Quick mission: We don't make trouble

Sunlight streamed down a country road. Zhang Bantou rode swiftly on his horse, followed closely by a worried-looking Father Zhu. They raced along the winding road, heading toward the mysterious and majestic Dayu Mountain.

On their way, they passed a desolate little village. Half of it had been submerged by the raging floodwaters, leaving only a few ruined walls and ramshackle houses standing above the water. Seeing this, Zhang Bantou quickly pulled the reins and stopped his horse. Gazing at the familiar yet unfamiliar scene before him, he couldn't help but feel a surge of emotion.

After a while, Zhang Bantou slowly raised his hand, pointed to the village ravaged by the flood, and said to Zhu's father in a slightly low voice: "This is Xiaohe Village, and it is also the place where I was born and raised. When I was a child, I had a miserable fate. My parents passed away early, leaving me alone and helpless. Fortunately, Uncle Li's family next door is kind-hearted, and the villagers in the village also extended a helping hand and took good care of me, which allowed me to grow up healthily." At this point, a tear flashed in Zhang Bantou's eyes.

Then, as if lost in reminiscence, he continued, "Uncle Li's son, Li Dazhui, and I are of similar age. We played and worked together since childhood, and our relationship was as close as brothers. However, time flew by, and I eventually reached military service age. I had to leave my hometown and embark on a journey. This journey lasted for several years. It wasn't until last year that I was allowed to return home after having made great contributions on the battlefield but unfortunately being seriously injured. I was then recognized by the county government and was appointed as a squad leader. I usually live in the county government office, and only during festivals can I find time to return to Xiaohe Village to visit Uncle Li's family and the villagers to repay them for their kindness in raising me."

Father Zhu glanced at the young man in front of him and thought of his own past. He had also grown up with his master, eating at various people's homes. His master had taught him medicine, taken him to the mountains to collect herbs, and later recommended him to the city to learn from a master. This was how he later had a happy life...

Team Leader Zhang: "After I came back, Brother Dazhu and Sister Xiaoxiang got married. They were such a loving couple! After their marriage, their family lived a peaceful and self-sufficient life, although not rich. However, things can go wrong! Uncle Li and Dazhu were hunting in the mountains when they unfortunately encountered a ferocious blind bear. Poor Uncle Li was killed instantly. And although Dazhu managed to survive, he was already dying when he was rescued by the villagers."

At this point, Zhang Bantou's eyes reddened and his voice choked slightly. "When I received this tragic news, I was extremely anxious and rushed back with the doctor. However, in the end, I was powerless to save him. In the end, I could only watch Brother Dazhu take his last breath. Before he died, Brother Dazhu held my hand tightly and, with all his strength, told me to take good care of his mother and Xiaoxiang..."

Team Leader Zhang paused, calming himself a bit before continuing, "I didn't expect that so soon after, a sudden flood would strike like a ferocious beast. When I heard the news, my heart was in my throat, and I was terribly anxious! You know, Xiaohe Village is located in the lowest part of the country. If the flood came crashing down, it would undoubtedly bear the brunt of the damage. So, without hesitation, I asked the county magistrate to go, hoping to do my utmost to protect the villagers' lives. But the magistrate told me to report downstream as soon as possible, as I'm a skilled rider. I only had time to tell my colleagues to keep an eye on the people of Xiaohe Village before I set off..."

Looking at the destroyed home before him, Zhang Bantou showed a sad expression and said slowly: "Alas... But before I could report back, Xiaohe Village became like this."

Father Zhu looked at the young man in front of him. His dark red face was full of fatigue, his eyes were bloodshot... his voice was a little hoarse... It was obvious that he hadn't rested for several days.

He consoled her, "This was a natural disaster, and you didn't want it to happen. Besides, you were doing it for the benefit of the people downstream. Fortunately, the escorts had alerted the villagers, and they all moved to higher ground. The county government and the city defense commanders also rushed to the rescue in time, minimizing the casualties."