Chapter 358: All for You

Ma Zi ran breathlessly under the PU sheet of the steel shed, drenched in sweat from running under the blazing sun.

Ma Zi kneeled on one knee, his chest soaked in sweat.

Zhao Zun’s brow subtly twitched: “Why the panic?”

Ma Zi panted, “Reporting to the Prince, there have been continuous heavy rains in Jingzhou, causing a sudden flood!”

“Flood?”

Zhao Zun suddenly stood up, knocking over the teacup temporarily placed on the stool, and the emerald tea spilled onto the ground.

He turned to exchange a glance with Xiao Zhengfei, both shocked and worried. “What is the current situation? Have the people been evacuated in time?”

Xiao Zhengfei frowned and stepped forward, “Prince, Jingzhou’s terrain is low-lying, and if the dam breaks…”

Zhao Zun raised his hand to stop him, turned to Ma Zi, his voice low and urgent, “Is there any detailed information on casualties? How many people have been displaced?”

Ma Zi shook his head, “The exact numbers are unclear, but the communication station reported a large number of disaster victims along the way.”

Zhao Zun paced with his hands behind his back, his knuckles turning white, as if he could see the ravaging flood.

Thatched cottages swept away, farmlands submerged, people trudging through the mire, carrying the young and old…

As a Vassal King, he knew well what natural disasters meant for the common folk.

“Zhengfei, issue my orders immediately.”

Zhao Zun stopped in place, his voice steady and firm, “Temporarily gather surplus grain from Canzhou, and set up porridge stations between Qingshui County and Jingzhou. Also, send someone on fast horses to Jingzhou to ascertain the real disaster situation.”

“I will handle it right away.” Xiao Zhengfei cupped his hands in deference and turned to leave.

“Wait.” Zhao Zun stopped him, “Have Hua Tianyou prepare to receive the disaster victims. If newly built houses are insufficient, clear out military camps and official residences for accommodation. Additionally, instruct the medical officer to prepare medicine for disease prevention.”

Ma Zi hurriedly added, still catching his breath, “Prince, I haven’t finished yet… The Princess Consort…”

Zhao Zun’s body froze, he turned around suddenly, “What happened to that girl?”

“The Princess Consort is traveling with a large group of beggars and disaster victims, past Mianning County,” Ma Zi said.

Upon hearing this, Zhao Zun’s eyes flashed with brightness, his mouth involuntarily lifting.

Mianning County is only three days’ journey from here; the one he had been longing for day and night was soon to return. But he quickly realized something wasn’t right, “Why is she traveling with disaster victims?”

Ma Zi swallowed, “According to reports, when the Princess Consort passed through Jingzhou, she coincidentally encountered the flood and organized a rescue effort, bringing them to Canzhou along the way.”

Xiao Zhengfei couldn’t help but interject, “The Princess Consort cares deeply for the people; she’s truly…”

“But they have encountered an outbreak of disease on the road!” Ma Zi interrupted, his voice low, “Many can’t continue walking, and the group is moving slowly.”

“What? An outbreak?” Zhao Zun’s face changed dramatically, his hands clenched into fists, “How is she now? Is she infected?” His usually calm and composed demeanor was now full of panic.

Ma Zi’s mouth twitched as he finally conveyed the rest of the message.

“Don’t worry, Prince. The Princess Consort is busy treating the disaster victims on the main road, with only Da San and Da Si by her side. They’re overwhelmed, so Da Si was sent on horseback to Qingshui County for help. County Magistrate Luo Hai has dispatched personnel and carts to assist.”

Zhao Zun breathed a sigh of relief and resumed his heavy-paced pacing in the courtyard.

A disease outbreak is no small matter, and he knew the horror it could cause. Fever, coughing blood, an epidemic could take tens of thousands of lives.

Even though Zhao Zun knew Han Lei’s medical skills were exceptional, she alone facing such a surge of patients was still worrisome…

Han Lei was so close to returning to Canzhou, yet such trouble had arisen. Truly, his feelings were mixed with joy and concern.

“No need to worry too much, Prince.” Xiao Zhengfei recognized his master’s anxiety and reassured him, “The Princess Consort’s medical skills are superb; she will surely manage.”

Zhao Zun closed his eyes, forcing himself to calm down. When he opened them again, his composure and decisiveness had returned.

“Ma Zi, head immediately to Fufeng County and inform Hua Tianyou to prepare for the resettlement of refugees, particularly setting aside places for those infected, and ensure ample medicinal supplies.”

“Understood!”

“Additionally, order Big Fatty and Zhang Shiyang to expedite the production of coal briquettes. With a large number of disaster victims arriving, heating and cooking materials are essential.”

Ma Zi bowed again, “Yes! I will supervise it at once.”

Zhao Zun adjusted his robes, his eyes reflecting a resolute determination: “I will personally go to Qingshui County to meet that girl. Prepare the horses! We depart in half an hour.”

“Yes!”

Xiao Zhengfei and Ma Zi turned to their tasks, and Zhao Zun briskly returned to Yong’an City Military Camp to prepare.

Half an hour later, after Xiao Zhengfei arranged Zhao Zun’s orders, he brought over the horse, Jin Er Cong.

“Prince, the horse is ready.”

Zhao Zun nodded, striding out of the command tent. Just as he was about to mount the horse, he paused and a knowing smile appeared on his lips.