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“Very good. This is Seventeen’s first time traveling far away on official business. I’m worried that he might make some mistakes due to his lack of experience. If someone like you, Duolong, can assist him, things should go more smoothly,” Fourth Master said with relief.

Seeing that the Fourth Prince had agreed to let him go, Duolong quickly stood up from his seat, clasped his hands in a fist and said to the Fourth Prince, "Duolong thanks Prince Yong for his trust. Duolong will definitely do a good job on this mission. Please rest assured, Your Highness."

The Fourth Prince nodded and handed him the already written letter of recommendation, instructing him to set off immediately.

After seeing Duolong off, Fourth Master wanted to have a talk with Lanqin, so he headed towards the South Courtyard.

Meanwhile, Hongli and Lanqin were sitting together talking. The red charcoal in the brazier crackled and popped, making the room warm and cozy. The bright red plum blossoms, arranged in a white Ru kiln vase, looked vigorous and graceful.

"What are you two talking about together?" Fourth Master asked as he entered, just in time to see Lanqin and Hongli sitting on the heated couch.

"Your Highness!"

"Father!"

Lanqin stood up and walked to the Fourth Prince, brushing the snowflakes off his cloak and saying, "Your Highness, why did it take you so long to arrive? I was just about to have someone prepare the meal."

"I had to meet someone at the last minute, which is why I was delayed. Now that he's gone, I'm coming over to finish our meal together," the Fourth Prince said, holding Lanqin's hand.

Hongli was used to the intimacy between the Fourth Prince and Lanqin, and didn't feel embarrassed at all. Instead, he smiled and said, "Father, I heard that it's snowing again in the southwest, and the snow accumulation is causing disasters. Mother and I were just talking about this."

When Fourth Master saw that what they were saying was exactly what he was worried about, he pulled Lanqin back to sit on the warm couch and said, "Yes, Father sent your seventeenth uncle to provide disaster relief, and he also brought the three million taels of silver that Mother lent to Father."

Hongli laughed and said, "So Mother is so rich! She's practically a wealthy family."

"Of course, your mother is a real tycoon with a fortune of money. Even your father has to borrow money from her!" Fourth Master said with a rare mischievous smile.

Lanqin said, "That's right, I have silver in hand, so I'm not worried."

The three of them exchanged glances and chuckled. Lanqin instructed Yuebai to arrange dinner, and then she began to chat with the Fourth Prince. The Fourth Prince did not hide anything from Hongli and recounted who he had met and why.

"Your Highness, the Seventeenth Prince said in his letter that he 'encountered disaster victims who were intentionally causing trouble?'" Lanqin asked in surprise.

Fourth Prince nodded and said, "Yes, it is said that poor mountains breed unruly people. The area is mountainous and vast, and the local customs are complicated. Seventeen is still young and may lack experience. Therefore, I sent someone who has led troops to help him."

“Father, I want to go with that Duolong!” Hongli suddenly stood up and said to the Fourth Prince.

Both the Fourth Prince and Lanqin looked at Hongli in astonishment, then chuckled and said, "You're still a child; this isn't a game."

"Father, I'm not being silly. I want to go and help you with your worries, Mother?" Hongli looked at Lanqin for help.

But this time, his mother, who always indulged him, disagreed, saying, "Hongli, those places are not easy to stay in. The disaster victims are emotional, and it could easily lead to a civil uprising. That's what your father is worried about. You are still young. What would you do there? Don't cause trouble."