Cypress Boat Floating

The matter of the flood in Lingnan was finally brought to the desk of the current emperor. Worried about the people's livelihood, the emperor summoned the crown prince and several princes to the palace for discussions overnight, but no conclusion could be reached, so the discussion was brought to the morning court.

Lu Ciqiu and Ye Jianqing worked out a plan overnight. This plan took all aspects into consideration, but he couldn't take the initiative to show it to anyone.

After all, he still didn't know where the news of the flood in Lingnan had spread, or whether the emperor knew about it. He had to wait until others brought it up before he could bring it up. If he took the initiative to bring it up, it would arouse suspicion.

In the harem, Lu Ci Qiu was waiting for news.

In the previous dynasty, civil and military officials were arguing over who should lead the team to provide disaster relief.

It's really disgusting to see these groups of people who are afraid of death and want to make personal gains from it.

A group of people who are high and mighty and wealthy in the capital city, no one has really thought about how to benefit the people who are suffering from the disaster.

The emperor sat on the dragon throne and looked at the group of people quarreling below. He felt funny in his heart, but also had a headache. There were nearly a hundred people standing here, and was there no one suitable to provide disaster relief?

Just as everyone was chattering, a big, fat man stood up. This man was General Zhang Quansheng, the Zhennan General.

"Your Majesty, your servant Zhang Quansheng is willing to lead the troops to Nancheng to provide disaster relief."

As soon as he came out, everyone fell silent and fixed their eyes on him.

General Zhang Quansheng was not afraid of other people's gazes. He stood in the middle with his back straight like a gun, waiting for the nod from the emperor sitting on the highest seat.

"General Zhang is thoughtful. I will consider the specific relief personnel." The emperor sat on the dragon throne, supporting his head with one hand and pressing the root of his nose with the other. This was the first time that Da'an had encountered such a severe flood in all the years since its founding. The emperor was also very upset.

Lu Zhixing raised his eyebrows, knowing that the emperor was a little worried about Zhang Quansheng being the only one to provide disaster relief, and was afraid that there were other candidates for disaster relief, so he took the initiative to step forward.

"Your Majesty, I think this is the first time that Da'an has encountered such a severe flood since its founding. As a prince, I should share your worries and personally go to the disaster area to comfort the people and show Da'an's kindness. I am willing to go to the disaster area with General Zhang."

The emperor opened his tightly closed eyes and looked at Lu Zhixing: "Second brother, you said you wanted to go to provide disaster relief?"

"Yes."

The emperor looked at him for a long time, wondering what he was thinking.

Suddenly, the prince stood up and said, "Father, this cannot be done. We don't know what the situation is like in Nancheng yet. My second brother is the backbone of Da'an. If my second brother goes there in person and encounters something on the way, what will we do?"

Lu Zhixing sneered in his heart. He knew very well what the prince was thinking. He didn't say anything when no one stood up just now. Now that he stood up, he said that it was not suitable for him to go. It made sense. How could the prince let him go to the disaster area? He was afraid that he would take advantage of this disaster relief to get some benefits.

"I think that Zhao Wenbin, the doctor of the Ministry of Works, is suitable to go to the disaster area with us. He is familiar with water conservancy management and can play his role in helping the people of Nancheng rebuild their homes."

As the prince finished speaking, a tall and thin man stood up from behind him and said, "Your Majesty, Zhao Wenbin is willing to share your worries."

The emperor frowned and did not answer immediately. In his mind, he listed all the civil and military officials who had performed outstandingly, but for a moment he did not know who to look for.

According to Lu Zhixing, the flood is so serious this time that the court should send a high-ranking and powerful person to demonstrate the court's attention to Nancheng and the people.

Zhang Quansheng was the General of Zhennan, and although he was willing to go to the disaster area, it was a pity that his rank was not high. Zhao Wenbin was also a good person, and had never received any memorials impeaching him, so his rank was still high, but there was still one person missing.

The disaster was severe and a lot of food and money were needed. He needed someone who could ensure that the money would not be embezzled and could be delivered to the disaster area smoothly.

The emperor looked around at the princes currently attending court.

The crown prince cannot go. The second son wants to go, but what the crown prince said just now is not without reason. He has a lot of affairs in the court and cannot leave. The third son will not be able to return from Yumen Pass for a while, otherwise it would be the most suitable for him. The fourth son looks so weak and sick. Don't wait until he can't bear it on the road, so forget it. The fifth and sixth sons are too young and I'm afraid they can't take on such a big thing.

The emperor sighed inwardly, feeling helpless.

"Let's leave it like this for now. I'll think about the specific list of disaster relief later. The Ministry of Revenue should calculate how much silver and grain is left in the treasury, assess how much is needed in the disaster area, and draft a memorial for me."

"Retreat from the court..."

The emperor stood up and left.

......

"Your Majesty, this is the tea offered as tribute from Youzhou. Please try it." Eunuch Su Zilin brought a bowl of tea to the troubled emperor.

"Zilin, which prince can I send to provide food relief now?"

