Shen Xihe’s decisive words were well-reasoned, and circumstances overpowered personal wishes. Xiao Changyan knew he not only lacked grounds for objection, but if he persisted in opposing, he would likely end up under house arrest by Shen Xihe.
Within half a day, word spread that Crown Prince Xiao Huayong had been possessed by deities. Heaven, unwilling to see the people suffer, had specifically borrowed the Crown Prince’s body to reveal the method of controlling the floods. This perfectly echoed the earlier heaven-sent stone, and the people believed it completely.
Thus when Tao Zhuanxian and Zhong Pingzhi proposed channeling water to the sea, no one showed worry or fear. Under the series of rumors spread by Shen Xihe, they believed unwaveringly and waited eagerly.
Xiao Changqing allocated manpower, Tao Zhuanxian and Zhong Pingzhi planned the construction method, and even the stationed military guards were directed by Shen Xihe, not only supervising the people’s work but also procuring needed materials from within the county.
The men were organized in shifts to dig channels, while women brewed medicine and cooked meals, ensuring the laborers working in the rain wouldn’t fall ill from the cold.
Shen Xihe and Xiao Huayong oversaw the court-dispatched provisions. With construction beginning, required materials increased significantly – the first batch of grain would be depleted within three days at most.
Xiao Huayong awoke the day after work began, and what wasn’t clear to Xiao Changyan? The so-called divine possession was merely a performance by the couple, aimed at smoothly implementing the water-channeling solution.
Throughout the county, everyone who could dig channels participated, including Tao Zhuanxian who was over fifty. Xiao Changqing led by example, wearing a straw rain cape, working alongside the common people like a farmer, and digging with great enthusiasm.
Those who couldn’t join still contributed however they could. Everyone united in purpose, forcing Xiao Changyan to work alongside Xiao Changqing. Watching everyone labor without complaint, Xiao Changyan felt extremely conflicted.
If this method succeeded, Xiao Changyan would deeply admire Shen Xihe. With such courage and wisdom, no wonder she dared aspire to such a position.
“Sister-in-law, aren’t you afraid of the sea water’s backlash?” One day, back at the county office, Xiao Changyan finally saw Shen Xihe checking on progress and grain consumption, and couldn’t help voicing his doubt.
Since joining Xiao Changqing in personally leading the channel digging, Xiao Changyan had been busier than summer military training and hadn’t seen Shen Xihe.
Shen Xihe, who had intended to just nod in greeting and pass by, stopped: “Prince Jing, do you have another solution for our current situation?”
Xiao Changyan was slightly stunned. The current situation meant the increasingly severe water accumulation and endless rain. He honestly shook his head: “No.”
“Controlling the water is urgent. Whether Elder Zhong and Magistrate Tao’s method succeeds or fails, it’s our only option. This is our only chance. Without solving the flooding, this city will become a water city, and its people will have no way to survive. Since that’s the case, why not take this gamble?” Shen Xihe countered.
Speechless, Xiao Changyan thought for a moment before saying: “Things haven’t reached that point. The people can relocate.”
Xiao Changyan had considered the worst case – if Tao Zhuanxian and Zhong Pingzhi had no reliable solution and the rain continued mercilessly, he planned to petition His Majesty to relocate the city’s residents.
If they could clear a path for Xiao Huayong’s group to enter the city, they could create one for evacuating the people.
“Natural disasters show no mercy and can spread hundreds of miles. Wending County’s people can relocate, but if Wending County is swallowed, how does Your Highness know the flood won’t affect the next county? If so, does Your Highness plan to abandon another county?” Shen Xihe slightly raised her chin, expression solemn, eyes light, looking at Xiao Changyan. “I hear Your Highness is brilliant in warfare. On the battlefield, would Your Highness also abandon cities and flee?”
“That’s not comparable,” Xiao Changyan objected.
On the battlefield, he faced vicious enemies invading their territory. His responsibility was to protect his country and people – even fighting to the last soldier, he would never retreat.
Now they faced a natural disaster, and the people’s safety was his priority.
“In my view, there’s no difference,” Shen Xihe said quietly. “Your Highness simply can’t bear the responsibility of failure. Against enemy armies, Your Highness won’t surrender, won’t bow, won’t admit defeat, also because Your Highness can’t bear the consequences of fleeing in defeat.”
Xiao Changyan couldn’t help clenching his fist. He realized Shen Xihe never spoke with harsh or crude words. Her voice was as clear as mountain spring water flowing over shallow streams, quite pleasant to hear, yet her words were most uncomfortable.
Xiao Changyan didn’t want to acknowledge Shen Xihe’s words, yet couldn’t refute them. About the latter point, he could righteously tell Shen Xihe that as a military leader, his very soul wouldn’t allow him to be a deserter. But about the former, he had to admit Shen Xihe wasn’t wrong.
Yes, he couldn’t bear the responsibility if this method failed and caused the drowning deaths of an entire city’s population because of him. He couldn’t imagine being cursed for eternity even after death, leaving a cautionary tale of stupidity and recklessness in the history books.
“Someone has to step forward, don’t they?” Since you don’t dare, then I will. “If we succeed, everyone’s happy. If we fail, it’s just the inevitable outcome. Why hesitate over reputation as fleeting as floating clouds?”
With those words, Shen Xihe departed under the umbrella held by Biyu.
Xiao Changyan watched her leave – in the misty rain, her hair swaying slightly, water vapor swirling, her grace departing.
Her words still echoed in his mind: someone has to step forward.
Everyone understood this, but very few could step forward without hesitation.
Xiao Changyan’s expression grew complex. He had witnessed Shen Xihe’s skill in turning a potentially rage-inducing matter into something universally accepted with a flip of her hand. With her intelligence, he believed she could have forced someone else to step forward – she didn’t need to bear the burden herself.
Yet she didn’t. Though Shen Xihe didn’t strike him as particularly upright, she showed no hesitation in facing a greater cause. He had never met such a woman.
Suddenly, he somewhat understood why his brother the Crown Prince was so captivated by her.
“You’re back?” Xiao Huayong stood at the doorway where he could barely avoid the rain, eagerly awaiting Shen Xihe.
It reminded Shen Xihe of before their marriage when he would wait for her like this whenever she visited the Eastern Palace.
Looking down, she saw his hem was wet – small water droplets from the rain had splashed onto it. Who knew how long he had stood there for it to become so soaked?
“Ginger milk tea, try it,” Xiao Huayong handed Shen Xihe a cup of warm tea he had been holding.