While Xiao Changyan recovered from his injuries and Xiao Huayong “nursed his illness,” Xiao Changfeng followed the trails in search but found no trace of Xiao Juesong. He later joined Xiao Changqing in focusing on disaster relief. After about five or six days, the water channel planned by Commissioner Tao and Zhong Pingzhi was finally completed.
The two carefully inspected both ends, repeatedly confirming there were no issues. Only then did they notify Xiao Huayong and Shen Xihe that water could be released?
“We can release the water tomorrow,” Shen Xihe said with delight.
This matter had been weighing on their minds. Though the civilians had been taking turns digging the channel, they’d been constantly soaking in water. While the medicine had fought off the cold, their hands and feet were peeling from prolonged exposure to muddy water. Many who got cuts refused to rest, and despite prompt cleaning, their wounds showed signs of infection. Shen Xihe could only ensure their food, shelter, and medical care.
An early completion would be a relief for everyone.
“Yes, we can release the water tomorrow, but Commissioner Tao and I discussed that we should first make offerings to the River God before releasing the water,” Zhong Pingzhi suggested.
“As it should be. Let the County Magistrate make arrangements while Commissioner Tao and Master Zhong rest well for a day,” Xiao Huayong nodded.
“For the River God ceremony, could the Crown Prince attend? Commissioner Tao and I have heard the people wish to see His Highness.” The people were curious about Xiao Huayong, who had traveled thousands of li while ill and received divine guidance. They held deep respect and gratitude for him.
Of course, they were also moved by Prince Xiao Changqing of Xin, who had fought alongside them on the frontlines every day. This deepened their reverence for Emperor Youning, as both Xiao Huayong and Xiao Changqing were his sons. Princes who worked personally and treated people kindly were the best royal children in the people’s hearts.
They could see that the Emperor valued them through his sons’ actions. Since the disaster struck, the Emperor had never stopped providing supplies, even issuing edicts to merchants demanding grain. How could they not be moved by his humbling himself for their sake?
Shen Xihe looked at Xiao Huayong, who smiled gently and said, “Very well, I will attend.”
He couldn’t let their reverence go unacknowledged. Xiao Huayong felt worthy of their gratitude – though he hadn’t provided physical labor, without him, no supply shipments would have arrived, and the people wouldn’t have had the strength to work.
Though the channel was complete, the rain hadn’t stopped, so the River God ceremony had to be simplified and held at the city gate. The people managed to perform a lion dance within their limited conditions, and firecrackers were lit with great effort.
With the Provincial Governor Yu Gong executed and Deng Prefecture’s new governor not yet arrived, Xiao Huayong ordered the Circuit Inspector of Henan, a scholarly man of about forty, to preside over the ceremony. After the Inspector delivered an impassioned speech from the city tower, Xiao Huayong, wearing a heavy cloak and supported by Shen Xihe, appeared.
The people were moved upon seeing Xiao Huayong and began to kneel despite the wet ground.
Seeing this, Shen Xihe glanced aside, and Mo Yuan struck the bronze gong heavily. The deafening sound startled the people into standing straight, though some were so startled they fell to their knees.
“Fellow villagers,” Shen Xihe raised her voice, “His Highness comes here moved by your sincere hearts. It would be unfortunate if you caught a cold. His Highness asks that you not stand on ceremony. As royalty, being loved by the people and working for their welfare is our duty. It is our fortune to share in the city’s tribulations. We only hope that Deng Prefecture will have favorable weather hereafter, that you all will have abundant harvests, and that our dynasty will enjoy peace and prosperity.”
“Abundant harvests! Peace and prosperity!” Shen Xihe’s brief words inspired the crowd to join in, with strong young men shouting these good wishes until everyone was calling out in unison.
Shen Xihe and Xiao Huayong smiled slightly at them before leaving the tower. They went directly to the reservoir for the water release. Xiao Huayong remained in his carriage while Shen Xihe wore a lapeled robe, delivered by Zhenzhu en route. Red silk was tied here, and the Inspector gave his position to Shen Xihe to release the first gate.
The remaining gates requiring strength were assigned to military guards who pushed them open with mighty shouts. When the gates were fully opened, the nearly full reservoir’s water rushed out forcefully.
Standing at a distance, they watched the water flow along the channel toward the sea. Many were anxious, watching intently as the rushing water flowed into the ocean. People gathered at the seaside kept their eyes fixed on the water level.
Moment by moment passed, and as the fierce flood entering the sea diminished to a trickle, their fears remained unrealized. An impatient young man broke into a grin and shouted, “It worked, it worked!”
The news spread quickly throughout the county. The people, who had long suffered from flooding, first rejoiced suddenly, then broke into tears, and finally couldn’t help embracing and shouting.
Their jubilant voices overcame the sound of rain, covering the rain-soaked county seat. Even the persistent rain seemed gentler and more lovable to them now.
Watching these scenes, Ziyu couldn’t help sighing, “They are so easily made happy.”
“The people’s desires are simple – no disasters, no illness, enough food, and clothing,” Shen Xihe said softly, lowering the carriage curtain and glancing at Xiao Huayong resting inside. “Next is road repair. I have some matters to arrange.”
The road repair meant fixing the departure route. Other roads would naturally be handled by local officials. Commissioner Tao and Zhong Pingzhi couldn’t return to the capital yet. The current waterway was only a temporary solution for the immediate crisis. It needed to be refined and this water management system properly implemented before they could return.
“What other matters do Youyou have?” Xiao Huayong pondered, unable to think of anything overlooked.
“In reviewing historical records of floods, I found that rat plagues often follow. Whether or not it happens this time, it’s better to prepare early,” Shen Xihe explained.
Xiao Huayong’s eyes deepened with meaning: “Youyou, your heart is truly for the people.”
This was something he hadn’t considered, nor had others. Not because they were ignorant, but because their hearts weren’t as pure toward the people as Shen Xihe’s.
“I merely read some historical records. How does that deserve such praise?” Shen Xihe didn’t feel she had done anything particularly noble.
Preventing rat plague was quite simple for Shen Xihe.