Liu Liu was so focused on the blueprints that she didn't notice Feng Xie standing so close to her, their bodies almost touching.
The eunuchs and palace maids in the distance chuckled softly, but Feng Xie was completely captivated by Liu Liu's designs. He stared intently at her blueprints, his breathing growing heavy, the sparks in his eyes igniting brilliantly.
"Divide these field shapes into trapezoids, one by one, and dig trenches between the trapezoids to control the flow of water from the river to the channels. During floods, these trenches can divert water from the trapezoids into the river. During droughts, water can be channeled from the river into the trenches. This will greatly improve the growth of crops.
Then, these scarecrows beside the fields can prevent bird attacks. Don't underestimate those birds; if there are too many, the grain they consume could feed a person.
So, by placing scarecrows at the edge of the fields to intimidate them, the birds won't dare to approach easily. This way, the common people's harvest will increase, they will be well-fed, and they will willingly pay their taxes."
After Liu Liu finished explaining, she closed the blueprints and handed them to Feng Xie. She said calmly, "Your Majesty, please find time to have the Ministry of Revenue promote this method. I believe it will be effective soon. A prosperous populace and a strong nation are the fundamentals."
Feng Xie remained silent for a long time, utterly stunned. Waves of light flashed in his eyes as he gazed at Liu Liu. This woman was truly a treasure; why was her mind so agile? She understood things that ordinary people couldn't comprehend. His heart stirred with excitement. He took the blueprints and quickly asked,
"Liu'er, what is this blueprint called?"
"Trapezoidal Field Division Diagram," Liu Liu replied casually. She hadn't thought of naming this field shape. The Emperor leaped up excitedly, reached out, and pulled Liu Liu into his arms. Ignoring her protests, he declared proudly, "Liu'er, thank you. Rest for a while, I'm too happy, I want to find the Prime Minister immediately to devise a feasible plan."
"Alright, you go ahead."
Liu Liu gasped for breath in his embrace. This man was too forceful; she could barely breathe.
If not for his extreme happiness, she would have kicked him away. Fortunately, Feng Xie soon released her and swept out of the Grand Hall of Weiyang Palace.
The palace maids and eunuchs in the hall, seeing the Emperor leave with the blueprints, his eyes sparkling with joy and an unrestrained wildness, exchanged glances.
They had seen it before but hadn't understood its meaning at all. Yet, the Emperor was so delighted upon seeing it. It was true that people liked different things.
However, the atmosphere in Weiyang Palace was joyful and harmonious. In contrast, Changxin Palace was plunged into misery.
Lou Si Jing lay on the soft couch, tears streaming down her face. Her delicately made-up face was pale from the tears.
In the vast sleeping chambers, there was not a sound except for her quiet sobs. The eunuchs and palace maids knew what had happened today and dared not utter a word, standing silently at the side.
Prince Yu Lou had been sent away, and it was understandable that the Consort was heartbroken. Prince Yu Lou had lived with the Consort since childhood. Now that he had been forcibly sent to Consort Xiu Yi, it was no wonder the Consort was sad.
When Lou Si Jing was about to catch her breath from crying, a graceful figure flashed to the bedside. Looking at Lou Si Jing on the couch, she spoke with concern,
"Consort, please stop crying. Don't ruin your health. I believe Prince Yu Lou will be returned by Consort Xiu Yi soon. Consort, please don't be sad."
The person lying on the couch, upon hearing the figure by the bed, immediately sat up and looked directly at the palace maid in court attire standing by the bedside. It was Wan Rong, who had previously served Consort Shu diligently.
Wan Rong's clear and bright face showed concern. She waved her hand, signaling the eunuchs and palace maids in the chambers to leave.
"You all may withdraw."
The palace maids and eunuchs immediately withdrew. The entire chamber felt a sense of relief.
Fortunately, Sister Wan Rong was here. The Consort always listened to Sister Wan Rong. After everyone had left, the chambers were quiet and peaceful. Lou Si Jing could no longer hold back and threw herself into Wan Rong's embrace, sobbing uncontrollably, saying between sobs,
"Wan Rong, what do we do now? Yu Lou has been sent away, and I'm not reconciled, I'm not reconciled."
Wan Rong held Lou Si Jing tightly and spoke softly to comfort her, "Don't be sad. I believe Consort Zhang Xiu Yi will send Yu Lou back. If that's the case, wouldn't it be good if he stays with Consort Xiu Yi during the day and comes to you at night? Don't worry."
After speaking, Wan Rong gently lifted Lou Si Jing's face and tenderly kissed away her tears, comforting her with heartache and reluctance.
"Alright, stop crying. You'll make me feel bad. You're crying so much that my heart is breaking. I'm here for everything. You don't need to do anything. That woman is not just shrewd; she's a formidable character. She's waiting for your mistake, so just stay peacefully in the palace."
"Alright, I'll listen to you," Lou Si Jing nodded, nestling娇柔ly in Wan Rong's embrace, motionless, absorbing her scent. Slowly, she grew tired and fell asleep. Wan Rong gently laid her down and, with a faint glimmer in her eyes, gazed at the woman on the couch. Yu Lou was her lifeblood. She should go and see if Yu Lou was alright there. She reached out and squeezed Lou Si Jing's hand, "Jing'er, don't worry, I'm here for everything."
After settling Lou Si Jing, Wan Rong left Changxin Palace for Guangyang Palace. She saw guards stationed outside the palace gate of Guangyang Palace from afar. A dark glint flashed in Wan Rong's eyes. That woman had calculated so accurately; it seemed Jing'er would be sad again. She thought to herself.
That woman clearly did not allow Yu Lou to leave Guangyang Palace. Wan Rong walked closer and saw a guard on the steps coldly blocking her path with the hilt of his sword.
"Which palace are you from? Go back. You are not allowed to enter or leave Guangyang Palace freely."
"I am from Changxin Palace, Consort De's personal maid. Consort De wishes to see Prince Yu Lou. I beg you, guard, to let me in for a moment so Consort De can be at ease."
Wan Rong smiled gently, looking at the guards. At this moment, she wished these guards were lecherous, so she could see Prince Yu Lou.
However, Wan Rong's smile had no effect. These guards were not lecherous, so they replied coldly,
"No, we have received orders from the Empress. No one is allowed to enter or leave Guangyang Palace. Return immediately, or we will arrest and punish you."
The lead guard was a trusted subordinate of Lord Ri Ying and was highly valued by the Empress, which was why he was sent to guard the gate. Therefore, he showed no leniency.
Wan Rong's eyes swept over them, and she cursed inwardly, "You dogs, just you wait. I will deal with you sooner or later." Yet, her face remained smiling.
"Since that is the case, I shall return."
As Wan Rong turned around, she heard Yu Lou's heart-wrenching cries from inside Guangyang Palace. Her heart sank, and her expression turned extremely grim, yet she was powerless.
At such times, they dared not act rashly. Everyone was waiting for them to panic. Wan Rong left Guangyang Palace as if nothing had happened.
Because he believed that Consort Zhang Xiu Yi would treat Yu Lou well, and he was confident that Yu Lou would not be wronged under his care.