Several families were both surprised and anxious upon hearing what the government official said.
Gu Dalin was somewhat impatient and asked the leading government official, "Excuse me, Officer, how far is Tianfu County from the Prefecture? Do you know..."
"Don't ask too much, you being able to be settled before the New Year's eve is already good fortune." The leading government official interrupted Gu Dalin harshly: "Remember, do not wander off; wait in the straw hut. If the people from Tianfu County come and can't find you, and you don't make it to Tianfu County, you will be driven away."
After saying this, he left with three other government officials to the next hut to notify other disaster victims.