The city moat has collapsed!
Not far from the previous collapse, a large section had given way again.
It was during this time, the transition from spring to summer, that the water levels were too high. The floodwaters, like beasts, swallowed three nearby villages.
"It's divine retribution, it's divine retribution!"
It must be divine retribution!
It was Heaven's anger, because the Emperor had taken a bewitching woman, and this bewitching woman, having gained the Emperor's favor, had even seduced the National Master.
The National Master's reputation was ruined, his years of sanctity defiled.
The Emperor, for the sake of a woman, sent people to hunt down the National Master.
Divine retribution!
The royal family is impure, the National Master is impure, Heaven is enraged!
News of the city moat's collapse had barely returned when folk songs began to be sung in the streets and alleys:
"The sky is vast, the water boundless,
The rice on the ground bears no grain,
The swallows in the wind do not return home.
The vast land is flooded,
The joyous courtyards are carefree.
The ill-fated bewitching woman dances with long sleeves,
The people of the world are in disarray..."
...Fu Ning returned from an outing, her face green with anger!
"How could they do this? They're practically cursing me! These people are truly wicked, using even children."
The streets and alleys were filled with children singing folk songs, singing about this nation-ruining bewitching woman!
How was their young lady a bewitching woman? These people had no idea what had happened!
Their young lady was a good person!
She did good deeds without leaving her name! She did no wrong, yet her name was spread everywhere!
It was infuriating!
"What are they saying?" Chu Qianli was changing the dressing for Lan Qing.
Lan Qing had woken up and, hearing Fu Ning's angry voice outside, remained outwardly calm.
However, his eyes were still burning, causing him considerable pain.
Fu Ning glanced at the two through the screen. She felt she shouldn't say anything, but she was simply too angry.
"Essentially, they're using the collapse of the city moat to satirize the Emperor and you!"
In short, it was enough to make anyone explode with anger!
What did the collapse of the city moat have to do with their young lady?
How could a natural disaster be blamed on their young lady?
Chu Qianli's brow furrowed slightly.
Lan Qing's fingertips tensed in an instant.
Seeing this, Chu Qianli said softly, "The medicine is very potent. Don't get distracted. You can't deal with the city moat issue right now, so don't fret for the moment."
Lan Qing wanted to speak, but in the end, he said nothing.
Enduring the intense pain, he continued to let the medicine work on his eyes.
Chu Qianli, however, was still somewhat puzzled, "What are they saying?"
"The children are singing folk songs."
Fu Ning bit her lip before saying, "They... they're singing bad things about you and the royal family."
"What are they singing? Sing it for me to hear."
"I won't sing it!" Who would want to learn that song?
"I... I'll recite it for you, young lady."
So Fu Ning recounted the lyrics word for word.
As Chu Qianli listened, her brow furrowed tighter.
But she said nothing.
Lan Qing was already suffering enough.
After changing Lan Qing's dressing, she said softly, "The medicine is working very well. While it can't guarantee your vision will be restored, at least the toxins in your eyes can be gradually expelled, and your eyes won't hurt anymore."
Lan Qing pursed his lips, and finally, he simply said, "Thank you."
Chu Qianli tidied up the medicine, instructed Fu Ning to take good care of Lan Qing, and then she went out.
Fu Long was waiting in a corner of the courtyard.
Chu Qianli walked over quickly.
Fu Long glanced at the door of the room, then lowered his voice, "The songs outside..."
"Fu Long, the collapse of the city moat is likely not that simple," Chu Qianli said with a grave expression.
"This is a conspiracy."