Chapter 154 Flood Control and Dike Strengthening: A Matter of Great Value...
The lights are on full display tonight; you could hear a pin drop.
A light drizzle began to fall from the dark sky.
Hundreds of women dressed in official robes gathered in the courtyard outside the main hall of the government office. Some were white-haired, some were full of energy, some were listless, and some were silent and numb, reflecting several different situations in Zhangzhou Prefecture at that time.
Some are old and frail, shrinking back from the disaster; some are exhausted by repeated floods, only wanting to survive; others are full of hope for the future…
Zhang Ting stood quietly at the front of the crowd, taking in everyone's expressions. "There have been continuous torrential rains recently, and floods are imminent."
The clerks looked listless and lacked any enthusiasm.
She didn't engage in empty rhetoric; she went straight to the point: "I've heard that the officials in the government are in turmoil. But when the nest is overturned, how can any egg remain intact? Do you think you can save your lives by retreating? And where can you escape to?"
"Afterwards, when the imperial court investigates, I will be the first to lose my head, followed by you officials who handled the case! In times of crisis, the only way to survive is to hold the dikes and protect the people!"
She looked solemnly at everyone, then changed the subject, "Furthermore, our Zhangzhou Prefecture is not yet at its wit's end, my fellow colleagues."
Everyone stared at her in stunned silence, a spark of hope igniting in their otherwise gloomy eyes.
"We have persevered through countless food shortages, countless outbreaks of disease, and countless floods. This time, the rain is even less severe than the last one. As long as we overcome this crisis, we will surely see the light at the end of the tunnel and a brighter future!"
"When the disaster is over, I will certainly recommend those who have made meritorious contributions for reward, and the imperial court will grant them official titles and ranks. They will be respected and loved by all the people, and their names will be remembered for eternity. This is just around the corner!"
His words were captivating, painting a beautiful picture for everyone, which made them yearn for it and become deeply immersed in it.
The clerk pondered to himself, and it seemed to make sense. They had survived so many crises, and this rainstorm was even worse than the last one. What were they afraid of?
As long as they overcome the difficulties, they will surely have a place when the imperial court rewards those who have made contributions!
Their weary and tired hearts were refreshed, and regardless of age, they were full of energy.
"Your humble servant will obey your orders, sir!" the crowd shouted in unison, their powerful voices shaking the heavens.
Zhang Ting nodded with a stern face, satisfied. That's how it should be; these clerks who handle affairs possess power and hope, so that the common people can see the light at the end of the tunnel.
"Defending the dikes is of utmost urgency. I will post notices shortly to recruit experienced river workers, those familiar with the local geology and terrain, and those skilled in swimming. Regardless of social status, all will be incorporated into the guard force to participate in flood relief and disaster recovery. If any of you have any capable individuals, please feel free to recommend them to me!"
The rain gradually intensified, but instead of extinguishing their surging enthusiasm, it fueled their burning passion like oil.
"Your insight is truly remarkable; we will certainly do our utmost to assist you!"
"The rain is unlikely to stop tonight. Flood prevention and control tasks are heavy in all counties. I thank you all for your hard work. Now go!"
"Yes!" The clerks, now energized, hurriedly left, determined to make a name for themselves in front of their superiors.
The officials watching nodded in approval, praising the chief administrator for her wisdom and resourcefulness. With just a few words, she had rallied the scattered and restless hearts of the people and decided to promote her words to all the counties.
From then on, officials and common people were united as one, and the entire Zhangzhou Prefecture became as solid as a rock, difficult to shake.
Afterwards, materials were quickly allocated: sandbags, planks, bricks, and stones—anything that could help reinforce the dikes was transported there. River workers selected from the local population were also sent to the front lines.
Thanks to the generous donations from wealthy households in the prefectural city, the civilians and soldiers involved in flood control were able to have a good meal, a rare treat.
The civilians and soldiers were exhausted, but they never complained of hardship or fatigue. They didn't know what powerful force supported them, allowing them to guard the dike day and night time and time again.
As long as we can hold out until the rainy season is over, there is no need to worry about the river dam bursting.
After inspecting the river embankment and rushing back to the prefectural city, Zhang Ting received a report halfway there that the disaster situation in various counties was gradually improving, and he breathed a small sigh of relief.
On the way back, I happened to arrive just as the soup kitchen was distributing porridge. There was a long line of disaster victims in front of me, their hair disheveled and their faces dirty, wrapped in burlap clothes.
She reined in her horse, stopped it, rolled onto her ground, and prepared to lead it around.
The soldiers behind him were stunned when they saw this, but they all followed suit and did something they had never done before.
A dozen soldiers followed closely behind one person, leading the horse around the crowd.
Such a commotion attracted the attention of the people.
Someone recognized Zhang Ting and ran over happily. "Lord Zhang, have you eaten? If not, I have some porridge here." As he spoke, he reverently offered his only food.
This was a young, short woman with a round face and almond-shaped eyes. When she smiled, her eyes resembled crescent moons. The woman looked at her with fervent admiration, which reminded Zhang Ting of her younger sister, Ziju, and she was momentarily lost in thought.
When the short woman saw that she was not taking the food, she realized that the director was in a high position and would not lack delicacies. It would be an insult to her to eat her porridge!
She hurriedly took back the bowl, feeling very embarrassed. "Lord Zhang, please forgive me. I have offended you. How could you, a person of such high status, use such worthless things? I will come to invite you again when I am more prosperous in the future."
Zhang Ting smiled, took the porridge from her, and drank it down in one gulp. "The porridge at the porridge stall is thicker today, and it's even sweeter."
The short woman initially wanted to snatch the bowl away. How could such a noble and virtuous person as an adult eat porridge with someone like her in such a cramped place? But seeing Zhang Ting finish his drink, she couldn't help but feel happy and awkwardly withdrew her hand.
