Tang Qiqi and Yan Haoxiang patrolled the area, killing corrupt officials and eliminating local bullies. They also brought advanced technology and improved varieties to various places and introduced new crops. Their efforts were swift and effective, and after half a year, the counties of Lanling gradually recovered their vitality.

Tang Qiqi had a very fulfilling journey, and her advanced theoretical knowledge was finally put into practice, bringing real benefits to the people of Lanling.

News of victories and reports of merit from all over the country poured into the Lanling Palace. Everyone said that the Regent had single-handedly silenced the old scholars in the court of various prefectures, who stopped impeaching him and changed their tune to sing praises to Tang Qiqi.

Lan Yu grew increasingly anxious. Although Li Liang sent him messages by carrier pigeon every day to report on Tang Qiqi's whereabouts and daily situation, his longing for her grew stronger with the passage of time.

He only occasionally received a few words from Tang Qiqi in the letters he wrote to her, mostly just: "I'm fine, don't worry!"

Such a perfunctory attitude...

What's even more infuriating is that Geng Rui and Tang Qiqi are in very close contact. It's said that every ten days or so, a thick letter is sent to the Ministry of Rites. Lan Yu is practically driven mad with jealousy.

But Geng Rui couldn't find a single fault with him. With the strong support of Tang Ji, a series of measures were introduced, and Lanling's economy quickly rebounded. Agriculture and handicrafts developed steadily, and the Ministry of Revenue even began to have income.

Therefore, Lan Yu had no choice but to invite Geng Rui to the palace every day for tea and chess, taking the opportunity to find out what Tang Qiqi was talking about with him.

Geng Rui always said, "I have some questions that I don't understand, so I'm just asking the Regent for advice. There's nothing else to it!"

Lan Yu clenched her fists, suppressing her anger, and said, "The Regent is still young. This trip has already been difficult for him. My dear minister, please don't add any extra burden to him!"

Geng Rui was completely confused, but he still respectfully agreed, and the letters continued to arrive.

When Geng Rui received Tang Qiqi's sixty-sixth letter, Lan Yu finally couldn't hold back any longer. He went directly to the Minister's residence and said expressionlessly, "Minister Geng and the Regent must have been discussing important matters that benefit the country and its people. I have nothing better to do, and I'd like to learn from them. I wonder if it would be convenient for Minister Geng to let me take a look at your letters with the Regent?"

Geng Rui bowed respectfully and said, "Lord City, this is a private letter, it's not convenient to send it here!"

Lan Yu was so angry she almost exploded on the spot. What kind of talk was this? Wasn't this just making it clear that the two of them already had a little secret? How could this be?

Even though Lan Yu's handsome face was contorted with anger, Geng Rui still couldn't resist adding insult to injury: "Both the Regent and I are wholeheartedly assisting the City Lord, especially the Regent, who has been tirelessly and diligently inspecting for you. Does the City Lord still doubt her loyalty?"

"You..." Lan Yu was so angry that he couldn't speak. It was clearly him who was petty and refused to let him see the letter Qi Qi wrote to him, yet he tried to sow discord and accuse him of not trusting Qi Qi. This was truly intolerable.

But what can I do if I can't stand it? If I forcefully read this letter, I will lose all face in Qiqi's eyes. Qiqi has already ignored me for half a year because of that misunderstanding. If something else goes wrong, I'm afraid I'll never be able to get back in Qiqi's eyes for the rest of my life!

"Geng Aiqing, you're very good!" Lan Yu said through gritted teeth, then angrily turned and left!

Geng Rui's attendant, Geng Ming, asked in bewilderment, "My lord, the city lord himself came to see the letter the Regent gave you. What's going on here? Does he really think you have ulterior motives? My lord, you're in deep trouble!"

Geng Rui, still looking bewildered, asked, "What's the cause of this trouble?"

His attendant, Geng Ming, said with a look of fear, "The city lord suspects your loyalty. Given the city lord's methods, you are likely in grave danger, sir. You should show the letter to the city lord!"

Geng Rui said with an upright expression, "The letters the Regent gave me are private matters. How could I show them to others just to prove my innocence? Wouldn't that betray the Regent's good intentions?"

Geng Ming sighed and said, "My lord, I really don't know what to say to you. This isn't about valuing your relationship with the Regent; you're pushing him into the eye of the storm! The Regent's prestige is already tarnished. If the city lord becomes suspicious, how can the Regent expect to have a good life?"

Despite Geng Ming's earnest and lengthy persuasion, Geng Rui maintained the same attitude: no one should be allowed to read Tang Qiqi's letters without her consent.

Moreover, the Regent has devoted himself to Lanling. If the City Lord harbors resentment because of this, then he is unworthy of his position!

Geng Rui spoke with great passion, which terrified Geng Ming. He dared not persuade him further, fearing that his master would say something even more outrageous. He could only shut his mouth and secretly pray that the city lord would be magnanimous and not argue with his master, who was completely ignorant of human relationships.

Lan Yu was furious after being humiliated by Geng Rui. She was saying that she was going to practice sword dancing, but somehow the flowers in the Imperial Garden had all had their heads chopped off.

He then asked menacingly, "Li Fei, has the messenger urging the Regent to return to the city to report arrived yet?"