Flood control issues that even future generations failed to fully resolve couldn't possibly be solved so easily. Hua Zhi looked up at Little Six, "I need some time to sort out my thoughts. I'll discuss it with you after I've figured things out. It's getting late, you should rest now."
Only then did the Sixth Prince vaguely realize he might have been imposing on Sister Hua. Yet from her attitude, he sensed she wasn't completely without ideas. Torn between guilt and anticipation, he gazed at Hua Zhi with pleading eyes, refusing to leave.
Hua Zhi smiled and gently tapped his head with the Commanding Baton. This was somewhat improper, but no one present thought so - even the Sixth Prince merely felt deeply comforted by the gesture.
"If I don't come up with a proper solution, how could I live up to your expectations of me?"
The Sixth Prince's eyes shone brightly as he nodded sheepishly before obediently returning to his room.
Once he left, Shaoyao grumbled nearby, "Hua Hua, you're really spoiling him too much."
"Yan Xi says I spoil you too much as well. Should I change my ways with both of you?"
"That won't do!" Shaoyao immediately protested, "Is Yan Ge really my brother? What kind of brother says things like that!"
Hua Zhi glanced at her, "And you're Little Six's elder sister too."
Shaoyao instantly deflated, "Fine, go ahead and spoil him then."
Hua Zhi indulged this childish competition for attention before turning her gaze back to the sand table.
"Hua Hua, maybe you should get some sleep first. There's no need to rush."
"I'm starting to get some ideas. Don't worry about me, everyone should go rest."
The others wouldn't dream of leaving. Xu Ying went to brighten the lanterns while Bao Xia brought over some midnight snacks, worried her young mistress would lose more weight - the young lady had already grown considerably thinner over the past year.
Not wanting to reject Bao Xia's kindness, Hua Zhi ate a small amount before picking up the county records to study, occasionally comparing them with the topographic map. Everyone moved about quietly, careful not to disrupt her train of thought.
When the fourth watch sounded, Hua Zhi set down a map she'd drawn that only she could understand, rubbing her temples. "There's something I need to verify. Bo Fan, could you invite someone familiar with Xiangyang's terrain tomorrow? It would be even better if they also know the topography of surrounding counties."
Bo Fan's initial impression of Hua Zhi had been what Yu Tao said - the leader's beloved. But after this day and night together, they understood why their leader had fallen for her. Some people's capabilities weren't just empty boasts.
"This subordinate will invite Xiangyang's Registrar tomorrow."
That was a suitable choice. "Can it be arranged discreetly? It wouldn't be appropriate for my identity to openly summon someone."
"Yes, this subordinate understands."
Hua Zhi nodded and stood up. "No more staying up late, everyone should rest. Yu Tao, you need to keep watch at the Hydrological Station."
"Yes."
That night, Hua Zhi slept restlessly, either dreaming of crossing mountains or floating in water. When she woke the next morning, she felt more tired than if she hadn't slept at all.
"Young mistress, your complexion doesn't look good. Perhaps you should sleep a while longer." Bao Xia approached and pulled the quilt higher. The continuous rain had made the weather thoroughly cold, and today was noticeably chillier than yesterday - they'd need to add thicker clothing.
Listening to the rain on the roof, Hua Zhi sighed inwardly - no surprises there. "Open the window so I can listen."
Bao Xia obediently propped open the window. "The rain hasn't lessened. If anything, it looks heavier than yesterday.""If the rain continues like this all night, the river will rise significantly. Has Yu Tao returned?"
"Yes, knowing you were still asleep, he's been waiting outside."
Hua Zhi threw off the covers and got out of bed, momentarily dizzy. She discreetly endured the spell and stood up calmly when Bao Xia approached with her clothes. She really had become too delicate—just staying up a bit late caused discomfort. She remembered how she used to endure days and nights of busy work without issue.
"Hua Hua!" As soon as the door opened, Shaoyao rushed over. Seeing Hua Zhi's complexion, she immediately reached for her wrist. Hua Zhi grasped her hand instead and shook her head. "It's nothing. I just had restless dreams all night and didn't sleep well. A nap at noon will fix it."
Afraid of hurting Hua Hua, Shaoyao didn't struggle forcefully, but her brows remained furrowed in slight displeasure.
Hua Zhi soothingly tightened her grip on the hand in her palm and turned to Yu Tao. "What's the situation?"
"It has risen by two strokes and is now six strokes above the water level."
"Has the government issued any warnings?"
"Yes, warnings were given this morning, but no one has left the riverbank yet."
Hua Zhi was puzzled. "Why?"
Yu Tao looked at Bo Fan, who wore a somewhat helpless expression. "This happens every year. Since there haven't been major disasters in recent years, they all cling to hope, thinking this year will be like the last—just a minor one."
Hua Zhi sighed inwardly. Just looking at this relentless rain, it was clear this wouldn't be a minor disaster. "Has anyone from the government stepped in?"
Bo Fan shook his head. "Everyone is used to it."
Such habits... when disaster truly strikes, who will they blame?
Xie Xu came to report, "Miss, the Xiangyang Registrar is here."
"Please bring him to the main hall."
"Yes."
Xu Yangjun, the Xiangyang Registrar, was around forty, slender and pale—the typical image of a scholarly literati. Upon entering the room, he was first startled by the large sand table, then looked up at the person seated at the head.
It was a woman.
He halted in his steps.
Xie Xu coughed lightly. As a fellow scholar who often interacted with Xu Yangjun, he understood him well—knew he deeply believed in the old adage that "a woman without talent is virtuous." He stepped forward to remind him, "Brother Xu, this is an old friend of mine. You may address her as Miss."
Xu Yangjun wasn't so bookish as to be foolish. Taking Xie Xu's cue, he advanced a few steps and clasped his hands in greeting. "I am Xu Yangjun. Pleased to meet you, Miss."
Hua Zhi immediately understood what kind of person Xu Yangjun was. Coincidentally, she had a natural fondness for such people—after all, the Hua family was full of scholars, and the head of the family was a scholar himself. This affinity was innate.
Naturally, she also understood them better than most. She regretted not having clarified things with Bo Fan earlier and letting him take charge of the matter.
But it was too late for regrets. Hua Zhi stood and inclined her head slightly toward Xu Yangjun. "Thank you for coming, Mr. Xu."
"You're too kind, Miss." Xu Yangjun sidestepped the gesture. Though not of high birth, he had been to the capital for imperial exams and knew that someone with such poise couldn't be of low status. He didn't want to curry favor, but he couldn't afford to offend her either.
Xie Xu dutifully played the mediator. "We've asked you here to inquire about a few matters, Brother Xu. Rest assured, it won't be anything to put you in a difficult position."Xu Yangjun had known Xie Xu for several years and trusted him to some extent. He nodded slightly and said, "As long as it's something I can speak of, I will hold nothing back."
Hua Zhi walked over to the sand table, and Xie Xu guided Xu Yangjun there as well. Well-versed in geography, especially the Xiangyang area, Xu Yangjun quickly grasped the purpose of this sand-formed object with little effort. It was truly far more three-dimensional than a topographic map.
PS: First time volunteering. Thirty-six degrees Celsius. No matter how much sunscreen I applied, it was useless—I got completely sunburned. Drank six bottles of Huoxiang Zhengqi Water. It was tough, but I felt at peace.
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