He changed Tiwat

Ningguang glanced at him and replied somewhat coldly, "My health is fine. Vice Minister Han is busy with his affairs, so don't worry about it."

Uh... doesn't that sound a bit like he doesn't care about her? That's strange.

Han Fulai kept his head down and remained silent.

“I heard that Miss Keqing has fallen ill from overwork. The flood control efforts in Guili Plain cannot be left without the Seven Stars in charge, so I will temporarily take over.” Ningguang continued, “The development plan for ‘Guili New District’ ​​is a national infrastructure policy of the Seven Stars government, and the flood is also a matter of great importance to people’s livelihood, so it cannot be taken lightly. Miss Keqing and I have been working together since the Battle of Ausel, so I’m sure she won’t have any objections.”

...Ah Qing is still fast asleep, so of course she can't object.

Han Fulai raised his eyebrows slightly, noticing that Ningguang's messages arrived as quickly as ever, rushing over as soon as Keqing collapsed.

So, does this mean Ningguang deserves credit for Guiliyuan's flood control efforts? Ah Qing, you really came at the worst possible time...

If you were to ask Han Fulai what he meant, he certainly wouldn't be happy that Ningguang was now trying to reap the benefits, but what Ningguang said was all reasonable. The flood control work did indeed nominally require Qixing to oversee it; he himself was merely Yue Haiting's secretary, assisting Qixing, and the position of commander-in-chief was only temporarily filled by Keqing after she fell ill.

Moreover, when Oser and Barz were rampaging, Ningguang and Keqing were indeed responsible for calming the people and fighting the enemy together. Ningguang was also responsible for dealing with the tsunami disaster they caused. When it comes to disaster relief, Ningguang can be considered very experienced.

In reality, Han Fulai acted in the name of the Seven Stars—whether it was the opening of the Layered Rock Abyss or the construction of the "Guili New Area," they were all policies of Ke Qing of the Jade Balance Star.

He was, after all, just a Yuehaiting civil servant who helped the Seven Stars implement policies. His job was to "make the policies, and we would be responsible for their execution."

From Han Fulai's perspective as his secretary, there was simply no way to refuse Ningguang's intervention.

"I understand. Then I will trouble Lord Ningguang to temporarily take charge of the flood control work in Guiliyuan."

"Not at all, I'm new here and I rely on Vice Minister Han's cooperation for everything."

Han Fulai cupped his hands in greeting and sat down to Ningguang's left without any airs.

Just as Ningguang said, she had only just arrived, while Han Fulai had been operating in Guiliyuan for over half a month. In the past few days, his leadership in the flood control efforts had earned him the nickname "Divine Lord" within the army, and his position was very secure. It wouldn't be easy for Ningguang to seize his power.

It's true that the Seven Stars set the policy, but civil servants still need to cooperate in implementing it.

Ningguang wasn't really there to compete with him; she started discussing serious business in a very proper manner.

"Vice Minister Han, please explain the current situation in Guiliyuan."

After Han Fulai explained the current situation, Ningguang pondered for a moment and asked, "So, you intend to hold the Guiliyuan Dam?"

“If Mr. Galcha’s predictions are accurate, Guili Plain does indeed have a chance of being defended. As for more precise data, I have asked the Demon-Slaying Great Sage to collect it from the upper reaches of the Biyue River. At his speed, he should be able to return within an hour… We can discuss this further based on the information he brings back,” Han Fulai replied.

Ningguang nodded slightly, offering no objection, and then said, "Then let's temporarily assume that 'the third flood peak is the final flood peak' and 'the flood peak height is around 17.22 meters,' and discuss the next steps. When is the third flood peak expected to arrive?"

"Based on current data, the flood peak is expected to reach its peak around 8 a.m. tomorrow, and will last for about 20 hours," Garcia answered honestly.

"This means we have less than 12 hours to make a decision." Ningguang frowned and asked again, "Can the current condition of the dam withstand such a flood peak for more than 20 hours?"

Patrick and Galcia both looked at Han Fulai. They couldn't answer this question; only Han Fulai, who was on the front lines "fighting the dust," could.

But Han Fulai couldn't actually answer that either—nobody knows what will happen before the flood peak arrives.

He thought for a moment and replied cautiously, "As long as the flood peak doesn't cause the dikes to overflow, I'm confident I can withstand it."

With his current abilities, he can't raise the entire dam, but he can still plug a crack or something.

"In other words, as long as the flood peak height does not exceed the dam's maximum height, it can be stopped?"

Ningguang stared at Han Fulai, who nodded seriously. He still dared to say such a thing—and he had actually asked Xiao to help prepare a backup plan.

“Okay, then in order to ensure that we can hold back the flood peak and prevent the dam from breaching, I think we should do one thing—divert the flood,” Ningguang said.

Chapter 375 Mingyun Town Flood Diversion Area

"Flood diversion...?"

When Ningguang said this, Han Fulai and the others were all stunned.

It's not that the idea is particularly groundbreaking; as the old saying goes in Liyue, "it's better to guide than to block." Flood diversion is a method that has been used since ancient times, which can be put simply as "sacrificing pawns." The floodwaters are diverted to places where it's not a big deal if they get flooded, in order to protect important areas.

