Qin Yining sighed helplessly and looked toward Shi Fang: “Brother Shi, the road is muddy and slippery, and the carriage is stuck and can’t get out. We’d better get down.”

Shi Fang had no objection and nodded: “That’s fine. It’s not far from the estate now—even walking would work.”

Xiao Xue and Dahan, sitting by the carriage door, got out first to hold up umbrellas. Qin Yining jumped down from the carriage, her feet immediately sinking into the mud. She took the umbrella and struggled to walk to the roadside to stand steady.

Shi Fang didn’t care whether there was mud on the ground. He jumped down and reached out to take the umbrella from Xiao Xue’s hand, but just as he extended his hand, it was grabbed firmly by the wrist.

“Hey, what are you doing?”

Xiao Xue sneered coldly and twisted hard. There was a light cracking sound as Shi Fang’s arm was forcibly broken, causing him such pain that he was about to cry out loud, but Dahan quickly covered his mouth with his hand.

Xiao Xue and Dahan carried Shi Fang toward the forest like lifting a piglet.

Shi Fang had already realized something was wrong and struggled frantically, but in the hands of Xiao Xue and Dahan, his strength was utterly insignificant.

Watching their retreating figures, Qin Yining turned her back and closed her eyes.

Seeing Qin Yining like this, Jingzhe knew she still felt reluctant about matters involving killing, so he couldn’t help but advise: “Princess, don’t blame yourself too much. Keeping such a person around would only bring disaster—he might threaten your safety and the Prince’s. He can no longer be spared.”

Qin Yining nodded: “I understand. It’s just that ultimately I still feel somewhat… perhaps this is a woman’s soft-heartedness.”

“The Princess has a tender heart.”

Unlike them, who had long grown accustomed to fighting desperately through mountains of blades and seas of fire, and no longer cared about matters of life and death.

At this time, the carriage had already backed onto the main road, so Jingzhe went to invite Qin Yining to board.

Qin Yining nodded and returned to the carriage, taking off her boots that had been soaked through by mud and water, and changing into spare embroidered shoes kept in the carriage.

In just a moment, Xiao Xue and Dahan returned. Qin Yining knew they would handle things properly and didn’t ask for details, simply instructing them to return to the mansion.

During the return journey, the fine drizzle that had continued for two months suddenly intensified, becoming a torrential downpour.

Bean-sized raindrops pounded the carriage roof with crackling sounds, and rainwater flowed in through gaps in the windows and carriage doors. The hem and sleeves of Qin Yining’s robe got wet, not to mention Jingzhe and the others outside the carriage wearing rain capes and bamboo hats—they were completely soaked through.

Upon returning to the mansion, Qin Yining had the kitchen quickly prepare ginger soup, and everyone downed a large bowl.

Bingtang even prepared a medicinal bath, urging Qin Yining to quickly take a hot bath to avoid catching a chill.

When Pang Xiao entered, Qin Yining had just sat before her dressing table, wiping her wet, dripping long hair.

Pang Xiao’s steps paused slightly, his heart warming and his bones going soft.

Having such a beauty by his side every day—sitting, lying, walking, every frown and smile was as beautiful as a painting. He was certain that for the rest of his life, his eyes could hold no one else.

“Yi Jie’er.” Pang Xiao took the soft towel from Bingtang’s hand and clumsily helped Qin Yining dry her hair.

Qin Yining smiled: “I had hot water prepared for you. You should also take a hot bath later. I saved you a bowl of ginger soup—drink it down while it’s hot and spicy. This rain suddenly turned fierce; who knows when it will stop.” As she spoke, she turned and took the towel from his hands to dry her own hair.

Ji Yun brought the ginger soup. Pang Xiao took it and drank a sip, sticking out his tongue from the spiciness.

“This fine, continuous rain has been falling for two months, and all of Great Zhou has become a swamp. If such torrential rain continues for several days, I’m afraid the houses in low-lying areas will be submerged. I’ve already ordered people to go investigate the situation outside.”

Qin Yining nodded worriedly: “I’m also very concerned. Not to mention distant places—even Huichuan County isn’t particularly high in elevation. The construction site of the imperial mausoleum should have accumulated quite a bit of water by now.”

“Indeed, it’s almost accumulated into a small lake. People are bailing out water daily, but the speed of bailing can’t match the speed of water accumulation. We can only find another way to channel the water. I think this imperial mausoleum will have to wait for heaven’s permission before construction can begin.”

Qin Yining sighed helplessly.

“His Majesty’s mausoleum construction has been too troubled. I wonder if he’s had the Imperial Observatory calculate the auspicious timing.”

Pang Xiao drained the remaining ginger soup in one gulp, placed the empty bowl on the table, and poured a cup of water to rinse his mouth. Hearing Qin Yining say this, he nearly spat out the water.

“The Imperial Observatory probably doesn’t dare to calculate properly, right? His Majesty is quite superstitious about such things. If they calculated something inauspicious, wouldn’t he take out his anger on them?”

Thinking about it, Qin Yining agreed. Back then, Tianji Zi’s calculations had made Li Qitian wary of Pang Xiao to this day. If the Imperial Observatory said anything unfavorable, Li Qitian might very well have the entire Imperial Observatory executed.

After all, Li Qitian was at the right age to build his mausoleum. This project couldn’t be completed in three to five years—it might not even be finished by the time Li Qitian passed away, especially with these repeated delays.

People care most about whether they can rest peacefully after death, and Li Qitian, being an emperor, cared even more.