Zhang Ting invited her to chat over, asking if their daily life was comfortable, whether their accommodations were warm due to the recent cold weather, and if they had enough warm clothing. She also inquired about their access to medicine if they were sick.
"Thanks to you, sir, we are all well. We have warm clothes to keep us warm and warm porridge to fill our bellies." The short woman smiled and scratched her head shyly.
Zhang Ting then asked her what her name was and if she had any family members.
She said, "My surname is Zhan, and my given name is Yao. My parents died in the flood, and I have no brothers or sisters."
Zhang Ting patted her shoulder, "I have a weak family relationship with you, and both my parents have passed away, but things are better now. Zhan Yao, these hardships are life's trials for you. As long as you stay strong and persevere, a bright and splendid future awaits you."
Zhan Yao sniffed, "Thank you for your kind words, sir. I will certainly live up to your expectations!"
The commotion attracted the attention of more people, and more people recognized Zhang Ting and enthusiastically gathered around her.
"Lord Zhang, you're back!"
"Yesterday you ordered a batch of clothes to be distributed. They are so warm and nice that we don't want to wear them!"
"Director General, you are truly a bodhisattva who saves us from suffering!"
In recent days, Zhang Ting has been good at recognizing and utilizing talent, and has taken overall control of the situation, which has led to a rapid stabilization of the disaster situation in Zhangzhou Prefecture, ensuring that the people have clothes to wear and food to eat, and that their lives are gradually getting better.
Her abilities were undoubtedly recognized by everyone in the prefecture, from top to bottom. Officials supported and admired her, and the people loved and respected her. Although she had no official title, she had become the 'prefect' in everyone's hearts.
Even after Prefect He recovered from his serious illness and returned to handle affairs, in everyone's hearts, the only person they truly respected was Zhang Ting.
Even years later, as time passes and the world changes, the people of Zhangzhou will forever remember that in their insignificant lives, there was a "Lord Zhang," who shone like a bright star in the sky above their destiny, illuminating the vast land of Zhangzhou and leaving a deep imprint on their hearts. He was revered as a god.
Zhang Ting greeted the disaster victims with a smile, but she had stayed too long and had many official duties to attend to at the government office. After bidding farewell to the disaster victims, she spurred her horse and rode away again, with the soldiers following closely behind her.
Zhan Yao was isolated from the crowd. She tried to squeeze in front of the adults, but was blocked by the other disaster victims. When she finally managed to squeeze through, she could only see Zhang Ting's increasingly smaller back.
Zhan Yao lowered her head regretfully; she still had so many things she hadn't been able to tell the adults...
"Gurgle—" The empty stomach rumbled, but the soup kitchen only served a fixed amount each day, and there was no more.
She clutched her hungry stomach and crawled back to her original spot, thinking that she could just bear it and have porridge tomorrow morning.
Just as I was about to sit down, I saw a bowl full of porridge on the ground, steaming hot and fragrant.
Zhan Yao felt as if something had suddenly squeezed her heart, causing a sour and swollen sensation. A surge of heat rushed to her nasal cavity and throat, bringing a strong sob, and tears poured down like a river bursting its banks.
Even though her parents are gone, there are still people in the world who care about her.
...
It was late at night again, and all the lights in the government office were extinguished, except for a candle in a study that still emitted a faint light.
Zhang Ting closed the last book, rubbed her tired brow, and let out a breath.
To her left were piles of completed government documents, and to her right was a tall stack of family letters.
She composed herself and began to read the letters one by one. As she read, her furrowed brows relaxed, and a smile of pleasure curved her eyes. Even her dark circles couldn't hide the tenderness spreading across her face.
The letter said that everything was fine at home and that she should not worry and should get some rest.
The letter also said that when she wasn't home, the little one revealed its true nature and caused trouble in her belly, keeping him awake all night. He asked her when she was coming home so he could deal with the little brat.
The letter said that thanks to her previous arrangements, the torrential rain had not significantly affected the lives of the people. The county magistrate, the county registrar, and the county commandant were all competent, and Fengxian was safe and sound. She was told to stay in the prefectural city with peace of mind.
The letter also said that Xiao Guai had grown up a lot. He had leg cramps at night, which were very painful. He was so in pain that he bit his blanket to sleep, and it took a long time to get better. She asked when she would come back to see him.
There are so many more letters...
Zhang Ting read through each letter with utmost focus, her eyebrows and eyes naturally relaxed, the corners of her eyebrows and eyes curving downwards in a gentle arc, like ripples left by a breeze on the surface of water.
She paused for a moment, then picked up her pen and wrote back home.
My dear husband, Xiaoyi, seeing this letter is like seeing you in person:
The disaster situation has stabilized, and the people are temporarily at peace. My wife is well, so please don't worry. Tonight, as I read letters home by candlelight, thinking of you and the children, and recalling the things that happened at home in the past, my weariness has vanished.
It's been cold lately; even though you're healthy, you should wear more clothes. Our little one is mischievous and restless; as his wife, I will be strict with him and discipline him accordingly. My husband's health is gradually deteriorating; please remember to call the doctor to check his pulse regularly, and if he experiences convulsions, seek treatment immediately.
The disaster in Zhangzhou Prefecture has not yet subsided, and my wife's return date is uncertain. However, whenever I think of you and our child, I feel warm and comforted.
I only wish that everything is well at home, and I will return home as soon as the disaster is over.
wife Zhang Ting
October 11th night, by candlelight in the study
After writing a long letter of over a hundred words, she held it and read it over and over again, a faint smile on her lips. Her heart flowed gently like a stream, calm and peaceful.
This is her home.
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