Chapter 237, Flood
Seeing Yan Zhigao leave in a hurry, everyone in the Yan family lost their appetite for food.
After returning to her own courtyard, Daohua went straight into the study. After searching for a while, she found a map of Jiguang Province. After examining it, she frowned and said, "The Grand Canal also flows through Jiguang Province. If it bursts, how many people will suffer?"
Wang Man'er, Guyu, and Lixia also looked worried: "Girls, the dike breach in Jiguang Province won't affect us, right?"
Daohua was silent for a moment. "Jiguang Province is above Zhongzhou Province. If the dam breaks upstream, it will have some impact downstream. However, it's quite far from here, so there's no need to worry too much."
Wang Man'er frowned and said, "It was all fine, how come the dam broke?"
Guyu scoffed, "Why else? Not every official is as diligent and caring as our master. It must be that the officials from Jiguang Province embezzled the money for the river embankment."
Daohua glanced at Guyu and said, "It's fine to say such things in the yard, but you must not say anything when you go out."
Guyu immediately lowered her head: "Girl, I understand."
Daohua didn't say anything more. She warned Guyu that, firstly, she didn't want her to get into trouble by speaking without restraint, and secondly, judging from what her stepfather had experienced when he took over Xingzhou, even if some officials wanted to do something practical, they would be powerless if the money was withheld or owed by the higher-ups.
You can't rubbish everyone with the same brush.
In the next few days, Yan Zhigao was very busy, leaving early and returning late, and he was almost nowhere to be seen.
"Mom, what has Dad been busy with these days?"
One day, Daohua came to the main courtyard to pay her respects early in the morning and found that her adoptive father had already gone to the yamen. She couldn't help but ask Madam Li.
Mrs. Li: "Busy reinforcing the riverbank."
Daohua frowned, "Didn't they say that the riverbanks within Father's jurisdiction are very stable?"
Madam Li's face was solemn. "Your father is worried that the riverbank won't be able to hold up when the flood peaks. He's been reinforcing it overnight these past few days."
As he said this, he sighed.
"Your father received news that the dikes on the upper reaches of the Grand Canal have burst in several places, causing severe damage. This year's floods came violently and quickly, so your father has to be extremely vigilant."
Daohua looked worried: "Is it that serious?"
Madam Li nodded gravely. "When has the Grand Canal's dike burst been anything but serious? Well, these things are none of your business. After breakfast, go to class."
Daohua nodded and said nothing more.
That afternoon, just after class, Daohua was still sorting out her incense burning tools when she saw Wang Maner quickly approaching her. He whispered in her ear, "Miss, the master sent someone to deliver a letter, but after the mistress read it, she was furious."
Daohua was suddenly surprised.
Her mother's temperament can be said to be very gentle. She rarely loses her temper. What big thing did her eldest brother do to make her so angry?
Daohua packed up the things quickly, handed them to Lixia, and then hurried towards the main courtyard.
On the way, I met Pingtong.
"Miss, are you going to look for the lady? The lady is not in the main courtyard now, she is in the old lady's courtyard."
After hearing this, Daohua quickly changed direction and walked quickly towards the old lady's yard.
After a while, Daohua arrived at Songheyuan. As soon as she stepped into the old lady's room, she noticed that the old lady and her mother both looked unwell.
"Grandma, Mother, what's going on? What did my eldest brother do to upset you two?"
Old Lady Yan glanced at her granddaughter and pointed at the letter on the table with her chin: "Read it yourself."
Daohua hurried forward, opened the letter and began to read it quickly. After reading it, she finally understood why her mother and grandmother were so angry.
"Brother and the others are going to Ji-Guang to provide disaster relief. This is also a rare experience."
Before Daohua could finish her words, she was interrupted by Old Lady Yan: "Experience, what experience? Your family is not trying to stop your brothers from going out for experience, but they should choose a good place."
"Last time, they went to Fenxi, where there was a serious bandit problem. This time, they went directly to the flood site. Do they think they are lucky enough to go wherever there is danger?"
Seeing that the old lady was really angry, Daohua didn't dare to speak for her three brothers anymore.
Old Madam Yan stretched her neck to look out the door and said dissatisfiedly, "Why hasn't the boss come back yet?"
Madam Li explained, "The master must be busy with something and should be back soon."
As soon as he finished speaking, Yan Zhigao walked in.
Old Lady Yan pointed at the rice flowers and said, "Go and show your father the letter your eldest brother wrote."
Daohua quickly handed the letter over.
Yan Zhigao took the letter and after reading it, his brows knitted together. He was silent for a while, then looked at the old lady and Madam Li: "It's rare that Wenxiu and the others have this intention. If they want to go, let them go."
Old Lady Yan was immediately furious: "What are you talking about? The flood is merciless. When it rushes over, people will die."
Yan Zhigao sighed, "Mother, I know all this, but aren't Wen Xiu and the others following the young prince? The young prince must have a lot of guards around him, so his safety is guaranteed."
"Besides, this is also a rare experience. After the birth of the children, although our family is not rich, we have enough food and clothing. As a result, these children have never known the taste of sorrow. It is just a good opportunity to let them see the suffering of this world."
Old Mrs. Yan was still a little reluctant: "It's too dangerous."
Yan Zhigao said patiently, "Mom, children always have to grow up. Wenxiu is the eldest son of the Yan family and will be the head of the family in the future. Wenkai and Wentao are also boys. Boys can't grow up without experiencing any hardships, right?"
Old Madam Yan remained silent, then looked at Madam Li and asked, "What do you say?"
Although Madam Li was unwilling, she also knew that boys should travel more and see more while they are young. Only with more experience can they shoulder the responsibilities on their shoulders. So she whispered, "I will listen to the master."
Hearing this, Old Lady Yan sighed, "Forget it, forget it. You parents don't worry about it, so why should an old woman like me worry so much? Just leave it to you. However, you have to go and talk to Zhiqiang and Mrs. Wu in person."
Madam Li immediately stood up and said, "Don't worry, mother. I'll go talk to my third brother and his wife right away."
Old Mrs. Yan waved her hand and asked them to leave.
After everyone left, Daohua sat down next to the old lady, snuggled up to her, and said with a smile, "Grandma, don't worry too much. You know my third brother is one of the best swimmers in Yanjia Village. He taught me how to swim."
Old Madam Yan said angrily, "How dare you bring this up? You're a girl, and you're trying to imitate a boy swimming in the river. Your third brother didn't stop you, and he even became an accomplice. I really didn't punish you lightly last time."
Daohua shook the old lady's arm and said, "Oh, Grandma, swimming is also a survival skill. Think about it, if I fall into the river, won't I have a better chance of survival than someone who can't swim?"
The old lady snorted: "I'm too lazy to argue with you."
Seeing that the anger on the old lady's face had subsided a little, Daohua smiled and then called out, "Oh, Grandma, I have to go prepare some common medicine for my three brothers. Please don't get sick. I'll come over to have dinner with you later!"
Looking at her granddaughter running away, Old Lady Yan shook her head helplessly: "Fortunately it's a girl, otherwise, she would have to deal with more trouble than her three brothers."
(End of this chapter)
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