HomeAfter I Bloom Hundred Flowers DieChapter 638: Still Deeply Caring and Righteous

Chapter 638: Still Deeply Caring and Righteous

One was iron-blooded, the other venomous.

Even Shen Xihe, hearing Xiao Huayong’s words, felt curious about how a confrontation between these two would end.

At this thought, she suppressed her musings, refusing to let this subtly mischievous man lead her astray. “You framed Prince Xin for those heads.”

Since Xiao Huayong had such thoughts, he surely wouldn’t remain idle.

“Fifth Brother isn’t so easily framed, nor is Eighth Brother so easily fooled,” Xiao Huayong held Shen Xihe as they rode leisurely through the drizzle. “Simple tricks wouldn’t be enough to deceive them both.”

Both Xiao Changqin and Xiao Changyan were meticulous planners with calculating minds, not easily swayed by mere words.

Nodding imperceptibly, Shen Xihe asked, “Where are we going?”

“The weather isn’t cooperating, so we can’t enjoy scenic travels with Youyou.” Xiao Huayong sighed deeply, his tone full of regret. “Since Youyou cares for the common people, we’ll travel and observe, helping them however we can.”

They were naturally heading to Wendeng County. With Xiao Changyan hindering the main group, their journey would be delayed, giving them time to observe the people’s conditions before meeting Xiao Changqin and the others outside Wendeng County.

After about half an hour, they passed a Taoist temple. Though dilapidated from the outside, inside they found the only standing room had been swept. Xiao Huayong retrieved a package from behind a tilted statue, producing several ordinary lapel robes, including one for Shen Xihe.

They changed clothes in the temple. Xiao Huayong had also brought grooming items to alter their appearances. Once transformed, they donned straw rain capes and bamboo hats before riding into the first town.

Though sizeable, the town’s streets were deserted. The rain wasn’t heavy, but water rushed from high ground like rapid rivers.

Many old courtyards showed signs of collapse. Inns and restaurants were tightly shuttered. After circling half the town, they found one restaurant half-open with a dozing waiter.

Though warmly welcomed, the prices were exorbitant. In the prosperous capital, a steamed bun cost one wen, but here a plain steamed bun was two wen. Other dishes were five or six times the capital’s prices, though lodging wasn’t much more expensive.

“Please don’t be angry, customers. Grain is precious now. We’re the only restaurant open in town. Everyone else keeps their doors locked, hoarding whatever food they have. Who knows how long this rain will last?” The proprietor explained apologetically with a worried expression. “I didn’t want to open either, but with official orders… ah!”

His unfinished words dissolved into a heavy sigh.

“The officials forced you to operate?” Shen Xihe asked.

“Madam doesn’t know – officials travel daily between villages checking flood conditions and rescuing people. We can’t let these officials go hungry. Delaying message delivery and rescue work would be a grave sin. Prince Jing ordered each town’s restaurants to draw lots – one must stay open. I had bad luck…” The proprietor smiled bitterly. “Prince Jing allowed us to charge high prices.”

Shen Xihe and Xiao Huayong exchanged glances. This seemed reasonable. No one knew how long the rain would last or if floods would come. With food supplies unable to be transported long-distance, a restaurant couldn’t store much. Everyone had families to feed and wanted to save food for themselves.

Admittedly, Prince Jing’s measure ensured the rescue officials were provided for, easing their concerns while also somewhat reducing the chosen restaurant owners’ dissatisfaction.

“Before entering the town, we heard flooding was worsening here, with floods inevitable. Yet traveling here, despite constant rain, we haven’t heard such rumors,” Xiao Huayong said softly. “We’re heading to Wendeng County to find my lost younger brother. How are conditions there?”

“You absolutely cannot go to Wendeng County.” The proprietor’s expression changed drastically. “We only have light rain here. Wendeng County has had torrential downpours. Over ten villages were swallowed by collapsed mountains, and Wendeng County is coastal…”

The proprietor glanced outside warily, then covered his mouth and whispered, “Days ago, officials passing through mentioned no water patroller dares check water levels in Wendeng County. If the rain doesn’t stop, in three days at most, floodwaters will surge over the sea level.”

“Hasn’t the court sent people to prevent flooding?” Shen Xihe worried, knowing Official Tao must be in Wendeng County’s worst-flooded area.

“When heaven denies life, how can humans defy it?” The proprietor spoke dejectedly. “That’s the vast ocean – can we simply command it to stop? If not for months of drought earlier reducing seawater, flooding would’ve started long ago.”

Once the Bohai Sea flooded and Wendeng County was devastated, how could neighboring areas escape?

“With Prince Jing overseeing Wendeng County, he surely won’t let you become homeless refugees,” Shen Xihe consoled softly.

The cook and waiter brought their food, with the proprietor serving personally: “We heard the Crown Prince has come too, and His Majesty sent Prince Xin. Three princes at once – His Majesty is the true dragon ruling all seas, and the Crown Prince is the dragon’s son. Surely they’ll bring good fortune.”

The proprietor’s expression brightened somewhat.

Shen Xihe wondered about their confidence in Xiao Huayong, or if it was just spiritual comfort they sought.

She couldn’t help teasing: “The Crown Prince truly values his duty.”

Xiao Huayong smiled slightly, placing a piece of roasted meat in Shen Xihe’s bowl: “The Crown Prince not only values his duty but is also deeply caring and righteous.”

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