In mid-June, a torrential rainstorm struck the Capital City, which lasted for five days. Numerous farmland and houses were drowned, and the Ministry of Works was busy dredging the drains in the city. Even the construction of Empress Dowager Zhuang's residence was temporarily halted. Lord Gu was recalled to help deal with the crisis.
The Ministry of Revenue was occupied with helping civilians regain their agriculture.
A group of Hanlin officials who were knowledgeable in agriculture was dispatched to the countryside. Astonishingly, Xiao Liulang was amongst them.
The day before his departure, he paid a visit to the Renshou Palace to bid farewell to Empress Dowager Zhuang.
In the study room, Empress Dowager Zhuang grumbled while reading her letters, "It's not like you are going very far away. It's just a day's journey by carriage. There's no need for a formal farewell!"