At noon, a line of galloping horses came rushing in.

Officials from Longmen County who had received advance notice were already waiting at the gate.

Unlike yesterday, the old magistrate Lu Zhaochuan had some dark circles under his eyes and looked tired.

Upon learning that the disaster relief grain was mixed with bran, the county government office was immediately surrounded by the people, who blocked it in three or four layers.

If it weren't for his years of dedicated work and the fact that many people had witnessed the unloading of disaster relief grain, they would have stormed the county government office.

After much persuasion, they managed to get the people to leave, and it wasn't until late at night that they finally distributed the disaster relief grain.

The officials in the county government also looked rather grim.

They weren't entirely angry about the use of bran. Whether it was the way it was or the higher-ups switched it, they were grateful to have food when they were in dire need of it, since it wasn't their food anyway.

The people were difficult to appease, and a lot of words were wasted, but there was no benefit whatsoever. Who could be happy about that?

Moreover, despite their deliberate attempt to keep a low profile, word still got out, and many people gathered behind the city gate.

Today is not a day of anticipation; almost everyone wears an angry expression.

Lu Zhaochuan was afraid of offending the imperial envoy, so all the yamen runners were mobilized to use water and fire sticks to separate people along the street.

The constable paced back and forth, his hand resting on his waist knife, a clear warning.

Just then, a black tide seemed to split open at the horizon, and more than two thousand cavalrymen pressed in from a wedge formation.

The sound of armor plates striking each other during the silent charge was like thousands of copper coins falling to the ground, clearly the sound of forging on an anvil as they drew nearer, striking the hearts of everyone present.

The ground trembled violently, and pebbles bounced off the soles of boots. The barely held anger was instantly shattered.

The people didn't even dare to look directly at him, and all lowered their heads.

The cavalry slowed down in an orderly manner, and by the time they reached the city gate, they were already moving slowly. Finally, they stopped almost simultaneously.

The vanguard split up, while the central army advanced to protect the eldest princess.

Looking up at the female general clad in armor, the officials of the county government immediately became solemn, and whatever thoughts they might have, they could only bury them deep in their hearts.

"Your Highness, I, Lu Zhaochuan, the magistrate of Longmen County, pay my respects!"

"No need for formalities. Is Magistrate Lu familiar with the layout of the county's irrigation canals and water conditions?"

Lu Zhaochuan was taken aback, not expecting that without a word of greeting, he would immediately inquire about practical matters. He quickly came to his senses and replied, "I have served as the county magistrate for twelve years and am well-versed in these matters."

"Alright, Meng Jian, bring the men."

"yes!"

Meng Jian immediately spurred his horse forward, bent down and grabbed Magistrate Lu's collar, pulling him directly onto the horse.

This magistrate is not young, and his spirits are not good. If he is made to travel around, he might lose half his life.

With his true energy protecting him, his actions wouldn't be affected.

The officials of Longmen County watched helplessly as their magistrate was lifted onto a horse like a little chick and carried horizontally in the arms of the valiant general. For a moment, their cheeks twitched, and they didn't know what to say.

At this moment, Qin Zhaoqiong's gaze swept over, "Bring a few horses to accompany the water crew."

Without waiting for a response, they turned around and set off immediately, without even entering the county town.

Seeing their magistrate being carried away, the county clerk immediately selected a few people and some yamen runners to follow.

In just a short while, they came rushing in and left in a hurry, leaving the people at the city gate completely bewildered.

Many people couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief when the more than two thousand riders disappeared again.

"Was that Her Highness the Eldest Princess just now?"

"He went to manage the floods without even entering the county seat; he doesn't seem like a corrupt person..."

Others crossed their arms and scoffed, "Who knows if it's just for show? Does that mean the disaster relief grain is fake if it's half bran and half chaff?"

"If you're so capable, why didn't you shout anything just now?"

The man got angry, shoved him, and left while cursing.

He's not stupid. With so many cavalrymen, causing trouble at this time would be suicide.

Go home, go home. The disaster relief grain hasn't been sorted out yet. The thin porridge cooked with bran is so hard it hurts my throat.

Qin Zhaoqiong was unaware that her focus on the disaster had caused her to miss some clues. The disaster victims at the city gate were temporarily intimidated by the cavalry and were unable to cause any trouble.

It's good to mix bran into disaster relief grain, mainly to prevent local officials from embezzling funds and substituting inferior goods, but the overall bran content is only about 20%.

It can be eaten after sifting, and it's not unacceptable to cook it directly when you're extremely hungry. How could it be 50% of the way there?

The people gradually dispersed, and the atmosphere of shared hatred against the enemy began to loosen somewhat.

On the second floor of a teahouse not far away, the man in white witnessed this scene and narrowed his eyes.

This princess was indeed as decisive and efficient as rumored, and it was somewhat surprising that she did not enter the county town.

After the crowd dispersed, he pushed open the window, looked up, and paused for more than ten breaths before looking away.

Although there may be unexpected events, it's not a big deal.

The next moment, his figure vanished into thin air.

With the county magistrate pointing the way, the army headed straight for the downstream section of Longmen County in Yuchuan.

The old man was so old, yet he was still being held in someone's arms. Lu Zhaochuan's face flushed slightly.

He didn't feel much of a bumpy ride on horseback; it was as if someone was supporting him.

The only problem was that the armor was a bit uncomfortable when I was half-turned against it, so I didn't dare to mention it at all, and I didn't even dare to turn around.

In the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, they arrived at the riverbank.

The waterways in Longmen County are not as complex as those in Jindi County, and the waterways are mostly wide.

The cavalry stopped, and everyone dismounted. The old magistrate was pulled off his horse, feeling as if his legs were as thin as noodles and he couldn't stand up.

Fortunately, Meng Jian reacted quickly and grabbed him again as soon as he let go, preventing him from falling.

Once he caught his breath and was able to stand, Lu Zhaochuan quickly cupped his hands in thanks, saying, "Thank you, General."

After setting up a temporary main tent, Qin Zhaoqiong invited people over to discuss matters.

Wang, the chief engineer of the Tiangong Division, took out a waterway map, and Lu Zhaochuan explained the water situation in Longmen County based on the map.

Having served for over ten years, he spoke eloquently and with great familiarity.

This is a method summarized by Qin Zhaoqiong.

Although the imperial court's map of the waterways throughout the country was detailed, it was only measured every three years, and many changes occurred during that time; some tributaries had even changed course.

First, consult the local county magistrate and experienced officials to get a general idea in mind;

After further investigation along the main waterway, and with the explanation from the officials of the Heavenly Works Bureau, a strategy for water management was developed.

Having passed through eight or nine counties in two prefectures over the past twenty days, Qin Zhaoqiong has become increasingly experienced.

Just as the old magistrate was speaking eloquently, a sharp "bang" suddenly rang out from above.

The bodyguard, Risuke, who was accompanying him, was alert, but before he could react, he heard a series of sounds.

Looking up, the top of the temporary encampment was dented from being hit, with a series of loud thuds.

The tent flap was blown open by the strong wind, letting in thick moisture.

In the blink of an eye, the river outside was shrouded in mist, obstructing the view.

At that moment, the rain poured down!