"well..."

At this moment, a servant hurriedly entered the flower hall.

Before he could speak, He Pingzhang waved his hand.

"Whose banquet is this time?"

"Reply to the post saying that I am not feeling well and will not be going."

"No, sir, a man who claims to be Qi Yuan has come to visit."

"When I asked him what it was about, he just said that I should tell you his name."

"Who? Qi Yuan?" He Pingzhang quickly jumped down from the flower stand.

The attendant was startled.

"Master...have I been tricked again? Get him out of here!"

The attendants usually ignored people who suddenly showed up at their door.

But today, with that man standing in front of him, his heart inexplicably raced.

I had a feeling that if I didn't report it, I might be beaten to death.

To be beaten to death, or to be scolded by the master.

He could still distinguish between what was important and what was not.

"Did he really say his name was Qi Yuan?"

"Yes, he's very tall, handsome, and very imposing."

Upon hearing the attendant's description, He Pingzhang's face turned pale instantly.

He took Mrs. He's hand.

"Madam... please quickly send a message to our son, telling him not to come home today."

"Leave Huaicheng and hide for a while."

"If everything is alright in two weeks, I'll come back."

"Take your daughter to your parents' house immediately. Don't bring anything. Your life is more important."

Madam He was frightened by his words.

"Master, what has happened?"

As He Pingzhang walked out, he said, "This is a very important person in the capital."

"Don't ask anymore, just go now."

He said he should have retired and returned to his hometown long ago...

After changing into his official robes and tidying his appearance, He Pingzhang stepped into the living room with a look of grim determination.

Upon seeing Qi Yuan sitting upright in the main seat...

My heart, which had been hanging in suspense, finally died.

"Lord Qi, is there some important business in Huaicheng?"

He was careful, not daring to breathe too loudly.

This man is a close advisor to the emperor, and is notorious in the court for his ruthlessness.

Once he sets his sights on you, you're doomed.

Qi Yuan remained expressionless and revealed his exclusive token to prove his identity.

"Lord He, it's been several months."

"Come with me, someone wants to see you."

He Pingzhang's face was ashen.

What good could come of being taken away by the commander of the Imperial Guard?

He tried to argue, "Lord Qi, may I speak a few words with my family?"

Qi Yuan was a little confused, but he still agreed.

"Go ahead, Lord He, but don't stay too long."

"Oh right, change your clothes."

"yes."

He Pingzhang's eyes were filled with bitterness. He wasn't even allowed to wear his official robes; it seemed he was to be secretly executed...

A short while later, He Pingzhang changed into a brand new blue robe.

And then she did a quick wash and grooming.

They left with Qi Yuan, without even taking any attendants with them.

After arriving at the courtyard, He Pingzhang's heart gradually calmed down.

Since I'm going to die anyway, it doesn't matter.

He deserved to have governed Huaizhou like this.

When he was led into the house and saw the person in the main seat, He Pingzhang was stunned for several breaths.

The door closed, and inside were only Murong Yue, Ahao, Qi Yuan, and a follower.

He Pingzhang realized what was happening.

Kneel down immediately.

"Your humble servant, He Pingzhang, Prefect of Huaizhou, pays his respects to Your Majesty."

"Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor!"

"Get up."

Murong Yue spoke calmly.

Outside, a group of people appeared out of nowhere and guarded the courtyard very tightly.

Grandma Li and her two companions stayed in the stable, looking for things to do when they had nothing else to do.

Li Chi fed the raging flames.

Li Daniu is handling the feed.

Grandma Li fanned the flames.

Inside the room, He Pingzhang was both surprised and delighted.

His Majesty has come to Huaicheng without a word!

Good news, he doesn't have to die.

Bad news: His Majesty has learned about the prevailing atmosphere in Huaicheng.

Murong Yue spoke slowly and deliberately, "Lord He, is there anything you wish to say?"

You've ruined my base like this.

You have to have some remedial measures.

He Pingzhang dared not get up, and knelt upright on the ground. "Your Majesty, I am guilty. I have failed in my governance of Huaizhou."

"Please punish me, Your Majesty."

He now has no choice but to plead guilty.

"Heh, so you mean you have absolutely no way to deal with this bad habit of keeping up with the Joneses in Huaicheng?"

Murong Yue can now speak fluently.

Sometimes they can even use inverted sentences.

After figuring out her doubts, she felt even more capable.

Now, you don't need to fight to win an argument; you can win just by talking!

"minister..."

He Pingzhang immediately realized that His Majesty did not want to punish him, but rather wanted him to guarantee that this situation would be resolved.

He had considered other measures before.

But it's difficult to implement.

The powerful and wealthy simply say that even the imperial court has no such laws or policies, and ask if the prefecture is going too far.

He was out of options.

Now it's all right.

His powerful backer has arrived!

"Your Majesty, I have an idea."

"Then you tell me."

"The competitive spirit in Huaicheng cannot be reversed in a short time, but as long as Your Majesty finds my suggestions feasible, give me three years and I will surely be able to govern Huaicheng well."

"First, each family will be required to make a matching donation for their banquet."

"Each event can only be held for one day, and can only be held once a day, with a maximum of twenty tables per event."

"For any amount exceeding this limit, a deposit of ten taels of silver per table will be required."

"This money is intended for two purposes."

"Part of the funds will be used to reward families who abide by the rules, and part will be used to reward those who report violations."

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