Feng Shui Chapter 147: Diverting Water to Stabilize the Foundation

While Xi Yunqing was in seclusion within the royal gardens, Chen Xiao had originally wanted to guard the perimeter for him as he did during his own breakthrough. However, the palace quarters where Xi Yunqing was cultivating were far too expansive for Chen Xiao to truly stand watch outside. With the Shen royal family extending their invitation repeatedly, Chen Xiao had no choice but to arrange for the guards within the garden to keep watch from afar and report to him immediately if anything happened.

As usual, Chen Xiao and Shen Yanxing went to the royal palace together. Upon arrival, an attendant led them to a large hall. Compared to the more solemn and majestic hall where they had met Shen Yonghe previously, this one was more elegant and comfortable in atmosphere.

As they entered, many of those who were seeing Chen Xiao for the first time glanced at him curiously. The hall was already filled with people seated on scatter cushions. Shen Yanxing leaned over and quietly introduced them to Chen Xiao, some were ministers, others officials of the capital, and a number were heads of influential local families.

Once they took their seats, they were joined on either side by the Deputy Governor of the capital and the Commander of the City Guard. Noticing that Shen Yonghe had not yet arrived, Chen Xiao took the opportunity to inquire about the progress in the district.

The deputy, Liu, informed him that the entire area had been cleared out and was now being developed according to the layout Chen Xiao had designed. He had even found a Foundation Establishment cultivator well-versed in formations to supervise the work. With Chen Xiao’s detailed diagrams, they were making sure the implementation matched his vision to the last detail.

Pleased with the progress, Chen Xiao planned to head over to the plaza once things here concluded. The last time, he had been too pressed for time due to Xi Yunqing’s urgent seclusion and hadn’t stayed long enough to absorb the karmic fortune. Although the overall feng shui formation hadn’t yet been completed, the portion with the feng shui stones alone was already dispelling malevolent energy, no small amount of merit in itself. It would be enough for him to learn another new talisman technique.

After a few moments of casual conversation, the attendant announced the arrival of the sovereign. Everyone rose to their feet as Shen Yonghe, accompanied by Shen Yongqing, entered the hall. Once he was seated, everyone paid their respects.

Shen Yonghe didn’t waste time on formalities. After exempting them from further ceremony, he invited everyone to sit and got straight to the point: had any new proposals been put forth?

Several such meetings had already been held within the palace before Chen Xiao received his invitation. When he had first heard Shen Yonghe lament that relocating the capital was the only solution, Chen Xiao had assumed they were truly out of options.

However, this world is never short of clever minds. Once Chen Xiao had pointed out the real problem, the others began to think more creatively and came up with various alternative solutions.

While observing one such meeting, Chen Xiao had noted several promising methods to mitigate the problem of land subsidence and stabilize the capital.

One involved cultivators using earth-element spells to reinforce and elevate the soil layers beneath the capital. Another involved water-element spells to restore the underground water system and thicken the aquifer. Either method would contribute to stabilizing the capital's foundation. Chen Xiao was confident that implementing either would significantly increase the city's safety.

The problem was, no one in the Jin City had the power to actually carry them out. Only cultivators in the Nascent Soul stage or above could perform such grand feats of earth-moving and water-diverting magic. The Shen royal family would have to petition cultivators from the upper celestial realms, and the price for that went without saying. What gave Shen Yonghe a headache was that the court remained divided on which solution to pursue.

There were strong factions behind both plans. Those traumatized by the previous sinkhole supported reinforcing the soil, primarily the capital’s administrative officials, while those concerned with water usage leaned toward restoring the aquifer, including many aristocratic families.

Each side had valid arguments, and no consensus had been reached. Shen Yonghe rubbed his brow in frustration, then suddenly noticed Chen Xiao sitting calmly amid the impassioned crowd, his tranquility standing out like a crane among chickens. A spark of hope lit in Shen Yonghe’s eyes. Perhaps Chen Xiao might offer a decisive suggestion.

Clearing his throat, Shen Yonghe gave his attendant a nod. The attendant immediately bellowed, “Silence in the hall !”

The room swiftly quieted down. Many who had been red-faced from arguing now took the chance to sip water and catch their breath.

With a friendly smile, Shen Yonghe addressed Chen Xiao, “Master Chen, what are your thoughts on these two proposals?”

All eyes turned toward Chen Xiao. Their gazes ranged from expectant and trusting to skeptical and scrutinizing. Chen Xiao replied with composure, “All the elders here are seasoned and wise; each proposal is excellent. I can only express my agreement, I have no objections.”

His modest tone softened half the room's expressions. Without looking around, Chen Xiao continued confidently, “However, I do have a humble suggestion of my own. I would like to present it to His Majesty.”

Shen Yonghe was immediately intrigued. “Please, Master Chen, go ahead.”

Chen Xiao said, “To replenish the underground water, there is another method. Though its results may come more slowly, the long-term effect is both stable and substantial. That is: repairing the canal in the southwest that was damaged during a previous magical battle and has since dried up.”

Although Shen Yonghe had already disclosed the cause of the subsidence to those present, the focus had remained on the land beneath the capital. That seemingly minor canal had been largely overlooked.

Now that Chen Xiao brought it up, the idea made perfect sense. Repairing the canal and dredging the waterway would cost little more than manpower. Compared to their endless debating and inability to reach a decision, this was undeniably practical.

