Not long after, a light drizzle began to fall from the sky.
The accompanying attendants held umbrellas to shield Hongyi from the fine rain. Although the rain was light, the wind was fierce, and the surging waves almost swept the laborers carrying sand into the sea. Hongyi’s heart tightened, and he quickly called out, "Quick, add another rope."
The officials on the shore busied themselves fetching another rope and securing it to the laborers.
"Boom~"
Thunder roared, and the sky darkened further.
Seeing the rain intensifying, Hongyi pushed aside the attendant beside him and rushed to a higher vantage point to survey the water. Just then, a commotion arose from the laborers.
It turned out that several laborers standing at the forefront had been swept into the sea by the waves, causing panic among the crowd.
Hongyi shouted, "Quick, hold onto the ropes and pull them up!"
Hearing Hongyi's voice, the laborers united and began to retreat towards the shore while vigorously pulling the ropes.
"Clang~"
One rope snapped, and everyone staggered. Fortunately, there was another rope. With immense effort, they managed to pull out the few who had been swept into the sea.
Seeing that the rain was getting heavier and it would be dangerous to stay any longer, Hongyi had no choice but to order everyone to retreat: "Everyone leave the shore, withdraw behind the temporary embankment. From now on, reinforce the embankment with all your might."
One hundred meters from the shore, Hongyi had already had people hastily build an embankment to prevent seawater from flooding in again. The embankment was three meters high and could withstand ordinary seawater incursions.
The thunder boomed incessantly in his ears, and Hongyi stood in the rain, anxiously watching the sea.
He wasn't afraid of the seawater flooding in again, as the surrounding houses were destroyed, and the residents had already evacuated. Even if it flooded again, it wouldn't cause significant losses or casualties. However, his efforts during this period would ultimately be in vain.
...
In the refugee camp, heavy rain drummed against the tent roofs, creating a constant noise.
The residents watched the increasingly heavy downpour with worry, their hearts filled with sorrow as they recalled the scene of the flood.
Nan Shiying, while treating the disaster victims, looked up at the pouring rain outside.
Fortunately, Hongyi had established the refugee camp on higher ground. No matter how heavy the rain, it wouldn't form puddles, so it didn't cause them any inconvenience.
It was just the embankment… Nan Shiying was a little worried, wondering how Hongyi's efforts to fill the breach had progressed.
...
"Boom~"
Another clap of thunder.
The sudden increase in the downpour caused the sea level to roar, with surging waves crashing ashore layer by layer, making heavy slapping sounds against the coast.
The sandbags filling the breach swayed precariously and, within moments, were washed away.
The sea level rose sharply and poured into the city.
"Quick, continue reinforcing the embankment."
The seawater quickly rushed in, pounding the embankment with wave after wave.
Layer upon layer, they advanced with menacing force.
Soon, cracks appeared in the embankment, and one laborer was knocked down by the surging flood. Hongyi rushed forward, pulled the laborer up, and then used his own body to block the breach that had appeared in the embankment.
"Hold the line, everyone!" His body swayed under the impact of the flood. He gritted his teeth tightly, refusing to yield an inch.
"Yes!"
Everyone shouted, resisting the torrent with all their might.
An hour later, the heavy rain subsided, the sea level stopped rising, and the roaring sea gradually calmed down. The water didn't recede, but it no longer battered the embankment.
"Phew, we held!"
Hongyi let out a deep sigh of relief.
They had weathered today's challenge!
...
As the rain lessened, Zhou Tianqing, carrying his medicine box, prepared to head to the embankment.
"Imperial Physician Zhou, I'll go!" Nan Shiying said, looking up and volunteering.
Zhou Tianqing glanced at Nan Shiying, thought for a moment, and replied, "Alright, then be careful."
Nan Shiying nodded. After treating the patient at hand, she picked up her medicine box and walked out of the tent. Xuan Yi followed behind, holding an umbrella, and Poison Elder also held an umbrella, leisurely trailing behind.
Upon reaching the embankment, she indeed saw many injured people.
She hurried forward.
Hongyi, catching a glimpse of an unfamiliar man out of the corner of his eye, turned to look. He watched as the man, carrying a medicine box, knelt beside the injured to bandage their wounds, his clothes inadvertently touching the muddy puddles without him seeming to care. Hongyi nodded approvingly.
He gave a few instructions to the attendant beside him and then walked towards Nan Shiying.
A figure appeared in her peripheral vision, and Nan Shiying turned her head. She saw a middle-aged man whose clothes were damp and clinging to his body from the rain. The man's face bore wrinkles etched by time, but his eyes were clear and bright.
The Minister of Personnel, Hongyi!
Seeing Nan Shiying looking over, Hongyi laughed heartily, "I am Hongyi. Greetings, Sir Feng."
As a direct disciple of Medicine King Valley, she was worthy of the title "Sir" wherever she went.
Nan Shiying stood up and politely replied, "This commoner, Feng Yan, greets Your Excellency."
"No need for formalities, Sir Feng. Just call me Hongyi." Hongyi was very polite to Feng Yan. "I am here to express my gratitude to you on behalf of the people of Yuzhou for your great kindness."
Nan Shiying waved her hand. "It is merely contributing a little effort. Minister Hong, you flatter me."
After a brief exchange, Hongyi left to continue directing the disaster relief efforts, while Nan Shiying focused on treating the injured.
They did not interact further, but they often observed each other discreetly.
...
For several consecutive days, Nan Shiying would check on the embankment after treating patients in the refugee camp. As the number of patients decreased, she spent most of her time there.
Occasionally, she would follow behind Hongyi, listening to his plans for managing the flood.
Today, hearing the strategies that the officials had devised after much deliberation, Nan Shiying couldn't help but frown.
Only two words came to her mind: That's it?
Sensing Nan Shiying's expression, Hongyi asked, "Sir Feng, do you find something amiss? Please speak freely."
Nan Shiying looked at Hongyi, pondered for a moment, and then said, "Since Your Excellency asks, this commoner would not dare to be perfunctory. However, if my words are presumptuous, I beg Your Excellency's forgiveness."
Hongyi laughed heartily, "Please speak your mind, Sir."
"If that is the case, then I will speak directly!"
Nan Shiying glanced at everyone present and suddenly began to mock them, "Regarding the strategies proposed by all Your Excellencies, I only have four words to say – What nonsense!"
Not to mention Hongyi, even Xuan Yi and Poison Elder were taken aback.
Wait, where did that humble and cautious demeanor from moments ago go?
With those words, it was as if she was pointing at the officials' noses and calling them incompetent fools!
Hongyi pursed his lips and said nothing. However, the officials behind him turned red with anger, waved their sleeves, and said sarcastically, "Sir Feng has quite the audacity. Since you think so little of the strategies we proposed, you must have a better plan. Would you perhaps share it so we may witness it ourselves?"