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"These people eat the government's grain, yet they do nothing for the government. It's infuriating," Duolong said with a sneer. Then, Duolong proceeded to explain in detail to Seventeen the ways of being an official.

As Seventeen listened, he gradually realized that he hadn't done many things well since he was new to the area.

"Duolong, it's wonderful that Fourth Brother sent you to assist me. I was just wondering how to handle this task well, but your words have enlightened me." Seventeenth Master said.

"Heh, Duolong is just doing his duty. Seventeenth Master, how about this, we'll make preparations in the next few days and go to the prefectural and county governments to transfer some soldiers. Let's go and take a look at a few of the most severely affected villages first. Then we can have the household registration officials go with us and have them re-register the households." Duolong stood up and clasped his hands in a fist salute.

"Alright, I'll go with you!" Seventeenth Master stood up, a look of approval on his face.

Duolong was taken aback, then clasped his hands and said, "Seventeenth Prince, the customs of those places are somewhat different. I think it would be more reassuring for me if you stayed here."

Duolong felt that a prince like the Seventeenth Prince, with his handsome appearance and upbringing in a wealthy family, was hardly suited for martial arts. If the Seventeenth Prince went with him, he would have to take care of him, otherwise something would definitely happen to him, and he would be held responsible. In that case, he would not only fail to be given important responsibilities, but would also be convicted for failing to take good care of the prince.

Upon hearing Duolong's words, Seventeen immediately became serious and said, "I won't be a burden to anyone, and who will take care of whom in the end is still uncertain!"

Upon hearing the Seventeenth Prince's words, Duolong felt a pang of unease. Had he been too direct and offended the Seventeenth Prince? In truth, he wasn't very good with words, which was why he had remained a fourth-rank, second-class imperial guard in the Imperial Guard. If it weren't for Longkodo's recommendation, he might never have had the chance to appear before Prince Yong. Duolong felt a pang of regret; he had been too blunt.

"Seventeenth Prince, you misunderstand. Duolong is a straightforward man. What I said just now was out of concern for your safety. After all, you are a prince, and if anything were to happen to you, Duolong would not be able to bear the responsibility. Please forgive me, Seventeenth Prince." Duolong clasped his hands and bowed his head, speaking frankly.

Seventeen had indeed felt slighted earlier, hence his somewhat impulsive words. Seeing Duolong's straightforwardness, he felt a surge of goodwill and said, "Brother Duolong, I don't mean to blame you. I was sent on this mission by Fourth Brother with the intention of gaining experience. So, please don't treat me like a prince, but as a brother fighting alongside me. Let's work together to investigate the disaster situation and complete Fourth Brother's mission successfully."

Seeing that the Seventeenth Prince had none of the arrogance and haughtiness typical of royal children, Duolong looked at him with new respect and apologized, saying, "So this is what the Seventeenth Prince is like. I underestimated him earlier. From now on, I will definitely treat the Seventeenth Prince as a good brother."

The two immediately smiled and dispelled their suspicions. The Seventeenth Master had someone fetch wine and food, and he and Duolong drank together. They opened up to each other and talked about their ideals and ambitions, and instantly became close friends who could talk about anything.

That evening, Seventeen wrote back to Fourth Master, in which Duolong boasted about his deeds and reported to Fourth Master what he had done there and what he knew.