Jiangnan is a place praised by everyone, and the emperor's southern tour is of utmost importance. Many officials are on high alert, fearing that Jiang Ting might find the slightest mistake.

There are already many lessons to be learned from the past.

So many veteran officials were about to retire and return to their hometowns, yet they were still dragged out by the emperor, beheaded, and displayed to the public.

Jiang Ting's ruthless methods made them extremely nervous.

Even though they have embezzled public funds, their appetites aren't that greedy. They shouldn't be caught, right?

Many people can only think this way.

They had no idea where Jiang Ting's eyes would be fixed or where he would begin.

All they knew was that they couldn't underestimate this emperor who was only in his early twenties.

As a result, even public security in Jiangnan has improved considerably.

Many beautiful women were also recruited into the relevant accommodations.

Everyone knows that emperors do not indulge in women.

But he lacks an heir.

In any case, when the time came, he had to visit some beauties.

If they prepare well, they might be able to make amends.

Jiang Ting had no idea what the others were thinking, nor did he care what those officials were thinking.

All he wanted was a result; as long as someone carried out his orders, that was enough.

Upon arriving in Jiangnan, many people assumed that the emperor would stay in the residences meticulously prepared by his officials.

Little did they know that the emperor, whom they held in high esteem, was reuniting with an old friend.

Two years have passed, and when Jiang Ting saw Jiang Tian again, he didn't even recognize her.

He still remembers how Jiang Tian's spirit gradually faded away.

After Yan Jing'an left, Jiang Tian also spent her last years in the capital in a withered state.

Even though she recovered somewhat later, the aura of sadness emanating from her was still so strong.

Others dared not approach her, for fear of disturbing her and destroying the last vestige of her will to live.

But now, Jiang Ting looked at Jiang Tian with an indescribable gaze.

Jiang Tian touched her face and smiled at Jiang Ting: "What's wrong? Have I changed a lot?"

Indeed, she has changed a lot.

The Jiang Tian standing before Jiang Ting was dressed in men's robes, with her long hair tied up and wearing a hair crown, resembling a handsome young master.

She was poised and graceful, her movements were relaxed and composed, and her eyes were filled with a smile.

That pale, desperate woman seemed to be someone who had appeared in his dreams.

"...This change of yours is very good."

Jiang Ting said slowly.

He was always a little worried about her.

Whether it was due to his hidden feelings or his concern for his friend's widow, he would often think of her by chance, and sometimes he would send letters to his guards in the middle of the night to ask them to report on her.

Two years have passed, and the despair and pain have faded from her eyes; her expression is now full of vibrant life.

Jiang Tian blinked and gave him a bright smile.

"You also think I'm doing well now?"

Jiang Ting nodded very sincerely: "Yes."

Jiang Tian smiled, revealing her pearly white teeth.

According to the restrictions placed on women in this dynasty, the best standard for a young lady in her boudoir was to not show her teeth when she smiled.

Jiang Tian's flamboyant laughter made Jiang Ting feel much happier.

"How have you been these past two years?" Jiang Ting asked her.

Jiang Tian nodded, pointing to herself: "Good, I'm doing extremely well. In the past two years, I've traveled to every mountain and river in the world I hadn't been before. I've seen the desolate sunset over the desert, the fantastical grandeur of Dunhuang, climbed high mountains, and even escaped death at sea with fishermen. I've witnessed much birth, aging, sickness, and death, and I've gradually come to understand why Yan Jing'an insisted that I live."

"If I die, I will never be able to see the beauty of this world again."

Jiang Ting's heart trembled when she mentioned Yan Jing'an.

He knew she wouldn't forget him.

How could someone who loves deeply be abandoned by time in the torrent of life?

Jiang Tian will never forget Yan Jing'an for the rest of her life.

Hearing her mention Yan Jing'an in a calm tone, Jiang Ting's lips slowly curved into a smile.

She is indeed very different now.

She is getting better.

Jiang Tian poured him tea: "This tea is something I traded with an old farmer. It might not suit your taste. If you don't like it, don't force yourself. I've been away for two years, eating simple meals and coarse tea. It's hard for me to go back to my old refined palate."

At this point, Jiang Tian's eyes filled with a touch of nostalgia: "When I traveled with Yan Jing'an, he was always worried that I wouldn't eat or sleep well, so he would always find a good place for me, even if it delayed our journey, just to make sure I didn't suffer from the fatigue of the journey. When I traveled on my own, I realized that none of that mattered. As long as I could fill my stomach, I could eat some wild fruits."

Her expression was so carefree, and her behavior became increasingly unrestrained.

Jiang Ting didn't say anything, but just smiled, picked up the cup, took a sip of tea, and exclaimed, "Good tea."

Jiang Tian was amused by him: "It cost five coins, what good tea could it be? You don't have to agree with me."

Jiang Ting answered her earnestly, "It's good tea."

How could the tea she brewed for him herself be anything but good?

Jiang Tian laughed again: "Then drink more, I'll go make you some food. Just so you know, I don't have any delicacies here, so please don't mind the food."

"I won't mind," Jiang Ting said.

When he came to see Jiang Tian, ​​he told her that he was visiting her as a friend of Yan Jing'an, and no one mentioned his other identities.

Jiang Tian gladly accepted.

She truly didn't treat him like an emperor; she seemed quite casual in her demeanor.

Seeing Jiang Tian enter the small kitchen, Jiang Ting thought for a moment, then walked to the edge of the kitchen and asked her, "How can I help you?"

Jiang Tian turned around and looked at him with some surprise, then smiled and said, "No need, no need. I'm afraid you'll break my dishes. Just wait for dinner to start."

Jiang Ting pursed his lips, looking somewhat embarrassed.

He was a prince when he was young, and he became emperor when he grew up. He certainly didn't have the opportunity to cook for himself.

After hesitating for a moment, he said, "Then I'll help you wash the vegetables."

He had seen Yan Jing'an helping Jiang Tian wash vegetables.

At that time, they only had eyes for each other.

"There's an art to washing vegetables; how to clean them properly is an art in itself. Young Master Jiang, you can help after you've learned how. If you're free, you can help me chop some firewood. There's been a lot of firewood burning lately, and I haven't finished chopping the rest of the wood yet."

Jiang Tian truly didn't treat him like an outsider.

Jiang Ting frowned as he looked at the pile of wood by the door: "Didn't you use those guards?"

Jiang Tian blinked and gave him a sly smile: "When you're out in the world, a weak woman will always be looked down upon. I need to build up my strength. When they wanted to help me chop wood, I chased them all away to count ants."

Jiang Ting was both amused and exasperated.