Rebirth: Phoenix Riding the Ninth Heaven

Qi Andang continued, "These situations aren't universally applicable! Some families have already prepared ample firewood for the winter, but others don't even have enough to keep them warm for the entire winter. Of course, everyone has different opinions on whether or not they're willing to spend the winter together. Some are happy to participate, while others are reluctant. We're adhering to the principle of voluntariness, gathering together those who truly want to spend the winter together. Then, we ask them to hand over all the firewood they have, and a dedicated person will manage and distribute it."

At this moment, the Fourth Prince interrupted, "While gathering everyone together and using firewood for heating is certainly a good thing, there will inevitably be some troublemakers who are always looking to stir up trouble. Wouldn't that incite negative emotions among everyone?"

Qi Andang was stunned when he heard this. He said sincerely, "I have never considered such issues. In today's world, just filling one's stomach has become a problem. I don't think many people would have the leisure to cause trouble." However, after hearing what he said, Fangzi was very dissatisfied, but he could only shake his head helplessly and sighed, "The human heart is hard to predict!

We must take precautions before things happen, and never wait until they happen before regretting them. With so many people gathered together, conflicts and disputes are bound to arise. Properly resolving these conflicts is something we urgently need to address. Otherwise, disaster is inevitable. Bullying the weak, the young taking advantage of the elderly—things like this happen even in times of peace and prosperity, let alone in such a turbulent situation.

At this point in the discussion, the atmosphere grew somewhat tense. The Fourth Prince, unable to contain himself, stood up and addressed the ministers, "Do you have anything else to say, my dear ministers? If you have any good ideas or solutions, please speak up so that we can discuss them together." As soon as he finished speaking, the entire court fell into a brief silence. At this moment, Chengdu Hu slowly rose from his seat, bowed to the Fourth Prince, and then said respectfully, "Your Highness, I believe this plan is feasible, but we must also be mindful of the potential impact on public opinion.

In my humble opinion, we might as well use the village as the basic unit and assign the head of each village to coordinate all matters related to the villagers in their village. For example, we could utilize the ancestral halls or larger houses in each village to build additional houses, ensuring that they are tightly fitted and airtight. This way, when the cold winter arrives, the houses will be as warm as spring. Furthermore, the placement of people requires careful planning. Women and children can be separated from young men, while unmarried young women and children should be properly placed in the innermost areas. Elderly people should be placed in the middle areas, while strong and healthy men should be stationed on the outer areas. This layout will effectively avoid any unnecessary trouble while fully ensuring everyone's safety and comfort. I hope Your Highness will consider it."

Upon hearing this, the Fourth Prince's furrowed brow relaxed slightly, a look of relief on his face. He said cheerfully, "Well, this plan might work! Let's call it a day for now. My dear ministers, please return home." He waved his hand, signaling everyone to leave.

"However..." The Fourth Prince paused, then continued, "Each of you must devise a plan to ensure the safety of the people through the winter, and submit your memorials tomorrow. I will formulate detailed rules based on the effective methods you have proposed, ensuring that no one suffers from hunger or cold this harsh winter. Only in this way can we usher in a prosperous and vibrant scene when next spring arrives."

Upon hearing this, all the ministers bowed and shouted in unison: "The Fourth Prince is wise! Long live the emperor!" Then they filed out like a tide, hurried home, and racked their brains to think of how to deal with the situation.

Seeing that everyone had left, the Fourth Prince turned to Zhu Qi and said, "Quickly go and invite Master Baili and Miss Li to my house. This prince has something important to discuss with them." Upon receiving the order, Zhu Qi left in a hurry like an arrow. After a while, he invited the two distinguished guests to the hall.

Not long after, Bailixi and Miss Li came into view. They walked hurriedly, looking a little tired, but their eyes were exceptionally bright.

Upon seeing them, the Fourth Prince quickly bowed and kowtowed, expressing his welcome. However, as soon as he bent down, the swift-eyed and quick-handed Fourth Prince quickly stepped forward to support him and slowly pulled him up. The Fourth Prince's face was filled with helplessness, and he muttered softly, "We are so familiar with each other, there is really no need for such empty formalities!"

After hearing this, everyone smiled at each other, and the atmosphere suddenly became relaxed. Then, they exchanged a few pleasantries and then sat down according to the host and guest's seats.

