WBSGVS Chapter 203 V2

She must be overconfident from all the flattery, thinking her words were gospel. If the flood didn’t come, her reputation would be destroyed!

Sima Heng and the Empress Dowager were also unimpressed.

It seemed ridiculous — a child’s alarmism. The protective moat hadn’t gotten close to overflowing in years; now the Princess wanted an entire neighborhood to move away?

The Regent held power; the imperial court was weak. Furthermore, Sima Heng was not a strong ruler, and the state was poor. There were worries about Chu growing restless on their borders. Where would the resources come from for such a massive relocation?

“Leyi!” Sima Heng exchanged a look with the Empress Dowager and made a decisive announcement. “We will discuss this later. Today is your Royal Grandmother’s birthday.”

Qingli remained firm. “It’s precisely because it’s Royal Grandmother’s birthday that Heaven chose to show me this warning. So many people will suffer if we delay. I’m sure Royal Grandmother would not want her people to lose their homes to a flood.”

The Empress Dowager normally kept out of state affairs, but with such a dramatic claim made under her name, she felt it was safest not to respond directly. “I do not intervene in politics. Take it up with your Royal Father.”

Sima Heng’s face grew darker, and a warning glimmer crossed his eyes as he looked at Qingli.

How could a huge decision be made based on some supposed warning from Heaven? That’s ridiculous!

But Qing Li remained firm.

Prince Regent Zhou Xing remained silent. Princess Leyi was a member of the Sima clan; whatever she did was a reflection of the imperial family. The more ridiculous it seemed, the more it played into his hands—as long as it didn’t affect him directly, he was willing to let it slide.

The ministers present fell into a solemn silence. Those who had benefited from Qing Li remained quiet, unsure what to say, while many who hadn’t received any favors from her were eager to speak up.

As the Emperor and Empress Dowager openly opposed her and the Prince Regent remained silent, a censor stood up immediately. “Absurd! The city’s moat is deep enough that even ten days of heavy rain wouldn’t cause it to flood. Do you realize what chaos your words could bring upon the people?”

Another official stood up to add, “In these years, there aren’t that many people living near the moat. Did you even investigate this carefully? Do you know under what conditions the people would need to be entirely evacuated?”

Some were rebuking her quite harshly, prompting the Minister of Rites to step forward and say, “Gentlemen, please calm down and let Princess Leyi speak first.”

The two who had raised their doubts snorted in discontent but sat back down to show him faces.

Qing Li remained unfazed. Now that everyone fell silent and made space for her to speak, she said quietly and deliberately, “I know my words alone aren’t enough to convince everyone immediately. But we have a bit of time. Heaven has given us a whole month to prepare and avoid a catastrophe. So I can’t produce hard evidence immediately. Nevertheless, to show I’m not making this up… I’m willing to put my life on the line.”

“If what I say fails to come true… I will sacrifice myself to Heaven!”

The hall fell into silence at these words.

Prince Regent Zhou Xing, Sima Heng, and the rest straightened in their seats. After all, a military pledge was a solemn vow — a matter of life and death.

Once they heard her, their expressions grew more serious.

“It’s true… Princess Leyi is proficient in divination and fate. To be willing to make such a vow — it must be a warning from Heaven.”

Qing Li nodded slightly and said, “I have studied these matters, and I made sure again and again before speaking today. This is about the lives of countless people. I would not conceal the truth. If we suffer a huge financial cost and upheaval and nothing happens in the end, I will naturally take responsibility.”

Sima Heng fell into a deep silence. He didn’t respond immediately.

The two ministers who previously protested were stunned and exchanged glances. They felt somewhat ashamed.

The rest remained silent, not daring to voice their doubts. If the Princess turned out to be right, it would be a great service; if the Emperor insisted on ignoring it and something went awry — even if Princess Leyi were to take the blame — the Emperor would lose the people’s trust.

This made the Prince Regent pause and reassess.
He stood up, solemnly, and addressed the Emperor: “Your Majesty, Princess Leyi is acting for the people. She’s willing to put her own life on the line. I think we should approve this.”

Sima Heng pressed his lips together in silence.

The Prime Minister turned toward Qing Li. After seeing her affirm his gaze, he walked forward from his seat. “Your Majesty, Princess Leyi is extremely proficient in these matters. The people’s lives are at stake — we shouldn’t treat this casually. I, your servant, believe we should approve it.”

Sima Heng drew a deep breath and was about to rebuke them when Prince Duan, who remained calm through all this, stood up and addressed the Emperor. “Your Majesty, this old minister believes Princess Leyi speaks the truth. My son has already returned. I boldly ask that this task be entrusted to him.”

The court fell into a chorus of surprised breaths.
Prince Duan was endorsing this as well!
So this was the true purpose of his visit today!

If even Prince Duan believed in it, what further grounds were there for disbelief, especially for those who had already experienced Qing Li’s ability?

One by one, the ministers exchanged glances, then knelt and cried in unison:

“Your Majesty…”
“Your Majesty!”

The Minister of Revenue, the Minister of War, members of the Sima clan — all fell to their knees, adding their pleas.

Some remained silent and did not kneel, but it made little difference; the King of Duan and the Prince Regent were already in agreement. Whatever opposition remained, even from Sima Heng, would be powerless.

Sima Qinghe remained stunned, feeling tiny and powerless — tiny as an ant.

She was born and raised in the palace; from a young age, she was used to competing with other women for a man’s affections. The love she fought for was her father’s; later, when she grew up and dealt with outsiders, the schemes and struggles of the inner palace remained in her blood.

Never in her wildest imagination did she think a woman could force her imperial father into a decision against his will in a hall filled with ministers.

And yet… she had orchestrated it.

Sima Qinghe bit her lip hard; the physical pain kept her mind clear, although her face remained ashen.