The Slender Waist-Chapter 829 - 583 United Efforts_2

At the outset of the war, counties and districts began mobilizing troops and preparing for battle. Particularly in the border regions with Nanqi, in addition to deploying military forces, civilian patrol groups formed voluntarily.

Andu County cannot be considered a border region between the two nations, but being two or three hundred miles away, it’s neither far nor near. The common people may not understand grand principles, but they all share one belief —

Good days are hard-won. Even tightening their belts, they must ensure the Qi Army doesn’t cross Huaishui, must not let the flames of war destroy their homes or ravage their precious lands and crops.

In fact, Andu People have only had a couple of years of peace and prosperity.

Having endured hardships, the people lived frugally, reluctant to spend on food or clothing. Adding to it, the year’s continuous torrential rains ruined much of their farmland, making life even more scrimped.

Who would have thought that as soon as the war began, the common folk became extraordinarily generous?

-

Feng Yun didn’t speak as she slowly walked forward.

The crowd naturally parted a path for her.

She stepped onto a stone pedestal by the city gate and suddenly stood on top, addressing the people in a loud voice.

"Dear elders and villagers, your intentions have not gone unnoticed by the Imperial Court. But I know that life isn’t easy for you all. For donations of money and grain, you must act within your means. Do not empty out your household to the point where your family goes hungry."

"Since the founding of Da Yong, the court has kept taxes low and governance diligent, His Majesty has ruled tirelessly, and officials are dutiful. The national treasury has seen modest surpluses. While disasters such as floods and earthquakes have struck frequently this year, we haven’t yet reached a desperate situation. You must trust that as long as Da Yong stands united, we can overcome natural calamities and repel invading enemies."

Her voice was gentle and soothing, not fiery or impassioned. Yet at the tranquil city gate, her words were like a massive stone dropped into the heart of a lake, stirring the villagers to tears.

"Your Majesty, fear not."

"Even if it costs us our lives, we’ll defend our peace."

"If traitors dare invade Da Yong, they’ll never return alive."

"I have three sons, all ready to enlist."

"My husband can as well! He eats five buns in one sitting; fighting in battle won’t be a problem!"

"Yes! We’ll all stand together."

"Anyone who offends Da Yong will be punished, no matter how far they are."

"As citizens of Da Yong, we will rise together to save our nation!"

Outside the south city gate, more and more people gathered. Their earth-shaking cries rolled in waves, growing louder with each passing moment.

Not only Feng Yun but even the senior court officials who arrived upon hearing the commotion were deeply moved.

Some had held office for many years and served under multiple emperors, yet they had never witnessed such a profoundly stirring scene.

Looking at the Empress standing radiantly atop the stone pedestal, the dissatisfaction stemming from her exclusive favor dissipated entirely in their hearts.

At this moment, everyone felt...

She was truly deserving of being Da Yong’s Empress.

This is what it means to embody the nation’s motherly dignity.

A woman possessing such profound influence over the hearts of the people would be terrifying if not aligned with the court.

How fortunate it was that the Emperor married her.

How fortunate it was that her child was the Crown Prince.

-

South of Suo Yue Ridge lay boundless, flat fields.

The Qi Army had stationed themselves here.

In a farmhouse surrounded by earthen walls, Xiao Cheng, with hair tied and wearing a wide robe of fine brocade, stepped out to the edge of the eaves under the pouring rain, his expression somber.

"Jixiang."

Lightning flashed and thunder roared across the sky.

Xiao Cheng stood there for a long time before suddenly turning around to call for the Eunuch.

"Hold the umbrella."

Jixiang ran over, wiping the moisture from his brow.

"Your Majesty, perhaps we should wait for the rain to lighten..."

Xiao Cheng paid him no heed, his gaze fixed on the cascading sheet of rain shimmering from the eaves, murmuring to himself. 𝗳𝗿𝐞𝕖𝘄𝗲𝕓𝗻𝚘𝚟𝕖𝐥.𝚌𝕠𝕞

"Isn’t this rain perfect?"

Jixiang couldn’t comprehend his meaning. Seeing the Emperor step forward, he hurriedly grabbed an umbrella and a raincoat, rushing into the curtain of rain.

Summer rains come swiftly and leave just as suddenly.

By the time Jixiang caught up with Xiao Cheng, holding the umbrella as they walked out of the farmhouse, the rain had indeed lightened considerably.

This was a small village, long abandoned by its residents after the Qi Army’s arrival.

The fields lay deserted. Following along the irrigation canals, a lotus pond came into view.

As they walked further, the rain dwindled while the mist gradually grew thicker, evoking a sense of lingering drizzle.

Before the extensive planting of lotus roots in Changmen, few farmers cultivated lotus ponds. Now, during summertime, such scenes had become a spectacle across the kingdom.

Lotus flowers bloomed brilliantly, interspersed with fine raindrops that stirred delicate ripples on the water’s surface.

It was a picturesque landscape.

But what the Emperor saw was desolate.

He asked, "Are the lotus ponds beyond Huaxi Changmen this vast as well?"

Jixiang felt a shudder within and looked up at the Emperor.

"Yes, Your Majesty."

Xiao Cheng inquired, "Ren Rude mentioned that she waits for a misty morning or evening during Summer or End of Heat, picking lotus leaves of just the right maturity for tea, roasting them until soft, allowing them to air dry naturally... Because of the lengthy process, the tea’s aroma unfolds gently, earning the name ’Enduring Longing.’"