C30

However, Gu Jinzhu knew some of the reasons. Most likely, those prefectures and counties were afraid that the refugees would go in and cause trouble, affecting the local area, delaying their political achievements. Thus, she simply ordered the city gates to be closed, blocking the refugees outside.

Outside, it was raining heavily. The rain did not seem to stop even once they entered the Binzhou region. Those people were huddled up in the corners, mostly old and weak. They were huddled together as if they were waiting for death.

Occasionally, they would also see refugees that had fallen on the spot. However, they didn't know if they were going to die or not, but soldiers would come over and quickly drag them away. It was no wonder that they didn't see any corpses along the way.

At the beginning, their hearts were filled with grief and unhappiness. They wanted nothing more than to part with what little food they had, but when they saw the eyes of those rioting refugees, they cowered in the carriage, not daring to reveal their heads.

Gu Jinzhu saw with her own eyes a few mobs charge into a wealthy family, looting them, and even drag out the women from that family. The officials didn't dare to care about their insults in front of everyone, so how could they dare to step down in such a chaotic situation?

Gu Yiqing travelled faster and faster, almost non-stop. Fortunately, in the following few days, she didn't chase after the black-clothed man. His face was filled with fatigue, but his expression was getting colder and colder. His body was emitting a baleful aura. The mob saw that he and Xue Yi were armed with sabers, but no one dared to provoke them.

They travelled day and night, and on the fourth night they finally entered the worst affected dam.

The dam was originally one of the richest towns in Binzhou. It faced the river in the east, and the land was abundant. It was famous for its winding dam, but this time, the dam broke and the river flowed inside, drowning the entire town.

In the city, there were some families that had come from a family that fled overnight, leaving behind a large empty building. Ordinary houses collapsed, and some that were built well were actually intact.

In the distance, there was a vast expanse of barren land. The muddy land was completely devoid of any greenery, and there was not a single speck of green left. All the seedlings that could be eaten were dug out by the refugees for consumption.

It was a good town, but it was no longer bustling with life. Under the gloomy sky, it seemed to be suffused with an aura of death.

However, this place was much better than the previous towns. There were soldiers everywhere on the streets, holding the refugees in place. No one dared to rebel.

Gu Yiqing was standing at the highest point of the city, overlooking the entire city. The wind was blowing his clothes and his hair, which was like ink, was fluttering on his shoulders. He looked unconcealable.

When she looked into his eyes, her heart felt as if it had been lightly touched by something. Suddenly, she felt an indescribable throbbing sensation. She had seen him be fierce, gentle, or cold, but she had never seen his current gaze. It carried a faint trace of compassion, instantly bringing that handsome, jade-like face back to life.

This time they did not sleep outside. The bloodstained clothes drove the carriage around in all directions, and they actually entered a remote alley, stopping in front of a large house.

The man in the blood-red robe knocked on the door, and someone quickly came out. When they saw the surprised look on Gu Yiqing's face, they rushed forward and said, "Sir, you're finally here …"

After driving the carriage in, although the house was also flooded, it was clean inside. Gu Jinzhu was arranged to stay in a top room with a bed and a blanket in it. The few of them had been in the carriage for several days and were already extremely tired, now that they were able to comfortably lie down to rest, the two girls almost cheered out loud.

Very soon, someone brought in food, it was only coarse pastries and hot water, but in such a place, having a bite to eat was already good enough. Very soon, someone brought in food, it was only coarse pastries and hot water, but in such a place, having a bite to eat, it was good enough.

Gu Jinzhu thought about how that person had called Gu Yiqing "Lord," with an extremely humble attitude. She had expected him to have a public office, but she didn't know what that official position was.

After staying here for two days, Gu Yiqing still hadn't come back. She couldn't help being worried. There were not many people in the house, only two caretakers, but no matter what she asked, they would shake their heads and ask questions.

Gu Jinzhu was worried about the situation outside. After thinking for a while, she changed into an ordinary green dress and wore a large bamboo hat. She then brought the two girls out.

On the streets, as in the past few days, there were fewer refugees. Many of them hurried to the west side of the city, and when she stopped them to ask, she found out that the government had hired people to rebuild the dam and was responsible for two meals a day. Almost all the refugees had gone to register.

"Let's go, miss," said Bea, looking at her.

Gu Jinzhu hesitated for a moment before nodding. For some reason, she felt that the organization of the reconstruction of the dam must be related to Gu Qingqing. She was worried about his safety, so she couldn't help but want to go take a look.

As they followed along, they saw that a large shed had been set up at the west side of the city. The refugees surrounded the area in a frenzy, waiting to register themselves.

In front of him was a row of wooden tables with soldiers in charge. Gu Jinzhu had only taken two steps forward when she heard someone curse loudly, "Old man, I already said that I won't take you in here, so hurry up and f * ck off!"

Then, an old man pleaded, "I beg of you, sir, please. If I can do it, please give me a name. Otherwise, my little granddaughter will starve to death …"

Gu Jinzhu raised her head to look and saw an old man with a head full of white hair constantly begging at the registration office. Beside the old man's legs was a girl, who was about seven to eight years old.

The soldier couldn't wait to get caught, so he reached out his hand and pushed him away, cursing, "Scram! What can an old bone like you do? Waiting to enter the coffin? "

Since the government had hired people to repair the dam, they naturally needed to be strong. Seeing that he couldn't bear the hunger, the old man also came to register.

The old man was pushed back by the soldier, and staggered two steps before falling to the ground, causing the little girl to fall down as well.

The surrounding refugees were in an uproar. People came and went in a rush to register, and no one even glanced in their direction.

Gu Jinzhu couldn't help but walk over and help the old man up, and then she helped the little girl up as well. Seeing her tear-stained face, she couldn't help but take out a handkerchief and wipe it clean for her.

The little girl thanked them in a soft voice, causing Gu Jinzhu to feel pity in her heart. She wanted to bring the grandfather and granddaughter pair to a place where they had fewer people, but just as she stood up, a person rushed over from her side and directly bumped into her.

Seeing that Gu Jinzhu was about to fall to the ground, a hand came out from the hole in the ground and held her firmly. A slightly frivolous voice sounded above her head, "Little girl, be careful."

Gu Jinzhu raised her head in astonishment, but the bamboo hat fell off. Her beautiful face was like jade, and she instantly caught the eyes of the visitor.

That person exclaimed as he slightly squinted his eyes. A hint of amazement flashed across his eyes.