Golden Branch

Lou Yu hugged Wang Heng and quickly jumped out of the dormitory and came to the empty courtyard.

The two secret guards rushed into the east wing at the first moment and rescued Anan and the wet nurse who was on duty tonight.

The ground under my feet was shaking slightly.

The lanterns hanging under the corridor were swaying violently.

In the attic in the next yard, a few tiles fell off the roof and shattered onto the ground with a crackling sound.

"Brother~"

Wang Heng came down from Lou Yu's arms. After washing, she was only wearing pajamas, with her two white and slender feet bare.

She forgot for a moment that she was not wearing shoes and stepped directly onto the bluestone floor that was still shaking slightly.

hiss~

So cold!

It's winter now, and the floor in the yard doesn't have underfloor heating.

A chill rushed from her toes to the top of her head, and Wang Heng woke up instantly.

She quickly raised her foot and stepped on Lou Yu's feet.

Lou Yu was slightly better off. Although he was not wearing shoes, he was wearing footwear.

Moreover, he had been practicing martial arts since he was a child, had internal strength, and had the pure yang energy of a man. In the middle of winter, wearing only pajamas, there were still wisps of heat on his head.

The delicate Wang Heng stepped on Lou Yu's feet and hugged his waist tightly with both hands.

Lou Yu's large hands habitually wrapped around him: "Aheng, don't be afraid! It's probably not the capital, but one of the surrounding prefectures and counties!"

After a brief panic, Lou Yu calmed down.

He looked around and saw Anan being held tightly in the arms of the wet nurse, who was guarded by secret guards. Other slaves and servants also ran out of the house.

Although there was some chaos, and there were even screams and cries in other courtyards, the entire Duke of Qi's Mansion was still somewhat orderly.

He hugged Wang Heng tightly, trying to use his warmth to dispel her coldness.

His gaze drifted towards the direction of Miyagi.

The saint, the prince and other nobles should be safe!

The earthquake was indeed terrifying, but the capital was not the center, so at most it was affected.

This earthquake brought more psychological panic to the capital than an actual natural disaster.

"Someone, go check around the courtyards and remind everyone that they're not allowed to be in the houses, but in open spaces."

"Go get some more bedding and a charcoal basin..."

Lou Yu calmed down immediately, and Wang Heng followed closely.

She hid in Lou Yu's arms and ordered in a deep voice: "Let's go to the yard tonight and spend the night here."

"Guards, please work harder, patrol more and guard the gates!"

Wang Heng had experienced the earthquake in the southwest and knew that natural disasters were terrible, but man-made disasters were even more terrible.

The earthquake in the capital was not serious. What she had to guard against was the people's hearts that would be disturbed by the earthquake.

Wang Heng couldn't care less about what was happening outside. What she had to protect first was her home and her family.

As Lou Yu's wife and the queen of the Duke of Qi's Mansion, Wang Heng has always enjoyed prestige in the Lou family.

The servants, guards, etc. obeyed her orders without the slightest hesitation.

They didn't even need to look at Lou Yu's expression, they all bowed in agreement and quickly followed her instructions.

Moreover, Wang Heng's initiative to speak gave the frightened crowd a sense of security.

Why be afraid of earthquakes?

The husband and the lady are still here!

As long as they follow the orders of the Lady, they will be able to ensure the safety of themselves and their families.

At Wang Heng's command, everyone took action.

Soon, the charcoal brazier was lit in the yard and the bedding was laid out!

The wet nurse held Anan in her arms, covered with a blanket, and stood by the charcoal brazier.

The little girl was sleeping soundly. Neither the earthquake nor the panic of the crowd disturbed her.

Wang Heng glanced at her daughter and felt relieved when she was sure that she was well taken care of.

Bai Zhi, Bai Wei and other personal maids brought Wang Heng a large sweater and shoes.

Wang Heng let them help her dress up, then stayed beside her daughter, waiting quietly.

The earthquake didn't last long, only about half a cup of tea.

In fact, not long after everyone ran into the yard, the ground stopped shaking.

However, Lou Yu and Wang Heng still stayed in the yard.

They all have experience with earthquakes in the southwest, and Wang Mian is doing science popularization.

The earthquake will not stop suddenly, there will be aftershocks!

Sure enough, just as Wang Heng sat down on the thick felt carpet, she felt a slight shaking beneath her.

The aftershocks are coming!

However, the tremor was significantly smaller.

Wang Heng became more and more certain of Lou Yu’s speculation: the epicenter was not in the capital!

"Aheng, please stay here. I'll go check out the other courtyards!"

Lou Yu was already dressed, holding a broadsword in his hand.

Lou Yu must ensure that there are absolutely no potential threats to his Duke of Qi's Mansion.

As I said, natural disasters are terrible, but man-made disasters are even more terrible!

