Rebirth: Phoenix Riding the Ninth Heaven

The Fourth Prince watched Chen Duhu suffer this fate. Although he was filled with resentment, he could only suppress his anger and frustration, allowing himself to gradually calm down. His handsome face seemed covered in frost as he spoke expressionlessly, "This prince does not need to rest."

It was noon, the sun high in the sky, the heat unbearable. The Fourth Prince glanced up at the sky, then looked at Chen Duhu and said calmly, "Since it's already this hour, let's have a simple meal first and then discuss business."

Upon hearing this, Chen Duhu quickly nodded and said, "That's as it should be." Then he turned around and shouted to his men behind him, "Hurry and prepare the meal!"

However, these men were at a loss for a moment, as they had no idea how to arrange the dishes. Just then, one of them, alert, saw the Fourth Prince step into the palace and quickly and quietly tugged at the corner of Chen Duhu's clothes. Lowering his voice, he cautiously asked, "Sir, what standard do you think we should follow when serving the dishes?"

Chen Duhu frowned slightly, a hint of dissatisfaction showing on his face. He scolded in a low voice, "Didn't you see the Fourth Prince's expression? Besides, this is a year of severe drought! How much can we be particular about? Just prepare a basic meal with five dishes and a soup. Don't be too extravagant, so as to avoid unnecessary waste."

Chen Duhu nodded slightly and whispered to the servants waiting on the side: "Go and prepare some food." After receiving the order, the servants hurried to the kitchen.

Before long, delicious dishes were served one after another. Chen Duhu moved to sit beside the Fourth Prince, his gaze fixed on his impassive face, trying to discern from the subtle changes in his expression whether the outcome of this matter would satisfy the distinguished prince. However, the Fourth Prince's face didn't reveal much emotion, which led Chen Duhu to secretly wonder, perhaps this time, things had gone quite well.

The Fourth Prince lowered his gaze to the five dishes and one soup laid out on the table. His eyes were as calm as water, revealing neither surprise nor dissatisfaction. The dishes weren't lavish, but they weren't shabby either. They were mid-range, barely acceptable. He waved his hand casually and said, "Let's eat first. We'll discuss other matters later."

Upon hearing this, everyone, as if granted amnesty, quickly picked up the rice bowls placed before them and began to chew their food slowly and carefully. They were all extremely cautious, even picking up food with light, careful hands and feet, fearing that even the slightest noise would disturb the Fourth Prince. They also dared not casually extend their chopsticks to the dishes in front of others, fearing that this would anger the Fourth Prince and bring about an unexpected disaster. For a moment, the entire room was silent except for the gentle chewing sounds and the occasional clinking of cutlery.

The meal was eaten in unusually quiet and swift fashion, as if time had been compressed. Prince Zi sat quietly at the table, his gaze slowly sweeping over the group of people absorbed in their meals. When everyone had almost finished eating, he gently placed his bowl and chopsticks on the table.

Seeing this, the others followed suit. For a moment, there was only a crackling sound as everyone put down their chopsticks. The Fourth Prince raised his head slightly, looked around at everyone present with an expressionless face, and then spoke slowly, "This drought has lasted for so long, and yet there's still no rain. Do you have any good ideas for resolving this predicament?"

As soon as the words fell, a brief silence fell upon the table. A moment later, a white-haired, wrinkled official rose from his seat and steadily approached. He bowed respectfully to the Fourth Prince, then spoke in a clear voice, "Your Highness, the main canal channels have been dug. Now, we just need to wait for the water source to be connected. We can then reopen the long-dried canals and connect them to the main channels, thereby bringing in the water."

Upon hearing this, the Fourth Prince's tense expression relaxed slightly. He gazed at the white-haired old official before him and asked gently, "Thank you, sir. May I know how old you are?" The old man quickly bowed again and replied respectfully, "My name is Zhou Xiu, and I am the magistrate of Taoli County. I am currently responsible for the canal construction in the Taoli County area."

Upon hearing this, the Fourth Prince felt a surge of relief. After a long period of turmoil, the state finally welcomed a good development. He turned around, his gaze sweeping across the ministers present, and asked in a deep voice, "How is the canal excavation progress in each county? When will it be fully connected?"

