Chapter 368  : Help

In the Qianqing Palace.

Regarding the departure of King Mu, no one seemed to care.

Emperor Qi Ming looked at Xiao Nanye, his expression still filled with anger.

But Xiao Nanye seemed indifferent.

Meeting Emperor Qi Ming’s gaze, he spoke directly, “Imperial brother, do you know the city is now flooded?”

“Flooded?”

Hearing this, Emperor Qi Ming quickly put aside the matter of Chang Yang’s death.

Meeting Emperor Qi Ming’s gaze, Xiao Nanye nodded and briefly recounted what he had seen.

Upon hearing about the moat flowing backward, Emperor Qi Ming’s face changed.

The snow disaster had just settled not long ago, and now there was a flood. Emperor Qi Ming’s eyes were filled with distress.

Thinking of the snow disaster, Emperor Qi Ming’s gaze suddenly shifted to Jiang Peihuan.

“Jiang Peihuan, do you have any solutions for this flood?”

“Imperial brother, for such matters, you should discuss with all the civil and military officials. Huan Er is pregnant now and should not be overexerting.”

Before Jiang Peihuan could speak, Xiao Nanye preempted her.

Hearing this, Emperor Qi Ming’s eyes showed a hint of embarrassment, but he still said gravely, “Why are you so anxious? I was just asking.”

After all, it was Jiang Peihuan who helped solve the previous snow disaster.

Xiao Nanye frowned upon hearing this.

But just as he was about to speak, he felt a tug on his sleeve.

Looking down, he saw Jiang Peihuan shaking her head at him.

Seeing this, Xiao Nanye remained silent.

Then, Jiang Peihuan looked at Emperor Qi Ming and softly said, “Your Majesty, to address the flood, the priority is to send people to assess the damage. You…”

“Your Majesty, the Crown Prince requests an audience.”

Before Jiang Peihuan could finish, Wang Kun entered.

Hearing Wang Kun, Emperor Qi Ming frowned but whispered, “Let him in.”

Soon after, Xiao Junhao entered the Qianqing Palace.

Upon entering, the first person Xiao Junhao saw was Jiang Peihuan.

Dressed in a purple gown, she looked ethereal.

Seeing Jiang Peihuan like this, Xiao Junhao’s eyes were filled with mixed emotions.

Suddenly, Xiao Junhao felt a chill. Looking up, he met Xiao Nanye’s cold gaze staring straight at him.

Xiao Junhao quickly averted his eyes.

He then bowed to Emperor Qi Ming, “Your son pays his respects, Imperial father.”

“Get up.”

Hearing Emperor Qi Ming’s voice, Xiao Junhao slowly stood up.

Seeing him stand, Emperor Qi Ming casually asked, “Why are you here? Your injuries haven’t healed.”

From the side, Jiang Peihuan noticed the tone of Emperor Qi Ming’s voice and looked puzzled.

Because at this moment, it seemed that Emperor Qi Ming didn’t have much affection for Xiao Junhao.

But if he truly didn’t have much affection, why would Emperor Qi Ming appoint Xiao Junhao as the Crown Prince? Jiang Peihuan couldn’t understand.

“Imperial father, I came because of the flood.”

Looking at Emperor Qi Ming, Xiao Junhao continued, “When I arrived, 1 noticed the moat flowing backward. With this situation, many citizens in the city are likely to become homeless.”

“Do you have any suggestions?”

Emperor Qi Ming sat down in his chair, waiting for Xiao Junhao to finish speaking before asking indifferently.

Upon hearing Emperor Qi Ming’s question, Xiao Junhao continued, “In my humble opinion, Imperial father should immediately order the construction of houses on higher grounds. After assessing the situation of the affected citizens, they should be relocated to these shelters.”

“Once the rain stops, we can organize the citizens of the capital to rebuild their homes.”

“Every aspect of what the Crown Prince suggests would require a considerable amount of money. The treasury was emptied during the snow disaster; where do you intend to source this money now?”

“Or, like before, are you suggesting that officials donate?”

By the end of this statement, Xiao Nanye’s expression was one of undisguised mockery.

Upon hearing Xiao Nanye’s words, Xiao Junhao struggled to maintain his usual gentle demeanor.

He clenched his fists tightly.

After taking a deep breath, he responded with a smile, “Imperial uncle’s words are wise, do you have any better suggestion?”

Emperor Qi Ming then turned his gaze to Xiao Nanye.

However, the man responded without hesitation, “1 have no suggestion.”

Jiang Peihuan was speechless.

Xiao Junhao was speechless.

Emperor Qi Ming was speechless.

At Xiao Nanye’s words, everyone was speechless.

At this moment, Emperor Qi Ming suddenly said to Xiao Junhao, “I think your idea is good. Since you came up with it, 1’11 leave the task to you.”

Xiao Junhao was speechless.

Upon hearing Emperor Qi Ming’s shameless words, Jiang Peihuan was also stunned.

Even Xiao Nanye’s eyes showed a hint of amusement.

Xiao Junhao looked displeased, but upon meeting Emperor Qi Ming’s gaze, he nodded in agreement, “Yes.”

“Alright, it’s getting late, all of you may leave.”

As soon as Emperor Qi Ming finished speaking, Xiao Nanye immediately pulled Jiang Peihuan’s hand and left without glancing at anyone else.

After paying his respects to Emperor Qi Ming, Xiao Junhao also departed.

The rain continued outside. When Xiao Junhao came out, he saw Xiao Nanye carrying Jiang Peihuan in his arms, with Han Feng following closely behind, holding an umbrella high above them.

Witnessing this, a complex emotion filled Xiao Junhao’s eyes.

He stood at the entrance of the Qianqing Palace for a while, until their figures disappeared from his view. Holding an umbrella, he walked forward.

But when he turned the corner, he saw an old nanny waiting there.

After the old nanny paid her respects to Xiao Junhao, she whispered, “Your Highness, the Great Empress Dowager invites you.”

When Xiao Junhao followed the old nanny into the Cining Palace, he saw King Mu sitting there.

“Imperial Grandmother, Imperial Uncle.”

Upon seeing them, Xiao Junhao stepped forward to pay his respects.

“Come, sit.”

The Great Empress Dowager greeted him with a smile.

Taking a seat opposite King Mu, Xiao Junhao turned to the Great Empress Dowager and asked, “Great Grandmother, may 1 ask why you have summoned me so suddenly?”

“I heard that your imperial father has entrusted you with the task of handling the flood.”

“Yes.”

Hearing the Great Empress Dowager’s words, Xiao Junhao looked surprised but remained composed.

Having spent so many years in the palace, he found it ordinary that the Great Empress Dowager would be informed of palace affairs.

Seeing Xiao Junhao nod, the Great Empress Dowager continued, “Handling this matter will require a lot of money. Do you have any funds at your disposal?”

“Replying to Imperial Grandmother, I must admit, I’m penniless now.”

Hearing this, the smile in the Great Empress Dowager’s eyes deepened.

Turning to King Mu, the Great Empress Dowager said with a chuckle, “Cousin, the Crown Prince is also your grandnephew.. Won’t you lend him a helping hand?”