Thinking about this, Qian Hui Chun felt a bit more at ease. Suddenly, he stopped in his tracks, remembering something.

"Make sure the River Patrol Officer and Water Supervisor keep a close watch on the river embankment. No mistakes can be made. The embankment was just reinforced this year; it shouldn’t have any issues, but I’m worried it might not withstand the river’s force."

Qian Hui Chun was so worried his hair was almost turning white. The last time the Tianya River surged like this was twenty years ago.

Even though the Tianya River rises every flood season, it’s usually just a little higher than previous levels. When has it ever surged like this?

This continuous downpour for over half a month made Qian Hui Chun grumble with anger, not knowing when the rain might stop.

Originally, Changtian Prefecture was a prosperous area, and he was appointed Magistrate here by the court. He relied on many connections and sent quite a bit of wealth.

He didn’t expect being the Magistrate of Changtian Prefecture wouldn’t be an easy task. His term is up this year, and he’s just waiting for a promotion.

He usually maintains good relations with his superiors and is willing to spend Silver to smooth things over, and he also has people in the Ministry of Personnel.

As long as he performs excellently in this assessment and manages things well, there’s a significant chance for promotion.

Even though fourth-rank and above officials are appointed by the Emperor, as long as high officials in the court strategize for him, and the Ministry of Personnel submits a list, would the Emperor disagree?

Therefore, he must handle the current situation well. If he can get through this crisis, he will be a third-rank official next year.

Thinking about this, Qian Hui Chun couldn’t sit still anymore. 𝑓𝘳𝑒𝑒𝓌𝘦𝘣𝘯ℴ𝑣𝘦𝑙.𝘤𝑜𝑚

"Wait!" He called out to Chen Zhao, who was about to leave.

Chen Zhao asked in confusion, "Sir, do you have any further instructions?"

"I will go with you," Qian Hui Chun decided to go to the riverside near Yuanli Village, which had the lowest terrain.

Besides, he wouldn’t be at ease without checking the river embankment himself.

"Sir! It’s still raining heavily outside; it’s too dangerous. The riverside is muddy and slippery; even we struggle to walk, let alone you."

Chen Zhao, understanding the official’s urgency, still advised him.

The official is the mainstay now and cannot have any mishaps, or else the surrounding citizens would suffer.

"Say no more. If I don’t see it for myself, how can I be at ease?"

Qian Hui Chun had to see the water level. If necessary, reinforcements and repairs must be made.

Qian Hui Chun put on his raincoat and got off the carriage. The rain was too heavy for an umbrella to hold.

The downpour in front of him seemed like a curtain, covering the vast river.

The fierce rain hit his face, stinging. The deluge washed over his eyes, making it impossible to open them.

Chen Zhao took an umbrella from the carriage, at least shielding Qian Hui Chun enough to open his eyes and carefully observe the river.

At first glance, Qian Hui Chun gasped.

The river was nearly overflowing, resembling the way he would fill the wine glasses of honored guests at banquets.

It was just at the brim, seemingly ready to rush over.

It couldn’t be any fuller. Qian Hui Chun was frightened, staring intently at the embankment, unsure if it could hold back the floodwaters.

Following Chen Zhao’s steps, Qian Hui Chun’s foot sank into the muddy ground, making it difficult to lift his leg.

Coupled with the impact of the rain, Qian Hui Chun’s body involuntarily leaned forward, and suddenly, he slipped and fell.

"Ouch!" Qian Hui Chun felt a sharp pain in his foot that made him cry out.

"Sir! Are you alright? Someone, quickly! Carry the official to the carriage."

Qian Hui Chun, in a disheveled state, was carried onto the carriage, where he groaned in pain.

At nearly the age of knowing destiny, he was a scholar accustomed to a life of comfort.

Suddenly coming to this muddy riverside, without examining the embankment, he had already twisted his foot.

The crisp sound just now was a very unpleasant one for Qian Hui Chun.

...

Gu Chengyu tidied up the things on the desk, preparing to head to the Chamberlain’s Office to take a look.

He hadn’t been there for two days, and since he held a concurrent position, he should at least sign in, shouldn’t he? Otherwise, it wouldn’t seem right.

Besides, Chou Yifan had other matters waiting for his decision! Thinking of this, Gu Chengyu felt secretly pleased.

Just the other day, Chou Yifan was given a hard time by him, going to work with dark circles under his eyes every day.

The Chamberlain’s Office had just been established, and the Eastern Palace’s affairs were not many.

Because the Crown Prince already had his own team, how could the officials appointed by the Emperor gain his approval?

So the Chamberlain’s Office was relatively leisurely, but how could Gu Chengyu miss the chance to give Chou Yifan a hard time?

Over the past two years, he had troubled Chou Yifan several times. Today he planned to go to his place for some amusement again.

Gu Chengyu strolled leisurely towards the Eastern Palace. Because the Chamberlain’s Office was set up for the Eastern Palace, it wasn’t far from the Crown Prince’s Eastern Palace, just at Wenhua Hall.

Wenhua Hall was where the Crown Prince worked, with a small section carved out for the Chamberlain’s Office to operate.

As he approached the gate of Wenhua Hall, Gu Chengyu saw a eunuch waiting outside.

He found it strange because wasn’t this eunuch the Grand Steward by the Crown Prince’s side, Pang Chu?

Thinking Pang Chu was waiting for someone, Gu Chengyu didn’t pay much attention. After all, the Crown Prince generally wouldn’t summon him, and he could understand that.

A few years ago, the Emperor let him concurrently hold the position of Prefectural Magistrate to report on the Crown Prince’s movements to the Emperor.

Unfortunately, over these past two years, the Crown Prince had been superficially courteous to Gu Chengyu without relying on him much. So the Emperor’s plan fell through, and Gu Chengyu was naturally relieved.

Not having to meddle between the Emperor and the Crown Prince was nice, and he didn’t need to play the villain.

"Mr. Pang! Aren’t you waiting for someone in this scorching weather?"

Although he wasn’t familiar with the eunuchs by the Crown Prince’s side, it’s customary to exchange a few pleasantries when they meet.

Pang Chu, under the blazing sun, was fanning continuously with his sleeve.

In such weather, it was torture for someone like him with a somewhat portly figure.

Serving in the Eastern Palace was better; they had ice basins, but the Crown Prince had insisted he wait outside for someone.

And wasn’t that person right in front of him, Mr. Gu?

Seeing Gu Chengyu walk leisurely as if strolling on a spring day, Pang Chu couldn’t help but secretly roll his eyes.

In such hot weather, Mr. Gu seemed to still have the leisure to look around.

Seeing the young man’s slender figure and then looking at his own bulky body, Pang Chu’s face couldn’t help but twist.

"Mr. Gu! I am indeed waiting for you here!"

Though Pang Chu was somewhat plump, his voice was extremely soft and he liked to lift his fingers elegantly.

His movements and expressions were very affected, making Gu Chengyu shiver every time he heard him speak.

"Does the Crown Prince have instructions?" For Pang Chu to wait for him personally, could the Crown Prince have some important task for him?

"The Crown Prince has instructed me to wait for you here, claiming you were sure to come to Wenhua Hall today. His Highness invites you in to discuss important matters."