In addition, a large amount of manpower, material resources, and financial resources need to be mobilized for the construction of water conservancy projects. It takes time to prepare and convene various parties. Sikong and Shuijian and others naturally need to contribute their efforts, while Zheng Quchi took on various functions such as design, budgeting, and construction organization all by himself.
She was truly exhausted. In just half a month, she felt as if she had wasted a year of her lifespan. She got up earlier than the chickens, slept later than the dogs, and worked harder than the oxen every day. Finally, she achieved the first stage of results.
Other matters are handled by appointing officials to coordinate and arrange tasks. For example, it is necessary to first clear away a large amount of ruins, sand, and garbage in the planning area, which requires a large amount of manpower.
Zheng Quchi proposed that two thousand people be sent ahead to clear and arrange the materials. Since land transportation was inconvenient, they decided to make the best use of the river to transport the timber and stone materials to the appropriate locations. However, it was necessary to build ferry crossings in the corresponding river channels in advance to unload the goods.
This effectively solves the problems of transportation time and cost.
After arranging and negotiating matters related to Shengjing, Zheng Quchi soon set off for Cangling County with his subordinates.
Upon arriving in Cangling County, Zheng Quchi discovered that the previously ruined town had now taken shape, with piles of building materials such as sand, soil, stones, bamboo, and reeds around it. The people had transformed into construction workers, enthusiastically throwing themselves into the construction of their homes.
As soon as she arrived, Magistrate Qian arrived on the spot. His appearance immediately caught Zheng Quchi's attention. He had rolled up his sleeves and trousers, was wearing straw sandals, and had a bamboo hat on his head to shield himself from the sun. His face and body were covered in ash.
...Did he go to the fields or to carry bricks?
"Lord Zheng, when did you arrive? Hurry up, don't stay outside. It's really hot today. Come with me to the backyard of the yamen to have some cool tea to beat the heat."
It's the height of summer, and the sun is blazing down. Even if you don't move, you'll be drenched in sweat, let alone if you start moving around.
Zheng Quchi wiped the sweat from his forehead: "I've only just arrived, and I'm afraid I'll have to trouble Magistrate Qian again in the coming days."
Magistrate Qian was overjoyed to hear this: "Not at all, Lord Zheng is only doing this for the benefit of our Cangling County. I and all the people of the county are too happy to even think about it, and we are afraid that we might have neglected you."
As they talked, the two walked toward the inner courtyard of the yamen, which had already been cleared out. A large patch of bamboo was planted inside the gray-yellow brick walls. The wind rustled the green leaves, and the cool shade instantly relieved the heat and restlessness on their bodies.
"How long will Lord Zheng likely stay in Cangling County this time?"
"It's uncertain, but it will take at least a few months. The preliminary work needs to be constantly monitored to guard against any changes. Furthermore, I need to travel around the Jinghe River and its branches to understand the specific conditions of each section of the river and to determine the location of the water conservancy monument."
Hearing how much effort she was putting in, even the county magistrate couldn't help but advise, "The weather is so hot these days, why bother going yourself? Why not just leave it to me?"
Zheng Quchi smiled and said, "Of course it's different. Magistrate Qian, you don't need to worry about me. When I'm tired or hot, I'll know to rest. I won't push myself."
The magistrate didn't want to keep her too long and disturb her rest, and besides, he did have things to do. After arranging guest rooms for her and the officials of the Imperial Workshop, he took his leave to attend to other matters.
As soon as he left, a burly figure brazenly slipped into the bamboo grove. He pulled off his heavy cloak, his dark brows furrowed: "This damn weather is getting hotter and hotter."
Zheng Quchi sat behind his desk, glancing up at Gan Xin: "Gan Xin, can you come with me through the main entrance? If people see you like this, they'll think you're some kind of thief."
"In this poor, run-down little county, I reckon even thieves would have to leave in tears. I've been around and there isn't even a single operating inn, let alone a restaurant," he complained bitterly.
"Cangling County has just suffered from floods, and the government is organizing all the people to do their best to rebuild. I think it will take some more time before it can be restored to its former state. You should stay here with me in the county government office instead of going out to live elsewhere."
Gan Xin remained silent for a moment before saying, "Aren't you afraid people will look at you strangely if I'm with you?"
Zheng Quchi was writing something with his head down when he heard this and replied naturally, "What am I afraid of? You are very good. Besides, since I dare to take you as my disciple, I am not afraid of the world's opinion."
Gan Xin's expression froze for a moment, then he pursed his lips and said gruffly, "I'm going out for a bit."
He was naturally rude and unrestrained, never hesitant to speak his mind, but in front of Zheng Quchi, he would always subconsciously restrain his vulgar and unruly side.
Where to?
Zheng Quchi looked up and found that he had disappeared. He didn't return until evening.
His return this time completely shocked Zheng Quchi, who exclaimed, "You...you've been possessed?"
Gan Xin was speechless and complained, "Master, stop reading those nonsensical plays from the streets."
"But why did you change your look? And why did you clean your face? Where's your sword? Where's your Mad Blade?"
When Gan Xin returned from his trip, he was no longer wearing his signature black cloak used for murder and robbery. Instead, he was wearing a dark blue robe like an ordinary man. His stubble was clean-shaven, and the iconic mad knife on his back was gone. He stood there looking as refreshed as a pine tree, as if he had become a completely different person.
"The knife is temporarily shelved... Is it strange of me to be like this?" Gan Xin touched his smooth chin, feeling awkward and annoyed. "So what if it's strange? Anyway, I'm used to people treating me like a murderer."
"No, no, no, it's not strange at all. You're just incredibly energetic. You're like a particularly powerful and formidable martial arts master right now," Zheng Quchi praised enthusiastically.
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