In addition, Lou Yu also had to gather secret guards and let them find out the situation in the capital and the palace.

He must be on guard against bad guys taking advantage of the situation to fish in troubled waters and rob people.

There must be no chaos in the Duke of Qi’s mansion and the palace!

"Yes! Brother, just go ahead! I'll take care of myself and Anan!"

Wang Heng nodded gently, and her clear autumn eyes looked into Lou Yu's.

The two people who were in tune with each other's minds had their eyes intertwined and exchanged understanding glances.

Lou Yu and Wang Heng had already reached a tacit understanding, with one of them taking charge of external affairs while the other was in charge of internal affairs.

Lou Yu will resist all threats from the outside world, while Wang Heng will guard the inner courtyard and never let Lou Yu be distracted.

After the couple finished their discussion, Lou Yu took his sword and accompanied his guards to inspect the huge Duke of Qi's Mansion.

Wang Heng, wrapped in a thick quilt, sat beside the charcoal brazier, watching over her daughter while controlling the slaves.

Outside the Duke of Qi’s Mansion, the neighbors on both sides are basically powerful and wealthy.

They also experienced the initial panic and then gradually calmed down.

Occasionally there were a few exclamations, but it soon quieted down.

There was no commotion or disturbance. Everyone was protecting their families and homes, and secretly paying attention to the movements around them and in the Tai Chi Palace.

...The following night, after experiencing two more aftershocks, everything finally settled down.

However, even without aftershocks, Wang Heng and Lou Yu did not dare to let their guard down.

They did not return to the room, but continued to stay in the yard until the sky turned pale and the earthquake last night seemed to have ended.

Wang Heng curled up in Lou Yu's arms, and Lou Yu wrapped himself and Wang Heng in a quilt.

The couple sat in the yard like this all night.

Wang Heng was still drowsy and asleep, but Lou Yu was always alert.

He has a sword at hand, and at the slightest movement, he will immediately open his eyes and draw his sword!

Fortunately, the past night was peaceful.

Wang Heng did not sleep well because her sleeping position was not comfortable.

She did not sleep until she woke up naturally as usual. Instead, she opened her eyes as soon as the daylight came up.

"Brother, is it daybreak? Are you okay?"

Wang Heng yawned and looked around. The slaves and servants were all gathered in groups of three or five around the charcoal brazier, wearing cotton clothes or quilts, some taking turns on duty, some sleeping.

The huge courtyard was full of people.

She felt the familiar embrace, smelled Lou Yu's unique cedar scent, and asked softly, still feeling a little sleepy.

Sensing the movement of the person in his arms, Lou Yu suddenly opened his eyes.

A pair of charming fox eyes, sparkling with brilliance.

But, even faster, he restrained his edge and became that gentle and elegant gentleman again.

Lou Yu was not pretending on purpose, but it had become a habit.

Even without consciousness, he can instinctively create the most perfect mask.

"Yeah! It should be fine now!"

As a martial artist, Lou Yu's six senses are extremely sharp.

He tilted his ear and listened carefully. Seeing nothing unusual, he nodded and sighed, "It's finally over!"

When Wang Heng fell asleep, she didn't feel anything.

When she woke up, she suddenly felt sore all over.

Her whole body became a little stiff, she moved with difficulty, and her delicate willow-shaped eyebrows instantly frowned.

My bones are stiff and my skin is sore and numb.

With the slightest movement, you can almost hear the crackling sound of the joints.

She couldn't help but grin and show her teeth, making a hissing sound when she inhaled.

"uncomfortable?"

Lou Yu lowered his head, instinctively stretched out his hands, and began to massage Wang Heng's hands and feet.

"I fell asleep sitting up last night and my whole body aches!"

"But it's nothing serious. Just move around a little and it will be fine!"

Wang Heng grabbed Lou Yu's hand and stopped him from massaging her.

Her sleeping position was uncomfortable, but at least she got some rest.

My brother stayed up all night, and he was not only uncomfortable but also very tired.

Although my brother always said that he was used to keeping watch and sleeping outdoors during the march, being used to it does not mean that he will not suffer.

Lou Yu dotes on her, and she also feels sorry for Lou Yu!

"Brother, I'm fine! But it's Taiji Palace, brother, you need to go take a look!"

Although she felt sorry for Lou Yu and wanted him to take a good rest, Wang Heng, who was also rational and sober, knew that based on Lou Yu's identity and status, it was not the time for him to rest.

There was an earthquake last night, but the exact disaster area has not yet been determined.

Furthermore, ministers such as Wang Heng and Lou Yu were very concerned about the health of the sage, the prince, and other nobles.

Lou Yu must enter the palace as soon as possible. In addition to caring about the noble lady, he must also actively help her solve her problems!

Especially since Lou Yu was in the Ministry of Revenue, when such a natural disaster occurred, preparations for disaster relief had to be made.

