Upon hearing the emperor explain the reason for the summons, Zhang Rengui was indeed the first to question, "An earthquake is a warning from heaven, how can it be predicted? Is Prince Yuansheng being ridiculous?"

Feng Liyan frowned, held back for a moment, but found it too uncomfortable, and seconded, "Indeed, since ancient times, earthquakes have been considered the will of Heaven. Who can predict them? Even an old immortal like Master Wuxu would not dare to claim that he can predict earthquakes."

Wu Xu: No, this old Taoist priest refuses to be flattered to death!

Bai Fengmei directly retorted, "Prince Yuansheng is an upright man who disdains deception and loves his people like his own children. How could he joke about such an important matter?"

"The Northern Prefecture has already begun relocating its people. With three counties moving at the same time, how could it be a lie? Your Highness is not a reckless person; this matter must be true!"

"Even if all our efforts are in vain in the end, it's still a great blessing if there's no natural disaster."

"You two are important officials of the court, yet you have no concern for the lives of the common people and no compassion whatsoever. Instead, you blame the prince for making a mountain out of a molehill because of old grudges. You are simply unworthy of being human, unworthy of being officials!"

Bai Fengmei is now showing signs of developing like Xiao Yuanshan, and she doesn't hold back when she criticizes people.

He's just a bit lacking in fighting skills, so he can't beat people up.

Feng and Zhang blushed and were speechless for a moment.

Zhao Yunqi's expression was grim as he coldly swept his gaze over the two men. "I have summoned you all to the palace to discuss disaster relief. If the earthquake is confirmed, we must immediately dispatch people to provide relief to the victims."

Li Guogong said, "The Ministry of Revenue can allocate 300,000 taels of silver for disaster relief."

With war breaking out on the borders of the three kingdoms, the national treasury was empty. This was something he managed to squeeze out; any more and it would be gone.

He also knew that the court had to make a gesture and could not allow Xiao Zhixing to win over the hearts of the people in the north.

"Where are the disaster relief officials?"

Zhao Kun asked, "Does Your Majesty wish for them to participate in the entire disaster relief effort, or simply to send grain and silver?"

The former must send a capable minister.

The latter only needs to send one person to deliver the silver and grain to Xiao Zhixing, and she will then take over the subsequent disaster relief efforts.

Zhao Yunqi nodded, "I would like to send an official to participate in the disaster relief efforts throughout the entire process."

Everyone had different thoughts upon hearing this.

Is the emperor planning to send someone to take a look himself?

Or do you not believe Xiao Zhixing?

The Emperor System wondered, "What are you trying to do? Xiao Zhixing shouldn't be greedy for such a small amount of silver."

"You're sending someone to restrain her?"

She is at the peak of her career, and she would never ruin her good reputation for such a small amount of disaster relief money.

Zhao Yunqi said, "No, I will have the imperial envoy fully cooperate with her to ensure the success of this disaster relief effort!"

The Emperor System was puzzled, "Wouldn't that be giving her credit?"

Zhao Yunqi sighed helplessly, "She swore in front of the many memorial tablets of the late emperors that she would not rebel on her own initiative, and emphasized that I and she were in harmony as ruler and subject. She also told the people of the world that I entrusted the northern land to her because I trusted her."

"The four kingdoms were in turmoil, but her words and actions stabilized the hearts of the people of Dasheng and prevented other kingdoms from taking advantage of the situation."

"But her implication was also clear: I cannot force her, otherwise she would not hesitate to defy the world."

"Therefore, I must now show my stance and make a statement. It is not enough to appoint her as the Minister of Military Affairs of the Northern Region. I must also prove in other ways that I am in harmony with her and that I will fully support any decision she makes."

Zhao Yunqi felt powerless. "Regarding Feng Changxin's matter, I wonder how many people suspect that I was the one who ordered it back then. Xiao Yan's 'death' is also a thorn that will never be removed. I must treat my favorite Xiao Zhixing well so that this thorn will not break my skin."

"This is the same plan we discussed before, which was an arrangement that still left room for maneuver. But things are different now. I have no choice but to cooperate with her and put on a good show of harmony between the emperor and his ministers."

He seemed unwilling to say more, implying that you wouldn't understand even if I explained further.

Because of this play, it might be performed until his death.

The Emperor System was a little annoyed. "You're impatient, and I'm impatient to talk to you anymore. Anyway, in the end, you're just blaming me."

As Xiao Zhixing watched the play, he noticed that the Emperor System and Zhao Yunqi were in a state that resembled a pair of estranged lovers. He wondered if there would ever be a day when they would completely break up.

In the Shengde Hall, after discussion among the group, it was decided to send two officials, one civil and one military: the civil official, Duke Li, and the military official, Zhang Shanhai.

The former volunteered for the position, and the court did indeed need a senior official who could speak with Xiao Zhixing on equal terms to keep things under control.

As for Zhang Shanhai, he is an acquaintance of Xiao Zhixing, and his presence will facilitate cooperation between the two parties.

Of course, we still have to wait for the final result.

Will this earthquake actually happen?

Such a commotion gradually stirred up rumors in the northern region.

Ji Bai sent a message asking whether the news should be released to the public.

With a day and a half left before the predicted time, Xiao Zhixing looked at the incessantly buzzing seismograph and replied: "Explain the truth and earnestly request the people of Beizhou to cooperate with the authorities and not cause any chaos. If there is an earthquake, saving lives should be the top priority. If there is no earthquake, it can be regarded as a preliminary exercise."

Since we can't hide it anymore, we should make the news public.

This is a good opportunity to appease the people, test their morale, and also discover those little rats hiding in the shadows.

Upon receiving Xiao Zhixing's reply, all counties, districts, towns, and villages in Beizhou simultaneously released information predicting an earthquake.

The news spread to other places, causing an uproar throughout the land.

Many people ridiculed Xiao Zhixing's wild ideas and attention-seeking behavior.

Earthquakes are a warning from Heaven, incredibly mysterious; how could anyone predict them?

Is Prince Yuansheng so obsessed with fame that he's gone mad?

Regardless of external circumstances, after the turmoil, the people of Beizhou chose to believe in Xiao Zhixing and the Beizhou government, based on their unwavering trust in them.

Therefore, as the predicted time approached, even if it was not the epicenter, people in various places spontaneously moved their families and belongings out of their houses in villages and towns.

My dear reader, there's more to this chapter! Please click the next page to continue reading—even more exciting content awaits!