Chapter 79 Entering the Capital [Second Update]...

The 26th day of the third month of the seventh year of Yongsheng.

The imperial edict of commendation was personally delivered to Haiwan Prefecture by Eunuch Sun.

From Prince Zheng to Prefect Su.

Down to the lowest soldier, everyone was rewarded according to their merits.

Furthermore, General Zhang and other officials were escorted back to the capital and each received a punishment.

A new prefect was appointed to take over.

When the imperial edict was issued, everyone had to say that the emperor was wise.

Surprisingly, criticisms of the emperor in the Jiangnan region have decreased somewhat.

Su Qingdu raised an eyebrow.

Yan Zhengzhou's expression was complicated.

In any case, rewards and punishments are enough to reassure the people.

Eunuch Sun treated the two of them with exceptional respect, saying politely, "Lord Su, Prince Zheng, you are both dedicated to serving the people and have worked so hard."

"His Majesty is also very concerned."

Speaking of which...

Yunxi, Lülan, Quan Jingwu, and Dudu all sensed something was amiss.

Sure enough, the other party's next words were: "A victory banquet has been prepared in the capital, just waiting for the two of you to return to the capital. The Emperor will also reward you."

The three men's expressions changed.

Ma Hao, standing behind Yan Zhengzhou, was the same.

No wonder Lord Su and the others were talking about returning to the capital.

They had already guessed that the Emperor would immediately summon them back to the capital.

Prince Zheng is fine.

Lord Su, are you also going to the capital?

She is the prefect of Guangyue Prefecture, why wouldn't she go back to her post?

But the emperor's reasons were quite valid.

Returning to Beijing for a celebratory banquet—what a wonderful thing!

Ma Hao is even quite familiar with this.

That's how we urged you to return to the capital before.

However, this time they did a good job of saving face and gave the two of them plenty of dignity.

So many years have passed.

The Emperor has finally made progress.

Such a rebellious idea naturally came from Su Qing.

Su Qing smiled and said, "You're too kind, Eunuch Sun. We are here on the Emperor's orders; it's just our duty."

Yan Zhengzhou nodded, clearly agreeing with Su Qing's opinion.

Grandpa Sun breathed a sigh of relief.

Unexpectedly, they were very accommodating and willing to return to Beijing.

But they were both willing.

The people of Wanzhou were somewhat dumbfounded.

Are you leaving already?

The two of them have been here for less than three months.

They didn't even properly thank Prince Zheng, Lord Su.

Because of General Fu's precedent, they were not greeted when the two entered the city.

Even so, they still led troops into battle and governed the local areas.

Haiwanzhou was no longer harassed by rebels, and even the city's security improved.

Lord Su even punished many local gentry and bullies.

How could it be so fast?

The people felt a pure reluctance to part with it.

And Master Shi of Wanzhou, and Ye Shanming of Yangzhou.

Other wealthy merchants engaged in maritime trade had a different perspective.

Leaving aside the ports along the coast, there was a pirate uprising in Wanzhou, a place known for its coastal ports.

Cleaning only Haiwanzhou is simply not enough.

Furthermore, Lord Su and the court already know about their unauthorized voyages to sea, making it necessary to establish a Maritime Trade Office.

They're gone. Who will do these two things now?

Surely we can't expect another money-grubbing general or another incompetent official to take over?

While others couldn't strike up a conversation with Su Qing, Ye Shanming could.

However, whenever he went to the Haiwan Prefecture government office, he always saw Prince Zheng accompanying Su Qing, which made him feel a mix of emotions.

Seeing that Ye Shanming had something to say, Su Qing subconsciously glanced at Yan Zhengzhou.

Yan Zhengzhou's face darkened slightly, but he still walked out of the room and said, "I'll have someone pack our things."

After a long while, Ye Shanming finally caught his breath and started to get down to business.

“Besides the pirates in Haiwanzhou, there are pirates in seven or eight other prefectures along the coast. It’s definitely not enough to clear out just one place, as you know, Lord Su.” Ye Shanming said slowly, “To be honest, the pirates near the coast are actually better off, they just want some goods.”

"The pirates from farther away are the most troublesome."

Not only do they demand tolls, but they also intend to kill and rob.

They also improved their ships and brought servants and weapons.

But supplies must be replenished along the way, and this is when the danger is greatest.

It's no exaggeration to say that those who engage in maritime trade risk their lives to earn money.

But in Shunchangguo's current situation, if he doesn't work hard to make money, he won't be able to survive.

Actually, this was meant to be said to Prince Zheng.

But that man's aura was too intimidating, and he was also a prince, so it was not appropriate to speak directly to him. The wealthy merchants wanted him to help them fight the war.

Su Qing understood what they meant and gave a direct answer: "It's not that he doesn't want to clean things up, but the court won't allow it."

Ye Shanming knew who was being referred to as "the court official" at this moment.

