Chapter 40 Great Justice
Feng Xiran asked Xue Chenxi to come closer and whispered a few words into her ear. Xue Chenxi's expression softened slightly as she focused on the bound man.
Due to the events of the day, Mu Xin might not accompany them up the mountain. Li Zheng apologized to Feng Xiran for not being able to host her properly and then left.
In the village, Mu Xin had no other relatives. Out of guilt and other considerations, Li Zheng, acting in his capacity as an elder, decided to help handle the affairs of Mu Xin's younger brother.
The crowd dispersed, with some following Mu Xin to help with her matters, others comforting her and advising her to stay strong for the future, and some simply observing Feng Xiran and her group, curious to see what they would do next.
Feng Xiran glanced at the dried bloodstains on the ground and pondered for a long time. Living in such an era with such tragic events, she hoped Mu Xin would become stronger in the future. She asked Yao Xiang to sprinkle medicinal powder over the bloodstains to prevent diseases, as the lack of water made cleaning difficult and the risk of pests spreading illness was a concern.
As evening approached, Feng Xiran and Lan Yun toured the countryside, sighing deeply at the desolate scene. Many mud-brick houses were damaged due to abandonment, roofs open to the sky, and withered grass surrounding them. The fields, half-grown crops had perished due to the weather. Feng Xiran asked Lan Yun about the countryside's past, and Lan Yun reflected on it deeply.
In an era dependent on the weather, with no artificial rainfall or other measures, the scarcity and low yield of food made survival very difficult!
Being in a position of power, Feng Xiran began to feel a sense of responsibility. As a member of the royal family who enjoyed the respect and taxes from the people, she should do her utmost to save them from hardship.
In her previous life in the modern world, managing a company meant that the livelihood of her employees depended on collective effort. She worked hard to enjoy her own benefits and felt responsible for ensuring her employees received their due. She was a law-abiding citizen who fulfilled her obligations to the country and society!
Feng Xiran looked at Lan Yun and then at Ling Shuang, feeling a burden of responsibility. In her previous life, there was always a saying: "Who says women are inferior to men?" Perhaps this was why she had been brought to this world—to prove herself better.
Feeling a headache coming on, Feng Xiran sighed. For now, she would set aside her ideals and ambitions and focus on finding a water source as a priority.
"Before it gets completely dark, we should head back and rest early. We'll come back earlier tomorrow!"
Ling Xin wondered why they were returning so soon and not going up the mountain. Feng Xiran explained that if they went up the mountain in the dark, the strong evening wind might blow sparks from a fire starter onto the dry branches, causing a fire that would make self-rescue difficult.
She herself was accustomed to carrying a night pearl for light, but with so many people, the light from the pearl was limited!
As Feng Xiran was riding back, a figure suddenly darted out, nearly startling her horse. She quickly pulled on the reins. Fei Shuang was about to move forward to stop the person, but Feng Xiran held her back. Looking down, she realized the figure resembled Mu Xin.
Unable to clearly see her expression, the voice, hoarse and indicating her purpose, quickly turned and left after speaking. Feng Xiran watched her retreating figure, feeling unsettled for a long time.
"I didn't expect her to...!" Even Ling Xin couldn't help but sigh, marveling at her noble intentions.
The reason was simple: Mu Xin ultimately had a soft heart and agreed to go with Feng Xiran to the mountain the next day to find the water source she had discovered, though the amount of water was limited.
Feng Xiran tightly gripped the reins, watching the shadow disappearing into the darkness, so lonely yet so imposing. "Xue Chenxi, you're in charge of dealing with this person. Leave some breath for Mu Xin to handle—whether he's injured or disabled is not my concern, but don't disappoint me!"
After saying this, Feng Xiran immediately whipped the horse and sped towards the lord's mansion. The wind on her face helped her calm down, blowing away the tears in her eyes and gradually dispersing the frustration in her heart.
Seeing the stubborn Mu Xin, she seemed to remember her own past pain when her last relative had passed away.
Upon returning to the lord's mansion, Feng Xiran did not say a word. Lan Yun and the others, seeing her grim expression, did not dare to approach and went back to their rooms.
Feng Xiran tossed and turned, unable to sleep. She decided to get up and took out the small map she received as a mission reward, along with the "Manual of Agricultural Affairs" and the flood relief map she had received before. She examined the two maps and found them very useful for the current situation. The small map was a well-digging guide, teaching how to dig a well to maximize water storage. Originally, a well could last up to three years without drying up, but this guide seemed to suggest it could last even longer, perhaps more effective than the wells she had visited before, like those in Tangyin Baiying and Jiashan Xingang. The well-digging guide was detailed, showing how to dig and what materials and precautions to take.
Feng Xiran was delighted, realizing that these resources would be useful not only here but also in other places.
She then carefully studied the other map, which was a topographic water source map of Tianfeng. It was magical in that it allowed her to precisely locate the sources. Even without Mu Xin's help, she could find them. Previously, she had not examined it closely , but now it seemed the system was quite helpful!
The more she looked, the more excited she became. The "Manual of Agricultural Affairs" detailed different terrains, what crops to plant, precautions, and how to increase yield, enabling someone without professional expertise to become an expert instantly.
Feng Xiran read with great interest until she heard footsteps outside. Looking through the window, she realized that the sky had brightened. After a sleepless night, her eyes felt sore but were filled with joy. She quickly got up, washed up, and went outside.
She greeted Ye Chuan, who was directing the servants: "Good morning, Uncle Ye!"
Ye Chuan was surprised by how early she was up and asked if she was not used to sleeping. He smiled and told her to sleep more and that he would have someone serve her breakfast when it was ready.
He observed Feng Xiran, noting that this niece had changed so much, bringing fewer attendants and showing a more composed demeanor. However, it seemed she was not staying with her husband, possibly due to a conflict between them.
Seeing Feng Xiran still in the courtyard, he asked her to wake Ling Xin and get her out of bed. Ling Xin, still deep in sleep, was annoyed at being abruptly woken.
"Aunt, are you up yet?" Feng Xiran called from outside, hesitant to enter.
"Why is she up so early? Didn't she used to sleep in until noon?" Ling Xin muttered, annoyed at being woken up so early, especially after having to wake up early in the capital before.
"Aunt, if you don't get up, I'm coming in!" Feng Xiran's voice continued from outside.
"Whoever heard of a junior barging into the senior's room?" Ling Xin complained, her hair a bit disheveled, squinting and pointing at the door.
Translation Notes:
"Manual of Agricultural Affairs" : A guidebook on agriculture that provides detailed information about farming practices. Tianfeng Topographic Water Source Map : A map showing the locations of water sources in the Tianfeng region.
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Reincarnated into a Female-Dominated World to Build Infrastructure (Translated)
HistoryczneFeng Xiran, a modern CEO who never enjoyed her wealth before her untimely death, transmigrated into a female-dominated kingdom as the Crown Princess. Initially, she indulged in luxury and handsome men, but her carefree life was cut short when she tr...