Chapter 1112: Chapter 109: Flood Control
Chapter 1112: Chapter 109: Flood Control
Chu Heng had already entered the carriage, with Lu Chuan driving in front.
Prefect Zheng did not see Eunuch Wu’s figure and was somewhat curious, “Lord Chu, why isn’t Eunuch Wu here?”
Speaking of Eunuch Wu, he was sent by the Emperor after the new year to assist Chu Heng, as an adopted son of the current Chief Eunuch He Dequan, his status was higher than Eunuch Ren’s.
The Emperor dispatching another person didn’t surprise Chu Heng, who went about his usual duties with the same attitude he had towards Eunuch Ren.
He wasn’t afraid of the Emperor’s probes, he just feared that the Emperor wouldn’t want to make those probes overt, but now it seemed that the Emperor at least trusted him. As long as he did well, the purpose of Eunuch Wu’s supervision could immediately become a boost to elevate his position.
It was like having the Emperor’s own eyes witnessing Chu Heng’s talents, securing a spot in the Emperor’s heart, naturally leading to greater use.
...“Eunuch Wu only came back late at night, he went to help us seek assistance—manpower from the Prefectural Governor; otherwise, the county government would not be enough.”
The Prefectural Governor had military authority, which ordinary people certainly couldn’t request. Chu Heng feared that he might be unable to notify the people below in time to take action if it rained after his departure, exposing them to the risk of getting soaked. Therefore, he asked Eunuch Wu for help.
Prefect Zheng suddenly realized why he hadn’t seen Eunuch Wu these past few days—it turned out that Chu Heng had sent him on a task.
Seeing the heavy, densely packed rain curtains that kept getting stronger, he too felt a jolt in his heart, sensing that something major was about to occur.
Chu Heng was also in a bad mood, sitting in the carriage which, after leaving County City, encountered muddy roads that were difficult to navigate.
Halfway through the journey, he and Prefect Zheng abandoned their horses and went directly towards South State.
Followed by seven or eight guards, they moved swiftly through the rain, cloaked with capes.
Source: .com, updated on 𝑛𝑜𝘃𝘨𝑜.co
Upon reaching the dock, Chu Heng dismounted and instructed Lu Chuan to lead Prefect Zheng onto a large ship.
Prefect Zheng, who couldn’t ride a horse, had been led by a guard, and even so, his buttocks were still sore at this point.
After embarking on the ship overnight, he was in a disheveled state. He hurried after Chu Heng and asked, “Lord Chu, where are we going now?”
“To find the Prefect of South State,” said Chu Heng, his voice deep and grave.
Upon hearing this, Prefect Zheng opened his mouth wide, and the rainwater flowing down from his head entered his mouth, tasting somewhat salty. He quickly lifted his sleeve to wipe his face, but finding it wet too, he squeezed the moisture out of his sleeve and hesitated to speak. Then, turning back towards the deck, he noticed the ship had already set sail.
If it were a small boat, traveling in such heavy rain would be extremely dangerous, but it was different for a large ship; aside from a slight rocking, there was no significant difference.
“Lord Chu, South State is one of King Qi’s territories. After we sent a message last time, the response we got back was vague and evasive. Rushing there tonight, they might not agree to do anything.”
“You are not aware, local officials all prefer to take a wait-and-see approach, not acting until seeing the rabbit and letting loose the eagle. Even if it rains tonight, they would say, maybe it will stop tomorrow, the degree of water rise will be limited, they would wait until the day after tomorrow if the rain doesn’t stop to begin evacuating people.”
Chu Heng’s expression was grave, “With a disaster imminent, any further action would be superfluous, don’t you think?”
Prefect Zheng dared not respond to that. He could see that Lord Chu was committed to getting things done, unlike many local officials.
As for the Prefect of South State, he just wanted to minimize expenditures and avoid responsibility.
If the water didn’t rise too much and the people had to hustle back and forth transporting belongings, it would be a farce, and the people would curse him beneath their breath.
At most, he would simply notify everyone to be careful about flood prevention.