Eat in Song Dynasty

Chapter 510 Fishing for Bargains
The flood came suddenly, and many people were completely unprepared.

At this moment, when the water swept away, apart from some strong men, many women, children, the elderly and weak were swept away by the flood, along with some poultry and furniture that were also swept away in the flood.

This is a huge loss for the common people, but a huge benefit for Wen Shu.

She quietly collected all the poultry and furniture that passed by her into her storage basket, and even the women and children were quietly taken inside.

The supply of crabapple fruits is limited; even if she were willing to give them all, she couldn't save many people.

It would be better to put them in the storage basket first, and then transfer them to the Mountain and Sea Scenic Area when the opportunity arises. After the flood recedes, they can decide for themselves whether they want to come back.

After experiencing a major disaster, many people lost their houses and crops, and even if they returned, they probably wouldn't have a means to make a living.

Perhaps many people will be willing to stay in the Mountain and Sea Realm to cultivate the land, thus bringing her one step closer to her grand plan of cultivating the land in the Mountain and Sea.

The floodwaters were muddy, and amidst the chaotic cries and screams everywhere, no one noticed Wen Shu's unusual behavior.

Along with the flood, a large number of fish were also washed ashore. Wen Shu walked through the water, picking up people, belongings, and fish as she went.

Three-quarters of an hour later, the sound of the officials striking gongs finally drifted over from the east.

When the government's boats finally entered the waters and began to organize the large-scale transfer of trapped people, Wen Shu stopped picking people up.

She knew the initial chaos was over, and the government would clean up the mess.

However, collecting fish and other items can still be done secretly.
Meanwhile, inside the storage basket, the woman and child who had been brought in looked around at the copper and iron walls with blank expressions.

Weren't they just in the water?
How did I get here? And where is this place?
The group of thirty-odd people searched around but found no one there. Then some of them started to cry out in fear.

Some people are calmly analyzing: "Why did we all come here together? What happened before this?"

"I was floating in the water, and the crooked tree I was holding was about to break. I thought I was going to be swept away by the current. Then suddenly a hand touched my back, and that's how I ended up here."

"Me too, me too."

Everyone recounted their previous experiences, all of which involved someone putting a hand on their back when danger was imminent, leading them to this place.

What they had in common was that they didn't know who was carrying them on their backs, and they couldn't see their faces clearly.

"Have we encountered a ghost?"

"Nonsense. If you ask me, it should be that we met gods. This place is bright and clean, it doesn't look like the underworld at all."

The crowd discussed amongst themselves, but gradually quieted down.

Outside, when Wen Shu saw the government officials arrive, he retreated back to his father and the others.

"The government officials are here to help; they'll be here soon." She relayed the latest news to everyone, putting their minds at ease.

But they waited there for a long time, and the officials did not come. Instead, the sound of the gong grew fainter and fainter.

Something is wrong!
Wen Shu immediately activated remote scanning and looked over.

Upon closer inspection, they saw that the clerk had summoned all the officials away, and since they hadn't brought many boats to begin with, only a few people were sitting on them.

Moreover, they all share a common characteristic: they are dressed in luxurious clothes, clearly indicating that they are wealthy.

These officials are not here to save the people at all!

The lives of the rich are precious, but the lives of ordinary people aren't?

Wen Shu was furious!

She was going to ask Magistrate Chen whether he should save these people or not!
She rushed into the water again, and Old Man Wen couldn't stop her. But when she arrived at the county government office, she found that Magistrate Chen was not there, and the clerk was having tea with the rescued nobles in the backyard.

The government office was situated on high ground, and the floodwaters only reached ankle-deep, not even reaching the steps in front of the office.

Wen Shu pushed aside the soldiers who were trying to stop her and rushed in.

When the clerk saw her enter, he was very displeased. He stroked his goatee and questioned, "How dare you, you audacious woman, presume to meddle in the government office?"

Where is Magistrate Chen?

"How dare you, a commoner, inquire about the whereabouts of a lord? Considering you saved him, leave quickly to avoid physical harm." Wen Shu was furious at that arrogant attitude that showed no regard for the lives of ordinary people.

She stepped forward, snatched the teacup from the clerk's hand, and smashed it on the ground. "There's a flood in the west of the city, and you, as the clerk, aren't going to help with the disaster relief, but instead have time to sit here drinking tea!"

The teacup shattered instantly upon hitting the ground, and the flying shards of porcelain mixed with tea splashed directly onto the clothes of the group.

The advisor was stunned for a moment, then trembled with anger.

Among the people drinking tea with him, a man in a blue robe stood up and shouted sternly, "How dare you! Where did this crazy woman come from? Seize her at once!"

He roared at the yamen runners who rushed over.

Wen Shu sneered, "See? Do you think they dare?"

The fact that she was able to barge in already showed the officers what she was capable of.

At this moment, the officers all lowered their heads and whispered, "She's strong; we can't hold her."

"Hmph, what use are you to me!" The man in blue sneered and was about to grab Wen Shu himself.

How could Wen Shu let him grab her? She twisted his arm and grabbed him, demanding, "And who are you? Do you think you can order around the county officials?"

"Oh dear, this is the prefect's brother-in-law, Young Master Li! Let go of him right now!"

The advisor rushed up, wanting to rescue Li Yanei.

“Young Master Li, no wonder? And who are they?” She pointed to the remaining people.

“They are all local gentry in the city, not someone a little girl like you can afford to offend.”

The advisor knew he couldn't back down or become a laughingstock, knowing so many powerful people were on his side.

Wen Shu sneered, "How much did they give you to make you disregard the lives of ordinary people and only save them?"

"What nonsense are you talking about? There are clearly not enough boats and rafts to accommodate everyone."

"I don't want to listen to your nonsense anymore. Where is Magistrate Chen?"

Magistrate Chen has always had a good reputation among the people. In her observation, he is a reliable and good official who cares about the people.

Given such a major event today, it's impossible for her not to show up. Could it be that something happened to her?

The fact that she was a woman was discovered by this scoundrel of a clerk.

"I've been repairing the dike since yesterday, how would I know your whereabouts, sir?" the clerk said as he stepped forward to try and rescue the prefect's brother-in-law.

"Still not behaving yourself." Wen Shu released the prefect's brother-in-law and turned to get the clerk.

The advisor's hands were twisted behind his back, and he immediately cried out in pain, "Gently, gently, I really didn't know!"

"We don't have enough manpower to repair the dike, so the magistrate went to the neighboring county early this morning to recruit people," the yamen runner at the door suddenly said.

"Are you telling the truth? You're not lying to me?"

"It's absolutely true! If we've lied or concealed anything, may we die a horrible death!" The constable, fearing she might do something reckless and beat him again, quickly swore an oath.

Seeing their serious expressions, Wen Shu used remote scanning to scan the house inside and out, top and bottom, and only stopped when she found no trace of Magistrate Chen.

"In that case, you cannot stand idly by. You are obligated to serve the emperor and bear his burdens. Now, the west of the city is flooded, and you..."

She pointed to everyone present, including the prefect's brother-in-law: "Take everything and get out there to rescue people."

"Why should I listen to you?" the prefect's brother-in-law said, quite unconvinced.

He's a 30-year-old man, and he's being bossed around by a commoner girl. If word gets out, where will he put his face?

"Are you sure you don't want to go?" Wen Shu asked, her eyes narrowing slightly.

Those who know her well know that this means the other party is about to be in trouble.