Rebirth: Phoenix Riding the Ninth Heaven

Baili Xi sighed helplessly, "When I was traveling with my master, I once visited the Northeast. The people there put a lot of effort into reinforcing their homes to withstand the severe cold. They cleverly used straw and mud to thicken the walls, enhancing the homes' thermal insulation. The door curtains and window sashes were tightly sealed, effectively reducing the intrusion of cold winds."

He paused and continued, "When it comes to heating tools, kangs and stoves are crucial. Especially in northern China, almost every household has a kang with a flue. This type of kang not only provides a warm and comfortable environment, but also greatly saves indoor space. Even if the temperature outside has dropped to dozens of degrees below zero, as long as you stay inside, you will still feel warm and cozy, without having to worry about the cold at all."

Finally, Baili Xi looked at the Fourth Prince with a determined gaze and suggested, "In my opinion, we should gather our people together and select a few larger houses to reinforce and renovate. We should build strong and durable kangs in these houses and add an additional layer of fire walls. That way, when winter arrives, everyone will be able to safely survive this long and harsh winter."

Upon hearing his suggestion, the Fourth Prince's face lit up with an ecstatic smile, and he excitedly exclaimed, "Your suggestion is simply excellent! This way, not only can we ensure the sturdiness of the house and a pleasant warmth inside, but we can also greatly save on precious heating materials!"

Baili Xi, standing nearby, saw the Fourth Prince so excited and delighted. He struck while the iron was hot and added a few more words: "Your Highness, think about it. There are only two months left until the cold winter. So, within these two months, we must make sure that the kang and the fire house are indestructible and as stable as Mount Tai!" Having said this, Baili Xi paused for a moment, then emphasized: "You know, building a kang is a crucial and highly technical job! If we can't find someone skilled in this field to take charge, then everything I've just said will be in vain!"

Upon hearing this, the Fourth Prince immediately ordered a thorough investigation to determine who knew how to construct the kang and fire walls. He also stated that anyone with the skills would be immediately summoned to work on the construction and meticulously teach the techniques to others. He also promised that all those involved in the project would receive two hearty meals daily, plus an additional two kilograms of mixed grain as compensation.

After this, the Fourth Prince, Baili Xi, and Li Ruoyue sat together and began to discuss the various details of the matter in detail. Sometimes they argued passionately, expressing their opinions; sometimes they spoke in hushed tones, carefully considering every possible problem and its response. As time passed, the sky outside the window gradually darkened. Finally, the discussion concluded, the Fourth Prince rose to see his guests off, while Baili Xi and Li Ruoyue set off on their journey home.

At this moment, Baili Xi and Li Ruoyue slowly boarded the carriage, their bodies weighing as much as lead. They sat facing each other, their faces etched with fatigue. The day's hustle and bustle had been exhausting, like being driven like oxen or horses. But when they thought of the eagerly awaited people, a sense of responsibility welled up in their hearts, making all the hard work seem worthwhile.

Baili Xi looked at Li Ruoyue's face, which looked particularly haggard from exhaustion, and felt distressed. He asked softly, "Miss Li, how are you feeling now? Are you feeling unwell?" Hearing Baili Xi's concerned words, Li Ruoyue raised her head and forced a smile. "It's nothing serious. I'm just exhausted and want to rest. I should be fine tomorrow after a good night's sleep."

When Baili Xi heard this, although his heart was still surging with complaints, his mouth was like a blocked spring, and he did not utter a word. He just whispered to Li Ruoyue: "Then you go back and have a good rest. We still have many important matters to deal with tomorrow." Hearing this, Li Ruoyue replied softly: "Okay." Then, in this narrow carriage, they looked at each other without saying a word, like two silent sculptures, quietly closed their eyes and rested.

The Fourth Prince had been exhausted these past few days, busy with court affairs and the trivialities of the people, leaving him feeling rather depressed. However, today, he finally had a rare moment of relaxation, as Baili Xi's solution had successfully solved a long-standing problem for him: winter heating.

