After the ritual to invite the Dragon God, the project of building the dam officially kicked off. However, just over ten days into the construction, Qi Rong halted the entire project.
Li An, who had just caught his breath, seemed to have grabbed hold of Qi Rong's flaw. He jumped about, united a group of officials, and submitted a memorial to the emperor, accusing Qi Rong of deliberately slowing down the progress and making it impossible to complete the project before the flood season, thus dragging everyone down with him!
One can stand idly by when a matter doesn't concern oneself. But now that their own interests were at stake, not only the accompanying officials from the court but also the local officials couldn't help but waver.
They were afraid that because of Qi Rong's stubbornness, not only would their official careers be ruined, but their families would also be punished!
Hearing about this from the side, Yun Xi couldn't help but feel anxious.
She understood that although Qi Rong was self - willed, he was not a man who ignored the overall situation. This dam - building project was related to the livelihoods of hundreds of thousands of people downstream of the Ling River. Qi Rong couldn't treat it as a trifle!
She wanted to talk to Qi Rong and ask if he had encountered any difficulties. However, she couldn't see him for five consecutive days, and the officials were in an uproar.
They gathered outside the courtyard gate and demanded an explanation from Qi Rong. Otherwise, they would jointly submit a memorial to the emperor!
Although Qi Rong had been able to intercept Li An's memorial before and prevent his message from reaching the emperor, with so many people dissatisfied, he couldn't really cover the sky with one hand.
Moreover, there was no wall that didn't let the wind through. If this continued, the emperor would surely get the news, and even Qi Rong wouldn't be able to defend himself then!
"No, I have to go find him myself."
Yun Xi was so restless that, regardless of Hong Luo's dissuasion, she braved the continuous drizzle and took a carriage for more than thirty li to the place where the construction had come to a halt.
It was a mountain depression with steep cliffs on both sides. If it weren't for the scattered thatched cottages and the wisps of cooking smoke billowing along the way, Yun Xi would have found it hard to imagine that there were still people living in such a barren place.
Looking around this small village, there were probably only about fifty households, presenting a desolate and dilapidated scene. When they saw the carriage entering the village, many villagers stopped to watch.
It seemed that such a sight was rare in the village. They pointed at the carriage and discussed loudly. And there were several children chasing after the carriage. Fearless of the cold rain, they ran bare - footed, holding out their hands, as if begging for something.
Seeing this, Yun Xi immediately stopped the carriage, lifted the curtain, and took out all the food on the carriage.
When the villagers saw her face, they were first startled. Then, when their eyes fell on the food, they immediately showed eager looks. Not only the children but also the other villagers quickly surrounded them.
Everyone stared eagerly at the food in front of them, but they looked timid and no one dared to step forward to grab it.
Yun Xi secretly breathed a sigh of relief and said to Hong Luo with a bit of heartache:
"Distribute all these."
Seeing that her young lady, who usually cherished food like her life, didn't even leave a bit of rations for herself, Hong Luo was quite surprised. But when she saw those pairs of expectant eyes, she immediately understood.
In a short while, the two of them had distributed all the food on the carriage.
Those who came later looked at the carriage dejectedly and didn't leave for a long time, which made Yun Xi regret not bringing more food.
Suddenly, she saw a tall figure walking straight towards them in the distance, and the familiar way the children around him behaved. Yun Xi couldn't help but sigh:
"If you've already discovered this place, why didn't you tell me?"
And why had he been staying here and not going back?
Qi Rong leaned against the carriage sideways, his black eyes fixed on Yun Xi. He reached out and tucked a wisp of her slightly wet hair behind her ear, and his thin lips curved slightly:
"Tell you what? So that you can bring more food?"
Caught out by Qi Rong, Yun Xi was just about to speak when she heard him continue:
"You know, just a few meals of fullness can't change their fates for a lifetime."
Yun Xi was stunned. She glanced at the crowd that still hadn't dispersed and those sallow and emaciated faces, and for a moment, didn't know what to say.
At this moment, Qi Rong suddenly reached out and hugged her waist. He said gently with a smile:
"Since you're here, I'll take you somewhere."
After saying that, he threw his cloak over Yun Xi, picked her up from the carriage, and walked towards a small path leading up the mountain under everyone's gaze.
Seeing this, Hong Luo quickly got out of the carriage and held an umbrella as she followed closely behind. But because the road was so muddy, she soon fell far behind.
Seeing how difficult it was for her, Yun Xi told her to go back and wait in the carriage.
After walking for a while, as the rain got heavier, Yun Xi wanted to get down and walk by herself, but Qi Rong wouldn't let go. He just said:
"The mountain road is muddy. Be careful not to dirty your dress."
Moreover, he was strong and liked the feeling of her obediently snuggling in his arms.
Hearing Qi Rong's words, a warm feeling welled up in Yun Xi's heart. Seeing his handsome face wet with rain, she hesitated for a moment and then raised a handkerchief to wipe the water droplets off his face.
Qi Rong's heart fluttered slightly, and the smile on his lips deepened.
For the first time, he felt that their hearts were so close.
"We'll be there soon."
Qi Rong looked up at the cave not far away. He stepped on the ground, found a hard foothold, and then sprang up instantly. Holding Yun Xi tightly in his arms, he rushed towards the cliff.
When they came to the entrance of a cave, Yun Xi saw that it was pitch - black and deep inside, like a giant monster opening its man - eating mouth, which made her feel timid.
"There aren't any scary things living in there, are there?"
She unconsciously swallowed her saliva and clung tightly to Qi Rong, unconsciously wrapping her arms around his neck.
Seeing her cowering and relying on him completely, Qi Rong enjoyed it very much. Intending to tease her, he deliberately said mysteriously:
"There are indeed things living in there, but there's also a lot of treasure. Do you want to go in with me?"
Hearing Qi Rong's words, Yun Xi turned pale. Imagining that there might be hideous monsters living inside, she quickly shook her head and refused. Hugging Qi Rong's neck tightly, she whispered and pleaded:
"No! Let's go back quickly."
She didn't care about any treasure. Saving her own life was the top priority!
"Are you so timid?"
Qi Rong couldn't help laughing. Looking at her panicked little face, he found teasing her quite addictive.
Yun Xi didn't know that he was trying to play a trick on her. She struggled to go down the mountain, but Qi Rong then bent down, picked up a stone, and threw it into the cave.
Pressing his thin lips against her ear, he reminded her:
"Listen, something is coming out from inside."
Yun Xi's pupils suddenly shrank. She stared intently at the dark cave entrance. Suddenly, there came a rustling sound in her ears, mixed with sharp and urgent "chirping" sounds, getting closer and closer.
"Ah!"
Seeing a huge black mist rushing towards them from the cave, Yun Xi let out a scream. She closed her eyes tightly and buried her head in Qi Rong's arms.
"Hahaha."
Qi Rong's chest heaved with laughter. Yun Xi quickly covered his mouth and scolded him in a low voice:
"Stop laughing. Let's go quickly!"
Qi Rong pulled her hand away and joked:
"Take a good look at what those are."
Qi Rong pointed at the black shadows hanging on the rock wall at the moment. Yun Xi carefully poked her head out and looked in the direction Qi Rong was pointing. Her eyes widened in surprise:
"So many swallows!"