Zhao Jiaqi extinguished the kerosene lamp on the small table, plunging the room into darkness. She didn't ask how Fan Zehao educated his children; even if she did, he wouldn't say. Her man was good in every way, except for his mouth. If he didn't want to say something, he wouldn't budge, even if forced.
Time flew by, and good news finally arrived on the twenty-eighth day of the twelfth lunar month!
Liu Sheng had convinced the old obstinates to cede the inner city. As a condition, he had to decree that Huangfu Xi ascend the throne!
This time, some additional matters concerning the inner city and the future of Yun Country were included.
Zhao Jiaqi looked at the stipulations listed.
One, a city wall would be built between the inner city and Yun Country, and people from both sides would not be allowed to interact.
Two, the inner city would not join forces with foreign lands to attack Yun Country.
Three, the gates of both sides would be closed, with the date set for the twenty-fifth of March.
After reading it, Zhao Jiaqi closed the letter and said faintly, "Although the first condition is rather harsh, it is understandable!"
"Don't you think they want to trap us?"
No interaction between the two sides, wasn't this forcing the common people to make a choice?
Did the people of the inner city not have family outside?
Hearing her husband's words, she smiled lightly, "Our inner city, while not small, is not large either. It has been well-managed over the years. We have fertile land, rivers, and the sea. We can be self-sufficient. Isn't it good to live such a peaceful little life?"
Besides, when faced with difficulties, couldn't they, living beings, find a way out?
There were always more solutions than problems!
His wife was right. Fan Zehao readily agreed. That afternoon, the obituary was posted in various government offices. Following closely, Fan Zehao wrote an imperial decree and sent it back with the imperial seal via Xiao Ce.
Xiao Ce hadn't expected this matter to come so soon. He knew clearly that the Prince was asking him to make his own choice!
In Yun Country, he had his parents and unseverable family ties. Yet, in the years he had spent in the inner city, he had long since integrated into this place. Now, being asked to make any choice was like carving his heart with a knife.
Fan Zehao escorted him to the city gate, clasped his shoulders, and said, "No matter what you choose in the end, I will always be the sworn brother you were back then. The gates of our inner city are always open for you. You are welcome home anytime!"
Xiao Ce choked up. A man in his thirties, with a heart of iron, was actually shedding tears. He truly wasn't accustomed to such sentimentality.
He said in a low voice, "Take care!"
With that, he turned his horse and galloped away!
Who knew when they would meet again after this parting. Fan Zehao stood with his hands clasped behind his back at the city gate, watching the departing figure, unable to forget it for a long time.
Finally, he let out a long sigh.
After a brief afternoon of announcements, the people of the inner city exploded, like boiling water, discussing the matter everywhere.
The next day, the city gates were bustling. People, carrying bundles and loads, arrived one after another to seek refuge in the inner city. Carriages, ox carts, donkey carts, and even sheep and dogs were harnessed to carts, laden with pots, pans, clothes, and bedding. Upon closer inspection, it looked like a complete move!
The guards at the city gate verified their identities before granting passage. Almost everyone was moving from outside to the inner city, with very few people moving outwards, though there were some.
This New Year had been truly heart-stopping!
On New Year's Eve, news of the new emperor's ascension reached the capital. Despite this joyous occasion, few people celebrated.
Zhao Jiaqi said, "It's time for us to start making ice. We should stock up on water early, lest we suffer greatly if a drought truly strikes!"
Fan Zehao replied, "The notice has already been issued. We'll start working on it after the fifth day of the new year. Now that it's just our inner city left, this matter has become much easier."
"Then didn't you tell the people on the other side?" Zhao Jiaqi felt it was a matter of life and death. She didn't want this separation to lead to the disregard of human lives.
Fan Zehao spread his hands, looking wronged. "Wife, do you really see me as such a petty person? When Liu Sheng came last time, I informed him that a drought might occur this year, advising him to prepare early and even told him the method of storing ice."
"If that's not enough, then I'll write another letter to the emperor. That should ensure it's foolproof, right!"
Zhao Jiaqi looked at his hurt expression and felt speechless. He was so grown up, yet still acted like this.
"Alright, I was just afraid you might forget. After all, lives are at stake. You quickly write a letter to Huangfu Xi and remind him!"
Fan Zehao said "oh" and, obediently, turned and left.
She watched her husband's retreating figure and sighed.
Whether they believed it or not was their business; whether they informed them was their business. If they knew and didn't say anything, she felt she would be betraying her conscience and would be plagued by guilt.
Capital City, Imperial Palace!
After Xiao Ce presented the imperial decree and the imperial seal, Huangfu Xi ascended the throne the next day.
After his ascension, Huangfu Xi made a series of changes.
Having just become emperor, Huangfu Xi tried to do everything for the better, determined to overturn the many precedents set by Fan Zehao.
First, regarding concubinage, he broke the rule and reinstated the old system where taking concubines was permissible without paying a fine. Wealthy merchants rejoiced, officials were pleased, and ordinary men were indifferent, but it angered all the women.
Secondly, he reopened the system allowing women to marry upon reaching their capping ceremony, and men to marry after fifteen. Those who didn't want to join the army could pay a sum of money to be exempt.
Furthermore, the matter of free education for all children nationwide was also changed. This caused widespread grumbling among the populace, with many pointing fingers at the emperor for being heartless.
However, none of these matters were as shocking as the letter he received today.
In the imperial court, Huangfu Xi held the thin sheet of paper and had a eunuch pass it around. Liu Sheng, now a trusted minister of Huangfu Xi, read it and scoffed.
"This is alarmist talk. When I went to the inner city, Fan Zehao mentioned it to me. He merely wants to cause panic in Yun Country. He has ill intentions. Your Majesty must not believe this man's nonsense!"
"I second that. I believe this is his malicious intent. If a natural disaster were truly to occur, the Directorate of Astronomy would naturally calculate it. Why would we need a lowly farmer to inform us? He only knows how to farm; what else could he possibly know!"
In the court, the ministers had all read the letter and lowered their eyes in silence.
Only Liu Sheng and those flattering him spoke preposterous words. The rest feigned deafness and muteness.
However, these were words Huangfu Xi wanted to hear!
Seated on the dragon throne, he looked at the people kneeling below. That supreme power, the aura of unquestionable authority, made him feel like he was someone high and mighty.
Having endured for so many years, he had gained not just a princely title, but the imperial throne. He was delighted!
"Well, if that is the case, there is no need to cause panic among the people nationwide. This matter ends here. No one is to mention it again!"
A minor interlude quickly passed.
As time progressed, both sides were busy with their own affairs.
For everyone residing in the inner city, Zhao Jiaqi disseminated the method for making ice. From the prefect down to the village chief, everyone began to act.