Chapter 67

Luo Qinghan knelt on the soft cushion, his back as straight as a proud pine in the snow.

"The Prince said that we need to excavate a tributary to divert water into Jing Shou County."

The Prince's tutor, known for his impatience, couldn't help but interject, "Your method can only solve the water problem for some of the disaster victims in Jing Shou County, but the drought in other areas will still not be resolved!"

Luo Qinghan affirmed, "As long as we follow what the Prince said, the drought in the four southern counties can be resolved."

The seven people present were all the Prince's confidants.

Logically, they should have unconditionally trusted the Prince, but what the Prince said was simply unbelievable.

How could just diverting a tributary solve the drought in the four southern counties? It was simply absurd!

They deliberated for an entire day, but in the end, nothing was decided.

When Luo Qinghan walked out of Mingguang Palace, the sun had already set.

At that moment, a young eunuch approached and respectfully said, "Your Highness, the Empress requests your presence."

"Now?"

"Yes."

Luo Qinghan didn't ask any more questions and said calmly, "Go to the Pepper Room Palace."

As soon as he entered the Pepper Room Palace, Luo Qinghan felt the air become cold and heavy.

He bowed respectfully, "Your son greets the Empress."

The bamboo curtain was lifted, and Empress Qin slowly walked out.

She wore a dark purple wide-sleeved robe, the long hem trailing over the white marble floor.

She always liked to wear such deep colors, just like the impression she gave—

Deep, oppressive, and cold.

Empress Qin: "I heard that you accepted the imperial edict to solve the drought in the south today."

Luo Qinghan: "Yes."

"Do you have a solution?"

"I plan to divert a tributary from Yi River into Jing Shou County..."

Empress Qin interrupted him, "You've already mentioned this method, no need to repeat it. What I want to know is if you have any other solutions?"

Luo Qinghan lowered his eyes and remained silent.

Empress Qin's tone became even colder, "Since you don't have a complete solution, why did you insist on taking the lead? Do you know how many people are waiting to see you fail? I worked hard to get you to the position of Crown Prince. If you can't even keep this position, what use do I have for you?!"

Each question was like a heavy hammer pulled from an ice cellar, striking Luo Qinghan's heart hard.

Painful and cold.

Luo Qinghan pressed his lips together, "Your son will properly resolve this drought. Please rest assured, Empress."

Empress Qin shifted her gaze away from him, seemingly not wanting to see him anymore.

"Handle it well."

Luo Qinghan took out a protective amulet from his sleeve and presented it with both hands, "Empress, this is a protective amulet I had someone seek for you. It will ensure your safety and health."

Empress Qin didn't even glance at it, coldly saying, "Are you now at a dead end, turning to gods and Buddhas for help?"

Luo Qinghan placed the amulet on the ground in front of him and said respectfully, "Empress, rest well and take care of your health. Your son will take his leave."

He left the Pepper Room Palace.

But the heavy feeling in his heart did not dissipate.

He walked down the steps with heavy steps.

His brothers were waiting to see him fail.

His confidants didn't believe him, and neither did his mother.

In this palace, did he have anyone he could trust?

At this moment, an indescribable sense of loneliness enveloped him.

Eunuch Chang asked cautiously,

"Is Your Highness returning to Mingguang Palace?"

Luo Qinghan looked at the vast darkness ahead, and after a long while, he said,

"Go to the Qingge Palace."