Seeing that Xi Yun had been sleeping in General Qi's study for almost half a month now, Jiang Mengyi, as the matriarch, naturally understood. Since she was already pregnant, she figured she might as well let those young girls climb around; Chu Yue had gone mad, and the child in her womb was unreliable.
Jiang Mengyi's biggest concern right now is the child in her womb. The general hasn't been able to find out anything about the poisonous snake incident, and the whole thing has only benefited Xiyun, the maidservant of Liu Ruhua.
The one who felt most uncomfortable was probably Liu Ruhua. The new maid, Ning'er, was clumsy and not as easy to use as Xiyun.
Xi Yun's leg has healed, and General Qi has specially decorated a small villa for her to live in, which shows how much he cherishes her.
"Go ahead, let's arrange a concubine for Xiyun. It's not really feasible for her to stay by herself anyway. You decide what to do, and pick out any gifts you like. I'm exhausted."
Since becoming pregnant, Jiang Mengyi has felt increasingly heavy. It's only been two months, but it feels like she's in her seventh or eighth month. She can't walk around and feels very tired.
"Yes, this servant will take care of it right away." Yuqing noticed that her mistress seemed to be getting increasingly unwell; how could someone be so tired so soon after becoming pregnant? So she secretly told Princess Jiang that she wanted to find an imperial physician in the palace to take a look.
With no battles to fight in the court, Qi Jingxuan had been questioning his life for the past month or two, and even his temper had become extremely irritable.
The emperor promoted civil administration, and he actively studied it, but he could never compare to those cunning and pedantic civil officials.
"The spring floods have come quite early this year. It's only been a short time since the beginning of the year, and the Ningzhou area of the Yellow River has already experienced two floods. Do any of my ministers have any solutions?" The Emperor coughed four or five times after saying three sentences.
"Your Majesty, the Yellow River floods are mainly caused by the melting of water in the middle reaches and the freezing of ice in the lower reaches. The problem will be solved as long as the ice in the lower reaches melts."
"Haha, Second Young Master Jiang Yuchen, your analysis is truly insightful. So, how do we dissolve it in water?"
Actually, everyone knows that's the reason. Since he's going to step forward and become a fence-sitter, people from Jiang Changfeng's faction will naturally mock him.
"Well?" Jiang Yuchen started scratching his head, pretending to be thinking.
"No way? You're just a military general, you should recruit more strategists. How could you speak so recklessly in front of the Emperor without thinking?"
"No problem, no problem, my dear ministers, please feel free to offer your opinions. This situation has never occurred before, so the old methods for dealing with floods are no longer applicable. Everyone, please brainstorm and speak freely. Right now... cough cough cough!"
Eunuch Wu quickly stepped forward and handed him a handkerchief. The Emperor's phlegm was now tinged with blood, and it seemed his days were numbered.
Eunuch Wu looked worried, but the Emperor waved his hand, telling him not to spread the word.
“My dear ministers, if this matter is not resolved, it is the season for spring planting and may lead to famine. Please keep this in mind.”
·······
"this...."
"What is the prefect doing?"
"You guys need to think of a solution."
"We're the ones fighting. You figure it out yourselves."
A group of people made excuses and refused to step forward.
Having studied history, Qi Jingxuan stepped forward. "Your Majesty, may I ask how the Yellow River floods were managed in the past?"
Seeing someone step forward, the chief steward of the water bureau immediately replied, "Your Majesty, we have been using the method of artificially diverting the river for four years. Before the Yellow River was built with its dikes, although the river flowed freely, the channel was wide. When the dikes were first built, the distance between them was wide, so the river flowed smoothly. Later, the channel narrowed and the dikes became crooked, so the flow was not smooth during floods, and the river often breached its banks. Therefore, artificially diverting the river is the best policy."
"I know, but today's events are not during the summer flood season. As a military general, does Minister Qi have any good strategies?"
"Your Majesty, please wait a moment." Qi Jingxuan turned to the chief steward of the Water City and asked, "Has the water level reached any houses yet?"
"It's almost over. Vast amounts of farmland have already been flooded, and farmers are sure to be suffering terribly this year. If there's no sowing in spring, how can there be a harvest in autumn?"
"Alright, I understand. Your Majesty, I passed through the Yellow River twice last year when I fought against the Whip-Ta Kingdom, so I am fairly familiar with its terrain and river course. If no one volunteers, may I go instead?"
"Oh? General Qi also has the talent for flood control?"
"My knowledge and skills are limited, but I am willing to give it a try!"
The officials nearby were immediately displeased. "What kind of big brother are you trying to act like?"
"What if we fail? There are so many people along the Yellow River. Although they are not the foundation of the country, they still represent a large population. There was already a natural disaster, and taxes will not be collected today. If you can't even guarantee anything, how will the disaster victims be resettled?"
Qi Jingxuan lowered his head upon hearing this. Yes, he had never done it before, let alone tried it. If he failed, it would be a big deal.
"General Qi, I didn't know you had this kind of research." Jiang Congzhi had always thought that General Qi was very knowledgeable and talented, but he never expected that he also had some research in water conservancy. He had always thought that he was only good at fighting.
"Young Master, please don't tease me. I just want to give it a try."
"Why don't we ask the Imperial Uncle for permission together? What's the difference between a great man who does nothing and a rotten tree or withered grass? What do you say?" Jiang Congzhi was eager to make a name for himself at this moment. Seeing that the Imperial Uncle's health was deteriorating day by day, and that he had no achievements to show for himself, what should he do?
"If Your Highness so requests, I am willing to follow you, even unto death. The banks of the Yellow River were once home to my Qi family army. Now that we have retired to this place, I am deeply concerned for you!"
“Alright, let’s take a look first. If no one else is willing to go, we will definitely volunteer.” Jiang Congzhi said, his heart pounding with excitement.
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