Another night has passed.

Lacking the disaster relief equipment of later generations, all the soldiers could do was rely on their own hands to move the bricks, stones, and beams.

After two days and nights of continuous search and rescue, many soldiers' hands were worn raw and bloody, but they persevered despite the excruciating pain.

The soldiers were overjoyed whenever they rescued a civilian, but they couldn't help but shed tears whenever they dragged out a corpse.

April 26th.

Five days have passed since the earthquake, but the soldiers are still tirelessly carrying out search and rescue operations.

Although they knew that most of the people buried under the rubble were likely dead, they intensified their search and rescue efforts after seeing the hopeful eyes of the people.

As one body after another was carried out of the rubble, the entire disaster area was enveloped in an atmosphere of sorrow.

Liu Hong, looking haggard and covered in mud, also led the medical team accompanying the army to treat the injured civilians.

However, just the day before yesterday, they had run out of medicines, and many wounded civilians could only receive simple bandaging.

As he watched the people inside the tent crying out in pain, Liu Hong's heart grew heavier.

Stepping out of the tent, Liu Hong looked at Zhang Rang beside him, his voice slightly hoarse: "It's been several days already? Why haven't the rescue teams arrived yet?"

Zhang Rang hurriedly replied, "Your Majesty, according to reports, the disaster situation in the other counties of Zhao Commandery is also very serious. Rescue teams from surrounding counties have already entered Zhao Commandery in small numbers and should be able to arrive here soon."

Liu Hong nodded: "Inform the heads of the soup kitchens to send people to cook food continuously for twelve hours a day, so that every soldier and civilian can have a hot and full meal at any time."

"promise!"

At noon, a rescue team from Shangdang was the first to arrive in Zhao County.

After paying his respects to Liu Hong, the leading official hurriedly directed the able-bodied men and soldiers of the prefectures and kingdoms in the team to take over the rescue work from the Imperial Guards.

After fighting continuously for several days and nights, the soldiers were finally able to rest for a while.

With the arrival of the rescue team, large quantities of medicinal herbs, bedding, and cloth were carried into the treatment camp, and Liu Hong's calm heart finally relaxed.

After repeated persuasion from Zhang Rang and the soldiers, Liu Hong returned to his tent and fell into a deep sleep as soon as he lay down.

The soldiers guarding outside the tent couldn't help but show a hint of reverence as they listened to the emperor snoring inside.

Liu Hong slept for a full day and night, and only woke up at dusk the next day.

Looking at Zhang Rang, who was serving him, Liu Hong asked in a deep voice, "How long did I sleep? How many people were rescued during that time?"

Zhang Rang said with a grave expression, "Your Majesty, you slept for fourteen hours, and during your rest, more than a thousand corpses were unearthed..."

Upon hearing this, Liu Hong closed his eyes with a sorrowful expression and asked, "How are the people?"

"Your Majesty, according to statistics, more than 8,000 people were killed and more than 30,000 were injured in Zhao County and the surrounding villages."

Liu Hong then asked, "What about the other counties?"

Zhang Rang shook his head: "The casualties from the other counties haven't been reported yet..."

Liu Hong sat up and said in a deep voice, "Zhao County is densely populated, and the earthquake has affected a wide area. There must be quite a few injured people. Send someone to inform Yuan Hao and Gongta to prioritize the treatment of the seriously injured and at the same time make preparations for epidemic prevention."

"Yes, Your Majesty!"

Zhang Rang accepted the order and then quickly left.

After eating some food, Liu Hong left his tent and began to inspect the situation.

At this time, the people of Zhao County, having experienced the pain of losing their loved ones, had rallied and joined the soldiers in the search and rescue operation.

After returning to the camp, Liu Hong began planning the post-disaster reconstruction work.

This earthquake was a disaster, but it was also an opportunity—an opportunity to enhance the credibility of the imperial court and government, and even more so, an opportunity to strengthen the cohesion of the people.

Therefore, post-disaster reconstruction has become a top priority.

Zhao County is located in the southeast of Ji Province, bordering Bing Province, Yan Province, and Sili Province. Its geographical location is quite good, making it a feasible commercial transit point.

On the tenth day, several rescue teams dispatched by Weijun and Hejian also arrived in Zhao County.

At the same time, the Imperial Guards, Tiger Guards, and Northern Army, which had been on a rapid march, also entered Zhao County one after another.

May 7th.

Seventeen days had passed since the earthquake. As the imperial court and rescue teams from surrounding counties entered the disaster area one after another, the 400,000 disaster victims in Zhao County were properly resettled.

In this era, without cars, airplanes, or railways, it is truly remarkable that rescue teams were able to reach the disaster area so quickly.

In addition to Liu Hong's coincidence in passing through the disaster area, the decisive actions of the court officials also played a crucial role.

According to rough estimates, nearly 100 teams participated in the disaster relief efforts, with a total of more than 300,000 people, of whom more than 100,000 came spontaneously.

And this doesn't even include the teams that arrived later. If you include them all, the number of people involved in the disaster relief efforts would be at least 500,000.

This ordeal demonstrated the mobilization power of the imperial court and government, as well as the emperor's appeal.

After meeting with Liu Hong, Yuan Feng, who personally led the team, also began to lead the rescue team and local people to start the post-disaster reconstruction work.

May 12th.

By this time, news of the earthquake in Zhao County had spread far and wide.

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