Chapter 197: At All Costs_1

Translator: 549690339

“Secretary Zhang, I propose that we immediately report to the municipal party committee and the municipal government. At the same time, we should also mobilize here promptly. Leaders of the county committee lead teams to instruct towns under the county to assess the disaster situation, calm down the public, and restore daily life and production.” Nie Zhenbang promptly put forward his own suggestions. Nie had experienced an earthquake personally. But that time, he was but a child, only witnessing numerous members of the People’s Liberation Army tirelessly rescuing people from the ruins — a touching scene indeed. However, it was his first time facing such a scene as a leader. With no experience to rely upon, Nie Zhenbang could only draw upon his vague memories to formulate a general plan.

Xibei has always been a disaster-prone area. Every year, there are at least hundreds of earthquakes, although most of them are not severe. An earthquake of magnitude six is considered quite big. However, the cadres in Xibei have considerable experience in handling earthquakes and reconstruction work post-disaster.

Zhang Chubin also nodded at this moment. Nie Zhenbang was indeed capable. Despite being a young county head facing such a situation for the first time, he showed no panic. Instead, he was able to think clearly and suggest constructive ideas in an orderly manner, which earned him Zhang Chubin’s deep admiration.

Subsequently, Zhang Chubin nodded and said, “Director Nie’s suggestion is very insightful. It’s excellent. Everyone, take action quickly. The person in charge of the Seismological Bureau, report to the superior department immediately. Request support from the seismic information center of the autonomous region’s Seismological Bureau, and quickly gather accurate earthquake data. How big is the magnitude? How strong is the intensity? What is the depth of the focus? And what are the follow-up situations? All these must be understood clearly, and promptly reported to the county committee so that the county government can plan for the next steps.”

The Seismic Information Center is the predecessor of the national seismic network. At this time, the national seismic network has not been established, and the department responsible for national earthquake monitoring, forecasting, and research is the Seismic Information Center.

Zhang Chubin then sweeps his gaze around, his tone stern, “In the face of a major disaster, everyone must work together. I won’t say much more. The municipal party committee, the municipal government, even the district party committee, and the autonomous regional government are all paying attention to Lixian. If someone makes a mistake, don’t blame me, Zhang Chubin, for being merciless. Secretary Zhao, you need to govern the Public Security Bureau personally. All comrades on the public security and firefighting frontlines should cancel their holidays. At this time, we need to maintain stability. It is crucial to ensure the stability of the county’s public security and people’s hearts.”

Having said that, Zhang Chubin continued, “Minister Wang, the county’s armed forces department should take action immediately and initiate the county’s emergency plan. The militia must step forward. You, representing the county party committee and the county government, should make contact with the local troops stationed here, requesting the military’s participation in the rescue. We must guarantee the safety of people’s lives and property, and the stability of their daily lives.”

As the series of commands were given, Zhang Chubin’s authoritative manner as the county party secretary was on full display. He then turned his gaze to Xie Yi on the side and said, “Secretary Xie, you are a full-time deputy secretary in charge of Party mass ideology and organizational work. You are in charge of organizing the other cadres. You must exemplify the role of party members. True heroes show their colors during critical times. Everyone, get busy.”

Upon seeing the others springing into action, Zhang Chubin strode over to Nie Zhenbang and murmured, “Director Nie, you haven’t experienced this before, I think you should handle the development zone and the county city. The conditions and building structures are slightly better in this area, so it’s easier to manage. I’ll go to Gemu Township. I’m primarily worried about that place.”

Nie Zhenbang knew about Gemu Township. Upon hearing Zhang’s words, his eyebrows furrowed. The township was located on the periphery of Lixian, a full 78 kilometers away from Li County City. Backing onto the mountains, the total population of the township did not exceed three thousand, and they were scattered widely. Most of the houses were made of dirt. Moreover, the most dangerous thing about earthquakes was the possibility of causing landslides, which was the most perilous aspect.

At this moment, Nie Zhenbang started to change his opinion of Zhang Chubin. Zhang was usually cunning and liked to take the credit for things. Since the time Nie cut off the finances, Zhang had been well-behaved. Nie hadn’t expected Zhang to reveal such nobility in this situation.

Nie Zhenbang stopped Zhang Chubin, who was about to move out, and said in a low voice, “Secretary Zhang, let me go. I have a friend with an off-road vehicle, a product of the United States. The situation in Gemu Township is unclear, and the roads are complicated. It’s better for me to go. In terms of commanding the earthquake resistance and disaster relief efforts, you have more experience than I do. You should remain here and command the overall situation.”

When he saw that Zhang Chubin was about to argue over this, Nie Zhenbang interrupted him. “Secretary Zhang, please don’t say anything more. I’m younger than you. I’ll head to Gemu Township. The overall situation in the county can’t be without you. A major incident happened this time. The regional and municipal leaders will certainly come down. It’s also better for you to be in the county. I will take people over there.”

After saying that, Nie Zhenbang turned to Chen Le without waiting for Zhang Chubin to respond, “Director Chen, you should return to the Public Security Bureau immediately and organize the elite forces. Doesn’t your bureau have a Mitsubishi off-road vehicle provided by the district public security department? It should be used. We have two off-road vehicles here, and can organize about fifteen people in total. Quickly get yourself prepared.”