The Fourth Prince's gaze fell on Li Ruoyue. Seeing her dressed in men's clothing, looking neat and tidy, and her whole person looking even more heroic, he couldn't help but admire her. So, with a smile, he began to praise her, "Miss Li, you look so dignified and truly worthy of being a man! Your assistance is truly a timely help. Thanks to your help, we have successfully contained this terrible plague. Without it, who knows how many innocent people would have been forced to flee their homes, becoming wandering ghosts. It's all thanks to Miss Li that so many people have been able to return home and enjoy peace and prosperity!"

Hearing the praise, Li Ruoyue stood up hurriedly, waved her hands and said, "Your Highness the Fourth Prince, you are too kind. What I have done is just to fulfill the duty of a doctor. As a doctor, it is my responsibility to save the dying and the wounded. I only hope to alleviate the pain and suffering of the people. I have not thought about anything else." After she finished speaking, she bowed slightly and then sat down again.

The Fourth Prince looked at Li Ruoyue, who seemed to understand the greater good, and couldn't help but feel a surge of admiration for her. He slowly turned his head, his gaze landing on Baili Xi, who sat to his right. Baili Xi appeared nonchalant, his face expressionless, as he leisurely savored the exquisite snacks on the table, occasionally sipping his steaming tea. It was impossible to guess what he was thinking at the moment.

Seeing this, the Fourth Prince's eyes rolled, and a sudden surge of evil amusement welled up in his heart. He thought, "Since Baili Xi is so free and at ease, why not find him something to do?" Clearing his throat, the Fourth Prince said, "Master Baili, winter is almost here. We need to think of a way to ensure that the people can survive this cold winter safely, without starving or freezing to death. Do you have any ideas or suggestions that could help me and the people overcome this difficult time?"

Baili Xi, who had been enjoying his meal, looked slightly changed when he heard this. He put down his unfinished snack, clapped his hands, picked up his teacup and took a long sip. Then he replied rather helplessly, "Ah, Your Highness the Fourth Prince, you are really flattering me! I am just a commoner. How can I possibly have any good ideas?"

The Fourth Prince stared intently at the seemingly nonchalant Baili Xi in front of him, his brows furrowed, his expression extremely serious, and he slowly said: "Mr. Baili! This prince is absolutely not joking with you. This matter is a top priority that concerns the livelihood and life and death of thousands of people. How can this prince joke about such an important matter?" As he spoke, the Fourth Prince's expression became more and more solemn.

"The northwest region is currently experiencing a rare and severe drought, resulting in the loss of many lives. Not only has food been depleted, but febrile diseases have also broken out. If we can't survive this winter, the northwest will likely become a desolate, uninhabited land. The soldiers stationed here will then lose their rear support and be left without food. If the Xiongnu seize this opportunity to march south, this area will be undefended and they will surely advance without delay. If this area falls, the rest of the Dashun Dynasty will be plunged into a grave crisis! Therefore, this prince sincerely hopes you can lend a hand and work together to devise a plan to save these suffering people."

When Baili Xi saw the Fourth Prince speak of this, his originally relaxed expression instantly became solemn and serious. He slowly stood up, clasped his hands together, and bowed deeply to the Fourth Prince. Then, he spoke solemnly, "It's not that I don't want to help you, Fourth Prince. To be honest, this matter is extremely difficult! Right now, I have no money and no people. In this situation, I really don't know where to start to find a solution!"

At this point, Baili Xi couldn't help but frown slightly and continued, "The most critical problem is undoubtedly the lack of funds. Does Your Highness the Fourth Prince have any good solutions to this problem? I wonder when the court will allocate grain and money for planting again?"

Upon hearing this, the Fourth Prince's face also showed a trace of sadness. He sighed softly, shook his head helplessly, and explained, "Alas, it's not that the Emperor is unwilling to allocate funds for aid. Our Dashun State has only been established for a little over a hundred years, and we haven't yet achieved true national prosperity and strength. Every part of the country needs financial support, especially the northwest, which has suffered from a long drought. Although the court has allocated a large amount of grain and relief funds, the region is vast, and every place is in urgent need of imperial aid and assistance. However, there are too many people and too little food, and it is difficult to meet all needs. Therefore, for now, we can only rely on ourselves to find other ways to solve the problem."