Husband, Let Me Touch Your Abs

Chapter 16

Another one who couldn't sleep that night was Zhao Beichuan. Listening to the pattering rain, he tossed and turned on his wooden bed, unable to fall asleep.

The rain had been pouring since the afternoon and continued deep into the night. He worried about how things were at home—whether the house was leaking, if Xiaonian and Xiaodou were cold, and what about Lu Xiaolang...

"Cough, cough, cough. Is Da Chuan still awake?" Lu Guang, who was sleeping next to him, woke up from his coughing.

"Can't sleep. The rain is too heavy, and I'm worried about home."

Lu Guang got up to use the outhouse; by the time he returned, his straw shoes were soaked through.

"Wow, the water outside is half a foot deep. I wonder if we'll be able to take a break tomorrow."

Zhao Beichuan sat up abruptly and walked to the door, noticing that the water was almost seeping into the room.

They were staying in an old military camp. When Ping Prefecture's Lord Yang Xian reclaimed the lost territories, he moved the troops north, leaving this place vacant for the laborers to stay temporarily.

The ground here was slightly higher than other areas. If it was already this deep here, the water elsewhere must be even worse!

Zhao Beichuan paced anxiously like an ant on a hot pan.

Many others shared his concern and couldn't sleep either. They sat up to discuss their options.

"Maybe we should go talk to the officials tomorrow morning and ask for permission to return home?"

"Will they allow it? There are so many of us. Who will do the work if everyone goes back?"

"The mud wall at my house cracked last winter. I don't know if it can withstand this rain."

Hearing this, Zhao Beichuan felt a knot form in his throat. Their house was also in disrepair. What if it collapsed under the rain?

It took forever for dawn to arrive, and although the rain had lessened, dark clouds still loomed overhead, suggesting another heavy downpour was imminent.

Everyone quickly put on their hats and went to plead with the minor officials.

"Sir, please show mercy. My elderly mother is at home. What if the house collapses?"

"Yes, my wife is pregnant, and I'm really worried."

The official's residence was already surrounded by a crowd, some of whom had arrived even earlier than Zhao Beichuan and his group.

"I can't let you go without orders from above. Go back."

"Sir! Please!" Some people had already knelt down and started bowing.

The minor official looked helpless. "I have no say in this. Begging me won't help. My own family might be in trouble too."

He had a wife and children, and their house was equally dilapidated. Despite his small official position, which seemed impressive but barely provided enough to make ends meet, he was just as worried as everyone else.

Everyone stood trembling in the rain, watching as thunder began to rumble, signaling another torrential downpour. Many broke down in tears, feeling utterly hopeless.

Just then, the sound of galloping hooves approached from the distance. "Where is the official in charge of Qiushui Town's labor?"

"I am here," the minor official hurried out to greet them.