“However, this heavy rain does give Lu Heng some time. I think he should have already sent people to investigate the stone quarry.”

“Yes. Though my people haven’t discovered whether he’s investigated, given his nature, he should have already figured things out. It’s just that with me here, he can’t make a move yet. This heavy rain has delayed construction, giving him the perfect opportunity to think of solutions.”

Qin Yining shook her head: “We’re better off here in the north. A few days ago, Manager Zhong sent word that the old capital area has already suffered severe flooding. How many common people have been forced to leave their homes? First there was drought, now there’s flooding—with such unrest, it’s always the common people who suffer.”

Qin Yining’s long hair cascaded behind her, her brows carrying light worry and her eyes filled with concern, looking both delicate and gentle.

Pang Xiao couldn’t help but embrace her tenderly, sighing deeply: “I share your concern for those people. Don’t worry—we still have some silver on hand. How about I send people south for disaster relief? Even if we’re worried about His Majesty’s suspicion, we can secretly have people act. This way our hearts would be more at peace. What do you think?”

Hearing Pang Xiao’s words, Qin Yining first froze, then felt gentle warmth spreading in her heart.

Pang Xiao’s silver was all used to maintain his troops. Whether his fist was strong directly related to the outcome of victory or defeat, life or death, between him and Li Qitian. Yet he was willing to prioritize the people’s welfare when natural disasters struck.

Though this man had ambitions, he wasn’t someone who only thought of himself.

She hadn’t heard of Li Qitian taking any action under natural disasters, but her man considered doing real work for the people anonymously, not for fame.

Qin Yining thought this was where Pang Xiao’s personal charisma lay. No wonder there were always people around him willing to follow him loyally.

“Good, naturally that’s good. I still have some silver on hand, and I think Manager Zhong would also approve of disaster relief. I have fields, estates, and factories in the south. How about I have Manager Zhong mobilize those people to take action?”

“Good, I’ll listen to you completely.”

“As for silver, we don’t need to use yours for now. I have enough silver to manage for a while. If it’s not enough, I’ll tell you then.”

Pang Xiao knew Qin Yining was considering his troops and nodded with emotion: “Good. Just tell me when the time comes. Mr. Xu and Mr. Xie would also approve of our rescue efforts.”

Qin Yining nodded emphatically.

Taking advantage of Pang Xiao going to bathe, Qin Yining told Jingzhe to send a letter to Manager Zhong, asking him to come for a face-to-face discussion.

The torrential rain continued for a full day. At the imperial mausoleum construction site, water had already accumulated into a lake.

The people were on edge, everyone praying in their hearts.

Perhaps heaven heard everyone’s voices—by the third day, the torrential rain finally turned back into fine, continuous drizzle.

Qin Yining couldn’t help but breathe a sigh of relief.

Manager Zhong spoke with Qin Yining in the flower hall.

“Regarding the Princess’s previous suggestion about developing terraced fields, our people have already begun implementing it. Though arduous, the results are much better than in the low-lying swamplands. We can already foresee the effectiveness when autumn harvest comes.”

Qin Yining smiled and nodded: “Thanks to Manager Zhong. I only know how to suggest ideas—actual implementation requires tremendous effort. This is all Manager Zhong’s contribution.”

Manager Zhong smiled and shook his head: “This is nothing. Without the Princess’s instructions, I would have been like a headless fly, not knowing what to do. Is the Princess planning to provide disaster relief to the south this time?”

“Indeed.” Qin Yining smiled, her brows and eyes full of worry. “The south has suffered disaster, and I truly can’t bear to watch. After all, it’s our homeland. These years, the Great Yan territories have suffered constant warfare. When things improved slightly, there were natural disasters—first drought, then earthquakes, and now floods. I truly can’t stand by and watch. I’ve discussed it with the Prince—we’ll do what we can to help more people survive. Water control is too difficult; we’ll start with disaster relief for the people. Even if we can’t provide full meals, thin porridge can still fill stomachs.”

Manager Zhong nodded emphatically and gave a thumbs up: “The Prince and Princess show great righteousness. To be honest, this old man works for the Princess not for anything else, but for this peace of mind. The Princess never ignores those in mortal danger. This old man admires the Princess’s noble character and is willing to participate, contributing whatever strength I can.”

Qin Yining was moved: “Without Manager Zhong holding things together for me, no matter how many good ideas I have, I still couldn’t implement them.”

Manager Zhong waved his hands bashfully.

The two discussed for a long time. Once everything was properly decided, Manager Zhong rose to take his leave: “In that case, I’ll depart tomorrow, taking our people to rush south. I’ll contact the Princess again when there’s news.”

Qin Yining nodded: “Manager Zhong, take care on the journey. If there are any difficulties, be sure to immediately send someone to tell me.”

“Yes, Princess, please rest assured.”

Qin Yining personally escorted Manager Zhong to the second gate.

Ji Yun held an umbrella for Qin Yining at her side, saying with some worry: “The Princess’s silver didn’t come from thin air either, and it might not last very long. If your silver runs out and the court’s disaster relief funds still haven’t been distributed, what then?”

Qin Yining was actually also worried, since the wealth she possessed was merely a drop in the bucket when it came to disaster relief.

“For now, we can only take things one step at a time.”

Qin Yining and Ji Yun walked back along the covered corridor. Just then, a servant woman from the second gate hurried in to report.

“Princess, the Prince sent someone to relay a message saying that an important noble from the capital has arrived and is now at the prefectural office. The Prince requests that you change clothes and accompany him to pay respects.”