WBSGVS Chapter 204 V2

As the deadline drew closer, the air grew thick with humidity.

It was already a stifling season, and now it felt oppressive, heavy, and damp. Everyone walked around sweaty and worn. The icy blocks meant to keep people cool were no match against the oppressive conditions.

The atmosphere in the palace grew more tense by the day.

Emperor Sima Heng flew into rages more frequently; many concubines fell victim to his wrath.

Meanwhile, Sima Qinghe remained calm and composed.

As the “main character” in the story, she seemed more clearheaded and reasonable than the Emperor, who was faltering under pressure.

By the 25th day, all the villagers had been safely relocated past the danger line. Lord Duan himself inspected everything to be sure there were no mistakes.

By the 26th day, the villagers were settled in their temporary accommodations and were organizing their food and firewood to last them a long time.

On the 29th day, some people grew anxious and started doubting whether the flood was real at all.

But that very night, a huge thunderclap, a shockingly deep boom, struck across the heavens. The people were jolted from their sleep, and immediately afterwards, a heavy rain fell in a rush.

The downpour had arrived.

Those who were previously skeptical fell into silence. The people who believed in gods rushed to their ancestral shrines to light incense and pray.

This rain fell nearly without pause. Whenever it let up briefly, it soon fell again.

For nearly a fortnight, Kyoto remained under a blanket of grey and rain. The protective moat rose and rose, and the floodwaters flowed into nearby fields and houses.

The city fell into a dim, oppressive mood.

Then a dramatic imperial edict broke through the gloom:

“By His Majesty’s order, Princess Leyi, having received a warning from Heaven and insisted on protective measures at the risk of her own life, has successfully kept the people from greater harm. To honor her service, Princess Leyi is hereby elevated to the rank of Senior Princess and rewarded with ten thousand taels of gold.”

Suddenly, people came alive again.

If Princess Leyi hadn’t insisted on these measures, the flood would have struck without warning, and countless would have died. There’d be no time to move, no food or wood safely stockpiled, and people would suffer unimaginable losses.

As a result, Princess Leyi’s residence was soon bustling with well-wishers.

If it hadn’t been raining, her doorstep might have worn away under the feet of those eager to pay their respects.

The rain fell more lightly now, much less heavy than when it first came.

This was just as the story described: the Second and Third Princes were now responsible for flood control and organizing aid.

Some poor people were stranded, and many lived in low-lying areas prone to danger. There were still many problems to solve.

The court was busy from top to bottom, and the two princes were under immense pressure.

The Second Prince fell ill from stress and overexertion; soldiers rushed him back to Kyoto to rest and heal.

The Third Prince kept everything under control and received much praise from court officials.

Finally, in mid-September, the rain stopped.

The court began tallying the damage and honoring those who contributed to the flood’s mitigation. Lord Duan knelt in the court and cried: “This flood was kept from causing greater damage, and countless people were saved, all because Princess Leyi was willing to put her own life on the line for the people. Her ability is without question. I petition His Majesty to appoint Princess Leyi as National Teacher, to safeguard the peace of our Jin dynasty.”

Emperor Sima Heng glared in disbelief. He hadn’t expected Lord Duan to be so bold. His face fell immediately. “She is already engaged to the ruler of Chu. How can we appoint her National Teacher?”

For a moment, the court fell silent. Lord Duan remained kneeling. “Your Majesty, are you going to let such a talent be handed over to Chu?”

The ministers came back to their senses. The marriage pact with Chu hadn’t yet been dissolved, and now the Princess was a powerful asset.

All fell to their knees and called in unison: “We petition His Majesty to appoint Princess Leyi as National Teacher!”

To become a National Teacher meant that marriage to Chu was no longer an option.

Emperor Sima Heng fell silent.