After receiving this recipe, the Fourth Prince immediately issued orders, dispatching personnel to various locations to expedite the production of high-quality charcoal. He knew that as long as sufficient charcoal reserves could be secured, heating this winter would no longer be a major headache. However, relying solely on charcoal was far from sufficient, so the Fourth Prince immediately turned his attention to timber resources.

"Pass on my orders!" the Fourth Prince shouted. "Immediately send men up the mountain to cut down all trees that can be used for fuel, no matter how large or small, and bring them back. Go all out, and don't slack off even a little. This prince will spare no expense to ensure we survive this winter. No matter what means are used, we must ensure that the wood and fuel needed for heating are properly prepared!" With the Fourth Prince's order, numerous soldiers rushed into the mountains and forests like a tide, and a vigorous logging operation began...

Wang Wu dragged his heavy, weak steps, slowly walking along the deserted streets. The cold wind slashed across his thin, frostbitten face like a knife. Hunger and cold intertwined, tormenting his already exhausted body.

Since the terrible plague struck, his family had suffered greatly. The once vibrant and warm family was now reduced to his wife and adorable young daughter. His elderly mother and strong older brother, despite eagerly awaiting Dr. Li's life-saving medicine, ultimately succumbed to the plague's ravages and passed away with grief.

Although he was able to get some relief food every day to barely get by, that meager amount of food was barely enough to keep him alive and avoid starvation. Whenever he saw his wife and daughter, after eating, leaning against the wall with their eyes closed, their faces haggard and emaciated, Wang Wu felt as if thousands of needles were piercing his heart, filled with endless self-blame and guilt.

"It's all my fault!" Wang Wu often sighed to himself. "My wife and children have to suffer with me. They can't even have a full meal, let alone a stable and comfortable life."

Now, this once well-off family has reached the end of their rope, without a single grain of food to eat. With no other options, the three of them can only hope for the daily relief rations distributed by the government to keep them alive. Wang Wu knew this wasn't the way to go, so he began asking around, trying to find a job that would just keep him fed. However, amidst the chaos and epidemics of war, finding a job to make ends meet was no easy task. Even with so little hope, Wang Wu refused to give up, knowing that only by striving could he bring a glimmer of hope to his family and alleviate the heavy burden of guilt he felt.

Wang Wu was strolling leisurely down the street when a sign not far ahead caught his eye. He saw a large crowd of people gathered there. His heart raced, and he instantly quickened his pace, hurriedly heading toward the bustling area.

After finally squeezing his way closer, Wang Wu looked at the clamorous, bustling scene before him, feeling a bit bewildered. He turned to an old man standing next to him and politely asked, "Excuse me, uncle, may I ask what kind of notice the government has posted here? How could it attract so many people to gather here and watch?"

The old man looked to be in his seventies or eighties, with a head of silver hair as white as snow and a body so thin that he looked like a bag of bones. Upon hearing Wang Wu's question, the old man's previously dull eyes suddenly lit up, and he replied excitedly, "Hey, young man, this is great news! The government is recruiting craftsmen who know how to build kangs! If you're selected, not only will you have two full meals a day, but you'll also be rewarded with two pounds of grain! Such generous treatment is simply pie in the sky! It's a pity that I, an old man, am too old but don't have such exquisite skills. I can only watch here helplessly!" As he spoke, the old man shook his head helplessly, a trace of regret on his face.

Wang Wu suddenly understood, but then he felt very confused and asked, "If the conditions are so attractive, why are there so many people just standing here watching, and no one is actually signing up?"

The old man sighed and explained, "Well, the officials have already made it clear. While everyone is welcome to sign up for the selection, if anyone is found to have deliberately cheated and passed through, they will not be easily forgiven and will be severely punished! So many people were already unsure, and with this warning, they're naturally scared and afraid to move forward. But after all, this opportunity is rare, and no one wants to give up so easily, so they've just stayed where they are and waited and watched!"