Xiao Huayong's face was dark, and his deep pupils were like an abyss with no end in sight, as if something that could destroy the world was surging.
Shen Xihe was not a fearful person. She looked him in the eye with a cold face and refused to give an inch.
The two men were in a stalemate for a moment, and Xiao Huayong finally gave in. He explained in a low voice: "I am just taking precautions. You and I both know the current situation in Dengzhou. If the flood is not eliminated, hundreds of thousands of people in Dengzhou will have to sacrifice their lives. Even if they are lucky enough to escape the disaster, they will have nothing."
"The flood must be eliminated. I agree with the method proposed by my grandfather and Zhonggong. Don't be so cautious. I don't agree with you taking the lead in doing this." Shen Xihe stared at him. "Once you take the lead, everything we have done before will be in vain."
She put so much thought into making everyone think that Xiao Huayong was a puppet in her hands. All schemes related to the East Palace came from her. She hid Xiao Huayong behind her so that no one would suspect him too much.
This time, if he steps forward forcefully, everything will be exposed.
"It's not that I want to take the lead, nor do I mean to disrupt your plans, but I am the only one who can take responsibility for this matter." Xiao Huayong explained in a soft voice.
This is not an ordinary matter. Shen Xihe's title as the Crown Princess cannot be involved at all. If this matter were to reach His Majesty's ears, His Majesty would definitely reject it. He would suppress it and make a decision first and report later. However, this matter is of great importance. Once he orders the troops to dig canals and roads, his intentions will naturally not be concealed.
Xiao Changyan and Xiao Changqing are both in Dengzhou, and the governor of Dengzhou is Xiao Changmin's future relative. Even if he has great power, it is impossible for him to hide this news from the court and His Majesty. At that time, His Majesty will denounce it and try his best to stop it.
If he wanted to convince the people and mobilize the government offices of Dengzhou and even send out the guards on standby at any time under the pressure of the emperor, only he, the crown prince, had enough weight. If he could not withstand the doubts of His Majesty, these people would not dare to act rashly even if they believed in this method. Digging channels to divert water was not something that could be accomplished by one or two people. It required the concerted efforts of thousands of people.
If we cannot mobilize people, we can only wait for the flood to come, which is tantamount to waiting for death.
"I understand." Shen Xihe held his wrist, and stared at him firmly with her bright eyes. "If you trust me, leave everything to me. I promise that I can put pressure on His Majesty and hide you. Maybe... if this matter is over, the fact that I am the real master of the East Palace will convince King Jing and His Majesty more."
Xiao Huayong opened his mouth, but in the end only a helpless sigh remained on his lips.
He didn't know how to describe his feelings at the moment. What it feels like to be protected so closely by someone one day? People who have not experienced it cannot understand the surge of emotions in their hearts. It is like a trickle of water warming up a heart, making it feel like a petal floating on a clear stream, comfortable and free.
But while he was moved and felt tender, he also felt helpless. His wife was extremely intelligent, and neither of them could always be in the front. Occasionally, when he wanted to do his best to plan for her, she would flatly refuse. He couldn't even convince her at all. Between them, once she made up her mind, he would have to give in.