While Xiao Changyan was recuperating from his injuries and Xiao Huayong was "recuperating from illness", Xiao Changfeng followed the trail to investigate but could not find any trace of Xiao Juesong. Later, he and Xiao Changqing were busy with disaster relief. About five or six days later, the channel planned by Tao Zhuanxian and Zhong Pingzhi was finally dug.
The two of them carefully checked from both ends and repeatedly confirmed that everything was correct and that the water could be released before they came to inform Xiao Huayong and Shen Xihe.
"The water can be released tomorrow." Shen Xihe was also surprised.
This matter has always been a knot in their hearts. Moreover, although the people have taken turns to dig canals in recent days, they have been soaking in water. The medicine can resist the cold, but their hands and feet have been soaked in mud and water and their skin has peeled off. Many people were accidentally scratched and refused to rest. Even if the wounds were cleaned in time, they tended to fester. Shen Xihe could only ensure their food, clothing, and medical care.
It would be a relief for everyone to be able to end it as soon as possible.
"Yes, the water can be released tomorrow, but I have discussed with Mr. Tao and we still have to offer sacrifices to the river god before releasing the water," Zhong Pingzhi suggested.
"As it should be, let the county magistrate arrange it. Mr. Tao and Mr. Zhong can have a good rest for a day." Xiao Huayong nodded.
"To offer sacrifice to the river god, can His Royal Highness the Crown Prince come in person? Lord Tao and I have heard that the people want to see His Royal Highness the Crown Prince." People are very curious about Xiao Huayong, who came from afar with his sick body and was guided by the gods. He is mysterious and unpredictable, and they respect and appreciate him from the bottom of their hearts.
Of course, they were also deeply moved by Prince Xin Xiao Changqing, who had always been with them in the front line without a single day of failure. This made them respect Emperor Youning even deeper, because Xiao Huayong and Xiao Changqing were both His Majesty's princes. Princes who could do things personally and treat the people in a friendly manner were the best sons of the royal family in the hearts of the people.
We can see from the princes that Your Majesty also values them so much, and since they encountered the disaster, Your Majesty has never cut off their supply. He even issued an edict to ask merchants for food and supplies for them, and humbled himself for them. How could they not be moved
Shen Xihe also looked at Xiao Huayong, and Xiao Huayong smiled faintly: "Okay, I will go."
He also couldn't let them worship him in vain, so naturally they were grateful, and Xiao Huayong felt that he deserved it. He did not do any labor, but without him, there would be no supply of food and supplies, and these people would not have the strength to work.
Although the channel had been dug, the rain had not yet stopped, so the ceremony of worshiping the river god had to be simple and held at the city gate. The people also performed a lion dance under limited conditions, and they used every possible means to ignite the firecrackers.
The county magistrate Yu Gong was executed, and the new county magistrate of Dengzhou had not yet taken office. Xiao Huayong ordered the governor of Henan Province to come and preside over the sacrifice. The governor of Henan Province was about forty years old, an old scholar-like man. After he made an impassioned speech on the city wall, Xiao Huayong came wearing a heavy cloak, supported by Shen Xihe.
When the people saw Xiao Huayong, they were suddenly shocked and knelt down in worship, regardless of the wetness of the ground.
Seeing this, Shen Xihe glanced to the side. Mo Yuan struck the gong heavily. The deafening sound frightened the people so much that they forgot what they were doing and subconsciously stood up straight. Naturally, some of them were so scared that they knelt down with a thud.
"Fellow villagers, Your Highness came here to accept your sincere love. It would be bad if you caught a cold." Shen Xihe raised his voice and said, "Your Highness, please don't be too polite. As a member of the royal family, you are loved by the people. It is your duty to seek the welfare of the people. It is a blessing for Your Highness and me to share the hardships with the people of the city. I hope that Dengzhou will have good weather in the future, and the villagers will have enough food and grain, and our country will be peaceful and the people will be safe."