Surging Floodwaters

"The thunder was truly loud." After finally catching his breath, Qi Hongxin listened to the sounds outside. Though he knew the river dam had been completed and there was no need to fear flooding, the noise still made his heart pound in terror.

"Madam, I suddenly feel like drinking the sweet soup you make yourself." After listening for a while, Qi Hongxin said to Madam Zhou.

"I'll go make it for you right away." Madam Zhou immediately instructed her son, "Jianjun, stay here and keep your father company. If anything happens, go call me in the kitchen. No fooling around, understand?"

She left the sole remaining maid behind to help tend to the ailing Qi Hongxin.

Not long after Madam Zhou left, someone came in from outside, drenched from head to toe. Qi Jianjun jumped in fright, then relaxed when he recognized him. "Master Cheng?"

The person who had rushed in so recklessly was the adviser who had accompanied Qi Hongxin to his post.

"Young Master, the river dam has been blown up. The floodwaters may be coming. You and Madam Zhou are in the rear courtyard—you must make preparations early!" Master Cheng shouted the moment he entered.

Yet as soon as he came in, he saw someone sitting up on the couch. Looking closely, he realized it was Qi Hongxin, and he froze in shock.

"What, you don't recognize me either?" Though Qi Hongxin frequently drifted into unconsciousness, his mind had in fact remained clear. He even knew about the old servant intending to leave.

"Master!" Master Cheng finally jolted back to his senses. "Master, you've finally awakened. This is wonderful!"

Qi Hongxin gave a strange smile. His face was blue and white, yet his expression was remarkably calm. He did not answer Master Cheng's words, only asked, "What