Chapter 1657: Chapter 1657: Thinking Ten Steps Ahead

When Song Ci learned that there was a drought both in the north and south, she furrowed her brow deeply, not even showing a pleasant expression when her clever son arrived. She feared this disaster might devolve into a catastrophic calamity like another historical event she was familiar with.

Song Zhiyuan had been incredibly busy recently, not even having time to touch the ground, with July already half over. Yet, there was no sign of rain, and bad news kept coming one after another, leaving the Emperor in a continuously gloomy mood.

This year’s drought is more severe than the south’s flooding and north’s drought twenty-three years ago. What’s most terrifying is that there’s no telling when it will end.

Song Ci noticed he was looking thinner, so she instructed the maid to serve him sweet mung bean soup to relieve the summer heat. Lying back on a bamboo pillow, she said, "Though national affairs are busy, you must take care of your health, don’t overwork yourself. You need not worry about me; I have plenty of attendants."

Song Zhiyuan’s throat felt parched from the heat, and only after swallowing a bowl of cool sweet soup did his throat feel more comfortable. He then took a sip of the iced tea the maid handed him and said, "No matter how busy I am, I can always find time to have a conversation with you, take a breath, and relax for a moment."

Song Ci then asked, "Is the Emperor giving you a hard time?"

With the disaster at hand, any emperor would feel distressed, given it’s a natural calamity that demands manpower and drains the National Treasury. The heat feels like an oven, making everyone’s temper run high.

Song Zhiyuan smiled faintly and said, "Ever since the disaster started, the Emperor’s face has never brightened. Every day in court, no official isn’t trembling with fear. We’ve all gotten used to it."

"No wonder the Emperor is troubled. Both the north and south are affected, and the affected area is vast. No one in charge could feel at ease." Song Ci fiddled with her Buddha beads and said, "You must keep this in mind. I heard the water levels are decreasing daily; this year’s calamity is not easy to overcome."

Song Zhiyuan kept a silent, stern face.

How could he not be aware of it? Especially with this oppressive heat, even while sitting, he was drenched in sweat.

"Droughts are prolonged battles, and the disaster may intensify during the process. Right now, the utmost priority is disaster relief. If relief efforts are lacking or neglected, it will escalate into a greater catastrophe, uncontrollable. You remember, don’t you? After the disaster twenty-three years ago, there was an outbreak. Now, with this drought, if people who can’t endure perish, and if it’s mishandled under scorching sun, an epidemic might break out again."

Song Zhiyuan felt a chill run down his spine, knowing how quickly bodies decompose in summer. Mishandling the situation would lead to inconceivable repercussions.

Song Ci recalled another terrifying threat and asked, "Have the crops that could still be harvested been collected?"

"With no rain in sight, most of the grain stalks have already dried up. Even the immature ones are being rushed."

"As it should be. Regardless of maturity, harvest whatever can be collected now, or else if locusts pass through, it would add insult to injury," Song Ci stated sternly.

Song Zhiyuan felt goosebumps on his arms; gosh, her words were growing more and more alarming.

Seeing Song Zhiyuan’s expression, Song Ci awkwardly laughed and remarked, "Look at me, I’ve turned alarming now. I’m just talking through all possibilities I can think of; it’s best to stay prepared. If nothing happens, all will be well, haha."

"You’re taking precautions, very much anticipating ten steps ahead. Not everyone has your foresight," Song Zhiyuan glanced lightly, saying, "They say having an elder at home is like having treasure; your son would appreciate more guidance from you."

Song Ci waved her hand, "No need to flatter me. Just one thing: this drought will undoubtedly last long. You government officials must control grain prices; otherwise, once prices are driven up, public grievances will be hard to quell."

Once people can’t survive, what grievances can be quelled?

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