After he finished speaking, Nie Zhenbang quickly got into the car, started the engine, and left the courtyard of the county party committee. Watching Nie Zhenbang’s departing figure, Zhang Chubin felt somewhat emotional. He didn’t quite know how to assess Nie Zhenbang. He was young, with a deep background, as well as dominant and overbearing. But what he exhibited was a kind of selfless demeanor. As the saying goes, “one becomes an official for the fortune.” This might be an exaggeration, degrading officials. However, there were not many like Nie Zhenbang who are devoid of self-interest.

Xue Daming walked up to him, and Zhang Chubin glanced at him, sighing, “I can’t match the magnanimity of Director Nie.”

As soon as Nie Zhenbang spoke, Zhao Xinglong immediately handed over the vehicle without saying anything. The earthquake had a significant impact on Longhua Mining, and Zhao Xinglong was worried if there were any problems at the mine. But as soon as Nie Zhenbang spoke, Zhao Xinglong handed over the vehicle without any complaints.

Nie Zhenbang nodded his head. They both hailed from the same esteemed background – at this moment, fumbling words of gratitude were meaningless. He tossed his car keys to Zhao Xinglong momentarily, then turned to Liu Kun and said, “Kun, help me drive Wan’s car to the County Public Security Bureau.”

The two cars came to a halt within the courtyard of the Li County Public Security Bureau. The sight of these two imported luxury off-road vehicles bearing the license plates of the Xibei Military Region left Chen Le and the dozen or so police officers who were waiting beside speechless. The officers were acutely aware of what these license plates represented. The plates bore the mark of the Xibei Military Command, and even if these were beyond number 200, they were still not ordinary plates.

Upon stepping out of the car, Chen Le immediately shouted, “Everyone assemble! Attention, at ease. Count off!”

After a standard round of procedure, Chen Le saluted Nie Zhenbang and reported, “Director, the Gemu Township task force is ready for deployment. Fifteen officers are required and all fifteen are present. Awaiting orders.”

Nie Zhenbang steeped forth, his solemn gaze scanning the squadron of officers. He spoke in a deep voice, “Comrades, just now, our county experienced a magnitude 6.3 earthquake. This disaster is our command. The entire county has been mobilised. Gemu Township is one of our county’s most remote and impoverished townships. The landscape is intricate. Instances of geological disasters are frequent. This time, our task going there is imperative. Communications to Gemu Township have been severed. As such, the specifics of the situation remain unclear. We must all be mentally prepared. We must have the spirit to give everything. As police officers, as the protectors of our people, we must salvage the lives and property of our citizens at all costs. Now, I command you. March!”

The fleet was led by the Public Security Bureau’s Mitsubishi off-road vehicle. Its sirens blared, emergency lights flashing. Following behind, Zhao Xinglong’s hummer was also equipped with a siren system. The three cars sped off, sirens wailing.

Seventy-eight kilometres – this was an unusual feature of Xibei. In the inland, this distance was akin to that between two prefecture-level cities. However, in Li County, this was just the distance between a town and the county city.

The earthquake struck at 11:17 in the morning. Nie Zhenbang and his men left around 11:50. By 1:00 pm, they were merely seven kilometres away from Gemu Township.

In the hummer, Chen Le sat next to Nie Zhenbang. Pointing at the towering mountain range in the distance, Chen Le’s expression grew sombre, “Director, in less than eight kilometres, we will reach Gemu Township. Beyond that is the mountain road.”

The mountain road to Gemu Township had been paved by military engineers who had blasted through the mountain. The rugged terrain sat at the edge of a precipice. During normal times, landslides, mountain collapses, and rock falls were already common occurrences, let alone after a severe earthquake.

“Director, perhaps we should let the leading car to scout ahead first? Once we know the road conditions, then we can follow suit.” Chen Le hastily proposed his idea.

To Chen Le, Nie Zhenbang’s safety was of utmost importance. There was an ancient saying, ‘the wise avoid danger’ — if something were to truly occur, the losses would far outweigh the gains.

Nie Zhenbang contemplated for a moment then said in a deep voice, “Let’s all go together. Regardless of the situation, we need to get there as soon as possible. There’s no time for hesitation.”

The three vehicles advanced in a single file. After covering an additional two kilometres, they found that the road ahead had been completely obstructed. Nie Zhenbang stepped out of the car, his gaze rested upon the road before him, his brows furrowed. Much of the mountain had collapsed, completely obstructing the highway. Huge boulders mixed with mud strewn across the road, were scattered everywhere.

With the main roads this way, it was easy to imagine the situation in Gemu Township. At this point, the ground began to ripple once more. Although the tremors weren’t strong, they were enough to instigate another landslide, disgorging additional rocks and soil that were precariously hanging onto the mountainside.

Chen Le shouted loudly at this moment, “Director, be careful!”

Nie Zhenbang swung away Chen Le’s hand that was gripping his arm. Looking ahead at the cascading avalanche, his composed demeanour left the officers by his side in awe. Director Nie’s courage was truly impressive, standing unfazed before danger, truly he was willing to pay any price. (.)