The Eldest Daughter Returns: Imperial Uncle, I'm Pregnant!

Gu Qingwan stayed at the Ningguo Duke's Mansion this time, along with Siqi, Ning Yi and Ning Er, Baoqin, Shishu, and Ruhua.

Of course, the three of them also wanted to go out with their young lady and stay by her side, but they also knew that they were too weak and that staying by their young lady's side would only cause her trouble. On the contrary, they felt more at ease with Siqi by her side.

Gu Qingwan also had her own selfish motives. Whether this trip would be dangerous or safe was still unknown, so it would be best to keep the others in the capital as her backup.

Even before Master Huang made his prediction, she had already arranged for Shishu to secretly begin stockpiling grain.

If she remembered correctly, this flood would cause a large influx of refugees into the capital. At that time, the emperor would order all the households in the capital, regardless of size, to set up soup kitchens. That would be a great opportunity for the Yu family.

Now that she knows the truth, she will not allow the Yu family to grow stronger quietly and become Xiao Yuheng's money bag.

"Therefore, Shishu must stay and continue to complete the tasks I have assigned. When I return, this will be the first major issue we will face."

"Yes, Miss. I have started stockpiling grain and medicine as you instructed. Our rouge shop has also temporarily stopped providing new products as you instructed. The managers of Caiyi Pavilion and Duobao Pavilion have also used most of their funds to find connections and stockpile a lot. The Second Young Master is also trying to find a way to manage what we have acquired."

"I feel at ease with you here."

"Then, Miss, please take me and Sister Baoqin with you. Although I'm not good at martial arts, I can cook for you."

Ru Hua knew in her heart that going along might be a hindrance to her mistress, but she also felt that it wouldn't do if her mistress didn't eat well along the way, and that she was still of some use.

"Of course I know what you're thinking, but I'm not sure what the situation is this time. But Ruhua, don't worry. You and Baoqin pack your things and return to the Gu family the day after I leave."

“Miss, you’re not here, what is this servant doing back at the Gu family home?” Ru Hua asked.

"Does Miss want us to keep an eye on the Gu family?" Baoqin asked uncertainly.

“Baoqin, you are steady and reliable. I can only feel at ease when you are in charge of the family. We have put a lot of effort into Aunt Rou’s move. We can’t let Wang Ruyan take advantage of this opportunity. And the Third Miss… You all know more or less about the Third Miss’s situation. If she asks you for help, Baoqin, you can decide. Ruhua, you must listen to Baoqin.”

Ru Hua nodded, "Miss, I will definitely do what you asked me to do. But please be careful and come back soon!"

After discussing and deciding, Gu Qingwan did not tell anyone else, and the four of them hurriedly left the city under the cover of night.

The old Duke and his wife discussed it and told the outside world that Gu Qingwan's old injury had relapsed and she needed to go out to find her master to recuperate. Baoqin and Ruhua returned to Youlan Courtyard the next day, so it was impossible for Gu Hanjiao to take over the courtyard.

Meanwhile, the King of Chu was ordered to inspect the military camps in the south, but halfway there he received an imperial edict changing his original plan to inspect the floods instead.

Along the way, the King of Chu saw many disaster victims heading towards the capital with their families. The further south they went, the heavier the rain became, and the dikes in various places suffered varying degrees of damage.

When the magistrate of Cangshan heard that the prince was already on the dam, he rushed forward to check in the pouring rain. It was obvious that the area that had been washed away by the rain was filled with construction waste, rotten wood and sand. It looked intact on the surface, but it was actually very vulnerable. Before the magistrate could speak, Xiao Yuheng raised his knife and beheaded him.

The rain mixed with blood on the spot, making everyone present feel chills. They had heard that the King of Chu was a living devil, but they never expected that the King of Chu would kill people without saying a word.

"You all had better find a way to repair the dike for me. If you do, you might all be promoted one rank. If you don't, you'll all have to use your corpses to fill the holes in the dike for me, along with this corrupt official!"

Many of the people who had been forced to do hard labor were initially afraid of the King of Hell, fearing that he might take them away to fill the dikes if he was displeased. However, after hearing what he said, they were no longer so afraid.

This corrupt official was no good in life; he could only exploit the people and did nothing to benefit them. His death would be a great relief. Besides, the prince's words were meant to force these officials to take action.

"Fellow villagers, His Majesty cares about you all, which is why he sent me to fight alongside you. Now I have eliminated this termite on the dike. Next, we must work together to protect the dike and our homes! Anyone who dares to damage our homes will have my sword drawn to their throat!"

Upon hearing the King of Chu's words, the gloom in everyone's hearts dissipated, and they were filled with ambition. If the King of Chu could lead a million soldiers to protect his homeland, then under his leadership, they would surely rebuild their homeland.

That evening, the King of Chu sent for the magistrate of Linqing County and appointed him as the temporary magistrate of Cangshan. All the people under his command were to follow his orders, because Linqing had suffered the least damage so far, and Magistrate Xu had a good reputation among the people. Therefore, everyone was convinced and followed the King of Chu and Magistrate Xu to build dikes in preparation for flood control.

Inside the makeshift tent, everyone had to shout to speak because the heavy rain outside pounded against the tent, drowning out their conversation.

Lord Xu, a scholar, put all his strength into saying, “Your Highness, the rain is getting heavier and heavier. If it continues, the lake level will rise. Our dikes are already failing and will not be able to withstand the flood.”

After pondering for a while, the King of Chu asked Xiao Yi to find a topographical map of the area. Under the lamplight, the King of Chu circled an open space on the map and said, "Here, have someone dig this place up so that all the excess water can drain here."

Lord Xu craned his neck to look, and indeed it was a good idea. If the water was released and the water level lowered, then a flood would not occur, and the people and crops downstream could be saved. However…

"Your Highness, this means the people on this flat land will have no homes, and the fields in these areas are all good land..."

"It's no use. Even if we don't move this place, we won't be able to save it once the flood breaks out. Lord Xu, you are familiar with this place. You should take your men and find a way to appease the people and tell them that the court will arrange new housing for them and provide compensation for their land."

"It's good, but if someone is unwilling, there's nothing I can do about it."

"Disagree? Then let them stay at home and be swept away by the flood along with their homes." King Chu was never one to talk much; in his mind, he would have already taken care of things by the time it took to say those two extra words.

Lord Xu greatly admired the prince's decisiveness and ruthlessness. He regained his confidence and no longer hesitated. For the sake of the people, Lord Xu put on his coat and went into the heavy rain.