Allure of a Country Maiden
Chapter 295 - 293

Chapter 295: Chapter 293

The several hundred acres of land that Xiao’er had purchased in Taiping County were left unoccupied for a season. She then instructed Manager Xie and Foreman Liang to fix the water works first, aiming to complete it after the autumn harvest and plant winter wheat in the latter half of the year.

Shen Zixuan was about to take office in Taiping County and came to bid farewell at the Marquis Shengping Mansion before setting off.

When Shangguan Xuanyi arrived, he saw the two of them sitting in the front hall, chatting merrily.

Xiao’er was discussing the water infrastructure plans with Shen Zixuan, as well as what to do if the water level of the Nanhuai River rose excessively and posed a risk of breaching during the rainy season.

"So instead of letting the flood break the dam on its own, we should actively direct part of the flood flow?" Shen Zixuan looked at the spot on the map pointed out by Xiao’er’s finger.

"Right, if we actively breach the dam here, the pressure of floods destroying the plain will be distributed," Xiao’er pointed at the map and explained.

"This area is mostly comprised of high mountains, lakes, and swamps, and is sparsely populated. If it gets flooded, then so be it! Also, these areas are naturally capable of storing water! We can evacuate the people there beforehand, and if we breach the dam here, the pressure on the dam in the plains will be relieved, and the flood won’t be as fierce as before. After all, if a breach is inevitable, we should choose an area with the least population and damage!"

Shen Zixuan nodded. It sounded reasonable, but he needed to do a field inspection after taking office.

Xiao’er knew that it was enough for him to understand. In the face of disasters, we couldn’t prevent them from coming, but we could only try to minimize damage and casualties.

"There’s a saying among the people, ’after severe drought, flood is inevitable’. From last May to this March, the rain and snow have been scarce, and the cracks in the parched land are still present. I’m afraid this year will be another disaster year."

"I don’t know, it probably won’t happen. By the way, after the flood, the carcasses of the animals must be handled properly. Remind the people not to eat them, and they should boil the water before drinking it! Otherwise, they could easily contract a plague."

Shen Zixuan nodded. He had heard that plagues often occur after floods.

Many doctors have found that the source of the plague is from eating animal carcasses left after the flood, but there is no mention of not drinking raw water.

Xiao’er’s words made sense to Shen Zixuan, who assumed that the plague bacteria could breed in water. Anyway, it’s always better to boil the water before drinking it.

It seems that it’s like having leftover food from dinner in the summer; once reheated, you can keep it overnight and the taste of the food won’t change the next day.

"What are you discussing?" Shangguan Xuanyi walked in.

Seeing him, Shen Zixuan quickly stood up to salute. Xiao’er cheerfully asked, "We were discussing the water infrastructure construction in Taiping County. Brother Shangguan, why are you here?"

"I’m taking you out to see a place. Are you free?" Shangguan Xuanyi finished speaking and looked towards Shen Zixuan.

Shangguan Xuanyi’s aloof gaze made Shen Zixuan instantly understand. He quickly excused himself: "I have to go back and pack up as well. Goodbye, Xiao’er."

Xiao’er stood up and nodded with a smile: "Goodbye, Brother Zixuan."

Shen Zixuan left hurriedly, puzzled about why the Sixth Prince seemed hostile towards him.

After Shen Zixuan left in a rush, Xiao’er turned to look at Shangguan Xuanyi, who was wearing a displeased expression, with amusement. "Aren’t you going to take me somewhere? Aren’t we going anymore?"

"Brother Zixuan? Are you close with him? You only call me Brother Shangguan! The difference in intimacy is clear."

"Yes, we grew up together. If it weren’t for the Emperor’s decree, I think my father might have arranged a marriage between me and him." Xiao’er nodded and replied seriously.

Upon hearing this, Shanguan Xuanyi’s face darkened. He sat down, poured himself a cup of tea, took a sip, and coldly said, "Close childhood friends? It seems that it would be better for Shen Zixuan not to return to the Imperial City in this lifetime!"

"Huh! Are you jealous? Brother Zixuan is like an older brother to me and my siblings. He took care of us when we were young, and he saved my life. Besides, Brother Zixuan is in love with someone else. I heard from my fourth aunt that the village chief’s wife is preparing to come to the Imperial City to bring up a marriage proposal for him! Brother Shangguan, your jealousy is groundless."

Another upcoming wedding? How enviable! Shangguan Xuanyi’s expression lightened a bit after hearing this. "Even as a brother, you should not be too close. After all, he is not your biological brother!"

Xiao’er ignored his unreasonable comment.

"Weren’t you going to take me somewhere? Where? Let’s go!" Xiao’er changed the subject and pulled him up to start walking.

Shangguan Xuanyi didn’t fuss over her lack of response, and seeing her small hand holding his, he couldn’t help but smile as he followed her.

Shangguan Xuanyi brought Xiao’er to a mansion.

"Is Brother Shangguan moving out of the palace to set up his mansion?" Xiao’er looked at the grand stone lions in front of the door and asked as she glanced at the heavy red door.

"Yes."

"It still lacks a doorplate, should it be ’Prince Mansion Six’? Shall I write one for you?"

"It’s not for me, it’s for our home, you are part of it too! Let’s go in and have a look."

Xiao’er: "..."

This is still a long way from being settled!

Xiao Fuzi opened the door of the mansion, and Shangguan Xuanyi, holding Xiao’er’s hand, walked in. This would be their home in the future. He wanted to go in with her, look around, and discuss what needed to be renovated.

The emperors gave lands in this area to their sons for building their mansions. In those years, the Imperial City had been specifically expanded to include these green hills and fields in the city for constructing the Prince’s mansions.

Shangguan Xuanyi’s Prince Mansion Six, while not the largest among the seven mansions, was certainly the best. Shangguan Xuanyi had specially invited many talented people from the populace to deliberate and plan when it was built. Shangguan Xuanhao had several times proposed to swap his mansion for this one because it was far larger, even offering additional land and compensation, but Shangguan Xuanyi had never agreed.

The construction of the prince’s mansion followed strict regulations and was built in line with the Emperor Prince’s dwelling specifications. The entire Prince Mansion Six occupied forty thousand square meters, penetrated by a strict central axis, and made up of multi-courtyard compound house sections.

The number, form, and color of the façade and houses had regulations, but the garden could be arranged freely.

Prince Mansion Six was grand and ingenious, skillfully taking from nature. The pavilions were crisscrossed, fully showcasing the exquisite royal residence’s grandeur, majestic, luxurious, yet not losing the elegance and warmth of a home, also practical and comfortable.

Xiao’er had walked until her feet were sore, but she had to admit that it was impeccable in terms of classical architecture!

There were winding paths leading to secluded spots, meditation rooms surrounded by flowers and trees, rockeries and running water, surrounded by clear green water, and even a Wangjiang Tower near a mountain and by the water.

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