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墨書 Inktalez
Driving along the smooth road cleared by the people, they entered Linyi County after two hours. Compared to the dire situation in the countryside, the county town, Azure Brick House, was relatively intact, with most buildings only needing minor repairs to continue being used.
The carriage headed straight for the Yamen. Inside, there were only two Yamen Guards on duty; the rest had been dispatched to assist disaster victims.
Hastily getting off the carriage, County Magistrate Zhou rushed inside but was stopped by the monkey behind him. "Sir, shouldn't you change your clothes?"
Would it be inappropriate to meet his superiors looking so disheveled?
Though thin, the monkey was quick-witted and understood this County Magistrate's casual nature.
When he grabbed County Magistrate Zhou, he did so decisively, not fearing to offend his benefactor.
Then with a thud, this Kid received a light knock on the head. "You monkey, mind your own business and go do what you need to do."
Rubbing his nearly bruised head, the monkey chuckled, "Master Wen, I was just looking out for you."
"What clothes? Hurry up and go," Master Wen kicked him away while laughing and scolding.
The monkey jumped up and ran off while turning back to shout at Master Wen, "Advisor, I meant well!"
Seeing Master Wen raise his tool high as if about to strike him, he hurriedly scampered away.
At this moment, County Magistrate Zhou and Master Wen exchanged smiles. They looked at each other's attire and nodded in satisfaction before heading to the main hall to greet their superiors.
Inside were two officials dressed in official robes who appeared to be of similar age. Their hair was slightly graying at the temples; one stood straight while the other had a slight stoop.
As soon as County Magistrate Zhou and Master Wen entered, they quickly bowed. "We greet both lords. We apologize for not welcoming you properly upon your arrival."
Fu Zhilang and Mei Hansheng's expressions stiffened slightly as they observed the two bowing figures clad in coarse cloth clothing with their pant legs rolled up. Their black cloth shoes were caked with mud, and their trousers were speckled with dirt. The rolled-up sleeves revealed two pairs of dark arms.
Both men had similarly dark complexions; sweat soaked their hair, leaving noticeable trails on their foreheads. Despite their weary faces, their eyes sparkled with vitality.
Neither of them expected to see such a down-to-earth image from Linyi's most effective County Magistrate and Advisor.
They looked like two genuine farmers, lacking any refinement or authority typically associated with scholars or officials.
It took a full cup of tea for Fu Zhilang and Mei Hansheng to regain their composure. "County Magistrate Zhou and Master Wen need not be overly courteous. I have come on imperial orders to assess the disaster situation. Under your leadership, Lord Zhou, Linyi has done well in its post-earthquake reconstruction."
County Magistrate Zhou quickly replied, "This is all my duty as a local official. As a parent official of this region, I must consider the welfare of the people. You two have traveled far; allow me to arrange accommodations for you."
He was an upright man who would not joke around in official matters; he simply did not want to act against his conscience or treat people's lives lightly.
Thus, he understood very well that their visit had ulterior motives—they were pretending to be oblivious.
Such a person would not be favored by superiors; a perceptive individual would obediently submit methods for approval and let higher-ups take advantage of them while hoping for some benefits in return.
Merely mentioning his name in a memorial to the Sovereign would be considered a great honor.
However, County Magistrate Zhou did not care about such things; he held officials who viewed lives as insignificant in contempt.
In an instant, Mei Hansheng's face stiffened as he inwardly cursed this man for being ungrateful but dared not express it openly.
After all, Fu Zhilang was there representing imperial authority.
Mei Hansheng's subtle expressions went unnoticed by Fu Zhilang; his attention remained focused on County Magistrate Zhou and Master Wen.
The two men bore no semblance of officials; they appeared entirely like ordinary farmers—so much so that they could not even pretend otherwise.
Fu Zhilang soon understood why Linyi County's post-disaster reconstruction had been so effective: "With parent officials like you, it is indeed a blessing for Linyi's people!"
"Minister Fu is overestimating me," County Magistrate Zhou replied modestly. To him, these actions were simply part of his responsibilities as a parent official.
Unexpectedly, Fu Zhilang immediately helped him up: "Lord Zhou, our Western Moon Kingdom needs good officials like you who prioritize the people's welfare. Therefore, I have come primarily to hear about how well Linyi County has managed post-disaster reconstruction with minimal casualties."
He paused for a moment before continuing: "Thus I would like you to organize all affected citizens to build houses and plant crops or promote your successful methods."
County Magistrate Zhou and Master Wen exchanged excited glances. "Sir, that's wonderful! As long as it's for the benefit of the people, I will fully cooperate."
"Hahaha! I must thank you properly! When I return to the capital, I will certainly report your contributions in disaster relief to His Majesty," Fu Zhilang exclaimed cheerfully.
However, County Magistrate Zhou hesitated to speak further. Fu Zhilang patted his shoulder: "If there are any difficulties Lord Zhou faces, feel free to let me know; I will do my best to accommodate you since it is all for the sake of disaster-stricken citizens."
County Magistrate Zhou stood tall and cupped his fists toward both lords: "Actually, this matter is not solely my merit; it relies heavily on Miss Liu and Yang Scholar. If it weren't for their methods, things wouldn't have been so orderly."
"Oh? Let's hear more!" Fu Zhilang said with great interest. Although he had heard some rumors about them before, he was unfamiliar with the specifics. Hearing it directly from County Magistrate Zhou would be far more reliable than hearsay that could easily be fabricated.
Thus, County Magistrate Zhou recounted everything in detail: "Sir, Linyi County introduced this new construction method not long ago; it was initially proposed by Miss Liu from Ten Li Pu."
"She already had some fame before the earthquake but was limited to Biqi Town; many people were skeptical. However, after this earthquake, every house she oversaw remained intact—doesn't that speak volumes?"
"As a result, nearby residents trust her greatly. Additionally, there is Yang Scholar who contributed all his wealth and resources daily for nearby villagers' use; within just three to five days everything became orderly."
"Upon learning this information myself, I went into the countryside searching for them. These two wasted no time directly sharing their methods and even sent skilled villagers to assist in directing efforts."
With County Magistrate Zhou's explanation, Fu Zhilang gained deeper insight into Liu Qingxi and Yang Yichen. He couldn't help but marvel at how talent emerges through generations.
The younger generation is more innovative and capable than ever before.
"Good! Lord Zhou can rest assured that I will not forget these two young individuals; however, we owe much thanks to you as their mentor! Hahaha! It seems our post-disaster reconstruction will soon be realized!"
Fu Zhilang's hearty laughter echoed far and wide—perhaps what other ministers considered a burdensome task might turn out to be a blessing instead.
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