For example, in order to protect Wuhan, a major economic center, the Jingzhou region established the "Jingjiang Dividend Zone".

In Liyue, the regular flood diversion area is precisely the Guili Plain right beneath their feet.

What they are protecting now is the original flood diversion area. Ningguang, you're talking to us about flood diversion?

Where will I be assigned? Qingce Village or Liyue Harbor?

If Ningguang hadn't spoken so seriously, Han Fulai would have wanted to mock her.

But he soon realized that Ningguang had come prepared.

Because Ningguang's hand drew a line on the map—

"Let's activate the Mingyun Town flood diversion area."

All eyes fell on Ningguang's fingers.

Ningguang tapped the map; the location she pointed to was the river embankment west of Mingyun Town.

“By dismantling this dam, Mingyun Town can become a huge flood storage area, which is perfect for reducing the amount of floodwater.

Guiliyuan is not the downstream area of ​​Bishui River. In fact, the mouth of Bishui River is at Yaoguangtan, and above Yaoguangtan is Mingyun Town.

Mingyun Town is actually built in a basin, surrounded by mountains on three sides, with only one entrance and exit.

The entrance/exit was not far from the Biyue River, separated from the river only by an earthen embankment built according to the terrain. If the embankment on the riverbank were demolished as Ningguang suggested, the floodwaters would flow into the low-lying Mingyun Town without any obstruction.

Patrick's eyes lit up: "That's right! If we divert the floodwaters to the other side, the pressure on the dam on the east side of Guili Plain will be greatly reduced, and the overall water level will drop. Moreover... this terrain is a natural 'reservoir'!"

As Patrick said, if an irrigation canal could be built to the west of Mingyun Town, and a controllable sluice gate could be constructed at the entrance of Mingyun Town, it would be a standard reservoir.

Of course, there's no time to undertake these projects now, but simply diverting the floodwaters to Mingyun Town can greatly alleviate the pressure on Guiliyuan.

Galcha had already compared the water volume chart with the area of ​​Mingyun Town and started to calculate with pen and paper.

A moment later, he buried his head and threw out a sentence: "Roughly estimated, Mingyun Town can hold at least 1400 million cubic meters of water, which is equivalent to having an extra 'Luhua Pond' for flood storage. Theoretically, it can indeed reduce the height of the flood peak... Of course, we cannot draw a conclusion before we have the current real-time water volume data, but it is indeed a feasible solution."

Ningguang turned to look at Han Fulai.

Han Fulai did not respond.

Ningguang didn't mind and continued, "Compared to Guili Plain, which has great development value, the abandoned Mingyun Town is more suitable as a flood diversion area. Moreover, with the assistance of Fengdan experts, we can consider building a reservoir in Mingyun Town later, which will not only solve the immediate problem but also serve for a hundred years, making it a win-win situation."

"Just now, Vice Minister Han said that as long as we can ensure that the water level of the third flood peak will not overflow the embankment, we are confident that we can hold Guiliyuan. Flood diversion can reduce the water level and protect Guiliyuan. What do you think, Vice Minister Han?"

Han Fulai finally looked up at Ningguang.

"...Then, will the residents of Mingyun Town be properly resettled?"

“Of course.” Ningguang had anticipated his question and replied, “The mines in Mingyun Town have been abandoned for several years, and there are not many residents left. One night is enough.”

...You even calculated the timing.

Han Fulai fell silent again.

As Ningguang said, the mines in Mingyun Town are now empty and abandoned. Young people have all left their hometowns to work elsewhere, and the town has long been deserted.

In reality, most of the people in the town with some skills and savings have already given up on Mingyun Town and moved away. For example, Xin Yan's family and former miners like Lao Meng, basically everyone who could move away has already done so... Now, only some elderly people and children remain in Mingyun Town, with a population of only a few hundred households, so moving them would actually be quite easy.

A wooden plank bridge connects Mingyun Town and Guili Plains across the river. It's closed to traffic during the flood season due to its danger, but if the Thousand Rock Army is there to protect the residents during their relocation, they can easily move from Mingyun Town to Liyue Harbor that night. Even if there's not enough time, they can easily seek refuge in the nearby mountains.

If we start mobilizing the residents of Mingyun Town to relocate now, we can definitely complete the relocation before the flood peak arrives.

But Ningguang's proposal was significant for much more than just preserving Guili Plain.

“I originally thought… Lady Ningguang would try to persuade me to give up Guiliyuan,” Han Fulai said slowly.

"Why should we abandon Guili Plains? Since the 'Guili New District' is a national policy of our Liyue government, as the Tianquan Star of Liyue, I should naturally give it my full support, shouldn't I? On this point, our interests are aligned."

Ningguang emphasized the word "interests" very much.

Yes... our interests align.

It's just that the person who reaps the biggest benefits has changed.

Han Fulai nodded. "I understand."

"Since everyone agrees to activate the Mingyun Town flood diversion area, let's not delay and make the arrangements first."

