The flood causes soil erosion, harming only the common people. The court has dispatched several ministers to manage the water, but the effects are minimal. As an emperor, today I summoned the two sons to hear their opinions.

Li Changnian paused in contemplation, then confidently said, "In my humble opinion, we should establish dikes along the banks to contain the floodwaters, so they no longer spread everywhere."

Isn’t it the principle that the soil stops the water?

"So what is Qian’er’s opinion?" Emperor Jingping neither dismissed nor confirmed, his sharp gaze turning to his eldest son.

Li Qian rejected this answer: "Father, addressing the water issues is of utmost importance; it still requires a strategic use of maps to understand the mountains and rivers. It’s easy to say setting dikes will contain the flood, but much harder to do. Allow me to first investigate, and I will provide a response tomorrow."

This is undoubtedly opposing the Crown Prince.

Can we not block, yet allow floods to spread everywhere and continue harming the people?

Li Changnian, not convinced, said, "Oh, I’d like to hear elder brother’s insights. I believe blocking is the most effective method."

The Eldest Prince stood up, took a step back, and knelt on one knee, bowing: "I know Father has been troubled by this matter lately. I am determined to think deeply to provide a solution that Father will approve."

The issue is significant, Emperor Jingping didn’t press him.

He stroked his beard and nodded, "Well then, go back and consider it thoroughly. I hope you can give me an answer tomorrow. You two shall return tomorrow, at the same time and place."

Both brothers said in unison, "Yes."

Emperor Jingping rose and started walking outside, followed by the eunuch who had been standing aside.

He had just left the Imperial Garden.

Halfway, he encountered Noble Princess Consort Xiao coming gracefully. She feigned surprise and said, "Emperor, what a coincidence, I came to admire the flowers. I also have some matters to seek you out for, but dared not disturb you, so I met you here."

The woman had her hair styled in a Huigu bun, with just a simple Nine Phoenix Rose Hairpin adorning it, dressed in a Minglan embroidered butterfly-patterned strapless gown, straightforward, a change from her usual glamorous attire.

She held a handkerchief delicately, standing there with flower-like beauty.

Emperor Jingping walked over and hugged her: "Ah Yu, what matters do you seek from me?" He rested his head quietly on her shoulder, revealing his vulnerability, a stark contrast to his magnificent imperial bearing.

The eunuch Wu Xian following the Emperor, as the Chief Eunuch of the Rites, was accustomed to reading expressions carefully, he bowed his head low, not daring to look directly at the Emperor’s vulnerable side.

Fortunately, Emperor Jingping had already embraced the Imperial Concubine and was walking towards the Imperial Study Room. 𝐟𝚛𝕖𝚎𝕨𝗲𝐛𝚗𝐨𝐯𝐞𝕝.𝐜𝗼𝗺

Noble Princess Consort Xiao softly spoke: "Emperor, I heard that the Min River flood has never been controlled. Ministers attempt to manage with blocking methods, but with minimal effect, and many civilians are displaced. Would it not be worthwhile to contribute a modest effort? In the past, you have bestowed many rewards upon me. Why not pawn them, and send the silver for disaster relief? It’s just my small gesture."

"Ah Yu!" Emperor Jingping exclaimed.

The Emperor’s nostrils slightly tingled, recalling the times when he was young with Ah Yu, she was always so kindhearted. The hands holding her slim waist involuntarily tightened.

He thought for a moment and said, "If I truly take away your beloved Red Agate Inlaid Jade Gold Headpiece or Silver Silk Threaded Blank Jade Peony Hairpin, would you part with them willingly?"

Noble Princess Consort Xiao clenched her small hand on the Ming Emperor’s Dragon Robe, forcing a smile, "I would be reluctant, but I can donate other valuable items. These two are part of the betrothal gifts you gave me over a decade ago."