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Chapter 412: Arriving at Anping Village
Chapter 412: Arriving at Anping Village
Chapter 412: Chapter 412: Arriving at Anping Village
After Qiao Xiaomai finished recounting her family history, Yang Wenxiao put down the tea bowl in his hand, which he hadn’t drunk from and which had already cooled down. He stood up and said, “Go, I will visit your village tomorrow.”
Qiao Xiaomai quickly stood up and responded affirmatively, cautiously exiting the room.
She would be staying at the Academy tonight, as she needed to prepare breakfast for Yang Wenxiao the next morning.
This night was destined to be sleepless.
Yang Wenxiao maybe domineering, but he also seemed amiable.
He seemed very satisfied with the meals she prepared. Given this, would it be useful if she pleaded on behalf of the Tong Family, no, Tong Sanlang, Tong Sanlang it is, would it be useful if she pleaded for Tong Sanlang’s behalf?
She spent the whole night tossing and turning.
Before dawn, she got up and prepared breakfast, making every effort to please the Emperor.
Yang Wenxiao indeed, was very satisfied with the breakfast. He drank three bowls of the thick, aromatic white rice porridge, despite there being no side dishes.
After breakfast, Yang Wenxiao got into his imperial palanquin, accompanied by his ceremonial guard and entourage, he set off in grand style for Anping Village.
Anping Village had enforced martial law throughout, with everyone confined to their homes and not allowed to go out. Every few steps were soldiers standing guard, fully armed and stationed on every street.
Tong Tiehu and Tong Sanlang stood at the entrance of the village, waiting to greet the Emperor.
Tong Sanlang relayed Tong Xingda’s unreliable suggestions to Tong Tiehu, who was so furious that he wished he could lay a hand on someone. Consequently, he forcibly confined Tong Xingda at home to avoid any potential accident caused by his loose lips.
When Yang Wenxiao’s imperial carriage reached the village entrance, the two knelt down and paid their respects, “Descendants of Gu Yu, Gu Sheng and Gu Zhan greet the Emperor.”
Gu Sheng was Tong Tiehu’s real name.
Tong Sanlang’s official name was Tong Zhan, but upon meeting Yang Wenxiao, he naturally reverted to his original surname, Gu.
“Rise,” the voice of Yang Wenxiao echoed.
Gao Lian took a step forward and lifted the curtain of the imperial palanquin.
Upon seeing Tong Tiehu, Yang Wenxiao’s eyes flashed with sentiment. This man too, had grown so old.
“Gu Sheng, come forward,” he said.
Tong Tiehu respectfully responded and briskly walked a few steps to the front of the imperial palanquin.
Gao Lian frisked him before allowing him to approach the palanquin, ensuring his safety.
“Let’s head straight to the mountain,” Yang Wenxiao instructed Gao Lian, then turned to Tong Tiehu, “How have you been these years?”
“Thanks to Your Majesty, I’ve been well.”
“What does my influence have to do with anything? The emperor is far from heaven,” Yang Wenxiao raised his eyebrows.
“Naturally, it’s because you govern the Daqi so well, ensuring peace and stability for the common people.”
“Yang Wenxiao chuckled. “I’ve heard words of praise so often, my ears are calloused already.”
Upon hearing this, Tong Tiehu felt a jolt in his heart. The Emperor’s words all carry hidden barbs…
The Emperor’s attitude was starkly different from the content of the secret decree.
“However, there’s truth in what you say. We can leave other places out of the equation, but at least in Bailu Town, the people live comfortably,” Yang Wenxiao added.
For unexplained reasons, Bailu Town had enjoyed decades of good weather unaffected by natural disasters such as drought, floods, locust plagues, and epidemics that afflicted neighboring areas.
Moreover, with the esteemed headmaster Gao Lian presiding, there were no cases of people abusing power. Thus, the people of Bailu Town lived even more peacefully than those in the Capital City.
“Thus, we are blessed by Your Majesty,” Tong Tiehu continued their conversation.
“Why don’t you attribute this to the blessings of the treasure trove instead?” Yang Wenxiao asked.
“Uh… ”
The topic of conversation changed too quickly, leaving Tong Tiehu speechless.
Indeed, every sentence carried a barb.
“I heard from Qiao Xiaomai that the treasure was stained with the blood of commoners and thus carries bad luck. Yet, perhaps because of this powerful curse, Heaven had to counterbalance it with years of good weather.”
“Gu Sheng, what do you think?”