One is iron-blooded, the other is insidiously cunning.
Even Shen Xihe, upon hearing Xiao Huayong's words, felt a flicker of curiosity—how would these two fare if they clashed? Who would emerge victorious?
With this thought, Shen Xihe reined in her wandering mind, refusing to let Xiao Huayong—this sly troublemaker—lead her further astray: "You framed Prince Xin for those severed heads."
Since Xiao Huayong had conceived such a scheme, he would never have done nothing.
"Fifth Prince is not so easily framed, and the Eighth Prince is no fool either," Xiao Huayong said, holding Shen Xihe as they rode leisurely through the drizzling rain. "A simple trick won't be enough to ensnare them both."
Both Xiao Changqing and Xiao Changyan were meticulous and shrewd strategists, not ones to be swayed by mere words.
Shen Xihe gave an almost imperceptible nod before asking, "Where are we headed?"
"Heaven offers no favor—we can't enjoy the mountains and waters with Youyou," Xiao Huayong sighed deeply, his tone filled with regret. "Since Youyou cares deeply for the people, let us travel along the way and observe. We'll do what we can to lend them a hand."
They were, of course, heading to Wendeng County. With Xiao Changyan causing delays for the main contingent, their progress would inevitably be hindered. This gave them time to better understand the people's plight. They only needed to rendezvous with Xiao Changqing and the others outside Wendeng County.
After riding for about half an hour, they passed a Taoist temple. From the outside, the temple appeared dilapidated, but inside, the only standing room had clearly been swept clean. Xiao Huayong retrieved a bundle from behind a toppled stone statue, pulling out several sets of clothing—ordinary tunics with turned-down collars. He handed one meant for Shen Xihe to her.
The two changed into their new attire inside the temple. Xiao Huayong also took out some grooming supplies and re-styled both their appearances until they looked entirely different. Donning straw raincoats and bamboo hats once more, they mounted their horses and entered the first town.
The town was sizable, but the streets were desolate, with almost no one in sight. Though the rain was light, water rushing from higher to lower ground flowed as violently as a raging river.
Many dilapidated courtyards showed signs of collapse, while inns and eateries were tightly shuttered. After circling nearly half the town, they finally found a half-open eatery where a waiter was dozing off.
Though warmly welcomed inside, the food prices were exorbitant. In the bustling capital, a steamed bun cost just one copper coin, but here, a single mantou already cost two coins, and other dishes were priced five to six times higher than in the capital. Lodging, however, was not much more expensive.
"Please don't be upset, esteemed guests," the eatery's owner apologized anxiously, his face creased with worry. "It's truly that grain is precious now. Ours is the only eatery open in the entire town—everyone else has shut their doors tight, hoarding whatever food they have. Who knows how long this rain will last? I didn’t want to open for business either, but the authorities ordered… Ah!"
His unfinished words were swallowed by a heavy sigh.
"The authorities forced you to operate?" Shen Xihe asked."This lady may not be aware," the shopkeeper explained with a wry smile, "the authorities have dispatched officials who travel daily between villages to monitor flood conditions and rescue civilians. We cannot let these officials go hungry, for delaying message delivery and rescue efforts would be a grave offense. Jing Wang has ordered that each town's eateries draw lots, with one establishment mandated to remain open. Unfortunately, my luck was poor... Though Jing Wang permits us to charge higher prices."
Shen Xihe and Xiao Huayong exchanged glances. The arrangement seemed reasonable—with the rain's duration unpredictable and potential flooding uncertain, ingredients could no longer be transported over long distances. No eatery could stockpile much, and everyone had families to feed. Who wouldn't prioritize their own household reserves?
Admittedly, Jing Wang's measure ensured relief officials could operate without hunger concerns while somewhat appeasing the resentment of merchants selected by lottery.
"Before entering town, we heard this area faced worsening water accumulation that would inevitably cause flooding," Xiao Huayong remarked gently. "Yet along our journey, despite continuous drizzle, we saw no such critical conditions. My wife and I are heading to Wendeng County to search for our missing younger brother. How are things there?"
"Honored guests, you must not go to Wendeng County!" The shopkeeper's face paled. "While we have only light drizzle here, Wendeng has been battered by torrential rains. Dozens of villages have been buried by landslides, and the county borders the sea..."
He cautiously peered outside before shielding his mouth with his hand, whispering, "The day before yesterday, officials passing through mentioned no Water Guard dares monitor water levels there anymore. If the rain persists, seawater will overflow within three days at most."
"Has the court not sent anyone to prevent flooding?" Shen Xihe worried—Tao Zhuanxian would surely be at the epicenter of Wendeng's worst conditions.
"When Heaven denies survival, how can mortals defy it?" The shopkeeper sighed despondently. "That's the vast ocean—who can command it to halt? Had there not been months of severe drought that reduced sea levels, the disaster would have struck earlier."
If the Bohai Sea surged and Wendeng suffered, how could neighboring areas escape unscathed?
"With Jing Wang stationed in Wendeng, he won't allow you to become displaced and homeless," Shen Xihe reassured softly.
Just then, the cook and waiter brought their food. The shopkeeper personally served them: "They say the Crown Prince has arrived too, and His Majesty even dispatched Prince Xin. Three imperial princes at once! The Emperor is the True Dragon ruling all waters, and the Crown Prince as his heir should bring us fortune."
His expression brightened slightly.
Shen Xihe wondered where this faith in Xiao Huayong originated—perhaps it was merely spiritual solace.
She couldn't resist teasing: "The Crown Prince certainly bears heavy responsibilities."
Xiao Huayong pressed his lips into a faint smile, placing a slice of roasted meat in her bowl. "The Crown Prince not only bears heavy responsibilities but also profound devotion."
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