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Madam Rong Zhou was frantic with worry; how could she have any energy left to interfere with Rong Xi's marriage?

Upon hearing the news, Rong Xi hugged Qin Ke and kissed him several times as a reward.

After breakfast, Liu Zishi, as usual, led horses out of the residence for Rong Xi and Qin Ke.

Rong Xi was in high spirits and, unusually, spoke with a gentle expression. "Zishi, spring is nearly here. Go into the city today and buy some cloth. When you return, ask a few women to make new clothes."

"Sure!" Liu Zishi answered happily.

For the past few days, the young master had, for some reason, avoided him as though afraid he could not get far enough away. He had been sad and miserable for so long, but today the young master had finally smiled at him!

Rong Xi and Qin Ke rode side by side.

It was the second month of the year. Rivers were thawing, and slender willows were sprouting buds.

By the riverbank, women washed and beat their clothes while children laughed and played, a scene steeped in the warmth of spring.

"Sizhi, do you know how farmers carry water for irrigation when their fields lie far from the river?"

Rong Xi suddenly tossed him a question.

Qin Ke raised his eyes and looked ahead. The farmland stretched out in connected patches; if it lay far from the riverbank, irrigation would be extremely time-consuming and laborious.

"The farmers naturally carry water themselves and sprinkle it over the crops."

Rong Xi smiled. "I have a method to solve this problem, but it is no small project and would require a great deal of upheaval."

He told Qin Ke about the Canal-Division Method.

In truth, the Canal-Division Method had existed long ago, but the channels