang Jianqiu: "It doesn't have to be like this. I accept your wishes. Naturally, I can live where others live. I have made up my mind."
Now that he has said that, how can he, a county magistrate, continue to persuade? He could only nod his head and give up.
Seeing this, the magistrate of Shimen County quickly echoed: "Master Tang shares the joys and sorrows with the people, he is fair and honest, but he is not as harsh as the rumors say. He is a good official with a reputation from the sky. Your honesty, simplicity and humility should be imitated." ."
Naturally, he wanted to curry favor with Tang Jianqiu, who was from the fourth rank. Wouldn't it be nice if he could say some kind words to His Majesty?
These words might be a pleasure to use on others, but Tang Jianqiu didn't find them useful. He was more worried about the local people than these.
"Lord County Magistrate, please take me to see the victims. Where are they placed now? Does the county government have enough food?"
The Shimen County Magistrate was about to open his mouth to say something, but upon seeing this, the Shimen County Magistrate quickly added: "Due to the unexpected incident, we will temporarily place the affected people in the county government private schools."
The Shimen County Magistrate bowed and spoke with great respect, as if he was afraid of offending him.
Tang Jianqiu frowned, with a puzzled expression flashing between his brows, "This is not a long-term solution. Is there any other place?"
He knew that doing so could only relieve an urgent need, and it would definitely not work over time.
The Shimen County Magistrate was also a little helpless. He had no other choice but to make such an arrangement.
"Sir, the incident happened suddenly, so we can only keep them in the private school for the time being. The remaining subordinates will slowly think of a solution. Oh, by the way, don't you want to go to the private school for a visit? I will lead you there."
The Shimen County Magistrate and Shimen County Magistrate said that they were going to go out with their five-color umbrellas. They also put Tang Jianqiu in a raincoat and a bamboo hat before preparing to leave.
Tang Jianqiu was not used to holding an umbrella. He was used to playing with guns and dancing sticks on weekdays. It was really inconvenient to move with this umbrella, so a bamboo hat would be more practical.
Several people each led a few officers and soldiers to prepare for emergencies. Fortunately, the private school was not far from here and they arrived quickly.
However, just as they arrived at the door, they heard crying coming from inside. They were crying so heartbreakingly that it made people cry.
"My old man! I asked you to leave but you refused to leave. Now it's better! How can I live as an old woman?"
"Dad! My kid misses you so much. Why are you so stubborn? You have to take your luggage with you before you leave! There's no time for this!"
They wiped away tears as they spoke. There were many people who had similar experiences to them, and it was a bit miserable to say the least.
"My child, have any of you seen my child? He is about this tall, has a round face, is very cute, and is wearing blue clothes. Have you seen him?"
"Son! Has anyone seen my daughter? My girl is very beautiful. Is there any hero who has seen her? Please let me know. This is really important for me, an old man like me. "
What you get is still endless silence or crying in response. Even though this matter is indeed painful, you have to accept it painfully.
"Brother! Have any of you seen my brother? My brother and I were separated because of the crowd. It has been several days and we still haven't found him? Oh...Brother! You must not let anything happen to you!"
The whole private school was full of crying and sobbing.
Floods have taken away countless families, taken away countless lives, and left countless people heartbroken.
Even though Tang Jianqiu was a military attache, he was still a human being of flesh and blood, not to mention that he was very affectionate, especially when he saw the child crying heartbreakingly and calling for his mother, he couldn't bear it.
He has deep sympathy for the local people. If it is a natural disaster, it is indeed inevitable. If someone deliberately cut corners when building the dam and caused the tragedy, he will definitely kill that person with a thousand knives!