"Your Majesty, why must we have a prince? Each of you princes has an important responsibility. How can you just leave like that?" Su Zilin stood behind the emperor on his left side with his head lowered. He only raised his head and replied when the emperor asked him.

The emperor held the teacup and rubbed the lid with his hand, but his eyes were looking into the distance. It was unclear whether he was talking to himself or to Su Zilin: "If you do a good job in disaster relief, everyone will love you. If you don't do a good job, everyone will condemn you."

Da'an had also encountered floods, but never this severe. If the situation was handled well, the people would praise the court, but if it was not handled well, it was possible that the people would rise up in rebellion.

"Master Shao requests an audience." The shrill voice of the young eunuch outside the hall came in.

Su Zilin looked up at the emperor, who then came to his senses and nodded: "Pass it on."

"Call Master Shao." Su Zilin shouted hurriedly.

The Grand Tutor Shao's name was Shao Yi, and he was in charge of the Secretariat, but due to his advanced age, he no longer managed the affairs, and went to the Prince's School to teach several princes. He was only invited to appear in the court when something important happened.

"Teacher, what important matter has brought you here today?" the emperor asked, putting down the teacup in his hand.

Shao Yi stood in the hall. Just looking at his white hair and long white beard, one would think that this 70-year-old man should rest at home. If he was touched, he would be in trouble. But Shao Yi stood straight. He had fought with his ancestors, defended the country for the late emperor, and served as a general. He was in good health.

"I have heard that the flood in Lingnan is extremely serious. The emperor has not yet decided who will go to provide disaster relief. I have an idea that I would like to discuss with your majesty."

"Please speak, Grand Tutor." Shao Yi had taught the current emperor, so he could be considered the emperor's teacher. The emperor also respected him very much.

"It is already difficult for the princes in the court to handle the work of their own departments. If they are easily transferred to deal with the flood at this time, I am afraid they will be powerless. And the princes in the school are almost of age, so why not give them a chance this time and let them try it out." Shao Yi expressed his thoughts and waited quietly for the emperor's result.

"What the Grand Tutor said is not without reason, but these princes have not yet entered the court and have only a vague understanding of these matters. How can they shoulder this great responsibility?"

"Why not, Your Majesty, you give them a question and let them answer it. If they answer it well, you can consider whether to let this prince go with you."

The emperor thought for a long time, then slammed the table and made a decision: "Okay. Then let's do as the Grand Tutor says."

"Thank you, Your Majesty." Shao Yi bowed.

Shao Yi came empty-handed and left with a question in his hand. Now he has to go back to the school immediately and give questions to the princes, as disaster relief in Lingnan is urgent.

When Lu Ci Qiu saw Shao Yi coming back with the scroll in his hand, he knew that the matter was settled.

After he finished talking about this matter with Ye Jianqing yesterday, he went out of the palace in the evening. He went to find Shao Yi and told him the seriousness of the matter and expressed his desire to go to the disaster relief. Only then did Shao Yi agree to cooperate with him in this drama.

In fact, Shao Yi is also very optimistic about Lu Ci Qiu. Lu Ci Qiu is excellent in all subjects, has a quick mind, and cares about the people.

So when Lu Ci Qiu came to him and asked for his help, he had already agreed in his heart, but he wanted to see what reasons Lu Ci Qiu could give to convince him. Fortunately, Lu Ci Qiu did not disappoint him.

The four princes answered the questions given by the emperor. After Shao Yi read the answers, he sent them to the emperor's Chengming Palace.

"What do you think, Grand Tutor?" The emperor looked at the answer sheets. In fact, he already had the answer in his mind, but he wanted to see what Shao Yi thought.

"The answers of the several emperors all take the people and the court into consideration. The seventh prince proposed a way of exemption, and asking the wealthy people in South City to donate money is also a method. The ninth prince proposed that the people can donate money in exchange for official positions. Although it is a good idea, I don't know what the people who donate money are thinking, whether they are wholeheartedly serving the people, and there are risks." Shao Yi expressed his inner thoughts, but he did not take the initiative to mention Lu Ci Qiu's answer.

Lu Ci Qiu's answer was perfect, but the emperor had to discover this perfection himself. If he said it himself, in the emperor's eyes it would seem that he had done it just to flatter Lu Ci Qiu.

An old fox like Shao Yi would never do such a thing. If he wanted to help, he would do so in a way that made him feel completely free from blame.

"Eighth Prince, what do you think?" The emperor took out Lu Ci Qiu's answer sheet.

"The Eighth Prince's idea is good, but how to communicate with the Lord of Nanlin is a big deal. It is also a big deal to control the flood from the root. It is not something that can be done overnight."

The emperor did not speak, but just looked at Lu Ci Qiu's answer sheet, wondering what he was thinking about. After a long while, he said, "Su Zilin, go and summon the eighth prince."

"Yes." Su Zilin took the order and lowered his head to leave for the school to call Lu Ci Qiu.

......

