Qin Zhaoqiong and her group only stayed in Xiagao County for two hours, inspecting the dikes and water levels before heading upstream and arriving at Jindi County, upstream today.

This area is of paramount importance for water management in the entire Hanoi region, located in the middle reaches of the U Canal, where the river channels are mostly flat and wide.

The main river channel is equipped with twelve dikes to control the water level layer by layer.

The waterways in Jindi County are extremely complex and crisscrossed, making it a key area for water management throughout history, with the imperial court spending a considerable amount of money on it every year.

The functions of dams are also different:

Some are used to dredge and divert river water, providing irrigation during droughts and flood discharge and sediment removal during floods;

Some are used to alter waterways to prevent rivers from bending too sharply or having too great an impact.

Qin Zhaoqiong didn't dare to delay for a moment, surveying the condition of the dikes and water levels along the way.

Even the officials of the Imperial Works Bureau, who were on duty in shifts, could not endure it any longer. In the end, they all rode in pairs, with the Imperial Guards leading the way to reduce physical exertion.

There was no other way; the water situation in Jindi County was too complex, so we had to accompany them and explain the water management strategies at any time.

Qin Zhaoqiong's physical strength was still acceptable. Although the palace secret technique she cultivated was only at the sixth grade, her foundation was as solid as a rock.

Seeing the precarious water level, a deep sorrow lingered between his brows.

"Your Highness, we must stop and rest! If this continues, the people can endure it, but the horses can't!" Meng Jian urged, riding forward to persuade him.

Qin Zhaoqiong originally intended to survey the water conditions of this section before heading straight to Longmen County upstream.

However, when Meng Jian came to persuade her personally, she looked back and saw that the Imperial Guards were exhausted, and some of the horses were even foaming at the mouth.

Not to mention the officials of the Imperial Workshop and Jindi County, who collapsed limply into the arms of the Imperial Guards like tattered sacks.

If I let go, I'll probably fall off the horse.

After pursing her lips, Qin Zhaoqiong still ordered a rest.

To monitor the water conditions of the three prefectures and establish intelligence stations along the way, a large number of imperial guards have already been dispatched, and now only three thousand soldiers remain to accompany the entourage.

The group changed course and went to the nearest village. Before long, wisps of smoke rose from the entire village.

They used both big pots and small stoves, putting all their effort into boiling water and making ginger soup.

Many of the horses were nearly exhausted, which distressed the Imperial Guards, but they couldn't care less about that at the moment and could only feed them with bean cakes.

Having just finished serving her as she entered the room, she barely managed to drink a bowl of hot ginger soup before collapsing into bed.

Inside the village chief's house, the magistrate of Jindi County had just drunk ginger soup, but his body was still trembling uncontrollably.

After being jostled around on horseback for half a day, I almost fell apart.

At this moment, he disregarded all etiquette and sat in the hall, panting heavily.

Two oil lamps were lit on the table. Qin Zhaoqiong was examining a waterway map of Jindi County, her brows furrowed with frost, lost in thought and silent.

"Your Highness, please rest for a while."

"It's alright."

I've led troops into battle without sleep for three days and three nights, so this little bit of fatigue is nothing.

However, he did not refuse when the guards brought him hot soup and rice, and he felt full and energetic after eating and drinking his fill.

Once the Chief Engineer of the Heavenly Works Bureau, Lord Wang, had recovered, he was immediately invited back into the house to discuss the matter of flood control.

Just as they started talking, a commotion suddenly broke out outside.

In the short time it took to breathe, the room suddenly became bright.

Qin Zhaoqiong looked up, her eyes somewhat blank. After a while, she realized what was happening, jumped up from her seat and rushed out the door, almost bumping into Meng Jian who was entering the room.

"Your Highness," Meng Jian clasped his hands in a fist salute, his face beaming with barely suppressed joy, "the rain has stopped!"

Qin Zhaoqiong's breath hitched, but she still insisted on walking outside.

The afternoon sun shone down, bathing her handsome and extraordinary face. At that moment, she breathed a sigh of relief.

Finally... the rain stopped...

The dark clouds dispersed, as if sweeping away the shadows that had shrouded everyone's hearts.

The imperial guards on duty couldn't help but cheer; this awful weather was really exhausting.

"Leave a hundred men to patrol and guard the area in shifts, and continue to send out scouts to observe the water level along the way. The rest of you should rest."

"yes!"

The great efforts of the heavens have given the three states a chance to breathe, but we cannot let our guard down, as the flood season cannot last only a few days.

The soldiers could rest, but the general could not. Qin Zhaoqiong grabbed General Wang and the magistrate of Jindi County to continue discussing flood control matters.

She considered the worst-case scenario, taking into account water level predictions, which villages should be abandoned, and where to release floodwaters.

After about half an hour, based on the continuously transmitted water level data, a general strategy was derived.

Although the magistrate of Jindi County was not as decisive and resourceful as the magistrate of Chiyan County, he dealt with water every day and had made many preparations in advance.

Sandbags are being used to reinforce the dikes and hold back water, and thousands of laborers are ready to carry out emergency rescue and disaster relief at any time.

Moreover, with the arrival of the imperial court's disaster relief grain, he had ample confidence to implement work-for-relief programs.

Having decided on the strategy, Qin Zhaoqiong went to rest without needing any reminders.

——————

After the weather cleared up, the people of Longmen County took to the streets again after a long absence.

The news that the imperial court's disaster relief grain was mixed with a large amount of bran spread quickly, and soon complaints filled the streets and alleys.

Amidst the public outrage, even the neighborhood and village officials could not control the situation, and a large number of people surged toward the county government office.

The city gate was deserted at this time, with only a carriage parked under the gate.

The guards were all very polite, because this was the carriage of the Li family, the medicine merchants, and it was the old manager himself who had come.

Previously, when food was scarce, the Li family also used their own reserves to provide porridge for seven or eight consecutive days.

It's all made from refined grains, so thick you can stick chopsticks stuck in it!

Not only that, they also provide free medical consultations for patients, and they only charge for the cost of medicinal herbs. They are truly a top-notch and conscientious merchant.

After waiting for about an incense stick's time, two carriages came into view in the distance, with Lou Wu driving the lead one.

As they approached, the old shopkeeper greeted them.

Before the carriage had come to a complete stop, the curtain was lifted, and the boy jumped down.

"My young master!" the old shopkeeper cried out, his body trembling with excitement.

Li Xuan smiled broadly and took two quick steps to take his arm.

"Old man, still so sturdy?"

Feeling the steady strength coming from his arm, the old shopkeeper smiled and said, "Not bad, I can keep the young master company for a few more years."

"That means I'll have to endure a few more years. I can't wait until I get married and have children. Or should I wait until I've taught my son how to use an abacus before I close my eyes?"

"Young master is joking. The master will definitely make sure you study. You can't use an abacus."

Li Xuan pursed his lips, neither agreeing nor disagreeing.

"Hurry up and get in the car to go home. We've prepared a welcome dinner and are just waiting for you."

"Alright."

The guards at the gate joined in the fun, announcing, "Young Master Li is back!"

The old shopkeeper quickly cupped his hands in greeting, "Yes, they've finally returned safely."

"Congratulations!"

"Thank you so much..."

The three carriages entered the city and soon encountered angry citizens. Li Xuan also learned about the disaster relief grain.

However, everyone recognized the emblem on the carriage and respected the Li family for providing porridge and healing the sick, so no one dared to offend them.

Before long, they drove smoothly into the Li residence.

As soon as he closed the door, Li Xuan's face darkened. "Where's my father?"