Blossom In Adversity - Vol. 2

C272. Rebirth?

Chapter 272 Rebirth?

After breakfast, Hua Zhi detailed the current situation and the strategies she had in mind to Gu Yanxi, especially regarding Lingzhou County.

"It seems that Xu Yangjun probably knows that I am interested in knowing about the situation in Lingzhou. The book he sent earlier included a county chronicle of Lingzhou, I'm not sure how he managed to obtain it. The area is vast with sparse population, the terrain is complex with marshes, one-third of rocky mountains, and a section that is not suitable for living due to mudslides. The living conditions are harsh, and instead of maintaining a few hundred people in such a large area, it would be better to dig a canal to solve the perpetual danger of the Wei River for generations."

Hua Zhi opened the map and pointed at the Wei River with a pointer, "Although the investment of manpower, resources, and finances for digging a large canal cannot be underestimated, the damage caused by annual floods in the Wei River passing through five states and the capital is immeasurable. If we can connect the Wei River and Jing River through Lingzhou, although it may increase pressure on Jiangzhou, the population of Jiangzhou is far less than prosperous Jingzhou and Yangzhou. The pressure from the Jing River is also much less than that of the Wei River. If handled properly, this problem may not be insurmountable."

Hua Zhi looked up with a solemn expression, "I have thought about many things, and I didn't originally intend to come up with any ideas for this matter. But I know your thoughts, Xiao Liu is indeed intelligent. He may not understand these things, but it does not prevent him from shedding blood for his country. He hopes for the well-being of this country. When he asked me for ideas, I didn't want to brush him off. So, I thought so far ahead, not limited to the present or a year or two. I planted a seed in his heart, even if it takes many years to accomplish, it is beneficial to the Daqing Dynasty. I have studied the situation of the Daqing Dynasty in recent years. There have been no major wars, and the royal family has not engaged in significant construction projects, so the treasury should be quite abundant. To achieve this, as long as there is determination, it can be done."

Hua Zhi did not hide anything from Gu Yanxi. Sacrificing a small city to resolve the crisis of Jingzhou and Yangzhou is abandoning the small city to protect the large city. As long as the four hundred people in Lingzhou County are resettled properly, it is not a pity to abandon that place, and presumably those four hundred people would be willing as well.

Who wouldn't want to live in a better environment?

"However, this matter is of great importance, and ultimately depends on whether that person approves." Hua Zhi looked at the map of the capital, her mouth curling slightly, "Shao Yao's thinking is too simple. Even if the Seven Stars Bureau are special, and your power is great, this matter cannot be decided by you, and it cannot be rushed."

The situation of the Sui Dynasty, where Yang Guang built the Grand Canal, must not happen again, or she will be a criminal. Even the Seven Stars Bureau, who have always been most trusted by the emperor, may lose that valuable trust.

"I understand, rest assured, I will ensure that things develop in the best direction." Gu Yanxi's voice was soft and warm, looking at Hua Zhi in front of him with a cold and clear expression, as if she had just said some unimportant words. But unexpectedly, he remembered the Haoyue, the leader of the Celestial Sect.

She had said that there would be a great disaster in Xiangyang in August, with tens of thousands dead and injured. Since she knew about this, she must also know how to avoid it, but she didn't. She only used it as a test stone for her to show off her skills.

The same event, but Hua Zhi had thought of a permanent solution because of Xiao Liu. He could almost imagine how many books she had read and how much effort she had put in to come up with this idea. However, she just casually mentioned it and even remembered to remind him not to get involved in trouble because of this matter.

This is the vast difference between the two.

"Boom..." a thunderous roar echoed, causing the house to tremble slightly. The rain that had been brewing all morning finally poured down with a hint of cool breeze, carrying an aura of wanting to flood the entire world.

The two couldn't help but walk to the door to look at the courtyard, which had accumulated a lot of rainwater in just a short time, their hearts slightly heavy.

Gu Yanxi didn't want to think too much about it, so he pulled Hua Zhi back inside and told her about Haoyue’s matter.

Hua Zhi frowned as she listened, probably having seen too many schemes like this. Haoyue gave her a bit of a... white lotus impression, even the name of the sect seemed to carry a hint of cultism in her eyes.

"What do you think, Ah Zhi?"

"Is it possible that she knows about you? Or maybe she knows about the leader of the Seven Stars Bureau?" Hua Zhi pondered as she spoke, "When I say 'knows,' I don't mean she knows there's a leader of the Seven Stars Bureau, many people know that. What I mean is, she knows you as a person, the you behind the mask."

Gu Yanxi nodded, then shook her head, "I had that feeling too at the time, she came for me, but she probably doesn't recognize my true identity. I had Chen Qing disguise as me to meet her, and she applied tracking powder on Chen Qing, indicating that she has some understanding of the leader of the Seven Stars Bureau. But I have no impression of her, given her demeanor, I would remember if I had met her before. Before coming out, I had someone investigate her identity, such a person couldn't have just popped out of a rock."

Hua Zhi suddenly thought of herself, she didn't pop out of a rock, but rather a wisp of soul from another world. However, if someone were to investigate her, they wouldn't find anything suspicious about her identity.

If Haoyue is like her...no, it can't be. If she has the same origin as herself, being able to make prophecies shouldn't involve knowing what will happen ten or twenty years later, it's not like rebirth a life, being aware of events that happened years later.

Wait!

Hua Zhi sat up straight, if Haoyue is truly rebirth a life, then that would explain why she knew the Xiangyang dam would burst in August. A soul returning from another world, someone else being able to relive a life isn't uncommon.

If that's the case, Haoyue arranging a shaman identity for herself would make sense.

However, these are just her speculations...

Gu Yanxi had been watching her all this time, and seeing her expression, he knew she had thought of something important. So he said, "Ah Zhi, just say whatever is on your mind."

Hua Zhi hesitated for a moment but ultimately didn't reveal the truth. She needed to investigate further to confirm if her guesses were correct. Even if they were, she couldn't disclose them as it would only lead to trouble.

She just reminded, "Keep a close eye on Haoyue, she may prove to be useful in the future."

"Of course." Gu Yanxi lowered her eyelids, concealing the ruthlessness within. If she truly had the power of prophecy, how could the Seven Stars Bureau allow her the chance to serve another country! Since her target is the leader of the Seven Stars Bureau, giving her a chance is necessary.

Hua Zhi didn't mention the matter anymore, instead saying, "Digging a canal isn't something achievable now. If we could clear the dried-up river channel and have people release the floodgates in Lingzhou County to bring water into Lingzhou, with such a vast area to hold floodwater, Xiangyang may not necessarily burst its banks."

Gu Yanxi smiled, "Yes, if she's skilled in prophecy, I wonder if she has foreseen your existence."

If she truly is rebirth a life, she might have overlooked her, she wasn't here in her previous life. "Find an opportunity to inquire about Xiao Liu from her, see how she reacts and if she might have missed Xiao Liu as well."

———TN:
Rebirth versus transmigration. Don't waste my time. Which one is it?