"Greetings, father." Lu Ci Qiu was not surprised that he was the only one who came to Chengming Palace. He was clear about the abilities of his other brothers, and he was also clear about his own abilities. He believed in himself very much, and as expected, the result did not disappoint him.

But he did not relax. Coming here did not mean that he had succeeded. The key was to deal with his father.

"Eighth Brother, did you write this?" The emperor waved his hand at Lu Ci Qiu's answer sheet and asked.

"Yes." Lu Ci Qiu nodded.

"Tell me, what do you think about this flood?"

"I think that the flood in Lingnan has left the people homeless and without food. The most important thing for us now is to settle the people first and prevent the displaced people from becoming refugees and going to other towns, which would put pressure on other towns. At the same time..."

Lu Ci Qiu told him everything he knew and thought in detail, including how to build dams in the future and preventive measures to prevent floods from happening again.

Hearing this, the emperor and Shao Yi nodded repeatedly.

The emperor looked at his son below and found that he seemed to have never paid attention to him. After Lu Ci Qiu was adopted by Concubine Shu, he also didn't pay much attention to him.

The emperor has too many children, and he has to manage the country, so naturally he has no time to pay attention to those children.

After Lu Ci Qiu finished speaking, the emperor asked a few more questions, all of which were answered one by one, which made the emperor have a better impression of Lu Ci Qiu. The emperor had also learned from Shao Yi that Lu Ci Qiu's academic performance in recent years was very good, which made him like Lu Ci Qiu even better.

"Eighth Brother, go back and pack up. Go to the disaster area with Zhao Wenbin and Zhang Quansheng tomorrow." At that moment, the emperor decided to let Lu Ci Qiu go with them.

"Yes." Lu Ci Qiu was overjoyed, but he still had to pretend to be calm on the surface. He wished he could run back right away and tell Ye Jianqing the news.

"Remember, this disaster relief responsibility is heavy. You must ensure that food and silver are delivered to the victims. If I find out that anyone has embezzled the money, I will kill him." The emperor said in all seriousness.

"Yes, your son obeys your command." Lu Ci Qiu knelt down and accepted the order.

On the same day, the emperor drafted an imperial edict and notified everyone to make preparations and rush to Lingnan early the next morning.

When Lu Zhixing heard the news, he was almost mad with anger. He ignored everything and hurried into the palace to find Lu Ci Qiu.

When I arrived at the courtyard, I saw Concubine Shu also shedding tears here with Lu Ci Qiu.

"Qiu'er, you said you have never left the palace. How can your mother feel at ease when you leave?" Concubine Shu held Lu Ci Qiu's hand and talked to her in a nagging manner.

"Mother." Lu Zhixing stepped forward and greeted them.

"Zhixing, why don't you go and tell your father not to let Qiu'er go to such a dangerous place." When Concubine Shu saw Lu Zhixing coming, she grabbed it and cried as if it was a life-saving straw.

"Mother, please calm down. I want to talk to my eighth brother." Lu Zhixing quickly supported his mother and comforted her.

"Second brother, don't worry, I will be back soon." On the other hand, Lu Ci Qiu was not worried at all and was talking to them with a smile.

"Do you think this is a good thing?" Seeing his fearless look, Lu Zhixing was furious: "You can swim, so why don't you go? You've been scared to death of everyone since you fell into the water when you were eight years old. How can you go to a place full of water?"

"Second brother, this is the first mission that the emperor has given me. If I complete this mission, I can apply to establish a government when I come back, and then I can help you."

Hearing Lu Ci Qiu say this, Lu Zhixing felt even more upset and angrily yelled, "Do I need you to risk your life to help your brother? Can't I do it myself?"

Lu Ci Qiu also knew that what he said had angered him, so he quickly comforted him, "No, no, that's not what I meant. I know my brother is very capable."

"Second brother, you and mother should calm down and listen to me." Lu Ci Qiu pulled him to sit down.

"This is my chance. Brother, you know how many people died in the flood and how many people were displaced. So I have to help them. There are so many parasites in the court. Can you guarantee that the relief food and relief money will not be eaten up by those parasites? If they are eaten up by the parasites, how much will the people in the disaster area get? The reason why my father sent me there this time is the same. I believe that the same reason applies to you, brother, when you mentioned in the morning court that you would go to provide relief yourself."

Lu Zhixing looked at him and felt sad. His brother had grown up, but he still wanted to continue to protect him: "Even if there are many parasites in the court, I, your brother, will send my own people to remove them. You don't need to stand up for yourself."

"Brother, I need this opportunity. You and mother can just pray for me in the capital, okay?" Lu Ci Qiu looked at them sincerely.

Seeing how miserable they both were, Concubine Shu never stopped crying. Even though Lu Ci Qiu was not her son, she raised him. She took him to heart, and how could she bear to send him away now?

"I will send someone to protect you." After a long while, Lu Zhixing spoke.

Seeing that he had given in, Lu Ci Qiu smiled and nodded, "Okay, but second brother, Qing'er has to go with me too. She can protect me."

Lu Zhixing nodded. Even if he didn't say it, he would ask Ye Jianqing to go with him. "Okay."