Chapter 60

Xiao Xixi did not answer but instead asked, "Did these four counties suffer from any other disasters last year?"

"Yes, these four counties experienced heavy rain for a whole month last summer. The rivers rose, flooding many farmhouses and fields, causing a large number of people to become homeless and refugees. The court spent five million taels of silver to provide disaster relief and, as an exception, exempted them from taxes for the entire year to help them barely survive. We thought this year would be peaceful, but we never expected a drought to occur in the south. Recently, my father and the court ministers have been troubled by this matter."

Xiao Xixi listened carefully to his words and said, "I believe there is a problem with the feng shui of these four counties, which is why they have suffered disasters for two consecutive years. If the root of the problem is not addressed, even if the court provides disaster relief again this year, the south will still face other disasters next year, such as fires, locusts, earthquakes, or epidemics."

Luo Qinghan listened intently and asked, "What do you think should be done?"

"Since the feng shui is the problem, we should change it."

In addition to divination and fortune-telling, the Xuanmen can also assess feng shui, and Xiao Xixi was quite skilled in this area.

She pointed to a river on the map.

"Dig a tributary in the middle and lower reaches of this river, diverting the water into the heart of Jingshou County. This area is very low-lying, a basin, and the river will naturally form a lake here. Surrounded by mountains, it will become a treasure land with good feng shui. This is the most critical point in the center of the four counties. If the feng shui of this place changes, the feng shui of the entire south will also change. At that time, if Your Highness personally holds a rain-summoning ceremony, it will rain heavily in the four southern counties within three days."

Luo Qinghan said seriously, "This matter concerns the lives of countless people in the south. It's no time for jokes. Are you sure this will be effective?"

Xiao Xixi rarely showed a serious expression and said firmly, "Your Highness, please rest assured. I would never lie about such a matter. If, after following my advice, the rain still does not come, I am willing to die to atone for my mistake."

Whether it was digging a river or holding a rain-summoning ceremony, these were not trivial matters.

Luo Qinghan needed to think carefully before making a decision.

Xiao Xixi had said what she needed to say. She was just full and feeling sleepy, so she yawned slightly.

"Your Highness, if there are no other instructions, I will take my leave."

Luo Qinghan waved his hand, indicating that she could go.

Xiao Xixi left Mingguang Palace with Baoqin.

As soon as she returned to Qingsong Hall, Xiao Xixi threw herself onto the bed, wrapped herself in the blanket, and quickly fell into a deep sleep.

Baoqin originally wanted to ask her about the feng shui changes, which sounded mysterious and uncertain. But seeing how deeply she was sleeping, Baoqin couldn't bear to wake her and let her sleep.

Mingguang Palace was divided into two halves. The right half was the Crown Prince's study, where he usually handled official business and met with ministers.

The left half was the library, which stored a large number of documents and books.

After Xiao Xixi left, Luo Qinghan pushed open the door to the library and began to review the records of the four southern counties.

Since Xiao Liangdi said there was a problem with the feng shui of the four southern counties, it suggested that these counties had not only suffered disasters in the past two years but might have experienced similar disasters in the past.

After a thorough review, he indeed found some clues.