"Divert the flow into the sea?" Shen Xihe gazed at the calm sea surface, undisturbed even by the heavy rain.
Apart from the dense, pounding raindrops, the splashing water, and the relentless sound of pouring rain, there were no other disturbances—no roaring waves, no rushing torrents.
Yet, the accumulated water in the city had reached a critical point where, if left unaddressed, it would inevitably lead to a flood. If such a massive volume of water were channeled into the sea, could it cause the seawater to run rampant, devouring everything in its path?
Not only were the common people afraid, but even Shen Xihe felt some apprehension.
"Tao Gong, how confident are you?" Xiao Huayong asked with a solemn expression.
Tao Zhuanxian clasped his hands respectfully toward Xiao Huayong. "Your Highness must not have lived by the sea. Both Zhong Gong and I have served in coastal regions.
Fourteen years ago, Duli Town faced a situation similar to Dengzhou's now—torrential rains persisted for nearly three months. I happened to be stationed there at the time and also worried whether the heavy rains would cause the sea to overflow. Thus, I kept watch along the deep sea's edge.
However, despite three months of rain, the seawater did rise but only to its usual boundaries, never exceeding them. At first, I thought I had misremembered, but the following year I deliberately observed and found that the sea's ebb and flow follow a seasonal cycle—an inevitable natural pattern unaffected by droughts or heavy rains.
The current water level here is unrelated to the rain; in previous years, the sea would also reach this point at this time. Every word I speak is true, and I would never recklessly endanger the lives of an entire city's populace. Your Highness may verify this with local fishermen."
"Your Highness, I too dare stake my life on Tao Gong's words being true. This method is feasible!
By diverting the flow into the sea, even if the rains continue unabated, there will be no fear of flooding!"
Tao Zhuanxian and Zhong Pingzhi spoke with unwavering conviction. Shen Xihe and Xiao Huayong exchanged glances. Though both were well-read, matters like these had scant historical records, and they had never studied them deeply.
Expertise lies in specialization, so they trusted Tao Zhuanxian and Zhong Pingzhi's judgment. Given their integrity, they would not make such a definitive claim without absolute certainty.
Yet, while they believed, the common people might not. The canal excavation could not be delayed—it required the entire city's cooperation to quickly clear the waterways and prevent the flood disaster at the earliest.
"Tao Gong, Zhong Gong, I entrust you with charting the canal route. Leave the rest to me." At this moment, Xiao Huayong firmly supported them both.
Tao Zhuanxian and Zhong Pingzhi were overjoyed. In truth, they had long considered this method but knew it would face immense criticism and opposition.
Even if reported directly to the emperor, they might not gain His Majesty's approval.
This approach was indeed alarming, and if their judgment proved wrong—diverting water into the sea only to cause seawater backflow, drowning a city's population and endangering several others—the consequences would be unbearable even for the emperor to shoulder.
Such a failure would be more unforgivable than the tomb robbery case, requiring the emperor's abdication to quell public outrage. Hence, His Majesty would never consent—this was the very reason they had delayed submitting their proposal.
They had exhausted all alternatives, drafting and discarding them one by one, until only this method remained to save the people from calamity.
With time pressing urgently, they were prepared to petition the emperor when the Crown Prince and Crown Princess arrived in Wendeng County.
Upon hearing of their arrival, Tao Zhuanxian clapped his hands and exclaimed, "Hope has arrived!"At that time, Zhong Pingzhi still didn't understand the reason for Tao Zhuanxian's excitement. It was only when he saw Xiao Huayong standing straight before them that Zhong Pingzhi comprehended.
The Crown Prince before them bore no trace of frailty. With restrained brows and a posture as upright as pine and cypress, he stood in the heavy rain like an unsheathed sharp sword, gleaming with a pale, keen light.
Like a towering sword piercing the heavens, he instantly cut through the clouds and mist, revealing a glimpse of divine radiance.
Zhong Pingzhi had always been a man of few words in court, keeping to himself and remaining a dutiful, solitary official. For decades he had maintained stability, and even now amidst the turbulent times, no one sought to manipulate or harm him.
He had prided himself on seeing everything clearly, yet now he realized he too had been kept in the dark. This version of the Crown Prince—majestic, sharp, and powerful—was something he had never witnessed nor anticipated.
Zhong Pingzhi's gaze instinctively turned toward Shen Xihe, only to meet the Crown Prince's heavy, penetrating stare.
A chill ran down Zhong Pingzhi's spine, and he quickly averted his eyes, bowing as he said, "I accept your command and will not betray Your Highness's trust!"
"Grandfather, there's no need to ration the food supplies. Within five days, grain will enter the city." Since Xiao Huayong had revealed his true nature, Shen Xihe saw no reason to hold back either.
Shen Xihe's words shocked Zhong Pingzhi once more, and even Tao Zhuanxian was astounded.
Though they had been wholly focused on water conservancy, they were aware of Jing Wang's struggles with grain shortages. Having surveyed the county routes for channel dredging, they knew well that no existing path could accommodate large-scale grain transport into the city. They never imagined Shen Xihe and Xiao Huayong had a solution!
Their hearts swelled with excitement. Just as Xiao Huayong trusted them to divert the floodwaters to the sea, they trusted his word—if he promised grain, then grain would surely arrive!
With food supplies secured, the remaining challenges would resolve themselves. They would overcome this crisis. The worry vanished from their faces as if, through the pouring rain, they could already see a bright, sunlit future.
"Why did you let Minister Zhong see your true self?" Shen Xihe asked when they were alone in their assigned quarters.
Xiao Huayong was building a fire to dispel the dampness in the room. Seated by the hearth, he tended to the charcoal, the flames casting a rosy glow on his somewhat pale cheeks.
He remained silent for a moment before answering, "I wasn't certain this endeavor would succeed."
Xiao Huayong naturally trusted Tao Zhuanxian and Zhong Pingzhi, but the stakes were too high—even His Majesty couldn't shoulder the blame for failure. How could Shen Xihe bear such responsibility?
He couldn't let her take the lead as he had in the past. This time, he had to step forward himself.
Shen Xihe's heart trembled. She had guessed his intention—he was protecting her.
"Beichen," she said, moving to sit beside him on the long log that served as a stool. "We are husband and wife. We share glory and loss alike. If your judgment proves wrong and brings irreversible disaster, do you think I could remain untouched?"
He turned his head, his gaze profound and his tone resolute: "I can keep you untouched."
Should anything go awry, he would atone with his death. Shen Xihe, credited with securing the grain, would be beyond reproach—whether from His Majesty or the people of Dengzhou.
Understanding his intended solution, Shen Xihe grew furious. In her anger, she spoke rashly: "Then you'd better pick out my next husband in advance!"Since I've already considered the consequences and decided to go all out without implicating her, I might as well plan for her future in one go and prepare an escape route for her early on.
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