HBWnovel Chapter 198 Investigation
Chapter 198 Investigation
Su Er made a bitter face and scratched his head: "To be honest, we are unfamiliar with Yunyin City. If we rashly go there, I am afraid that the people will be even more uncooperative."
Yunxiu's brows were twisted into the shape of a "川" character, and she paced back and forth in the room. After a moment of contemplation, she slowly said, "During the investigation, we took the grain patrol team and the elders of the neighborhood with us to persuade them.
"They're locals, and they're familiar with the neighborhood. They can narrow the scope of the investigation and save time. Starting with that is better than blindly searching every house. I'll think about whether there's anything else I've missed."
Su Er clasped his hands together and said respectfully, "Master is wise!" After that, he turned around quickly and strode towards the camp of the grain protection team.
In the food protection team's camp, the team members were sorting supplies, each of them looking focused.
Su Er walked into the camp and saluted Captain Zhao Meng with a fist. "Captain Zhao, the governor has ordered us to use your grain protection team to participate in city affairs."
Third Sister Zhao put down the grain bag in her hand and returned the greeting, "Master Su, we are at your service, but I wonder what is so urgent?"
Su Er said solemnly, "The epidemic is spreading in the city. We need to investigate the source. The grain protection team walks the streets and alleys every day and is familiar with various places in the city. Perhaps they can provide some clues."
Upon hearing this, the other team members gathered around. An experienced veteran frowned and said, "Master Su, I once saw a household in the southwest neighborhood with outsiders frequently coming in and out, and their behavior was somewhat suspicious. That place is already remote, and the surrounding houses are all dilapidated. Now that the epidemic is rampant, there are often noisy noises coming from that household, which is quite strange."
Su Er's eyes glared, and he pressed on, "Did you see clearly what those foreigners looked like? Or did you hear what they said?"
The old team member shook his head. "They were all wrapped in thick clothes, so I couldn't see their faces clearly. I could only hear a few words from them occasionally. Their accents were mixed, and they didn't sound like locals."
Another team member chimed in, "And those alleys to the east have been emitting a strange smell lately, like a mixture of rot and medicine. The alleys are dark and damp, with sewage flowing along the side of the road. I don't know why."
Su Er listened and took notes carefully, his brows furrowed tighter and tighter. He asked again, "Is the smell present all day long, or does it only appear at certain times?"
The team member thought for a moment and replied, "It's mostly in the evening. The smell is the strongest. It's unbearable even when we're patrolling past."
Su Er listened and took notes carefully.
After collecting all the clues, Su Er once again bowed to thank the grain protection team, and hurried back to the prefectural government to report to Yun Xiu.
"Master, I've spoken with the grain protection team. They provided some clues, and we've already targeted several neighborhoods, narrowing the scope of our investigation by nearly one-third.
Even so, with the current manpower, it would take five days to complete the investigation." Su Er lowered his head slightly and reported the situation in detail to Yun Xiu, his eyes filled with fatigue and helplessness.
Yunxiu nodded slightly: "Although five days is a long time, it is always good to have a direction.
When you make arrangements, pay attention to the residents' daily routines and interactions during the inspection, and mark those with abnormal behavior.
Report the progress of the investigation to me every day. If you encounter any difficult issues, report them immediately."
Su Er replied, "Yes, sir. It's just that the manpower allocation has been tight these days. Everyone has been working day and night. I'm afraid they will be infected with the disease and lose their strength, which will affect the efficiency of the investigation."
Yunxiu frowned slightly, a hint of worry flashing in her eyes. After a pause, she replied, "Let the grain protection team go with you to investigate. They can also switch shifts. By the way, where's Zhang Xiaomiao?"
Su Er heard Yun Xiu's question and a trace of doubt appeared on his face. He slowly said, "Sir, the grain protection team and Su Da fell ill. Zhang Xiaomiao was not spared either. They are now bedridden and unable to participate in the current mission.
The doctors from the clinic have gone to treat them, but the situation is not optimistic at the moment. They all have high fevers and are extremely weak, so they can only lie down and recuperate."
It turned out that Zhang Xiaomiao was also sick, and Yunxiu's suspicions were slightly reduced.
To control the epidemic and prevent widespread human-to-human transmission, patients must be isolated. Relying on the government to arrest them will only lead to incomplete arrests and incite conflict.
