Chapter 309: The Drought Demon Wreaks Havoc

The summer cicadas' chirring, with an irritatingly noisy clamor, filled every corner of Bianliangcheng.

Inside Wude Hall, although an ice mirror was placed, sending out threads of cool air to dispel the heat, the heaviness permeating the air was not entirely due to the weather.

Chen Wen set down the third urgent report from Shannan East Circuit in his hand, his brows slightly furrowed.

Previously the reports merely said 'little rain' and 'possible signs of drought,' but now they have become emergency documents stating 'no rain for over a month,' 'ponds and dikes run dry,' and 'seedlings turning yellow.'

The disaster situation was worsening at a speed beyond expectation.

"Summon Zhang Cheng and Wang Ru." he said in a low voice.

Not long after, the two chancellors hurried over, beads of fine sweat still on their foreheads.

Obviously, they had also received the news.

"Do you two know the situation in Shannan East Circuit?" Chen Wen pushed the memorial to the front of the case.

Zhang Cheng picked it up for a quick glance, his face growing graver.

"Your Majesty, I already know; I was about to report."

"Not only Shannan East Circuit, but also parts of Huainan West Circuit and Western Southern Circuit have recently reported; since the start of summer, rainfall has been markedly less than in previous years."

"If there is no effective rain, it… it may become a widespread drought affecting several circuits."

Wang Ru added, her voice laden with worry:

"I have ordered the relevant prefectures to open granaries and sell grain at stable prices, and to strictly investigate those hoarding for profit."

"But if the drought persists, price stabilization alone cannot resolve it."

"What is even more worrisome is the people's hearts."

"Rumors among the folk link this drought with… with that light‑curve phenomenon in the western border, viewing it as an ill omen."

Chen Wen's gaze narrowed.

"Heretical rumors misleading the masses!"

"Order all local offices to sternly suppress such rumors, inform the people that heavenly ways are constant, drought and flood are natural matters, unrelated to human affairs!"

"Anyone who takes advantage to cause trouble and spreads panic shall be severely punished without mercy!"

"I will obey the edict." Wang Ru immediately replied.

Zhang Cheng pondered and said:

"Your Majesty, the urgent task is to resist drought and protect the seedlings, doing our utmost to reduce losses."

"I propose that we immediately transfer part of the stored grain from nearby granaries to the possibly affected prefectures, as a precaution;"

"Order prefectural officials to organize laborers to dredge existing canals, dig deep wells, and make full use of all water sources;"

"At the same time, pray for rain…"

Chen Wen gave a slight nod.

"Approved."

"You will oversee this; the Ministry of Revenue, the Ministry of Works, and all local offices must fully cooperate."

"Tell the prefectural chiefs that drought‑relief results will be a top priority in their annual performance evaluations!"

"Anyone who neglects duties or derelicts in office, I will show no leniency!"

"I understand!" Zhang Cheng bowed solemnly.

At the court assembly, the drought naturally became the focus.

Officials debated heatedly: some advocated large‑scale sacrifices to pray for rain, some suggested reducing taxes in disaster areas, and others demanded strict investigations into whether local officials were concealing disaster reports.

Chen Wen sat upon the imperial throne, listening to the officials' suggestions, yet his mind involuntarily recalled the subtle sense of Fortune Momentum consumption he had felt half a month earlier at the Tongji Canal worksite.

It was like a filament of gold peeled off from the vast dynasty's fortune.

And accompanying it was that ineffable feeling of severance.

At that time he already had a premonition that this 'price' might manifest in some form.

Now, this drought spreading across several circuits—could it be the fulfillment of that 'price'?

Is it the backlash of the 'rules' triggered by using power to accelerate the dynasty's construction?

That thought was like a cold needle piercing his mind.

If that were truly the case, then thereafter…

He forcibly suppressed the turmoil in his heart; now is not the time to investigate the cause, but to confront the immediate crisis is paramount.

"What the officials have said all has merit."

Chen Wen spoke, suppressing the discussion in the hall.

"But the urgent task lies in action."

"Order:"

One, the relevant circuits and prefectures shall immediately establish an Anti‑Drought and Pacify the People Envoy Office, headed by the chief official, to mobilize all manpower and material resources for drought resistance and seedling protection, to dredge canals and dig wells, without error;

Two, the Ministry of Revenue shall coordinate, immediately allocating 200,000 shi of grain from the Grand Granary and the nearby Ever‑Normal Granary, to be sent in batches to the possibly affected regions, to stabilize public sentiment and curb grain prices;

Three, the Ministry of Rites shall preside, setting up an altar at Nanjiao to sacrifice according to ancient rites to the Rain Master and the Gods of Mountains and Rivers, praying for rain for the people;

Four, order the circuit inspectors to strengthen supervision, oversee local drought‑relief measures, and if any officials are negligent or exploit the situation to extort the people, impeach and punish them severely!

His orders were clear and explicit, balancing actual disaster relief with pacifying the people's hearts.

"We obey the edict!"

After court adjourned, Chen Wen ascended the Pavilion of Soaring Phoenix once again.

Gazing far into the distance, the southern horizon was a vast expanse of azure, cloudless for myriad miles.

The scorching sun baked the earth, heat waves rolling in the air.

He seemed to hear the withering of seedlings in distant fields, parched by drought; he could feel the despair of farmers who rely on heaven for their meals, confronting cracked earth.

A weighty sense of responsibility pressed upon his heart.

If this drought is indeed due to his using his abilities to speed up the canal project……

Then he is the source of this calamity.

At least, it is one of the causes.

"Price……"

He softly chewed on these two words.

The thick Fortune Momentum within his body continued to flow slowly, but its radiance had indeed dimmed by an imperceptible amount compared to before.

This is no illusion.

Using power beyond common sense indeed requires paying a price.

And this price is borne jointly by this land and by these countless subjects.

He closed his eyes and drew a deep breath of scorching air.

In his heart there was both realization and solemnity.

Henceforth, the use of his abilities must be more cautious, with greater weighing of pros and cons.

He must never again, for the sake of mere project progress, lightly employ power that could trigger unknown backlash.

"Your Majesty," the attendant reported softly, "Minister Zhang and Minister Wang request an audience, speaking about the details of allocating funds for drought relief."

Chen Wen opened his eyes, his gaze already restored to clarity and resolve.

No matter the cause, what matters most now is solving the problem.

"Summon."

He turned and descended from the high pavilion.

Whether it be natural disaster or the price of the unseen "rules," he must lead his dynasty to endure it.

Moreover, he must draw lessons from it, becoming stronger and more cautious.

This drought's ravaging crisis is a test of the Great Chen Imperial Court's executive power, and also a deepening of Chen Wen's own understanding.

He more clearly realized that beneath the emperor's throne lies not only honor and power, but also the weighty state and the life-and-death fortunes of countless commoners.