Yun Jiao also sighed, "The grain reserves accumulated over the past few years, intended for war against Jin Country, are undoubtedly lost now."

Jiang Youzhi said, "There’s nothing we can do, the matter of the war will have to be postponed."

Ever since the northern territories fell, the citizens of Great Chu left in the north have been fleeing to the south over the years.

At least half of the populace has crossed over.

Currently, Great Chu has to use more than half of its land to support a population nearly identical to before, which is extremely difficult.

In recent years, Jiang Youzhi has been focusing on agriculture and sericulture.

He urged the citizens to develop terraced fields in mountainous areas, pushed the Ministry of Industry to enhance water conservancy initiatives, and upon Yun Jiao’s suggestion, instructed officials managing agriculture to study intercropping techniques. Moreover, he continually selected good varieties, crossbred them to produce seeds, and increased the yield per unit area.

After several years, the crop yield per unit area has increased slightly, and Great Chu’s granaries are relatively abundant.

But now that the flood has come, it’s back to square one.

As Jiang Youzhi spoke, he stood up, "What you said makes sense, I will take some people to choose a flood diversion area and organize the citizens to evacuate as soon as possible."

Yun Jiao quickly said, "I’ll pack a few clothes for you."

She swiftly packed a bundle, which Jiang Youzhi took and left hurriedly with his people.

After more than ten days, Jiang Youzhi returned.

He came back with dark circles under his eyes, said nothing, took a bath first, and went to sleep.

He slept until midday the next day.

After waking, while eating, Jiang Youzhi said, "We made a breach; Xiang City is saved."

"However, tens of thousands of citizens are displaced, and we will have to arrange disaster relief personnel." 𝙛𝓻𝒆𝒆𝒘𝙚𝓫𝙣𝙤𝒗𝙚𝓵.𝙘𝙤𝙢

He quickly finished two bowls of rice, put down the bowl, "I will go urge the Ministry of Revenue to arrange relief supplies; I may not have time to come home in the next few days."

Yun Jiao nodded, "Make sure to eat well yourself, I’ll have someone send some clothes over for you tonight."

This time, Jiang Youzhi didn’t return for several days.

Every day, Yun Jiao sent people to deliver clothes and meals to him.

After more than half a month, Yun Jiao was playing chess with You Er at home when Cai Ping suddenly came in from outside, "Young madam, a eunuch from the palace has come to summon you to the palace immediately."

Yun Jiao put down the chess piece, touched You Er’s head, "Mother has to go to the palace, we’ll continue our game when I return."

You Er nodded understandingly.

Yun Jiao quickly tidied up and followed the eunuch to the palace.

The eunuch led Yun Jiao into the Imperial Study Room.

In addition to His Majesty, there were more than ten men dressed in official uniforms, each with a forehead dripping with cold sweat.

His Majesty’s face was very unsightly.

Yun Jiao entered and paid her respects, His Majesty hurriedly said, "Doctor Gu, no need for formalities."

"I summoned you because I have something to inquire about."

Saying this, he motioned for the eunuch to present a memorial to Yun Jiao.

Yun Jiao saw on the memorial it was written, "In recent days, the number of people exhibiting these symptoms has gradually increased."

"Patients have pale complexions, cyanotic lips, are intermittently cold and hot, shivering all over when cold, drenched in sweat when hot."

"I gathered all doctors in the city, and none could recognize this disease. I earnestly request His Majesty send an Imperial Physician to Yangzhou to treat the citizens."

Yun Jiao finished reading and seemed thoughtful.

His Majesty eagerly asked, "Many refugees from the flood diversion area have contracted this disease."

"The memorials from the magistrates state that this disease is contagious, and the number of cases is increasing."

"Doctor Gu, have you seen this kind of illness before? Is there a way to treat it?"

Yun Jiao pondered for a moment, "This illness looks like malaria, but without seeing the patients, I can’t be certain."