Yunxiu thought for a moment and said, "You can have the grain protection team spread the word. The quarantine center is not a prison. Instead, the government will distribute medicine and food there every day. Isn't that better than hiding at home?"
As for us, we should do everything we can to help. For those poor families who cannot afford the medical expenses, the government will also provide financial assistance. We will not let anyone go without help due to poverty."
If you want the people to cooperate, you have to let them do it voluntarily, but there are many people who will not do it voluntarily.
Yunxiu thought for a moment, "We could also encourage the public to report illnesses. If someone around us is sick, and the report is verified, there's a reward for that person. This way, we can mobilize the public's power and broaden our sources of information. However, the reward mechanism needs careful consideration. What kind of reward should it be? Money? Food?"
Su Er thought for a moment and said, "Sir, money is a direct way to meet the daily needs of the people. But for some poor families, food may be a better solution to their urgent needs.
It is advisable to combine the two and give corresponding money or food rewards according to the importance of the reporting clues.
For example, if the informant only provides some suspicious signs, a small amount of money or food can be rewarded; if the informant directly points out the patient's location and provides solid evidence, a generous reward can be given.
Yunxiu nodded in agreement. "Well, that's a good idea. But we also need to set a limit to prevent people from deliberately fabricating false information in order to get a large reward."
Furthermore, to ensure fairness, the specific circumstances corresponding to different levels of rewards can be listed in the notice so that the people can understand it at a glance."
Su Er said, "Your Excellency is wise. Can you also give rewards to those who actively participate in the investigation?"
Yunxiu smiled slightly. "This is a very good suggestion. This way, the people who participate in the investigation and provide clues will be more motivated."
Quickly draft a notice and post it in conspicuous places throughout the city, clearly stating the reward details.
But we must also guard against false reports and accusations, and assign dedicated personnel to carefully verify the authenticity of information."
Su Er clasped his fists and saluted, "As you command, sir. I will do it immediately and make thorough arrangements to ensure the smooth progress of the investigation and the swift elimination of the hidden dangers in the city."
After the notice was posted, people in the city were talking about it.
At the market, several people gathered together. An old man, leaning on a cane, shook his head and said, "This disease has caused panic among the people. Although the government's measure allows us to contribute, I'm afraid that someone will report it for the reward, which will cause chaos."
A young man disagreed, patting his chest and saying, "I think this is a good thing. As long as the government conducts a fair investigation, we can contribute to everyone's safety. Maybe we can even get some reward money to supplement our family income."
A woman nearby said with some concern, "But if I report my neighbor, I'll see him all the time. What will happen to our relationship with him?"
"Can you give me some cloth or exempt me from some of my labor? My wife is busy working in the fields every day. If she could be exempted from some of her labor, it would be much easier."
Everyone was talking at once, each with their own opinions, but they were all closely following the progress of the matter.
A few days later, the investigation progressed smoothly. Su Er came to report, "Sir, thanks to the enthusiastic participation of the people, we have now checked most of the area and found several households with suspected symptoms. They have all been properly isolated and are awaiting further inspection."
Yunxiu nodded with satisfaction. "Very good. It seems this reward system is very effective. Have the neighbors around those families experienced any unusual reactions?"
Su Er replied, "Your Excellency, according to our investigation, the neighbors are mostly cooperative. One family was slightly dissatisfied with being reported, but after the explanation, they expressed understanding. However, as the investigation deepened, some temporary helpers began to withdraw for fear of contracting the disease."
Yunxiu pondered for a moment and said, "We can appropriately increase the supply of protective measures for them, and then send someone to comfort them, emphasize the comprehensive protection measures, and eliminate their concerns.
At the same time, we must not take it lightly in the areas that have been screened, and we must arrange for regular follow-up visits to prevent the recurrence of symptoms or hidden spread."
Su Er accepted the order: "As you say, sir. One more thing: some wealthy families in Yunyin City heard about this and offered to donate supplies and money to help the government."
Yun Xiu said happily, "This is a good deed. Donations can be accepted and recorded. We can reward them later and let everyone know about their achievements. We will continue to intensify the investigation and strive to eradicate the hidden dangers as soon as possible and restore peace to the city."