Shen Yonghe was delighted. Without hesitation, he issued the order, “Officials of the Capital Prefecture, hear my command, begin immediate planning for the canal’s restoration based on this proposal!”

After completing the work in the plaza, Deputy Liu found himself temporarily unoccupied and took the initiative to shoulder a new task. He said, “Your Majesty, given the urgency of the matter, could we follow the example of the formation district project and conscript cultivators for the job? Spring is just around the corner, the weather is warming, and the rainy season is fast approaching. If we want to finish the canal before the heavy summer rains, we can’t rely on ordinary laborers alone, cultivators are essential.”

His suggestion immediately won support from the officials of the Capital Prefecture, though the noble families were clearly displeased. It was one thing to temporarily have cultivators help build housing for the common people; now they wanted to push even further and have them dig a canal? Outrageous!

Deputy Director Zheng, ever calculating, said, “In that case, why not model it after the Zhishi Hall initiative? We could issue a royal proclamation offering rewards, recruiting cultivators from across the nation. Those with outstanding contributions could even be appointed to official positions in the Capital Prefecture.”

Such a proposal would surely attract hordes of unemployed cultivators, all eager to prove themselves and snatch up opportunities. Offering merit-based rewards would not only get the job done, but also save a significant amount of money, a win-win.

Chief Dragon of the City Guard added, “The City Guard can also recruit outstanding high-tier cultivators.” Compared to civil posts, joining the City Guard offered more prestige, so they wouldn’t lack capable and willing individuals.

The Capital Prefecture was now using the canal project as a chance for the Shen royal clan to recruit talent. Faced with such political momentum, the heads of noble families were rendered speechless. Any further objection would be seen as opposition to the royal house.

Seeing how a few simple words had set everything in motion, Shen Yonghe was in high spirits. Finally, some real progress, no more empty talk.

Chen Xiao’s contribution had been pivotal. First, he used feng shui techniques to temporarily halt the sinking crisis in the capital, and then he proposed the canal restoration plan. Shen Yonghe had originally wanted to publicly reward him, but when he saw Chen Xiao’s calm and indifferent expression, the words caught in his throat. Titles and riches clearly didn’t appeal to this man. Even the royal garden, a prize of considerable value, seemed somewhat hollow now that it was clear Chen Xiao and his companions had only come to Jin City as part of their travels and showed no sign of wanting to stay.

Then Shen Yonghe recalled a recent record from the Treasure Gathering Pavilion auction house, where he had seen that Chen Xiao had acquired a longsword called Zhengge. An idea began to form.

After the council meeting ended that day, Shen Yonghe invited Chen Xiao to stay for lunch, with Shen Yongqing and Shen Yanxing accompanying them.

The palace practiced individual dining. Each person had their own rectangular table, laid out with small portions of dishes and soup. Chen Xiao actually preferred this arrangement, having to reach over the same serving plate as the ruler of a nation was inevitably awkward. Despite the formality, he handled himself with ease, calmly tasting the delicacies in front of him.

The main course was roasted yellow lamb, a local Jin City specialty. The meat was tender and flavorful, clearly prepared from a young lamb.

As he enjoyed the meal, Chen Xiao couldn’t help but think of his elder brother, who was currently in seclusion and surviving only on fasting pills. Thinking of how his brother was missing out on such delicious food made the feast lose some of its flavor.

Just as he was distracted by this thought, Shen Yonghe, seated at the head of the table, spoke up. “Master Chen, we’re all among friends here. There’s no need to hold back. Please, tell us honestly, what are your thoughts on the two proposals brought up in the council today?”

Chen Xiao glanced over at Shen Yonghe’s serious expression. After a moment’s thought, he replied, “Both plans are quite sound. If implemented together, the impact would be even greater.”

Across from him, Shen Yongqing chuckled and said, “Oh, we’re well aware of that. Having the Capital Prefecture and the noble families debate was just a way to get the families to willingly open their purses. After all, inviting a true cultivator of great power isn’t something our royal house can afford.”

Chen Xiao nodded. “So that’s the real reason. I see now, I hadn’t considered it from that angle.”

Shen Yonghe said, “Still, letting them bicker endlessly wastes time. It’s frustrating. If Master Chen has any suggestions, we’d be glad to hear them.”

Chen Xiao hesitated for a moment. “I wouldn’t presume to lecture. But after listening in on the discussions for most of the day, I’ve come up with a rather undeveloped idea. Whether or not it’s feasible, I leave to Your Majesty’s judgment.”

By now, the four had nearly finished their meal. They stood and relocated to Shen Yonghe’s study to continue the conversation. Once everyone was seated, the palace attendants brought tea. Chen Xiao took a sip and, noticing the others watching him expectantly, smiled and said, “My idea is to implement both plans in parallel. The soil reinforcement can be done locally, while the outside help focuses solely on clearing and restoring the underground water systems. Thickening the aquifer layer would be enough.”

In feng shui, there was a method called “Guiding Water to Nourish the Foundation”, a deeper solution to restore the energy balance. The Stars Encircling the Moon formation in the north of the city was merely a temporary fix. This water-guidance method was Chen Xiao’s true long-term plan.

Rebuilding the canal was just the first step in his blueprint. Unblocking the underground water channels and restoring the flow of water was the more important second step. He hadn’t brought it up earlier because he wasn’t sure how to proceed, but now, thanks to that unknown master cultivator, he finally had the means to put his plan into action.