C30

Gu Jinzhu, however, 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 people and delaying their political achievements. Thus, she 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 had personally witnessed a mob charge into a rich family's home to rob and plunder. They had even dragged out the women from that family's house to humiliate them in public. The government simply didn't dare to care about such a chaotic scene.

Gu Yiqing's speed became faster and faster, almost to the point that he didn't stop day and night. Luckily, he didn't chase the black-clothed man for the next few days. 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 stood at the highest point of the city, overlooking the entire city. The wind blew his clothes and his hair, which was like ink, caressed his shoulders.

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.

Xue Yi knocked on the door and someone quickly came out. When they saw Gu Yiqing's surprised 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 mattress in it. The few of them had been in the carriage for days and were already exhausted.

Very soon, people brought in food, only coarse pastries and hot water, but in a place like this, it was already good to have a bite to eat. After cleaning up, they heard that Gu Yiqing had already left with the clothes of blood, leaving behind a message for them to temporarily live here peacefully.

Gu Jinzhu recalled that that person addressed Gu Yiqing as "Lord". Furthermore, his attitude was extremely humble and respectful. She expected him to have a public office, but she didn't know what kind of official position it was.

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

Gu Jinzhu was worried about the situation outside, so she changed into a normal green dress and put on a big bamboo hat before leaving with the two girls.

The streets were the same as the previous days, but there were fewer refugees. Many of them were rushing to the west side of the city, and Biwan had stopped them to ask around. She found out that the government office was recruiting people to rebuild the dam, and was also in charge of two meals a day.

Biwan looked at her and said, "Miss, let's go take a look as well?"

Gu Jinzhu hesitated for a moment before nodding. For some reason, she felt that Gu Yiqing must have had something to do with the organization of the reconstruction. 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.

There was a row of wooden tables in front of her with soldiers in charge. Gu Jinzhu had just taken two steps forward when she heard someone curse loudly, "Old man, I already said that I won't take you in. Get out of here!"

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 looked up and saw an old man with a head full of white hair begging at the registration office. A girl was nestling beside the old man's legs. She 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 and the little girl up. Seeing the tears on her face, she couldn't help but take out a handkerchief to wipe it clean.

The little girl thanked them in a soft voice. Gu Jinzhu felt sorry for them and wanted to take them to a place where there were few people. Just as she stood up straight, a person rushed over and bumped into her.

Yun Xiang and Biwan turned pale with fright. When they tried to help Gu Jinzhu, they saw that she was about to fall to the ground and reach out a hand to hold her in place. A coquettish voice sounded from above her, "Little girl, be careful."

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

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