"Rescue people?"
"Yes, the destruction caused by the earthquake is too severe, and the governnt simply can’t spare the manpower to rescue the people outside the town, so they’re counting on our village."
"Uncle village chief, is it really that serious?"
Although the tremors felt strong during the earthquake, the fear was greater, and after it ended, even though their hos suffered various damages and losses, the houses still stood, giving them the illusion that the earthquake wasn’t as severe as imagined. They thought the outside was just as startled as their village, with losses within a bearable range.
"Yes, because it happened at night, many people didn’t have ti to react and were buried under their houses. The governnt can’t spare the manpower, and the longer it takes, the less chance those buried have of surviving. Inspector Hu ca because of this reason. After all, saving one life is worth more than building a seven-story pagoda. The old man thinks we can’t just stand by, so what do you all think? It’s not mandatory, based on personal willingness. Those willing can report to my ho later. Of course, I won’t let everyone work for nothing; everyone who goes will get a Silver Coin per day."
The villagers weren’t short of food, and their family wasn’t short of Silver, just right to use as compensation for everyone. When the natural disaster passes, the Silver will co in handy.
A Silver Coin isn’t considered little, instantly tempting many. Every household has a few strong workers, and sending one or two isn’t a problem.
Soon, many young people expressed willingness, "Village chief, we’re willing to go," yet everyone cares about face. They quickly added, "No need for paynt, we’ll go."
"Yes, these lads are right; rescuing is a benefit to descendants; how could we let the village chief pay? I’ll also go." Hua Sanshan looked appreciatively at the young villagers, realizing they were tempted but not entirely blinded by money and imdiately said.
"Yes, yes, yes," everyone nodded.
"It’s settled then; the compensation is what you deserve. Rest assured, it’s from the governnt," the old Hua man lied benevolently and was very gratified.
Initially a bit distressed over the Silver, it wasn’t an issue now, also serving as encouragent, after all, bringing everyone together for a little cost was a profitable calculation.
"Village chief, is it true?" Soone expressed doubt, as the governnt’s usual approach is mostly exploiting citizens; would they really be this generous?
To be fair, their magistrate at Shanggu Town indeed wasn’t bad.
"Of course, your village chief swears on his word, never lies," the old Hua man’s words were firm and convincing, showing no lie traces.
"Then we’re relieved, village chief, I’m signing up," the crowd erupted again knowing it wasn’t on the village chief’s family made them not feel embarrassed now.
"I’m signing up too..."
"Village chief, can we exchange the Silver Coin for food?" A voice erged from the crowd, and upon closer inspection, it was a person from Wangjia Village, which was expected.
The old Hua man nodded, "Of course you can, Silver or food, you can choose either."
"Village chief, we’re going too," hearing it could be exchanged for food, Wangjia Village people beca more eager; after all, a Silver Coin could still be exchanged for so food, they must go.
Even without these rewards, they planned to go, having just integrated into Hua Village not long ago; this was the perfect chance to show themselves—a great opportunity to integrate fully.
"Alright, alright, you’re all great; later those who are going, record it at ho, bring water and rations, and gather at the village entrance."
"Okay, okay," everyone nodded.
Feeling gratified, old Hua didn’t say much more. The crowd quickly dispersed, everyone went back to prepare.
When the few arrived ho, old Hua’s wife and Mrs. Qi were in the kitchen. They heard Inspector Hu’s previous words and quickly prepared easy-to-bring foods.
Seeing the old man return, old Hua’s wife couldn’t stay in the kitchen and ca out urgently, asking with concern, "How did the villagers react?"
After all, it wasn’t their own family’s matter. From a common viewpoint, no one would want their family to go; what if there’s danger?
"We’re leaving soon. Oh, this ti I’m also going with them. You better prepare more food."
"You’re also going?" old Hua’s wife’s voice unintentionally raised.
"Old man, can your body manage? The bump on your head hasn’t subsided yet."
The old Hua man gently touched his forehead, smiling, "It’s nothing, just a minor scratch, and I’m still energetic. If I don’t personally lead, I won’t feel at ease."
"Isn’t Cheng Tian going?"
The son, after all, was younger and in better shape. Old man going doesn’t reassure old Hua’s wife.
"Alright, you have the son, don’t worry. We’ll return quickly after the rescue."
"Grandpa, I’m going too," Hua Jin, who had been quietly listening, interjected.
"Jin’er shouldn’t go; we’re going for a tough rescue." While he could go, old Hua man couldn’t bear to let his dear granddaughter go.
"Grandpa, precisely for this I should go. Haven’t you forgotten my strength is great, and I’m very perceptive? I can notice things you can’t. Grandpa, if you don’t let co, I’ll go alone." Hua Jin employed her final trick.
Old Hua man: "..."
His gaze turned to his wife, signaling her to persuade quickly.
Putting aside the old man’s matters, old Hua’s wife embraced her dear granddaughter, "Sweetie, grandma knows you want to save people, but everyone accompanying is male, it’s inconvenient for a young lady like you, and with the rain continuing, when busy, you might catch a cold. Grandma’s precious mustn’t go."
"Grandma, I do want to go. If I go along, I can take care of grandpa. And, grandma, you forgot..." Hua Jin winked at old Hua’s wife, "Grandpa can also eat better, right?"
"Isn’t your father going too?"
"Father hasn’t got much left to eat; mine isn’t touched yet, and with , it’s safer, isn’t it, grandma..." Hua Jin said coquettishly, shaking old Hua’s wife’s hand, clearly showing she wouldn’t stop until the request was granted.
One couldn’t resist the dear granddaughter’s act, plus the child’s reasoning was indeed sound; old Hua’s wife could no longer hold firm.
"You, alright, can go, but take care of yourself, and don’t let grandpa handle strenuous work."
"As you command," Hua Jin playfully saluted.
One side, old Hua man hoped his wife would persuade dear granddaughter, but in the end... He couldn’t help but shake his head.
Alas! I knew it.
Old Hua’s wife patted her granddaughter’s arm, "Go help your mother cook; grandma will help grandpa pack."
"Okay, okay," Hua Jin quickly ran into the kitchen.
As old Hua’s wife packed, young n from the village arrived, including Hua Yunao and his brothers and Luo Song, Qin Shu, who ca after receiving the ssage; all four got busy.
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