Chapter 25 Floods
Xiao Jingzhan stiffened, his Adam's apple bobbed, and his voice became terribly hoarse: "...It's alright, I can bear it." He didn't want her to feel any burden.
Su Jingyu mustered her courage, tilted her head back, and gently kissed the corner of his lips, her eyes filled with both shyness and boldness: "Your Majesty... Your Majesty, I can..."
Xiao Jingzhan's breathing instantly became heavy, his eyes as dark as unyielding ink. He stared intently at the shy and bashful appearance of the person in his arms, and his last shred of reason completely collapsed! He suddenly lowered his head and fiercely seized those two alluring red lips in a deep, lingering kiss, full of possessive intent.
After the kiss ended, Xiao Jingzhan picked up the limp body of the girl and strode towards the secluded side room connected to the main hall...
I don't know how much time passed...
Xiao Jingzhan used a soft, damp towel to carefully wipe Su Jingyu's hands. Looking at her slightly reddened wrists and palms, he kissed them tenderly, his eyes filled with the languor of a satisfied meal and endless tenderness: "You've worked hard, my darling. Are your hands sore?"
Su Jingyu's cheeks were still flushed. She glared at him coquettishly, her voice soft and sweet: "Your Highness still has the nerve to ask... My hand is about to break..."
Her coquettish appearance stirred Xiao Jingzhan's heart once again, and he couldn't help but lower his head and kiss her again. This kiss was gentle and tender, full of affection.
He held her tightly in his arms, his chin resting on the top of her head, his voice deep and content: "It's all my fault, my darling has suffered. What would you like to eat tonight? I'll have the Imperial Kitchen make your favorite crab meat lion's head meatballs and cherry custard, how about that?"
Su Jingyu found a comfortable position in his arms, closed her eyes peacefully, and softly murmured "Mmm," a sweet smile on her lips. Although it was embarrassing, it relieved his discomfort, and seeing his satisfied and happy expression made her happy too.
Xiao Jingzhan held her in his arms, feeling the softness and tranquility of her embrace. He felt all the irritation he had felt over the past few days due to political affairs and the need to restrain his desires vanish. He gently patted her back, like soothing a child, and whispered about interesting things that happened in the court, planning for the future after the child's birth, until her breathing became even and she fell into a deep sleep.
Outside the window, the sun blazed fiercely, and cicadas chirped incessantly, but inside the Crystal Pavilion, a cool and tranquil atmosphere prevailed, filled with tender affection. The Crown Prince gazed at the sleeping beauty in his arms, his heart overflowing with immense happiness. His darling always had a way of making him love her to the core.
...
A large, comfortable rosewood rocking chair was placed by the window in a well-ventilated area, covered with a cool mat and soft pillows. Xiao Jingzhan lay half-reclined in the rocking chair, while Su Jingyu nestled against him, her cheek pressed against his firm chest, listening to his steady, powerful heartbeat. He had one arm around her waist, and in the other hand he held an urgent report, his brows slightly furrowed.
The rocking chair swayed gently, bringing a comfortable breeze. Su Jingyu, easily fatigued during her pregnancy, dozed off in his arms, her little hands unconsciously clutching the front of his shirt.
After a long while, Xiao Jingzhan put down the report and let out a barely audible sigh. He looked down at the peaceful sleeping face of the person in his arms, his eyes filled with reluctance and tenderness. He gently kissed the top of her head and softly called out, "Sweetie, wake up."
Su Jingyu mumbled a soft "hmm," her long eyelashes fluttering as she opened her sleepy eyes: "Your Highness... have you finished reading?"
"Hmm." Xiao Jingzhan pulled her closer to his chest, his chin brushing against her forehead, his voice deep, "My dear, I have something to tell you."
"What's wrong?" Su Jingyu looked up and saw that his expression was somewhat serious, which woke her up from her sleepiness.
“A sudden flood occurred on the Lanjiang River in the south, breaching the dikes and inundating several counties. Flood victims were displaced, and local officials failed to respond effectively, with the disaster showing signs of worsening.” Xiao Jingzhan’s voice carried a hint of heaviness. “I… need to go there personally.”
Su Jingyu's heart tightened suddenly, and she subconsciously gripped his clothes tightly: "Your Highness is going in person? But... the flood-stricken area is dangerous, and..." She touched her slightly protruding belly, her eyes filled with reluctance and worry.
Xiao Jingzhan took her hand, interlocking their fingers, and gently stroked it reassuringly: "Don't be afraid, I will bring enough men, and Lu Chen will accompany you as well, so there will be no danger. We will go at full speed and return in at most half a month."
He cupped her face in his hands, his gaze firm yet tender. “You stay here in the palace and wait for me. Eat well, take good care of yourself, don’t overwork yourself, and don’t get sick. Do you understand? I will send someone back with a letter every day. He Yong will also stay in the mansion.”
Seeing the concern for the people and the sense of responsibility as the crown prince in his eyes, Su Jingyu's reluctance was gradually replaced by pride and support. This was the man she loved, with the world in his heart and courage to take on responsibilities.
She suppressed the stinging in her nose, gave him a reassuring smile, and nodded emphatically, "Yes! I understand. Your Highness, please rest assured. Your Highness and I will be fine and await your triumphant return." She paused, a spark of intelligence flashing in her eyes, "Your Highness, regarding flood control, although I know nothing of court politics, I heard some strange tales from the old servants of my family when I was young. Perhaps... I could tell Your Highness some of them?"
Xiao Jingzhan raised an eyebrow, looking at her with interest: "Oh? Tell me, my dear." His Yu'er always manages to surprise him.
Su Jingyu adjusted to a more comfortable position in his arms, recalling some common sense about modern flood control and disaster relief, and explained in a way he could understand: "I have heard that it is better to dredge than to block. The flood is fierce, and simply raising the dikes may not be a long-term solution. Perhaps we can find a low-lying area downstream and dig a flood discharge channel to divert the flood and reduce the pressure on the main dike?"
A glint flashed in Xiao Jingzhan's eyes; this idea coincided with the "flood diversion" strategy he was currently devising! He nodded encouragingly: "Yes, that makes sense."
Emboldened by the affirmation, Su Jingyu continued, "Also, the resettlement of the disaster victims is crucial. After a flood, epidemics are likely to break out, so the victims need to be concentrated on higher ground, with temporary shelters built. We must ensure the drinking water is clean, ideally boiled before drinking. We also need to send people to promptly clean up… uh, filth, bury animal carcasses, and sprinkle quicklime for disinfection to prevent the spread of disease." She almost said "disinfect," but quickly changed her wording.
Xiao Jingzhan was increasingly shocked as he listened, and then a surge of immense joy welled up within him! He never expected that his little darling would have such insight!
These details about epidemic prevention are precisely what local officials easily overlook! He hugged her tightly, excitedly: "Yu'er! You are truly my lucky star! These methods are excellent! Especially the matter of epidemic prevention, which is of paramount importance!"
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