As soon as the words fell, a mixed response echoed from the court. Some ministers bowed and reported with joy, "Your Highness, our county's canal is expected to be completed within the next day or two!" Others, looking hesitant, replied cautiously, "Your Highness, the situation in our county is quite complicated. It may take a few more days to complete." Still others exclaimed confidently, "Your Highness, rest assured. Our county's canal has been dug. We are currently working on connecting the various smaller canal facilities. I believe it will be completed soon!"

As the Fourth Prince listened to these reports, a look of satisfaction gradually appeared on his face, and he nodded slightly. Then, raising his voice, he spoke solemnly, "This is a matter of great importance to the nation and the well-being of the people. My dear ministers, you must give your all and seize the time to oversee the work. You must know that this will not only benefit the present, but also future generations. It must not be taken lightly!"

Upon hearing this, all the ministers knelt down and kowtowed, shouting in unison: "We will definitely live up to our mission and do our best to properly complete the canal digging and dam building tasks of this water conservancy project. Please rest assured, Your Highness!" For a moment, the atmosphere in the court was solemn, and everyone felt a great sense of responsibility.

The Fourth Prince slowly swept his eyes over the people present, and saw that they all had solemn expressions but also showed a spirit of unity. He felt relieved a little. After all, facing such a difficult situation, if everyone could work together, it would be a blessing in disguise.

The conversation then turned to the canal. After much effort, the project was nearly complete. However, problems arose—the most pressing of which was food. It wasn't even time to plant crops yet, so how would the hungry peasants survive this long, dry season? The relief grain allocated by the imperial court was nearly exhausted, yet the drought showed no signs of abating. If this continued, until crops could no longer be planted, the people would face starvation.

We have gathered all of you ministers here today in the hope that we can pool our wisdom and work together to devise a sound plan to help the people escape their hardship. However, the ministers looked at each other, each one frowning, hesitant to speak. Clearly, they had racked their brains but had yet to find a viable solution. Indeed, the only thing lacking was that crucial food supply, and with food shortages rife everywhere, where could we find it?

The Fourth Prince slowly stood up, his deep, piercing eyes scanning everyone present like cold stars. After a moment, he raised his head slightly and said in a calm yet undeniable tone, "Since all the gentlemen present are at a loss as to what to do about this, then please listen to my thoughts." As soon as he finished speaking, everyone responded in unison, "We will follow your orders, Your Highness!"

The Fourth Prince gently raised his hand, signaling everyone to calm down. The previously noisy scene instantly fell silent. He then continued, speaking slowly and unhurriedly, "As you all know, the difficulties we face are indeed formidable, but as long as we work together and unite as one, we will surely overcome this crisis. In my opinion, you may have some surplus food at home. You might wish to donate it to alleviate our immediate needs."

Of course, those who have money can contribute money, and those who have strength can contribute strength. Even if you really can't contribute money or strength, at least some food will be helpful. Once everyone has gathered the money, this prince will immediately send his confidants to the surrounding cities to purchase more food. If we can successfully overcome this difficult situation, when this prince returns to the capital, he will definitely ask His Majesty for a reward for your contribution! What do you think?

Upon hearing this, everyone was filled with indignation, but no one dared to express their anger. After all, they knew their lives and fortunes were completely controlled by the royal family, leaving them no room for resistance. The obligation to contribute money and labor was a done deal, with no escape possible. Regardless of the amount, they had to contribute. Fortunately, the Fourth Prince hadn't specified a specific contribution, giving them some breathing room and wiggle room. So, everyone decided to go home and scrape together whatever they could. Even if it meant giving up their cherished possessions, they had to contribute some food or money.

Because they all understood that only by doing so could they pave the way for their own future and secure a chance to rise to the next level. No one wanted to fall behind others and have their chance to shine stolen by others. Although everyone harbored many complaints and hidden agendas, they ultimately reluctantly complied with the Fourth Prince's request, vowing to return home immediately to find a way to raise supplies. They were even prepared to donate seldom-worn clothing and the spare cash they had saved to help the people survive this severe drought.

The Fourth Prince, like a calm and composed king, waved his hand gently, signaling everyone to leave. Then, he sat quietly in the spacious hall, like a statue.