Ningguang clapped her hands. "Someone come here."

Ningguang's clapping did not summon any immortals.

Someone lifted the curtain and came in; it was another familiar face.

He is Yanbo, the captain of the Qianyan Army.

Last month, in the Wood Gathering Valley near the Layered Rock Abyss, it was Yanbo who, together with Han Fulai and Yelan, guarded the exit of the Treasure Thief Gang's secret passage and captured the Fool Clan's "Ninth Company".

Han Fulai still remembered that he was a friend of Sergeant Andong, and also remembered that he was Ningguang's confidant.

Ningguang came here fully prepared, not only with a flood diversion strategy in place, but also with her own manpower.

"Yanbo, take your squadron to Mingyun Town and do two things. First, by 8 a.m. tomorrow, relocate all the residents of Mingyun Town to Liyue Harbor. Those with mobility issues can be temporarily settled in Yaoguang Beach. No one in Mingyun Town is allowed to be left behind. If any residents go missing or are injured, I will hold you accountable."

"Second, send some people to plant explosives on the west bank of the Mingyun Town dike, and detonate them on my orders."

"Yes, Lady Ningguang!"

Yanbo saluted and was about to leave when Han Fulai called out to him.

"Wait, Captain Yanbo, please prioritize the evacuation of residents and ensure their safety. The placement of explosives must be done safely, and the guards must be extremely cautious, leaving no opportunity for anyone to exploit. The matter of breaching the dike is of great importance and requires a decision made after consultation between Lady Ningguang and Lady Keqing. Unless the two ladies issue a joint order, the explosives must not be detonated."

“This…” Yanbo looked at Ningguang with some hesitation.

Ningguang glanced at Yanbo expressionlessly, "Do as Deputy Minister Han says."

"Yes!" Yanbo saluted again, accepted the order, and left.

Chapter 376 You Just Didn't Choose Me

After Yanbo left, the tent fell silent again.

Han Fulai turned to Galcha and Patrick and said, "We still have time before the flood peak arrives. Please compile the water volume prediction data for both flood diversion and non-flood diversion in Mingyun Town for easy comparison. I will immediately pass on the message to you two as soon as the Demon-Subduing Great Sage returns. Thank you for your trouble."

“Of course, of course.” Patrick nodded repeatedly, and Galcha, needless to say, had already begun building a new data model.

Han Fulai stood up and bowed to Ningguang, "Lord Ningguang, may I speak with you in private?"

Ningguang nodded and stood up as well.

The two stepped out of the tent and walked side by side through the camp.

The camp was bustling with people. Soldiers taking turns resting often sat down on the spot, some even falling asleep against their tents before returning to their own. Soldiers relieving their shifts lined up to leave the camp, their faces etched with exhaustion. Occasionally, stretchers carried wounded soldiers to the medical tents, their movements hurried.

Taking a casual stroll amidst this bustling scene almost makes one feel guilty.

Ningguang looked at the scene before her and sighed softly, "You... have worked hard."

Han Fulai shook his head. "It's just my duty. I really admire Lord Ningguang."

Ningguang raised an eyebrow.

"Oh? What do you mean by that?"

Han Fulai waved his hand and drew a circle around himself.

"Lord Ningguang's 'cutting off the fuel supply' move has turned this vast Guili Plain into your wedding dress. Shouldn't I admire you?"

Ningguang looked at him and suddenly laughed: "Heh, 'wedding dress'? I'd like to get married, but unfortunately, no one wants me."

Han Fulai paused for a moment, then looked away.

“Actually, I don’t need this ‘wedding dress.’ There’s still time. You can choose to give up returning to the original place… it’ll just be a few years later,” Ningguang said quietly.

Han Fulai gave a wry smile and said, "I admire you."

His admiration was truly genuine. He himself would never have imagined such a thing.

Guili Plain became Ningguang's wedding dress, and this was no metaphor. If Ningguang's arrival was merely to take over the flood control work, she would simply share some credit, at most reaping some benefits, but it wouldn't erase the contributions of Keqing and Han Fulai. However, as soon as the proposal to divert the floodwaters to Mingyun Town was made, Han Fulai immediately realized that the situation had reversed.

His "Liyue Laborers Association" was established primarily by the miners from Mingyun Town.

Most of the workers who are now working hard on Guili Plain are from Mingyun Town.

Ningguang told them that Han Fulai had to flood their hometown to save Guiliyuan. They risked their lives to fight the flood in Guiliyuan, only to be left truly homeless.

This is what is meant by "removing the fuel from under the pot".

Ningguang was letting Han Fu choose: if he wanted to protect Guiliyuan, he couldn't protect Mingyun Town; if he wanted to protect Mingyun Town, he had to give up Guiliyuan.

No matter which side he chooses, he will lose.

Ningguang wasn't wrong. Giving up Guiliyuan would only delay things by a few years, and it would simply mean developing Guiliyuan under a truly "heavenly authority" system. Ningguang was telling him that it was still possible to withdraw now.

But Han Fulai did not want to back down.

Ningguang understood what Han Fulai meant from his eyes.