"Can't we try again?" Ye Shanming said. "If a Maritime Trade Office is established, it will be necessary to collect heavy taxes."

"With pirates ahead and heavy taxes behind, our maritime trade route will be blocked."

There was no time when the imperial court did not establish a maritime trade office, nor did it engage in piracy.

The risks and rewards are all on their own; if people are willing to give it a try, and if they die, it's their own problem.

Even if a maritime trade office is established, pirates will still be left unchecked.

Wouldn't that mean losing everything?

Shunchang is struggling to do business both domestically and internationally, no wonder they're anxious.

Su Qing said, "You can guess a thing or two about what the Emperor is thinking."

Ye Shanming remained silent: "Then who will the officials from the Maritime Trade Office in the Jiangnan region send?"

At this point, Ye Shanming was a little desperate and complained to Su Qing, "If we get another incompetent and greedy person, how will we survive?"

"By the way, you've also dealt with Prefect Zhang of Haiwanzhou, haven't you? Our current Prefect of Yangzhou is completely clueless, it's infuriating."

Su Qing wanted to laugh, but was too embarrassed to do so. She replied seriously, "The officials sent by the court are definitely appointed by the emperor. He is most in need of money, so the people he sends will definitely try to make money."

Ye Shanming sighed deeply.

Su Qing's words were truly merciless, practically shattering his last glimmer of hope.

Seeing the other person's expression, Su Qing still said something nice: "But there's always a chance for things to turn around."

"Now that I know about your predicament, I will not sit idly by."

Ye Shanming should think twice before saying such things to someone else.

For Su Qing, it's different.

Su Qing said, "Be patient."

Everything will be alright.

patience?

Ye Shanming looked puzzled as he saw the coastal map behind Su Qing, which was dotted with circles and dots representing ports in various places.

And beyond the ocean, a few lines were drawn indistinctly.

Seeing Ye Shanming's gaze, Su Qing asked, "How many places did you visit during your year-long last voyage?"

Ye Shanming smiled wryly: "We haven't gone very far."

Modern ships do not have the ability to sail long distances.

They just kept going that way in order to sell their goods.

We'll see where we end up.

Su Qing looked around and decided to head west along the coastline.

The Ye family was familiar with the ports along the coast of Shunchang Kingdom. They had even traveled along this route to Hainan before, where her third uncle had abandoned her nearby.

They then likely traveled westward to places like South India.

Further afield, the boats are too small and too slow.

Su Qing said earnestly, "Both of the things you mentioned will be resolved."

"In the meantime, let's build the ship first."

Su Qing also pointed to the weapons workshop: "I'll leave Lord Zhen here, as well as Yunxi and Lülan, to stay here as well. The steel made over there is more durable and suitable for building large ships."

“There are also craftsmen in Guangyuefu who can build large ships, and I will send them over as well.”

"During this period, we can stay at sea and build the ship first."

Since we are going to engage in maritime trade, we need larger and sturdier ships.

Ye Shanming looked at her and noticed that Su Qing was clearly very excited about going to sea.

Why?

Su Qing smiled: "The world on the other side of the sea is much wider."

I won't go into the rest for now.

Ye Shanming nodded and said, "I believe you."

The reason is unknown.

But he will listen to Su Qing, build the ship first, and patiently wait for the right opportunity.

But when will that be?

"After you return to the capital, will you persuade the Emperor to send troops? Or will you arrange suitable personnel to manage the Maritime Trade Office?"

Su Qing laughed again, "How can you say that?"

Seeing that she was unwilling to talk, Ye Shanming knew that he wouldn't be able to get anything out of her.

Before leaving, Ye Shanming turned back and said, "I know I shouldn't have asked that."

"But what about you and Prince Zheng?"

Su Qing raised an eyebrow: "Keep it a secret for now."

Upon receiving this answer, Ye Shanming's eyes darkened slightly. He cupped his hands and said, "I will definitely be made difficult when I return to the capital this time."

"The Jiangnan Chamber of Commerce and the hometown associations of Haiwanzhou and Yangzhou are all at your service."

Now that they know Su Qing is returning to the capital, she will be of great help to them.

Then these wealthy businessmen will certainly do everything in their power to help her.

Su Qing nodded: "I won't hesitate to help when I need it."

On the first day of the fourth lunar month, the weather in Wanzhou was perfect.

Urged by Eunuch Sun, Su Qingyan, Zhengzhou, and others returned to the capital.

The people of Wanzhou and even Yangzhou saw them off all the way.

Yunxi, Lvlan, and Lord Zhen were all in tears.

Especially the first two, they really wanted to go to the capital with Sister Su.

Su Qing replied, "I promised your godfather, I promised Madam Zhu, and I promised Uncle Qi that I would take good care of you."

"Besides, this weapons workshop needs to be watched over."

Su Qing also asked Ye Shanming to take good care of the child, which made her feel more at ease.

