Chapter 116: Not Enough Money by the End of the Month

Ultimately, Yuan Siyin's trip could not be kept secret.

The Empress Dowager was still worried. She pondered for a long time without even taking a nap, and spent half the day talking to the Emperor. Afterwards, an imperial edict was issued, bestowing upon Yuan Siyin the title of Princess and the honorary title of Leping.

To be honest, Yuan Siyin was a little apprehensive.

The emperor had only three sons and two princesses in his early years, but both died young. This major move may indicate that the emperor intended to send her to another country for a political marriage.

However, they still put on a very good show.

Holding the imperial edict, Li Yuande launched into a tirade, praising her as knowledgeable, reasonable, noble yet frugal, and using all sorts of persuasive language to force her to accept terms that had absolutely nothing to do with her.

Upon receiving the imperial decree, the emperor summoned her to the palace, praising her for her rare compassion for the people's suffering. With a wave of his hand, he issued an edict to all her fiefdoms, stating that the Princess of Leping would soon be going there to inspect the area.

The implication was that everyone should be careful, provide them with the best food and drink, and not allow them to go missing a single hair. It would be even worse if she found out anything, so hide all the evidence well.

Yuan Siyin felt an urge to look up to the sky and roar.

Doesn't this add a million difficulties to her otherwise ordinary life?

The Empress Dowager went on and on, preparing a lot of things, including winter clothes and guards, but Yuan Siyin didn't want any of them. She only packed some personal belongings, took a map, and rode off on Ta Xue that very night.

The Empress Dowager was so angry that she didn't eat for two days, threatening to break her legs when she returned. Meanwhile, the entire capital was filled with cheers and jubilation, as the local bully had finally managed to quell the powerful dragon's advance.

However, Yuan Siyin had already left the capital by this time and knew nothing about it.

The border region is in the north, and one inevitably has to endure wind and rain along the way. Being a woman, it was quite inconvenient, so the first place she went after dismounting was a clothing shop. When she came out, she was a handsome young man with delicate features.

Yuan Siyin was very satisfied with her appearance.

If it weren't so cold that her hands would have been freezing, she would have definitely brought her standard fan.

As darkness fell, Yuan Siyin gave up her leisurely stroll and, with Ta Xue in her hand, casually found an inn to rest.

Traveling north from the capital through six prefectures would take five or six days, even if one traveled a thousand li a day, not to mention that the emperor had assigned her a task.

But this is fine too. Consider it a business trip to inspect the branch office's work. She might not be able to help with the war, so it's better to start with the various prefectures and counties she passes through and see which bastards dare to embezzle public funds and withhold supplies.

After paying the money, she took the wooden plaque and went up to the room on the second floor. She took off her bundle and whip and put them on the table, then poured herself a cup of tea.

It was really cold inside. She was used to the warmth every day, and she wasn't quite used to not having the charcoal brazier.

In order to travel light and because the Yuan residence needed someone to manage it, Zisu and Hongxiu stayed behind, so naturally no one was there to serve them.

Just as Yuan Siyin was feeling sentimental, the window was suddenly pushed open, and a figure sneaked in. When he saw Yuan Siyin sitting at the table, he froze for a moment, then couldn't help but get angry and embarrassed, saying, "Why didn't you light a lamp in this darkness?!"

Yuan Siyin: ?

Is this a thief?

How come they've turned the tables and become the main characters?

She slowly looked around, pointed to the candlestick beside him, and silently gripped the golden whip again: "There it is, you can wield it."

The little thief, unaware of anything amiss, awkwardly lit a candle, only to be greeted by a stunningly beautiful man smiling and approaching: "You only realize how little you know when you need it, and how little money you have at the end of the month?"