Money, food, medicine and other supplies must be raised and allocated as soon as possible.

We must also make a detailed disaster relief plan and never let the saint and the prince worry.

"Yeah! I save that!"

Lou Yu knew what he should do without Wang Heng's reminder.

He stood up, stretched his muscles, and prepared to go out. "I'll have to trouble Ah Heng with the things at home!"

Wang Heng asked the chef to heat up some Hu pancakes and give them to Lou Yu and the guards who were accompanying him.

She knew that since Lou Yu had gone out, she would have no peace for the whole day.

I'm so busy, I can't go on an empty stomach.

You don’t have to be particular about food, but you can’t go hungry.

Lou Yu took the Hubing, nodded at Wang Heng, and strode away.

He ate with big mouthfuls as he walked.

His personal guards all behaved in the same way.

By the time they arrived at the stable, led the horses and put on the saddles, the bread had already been eaten.

Lou Yu and his personal guards mounted their horses and rode out of the Duke's Mansion.

When we arrived at the gate, it was not yet time for it to open.

Lou Yu sat high on his horse, and his personal guards took out a token and ordered the gate to be opened.

creak.

The gate opened, Lou Yu squeezed his stirrups hard, and rushed out.

After leaving Pingkangfang, Lou Yu and his party soon arrived at Zhuque Street along the straight road.

They headed straight for the palace along Suzaku Street.

On the wide street, there were more people heading towards the palace than just Lou Yu's group.

"Hanzhang!"

When Lou Yu was galloping on his horse, he heard a familiar voice calling from the side.

He didn't need to look back, he knew who was coming just by the voice.

"Good health!"

It was none other than Xiao Wuzhi.

Lou Yu called his name, and in an instant, a white Dayuan horse rushed to his side from behind.

Lou Yu could catch a glimpse of the person coming out of the corner of his eye.

Like him, Xiao Wuji had a distinct blue color under his eyes.

It was obvious that Xiao Wuji also did not sleep all night.

Xiao Wuji rode a horse, riding side by side with Lou Yu.

"The earthquake last night seemed to have its epicenter in the northwest."

Xiao Wuji whispered, "Even the capital city could feel such a noticeable earthquake. Either the epicenter is very close to the capital, or the earthquake is very severe!"

According to his wife Amian, earthquakes are divided into levels.

Level three and level four are basically house shaking.

The most serious ones are level seven or eight, which are enough to shake the earth and cause the sky to collapse and split.

Like Wang Heng and Lou Yu, Wang Mian and Xiao Wuzhi also spent the night in the yard with their children and servants.

Wang Mian and Xiao Wuzhi snuggled together. She couldn't sleep, so she whispered to Xiao Wuzhi a lot of knowledge about the cold and heat of earthquakes.

Wang Mian is not only worried about the magnitude of the earthquake and the serious damage it will cause, but he is also worried about the epidemics that may be caused after the earthquake.

After a great disaster there will be a great epidemic.

Wang Mian must be thankful that it is winter now and the possibility of epidemics is relatively low.

After all, even if there are casualties, corpses, etc., they will not rot quickly, breed bacteria, and then cause epidemics.

However, cold winter weather will also increase the difficulty of disaster relief.

It’s icy and snowy, there are no modern machines, and we only have to rely on manpower...it’s difficult to rescue the trapped victims!

Wang Mian was worried, but helpless.

Not to mention in ancient times, even in modern times with advanced technology, humans are still insignificant and powerless in the face of natural disasters!

"……Um!"

Although Lou Yu did not know as much about earthquakes as Wang Mian, he had personally visited the disaster area and was aware of the disasters caused by earthquakes.

"The most important thing now is to determine the epicenter of the earthquake and mobilize supplies as quickly as possible!"

Lou Yu's brain was working fast.

Although he hadn't slept all night, he was not too tired.

When faced with major events, he becomes even more excited.

I'm not afraid of being scolded. This natural disaster is a calamity, but it's also an opportunity for Lou Yu to show his talents!

He had just joined the Ministry of Revenue and had not yet made any achievements, so there was no question of him establishing his authority.

He needs an opportunity!

……

Lou Yu and Xiao Wuzhi came to the palace gate together, and they found that the number of guards at the palace gate had doubled.

After checking their badges and verifying their identities, Lou Yu, Xiao Wuzhi and other court officials entered the palace smoothly.

On the palace road, palace servants were cleaning.

Lou Yu had sharp eyes and saw that what was piled in the corner were some broken tiles.

It seems that Miyagi was also affected last night.

Tiles from the roof fell off, but fortunately there were no casualties.

The saint and the prince are also in good condition.

Although the Supreme father and son both had rather stern expressions, they did not show any obvious signs of fatigue.

They looked normal, and even found the epicenter in the shortest possible time.

Northwest direction, the provincial capital two hundred miles away from the capital!