As for the capital, I didn't take them there last time, and I definitely won't this time.

They came in a hurry, and they left in a hurry.

Local security and people's livelihoods have greatly improved.

Although I don't know how long this will last, as long as I can have a good day, that's a good day.

If all officials and generals in the world were like Lord Su and Prince Zheng, that would be wonderful.

Or perhaps they would work hard and travel to more places?

"Forget it, how could the Emperor allow someone whose merits overshadow his own?"

The two of them stole the show.

The emperor, being such a petty person, would most likely hold a grudge against him secretly.

But given how generous the reward is this time, perhaps he has changed his ways?

Everyone hopes that the two of them will be well.

Shunchang Kingdom has been in chaos for so long, it really can't withstand any more turmoil.

On their way to the capital, Su Qing and his companions received letters from Guangyue Prefecture, Tongmin Prefecture, Shanyang Prefecture, and Gaoqing Prefecture.

Everyone expressed concern, thinking that Lord Su could go directly back to Guangyue Mansion.

Su Qing reassured them that nothing would happen.

Of course, everyone also gave detailed accounts of the situation in their respective regions.

It is now April, and in various places, children take the imperial examinations first, followed by spring plowing, and everything is proceeding in an orderly manner.

Among the various examinations, several counties in Guangyue Prefecture allowed women to participate in the county-level examinations, and this year there were clearly more female students who passed.

However, the final results of the prefectural examination have not yet been released; they will be sent out again in mid-April.

It seems to be working quite well.

Looking at the new school administrator's letter, Su Qing slapped his forehead.

Oh no, she had too many things to do and forgot about the important matter.

Su Qing replied to the new education commissioner's letter carefully and also wrote a letter to Mei Niang, mentioning the new education commissioner briefly.

Well, let's wait until she finishes what she's doing before we talk about it.

Shanyang Prefecture also held a girls' examination, but only a few counties in the prefecture offered it.

Judging from Prefect Shen's words, the situation is not bad.

His daughter, needless to say, has excellent grades.

There was no cheating involved. Miss Shen's talent level is extremely high, as everyone can see.

Prefectures like Tongmin and Gaoqing still focused on developing agriculture.

In the past, bandits roamed the land, and there were many wealthy local gentry.

Now the people can finally farm properly.

Prefect Wang of Tongmin Prefecture explained almost every detail of Su Qing's hometown.

They would report in detail about everything, big or small.

Regardless of whether he knew about the "Daze Army" or not, he treated Su Qing with utmost respect.

In his view, his position was entirely due to Su Qing's efforts.

Su Qing was very busy on the way, which was noticed by Eunuch Sun.

Grandpa Sun also thought of Yunxi and Lülan, and sighed, "Their godfather is the most good-tempered person."

This refers to Consort Yu.

Although we're not on the same side, we've grown up together since childhood, so it's inevitable that we feel a bit sentimental.

When I was in Haiwanzhou, I saw how well-born the two children were, and how they had been raised with such grace and poise by Lord Su, I couldn't help but feel a sense of admiration.

The two of them, one eighteen and the other sixteen, were able to manage such a large workshop.

With such abilities, Old Yu would surely be gratified if he knew in the afterlife.

However, Grandpa Sun still didn't understand why he didn't bring the two of them along.

Does Lord Su think there might be danger on this trip to the capital?

Grandpa Sun paused, his expression becoming tense.

Su Qing and Yan Zhengzhou pretended not to see it and continued on their way.

On April 19th, we finally arrived in the capital.

Su Qing was about to complain.

Can this broken road be repaired?

Are all official roads this dilapidated?

What's even more heartbreaking is the plight of the people along the route.

In recent years, Shunchang Kingdom has been plagued by wars, banditry, land annexation, and heavy taxes.

This has long been reflected in the lives of ordinary people.

Last winter, when I was traveling, the fields along the way were already empty.

It's March and April now, which should be the busy season for farming in the fields, but in many fields, the people standing there are tenants who are barely clothed.

Especially in the Huizhou and Yuzhou areas.

It makes the viewer feel heavy-hearted.

Upon entering the capital, a completely different scene unfolded.

Everything was in a state of joy, with colorful flags waving in the wind.

If they hadn't asked, fine, but when they did, they were told: "You two have returned in triumph, this is to celebrate your victory!"

"And, may Your Majesty live a long life."

Su Qing looked at Yan Zhengzhou, who nodded slightly: "April 23rd."

That means there are still four days left.

Okay, okay.

She wanted to see how the Emperor would spend his birthday.

Su Qing looked at the other person again, and Yan Zhengzhou nodded once more.

He listened to Su Qing, he listened to everything.

That's good.

This mission is extremely risky, with a slim chance of survival.

She was determined not to give up until she achieved her goal.

She, Su Qing, is going to Beijing this time.

What I want is the throne here.