At that, Li Jiangqian finally confirmed that Li Ximing's situation must be stable. His heart settled with reassurance, and he murmured a soft acknowledgment. Houfu, however, seemed unwilling to linger and said calmly, "I spoke pleasantly with Zhaojing. He cannot return to the lake for some time, but he has sent Shouyu with a message, 'let the family remain peaceful and self-restrained.'0

"I still have urgent matters in the west and cannot afford even a moment's delay. The Great Western Plains remain embroiled in endless war. Meanwhile, the drought has lasted nine years in the land of Shu. Local families have collapsed, sects are fleeing, and people have traded their own children for food. Each moment lost means hundreds of thousands more deaths. I will not stay to speak...0