Both the Imperial Guard's prison and the Ministry of Justice's prison were places for detaining criminals. The only difference was that the Imperial Guard often imprisoned officials and members of the royal family.

The Ministry of Justice, on the other hand, was for ordinary people.

Walking down the street, Yan Jiu thought for a moment, took out the few silver coins she had, and went to the famous Shiweitian Restaurant in the capital.

He can't afford Zuixianlou, but Shiweitian should be pretty good too.

"Three catties of braised meat and a catty of good wine."

"Alright, eight taels of silver, sir."

Damn, that's really expensive.

Yan Jiu grinned and left with the wine and braised meat, heading towards the Imperial Guard prison.

Qi Yuan, who was stationed in the prison, was like a hunting tiger, always on guard, waiting for the person who would come to contact Zhang Yuqing.

He wanted to see who would come to visit, talk to him, bring him gifts, or perhaps set a trap.

However, to his surprise, the first person to appear in his field of vision was Yan Jiuzhi.

Although Qi Yuan did not attend today's small court assembly, Yan Jiu's performance and his special status were enough for Qi Yuan to understand the ins and outs of the matter in just half a day.

What is Yan Jiu doing here?

"Let him in."

Qi Yuan stood up, and someone naturally draped a cloak over his shoulders. He was going to sit in the room next to the prison to listen and see what Yan Jiu was up to.

Yan Jiu had a smooth journey and introduced herself to Zhang Yuqing upon meeting him.

Zhang Yuqing's residence was not shabby.

There was a bed and quilts, a table with tea, books and writing brushes on it, and a charcoal brazier at the foot of the room.

It seems the adult did not suffer.

Seeing all this, Yan Jiuzhi's expression relaxed slightly.

Looking at the unfamiliar man in front of him, Zhang Yuqing said with some emotion, "Since I've been in prison, you're the first person to visit me besides my family."

Of course, several other high-ranking officials also sent people to visit.

But the meaning is different.

Yan Jiu was the first low-ranking official to visit him so openly and openly.

His wife, being of a special status, knew he wouldn't really be in any trouble, so after he was imprisoned, she only sent someone to deliver a hairpin that he kept close to his body.

It means to advance and retreat together.

To put his mind at ease.

As for everyone else, they all avoided him like the plague.

At that time, four people were nominated as candidates for the position of Prefect of Suizhou, but the other three have not yet appeared.

It really proves the saying that people can only see the situation clearly when they are at their lowest point.

You can't blame others for praising the powerful and belittling the weak; it's just human nature.

Yan Jiuzhi offered an explanation, "I never expected to be chosen by His Majesty. I'll visit you again before I return."

"I never expected... that I would become the prefect of Suizhou. I wanted to go and thank you for your recommendation, but I only found out about your situation."

He was a little embarrassed, and took out two oil paper packets from his pocket and put them on the table.

"I imagine you are not living a frugal life, but I have already bought everything, so please don't find it too much."

Zhang Yuqing looked at the oil paper package, where oil stains were faintly visible, and the Shiweitian seal on it was particularly eye-catching.

Turning my gaze to Yan Jiuzhi, I noticed that her clothes had small patches. Dazhou is located in the northwest, a place known for its harsh climate, so Yan Jiuzhi must not be wealthy.

The food and drinks at Shiweitian are quite expensive, which contrasts sharply with the high prices of the restaurant.

Having experienced many hardships and seen through the ups and downs of officialdom, Zhang Yuqing was surprisingly moved at this moment.

He smiled and sat down, saying, "It is a great pleasure that you have come to visit me. Please sit down."

"Tell me about your selection process. His Majesty's ability to choose you shows his exceptional insight."

Yan Jiu scratched his head and sat down.

Qi Yuan, sitting next door, watched Yan Jiu with great interest. Zhang Yuqing was right; the people His Majesty had chosen this time seemed quite good so far.

But we must not be careless.

He slightly raised his hand, and immediately an imperial guard pushed open Zhang Yuqing's prison door.

"Please excuse me, gentlemen, but I apologize for the inconvenience."

After saying that, he left with the wine and meat that Yan Jiu had brought.

Yan Jiu looked astonished. "Huh?"

Zhang Yuqing smiled and reassured her, "Don't panic, it's just a routine check."

Yan Jiu quickly realized that although Zhang Yuqing was in prison, judging from his environment and treatment, he had obviously not suffered any hardship. There was probably an unknown inside story behind this.

Perhaps locking Zhang Yuqing up in jail is actually a way to protect him.

"It's good to check these foods; it's a way to protect me. I understand," Yan Jiu realized immediately. If Lord Zhang ate the food she sent and something happened to him, she would be in deep trouble.

It's always better to check it out first.

"It's rare to meet someone as insightful as you."

Zhang Yuqing offered a compliment.

Soon, the wine and meat were returned, along with a serving of fried fish and a roast chicken.

Zhang Yuqing spent the entire afternoon discussing politics with Yan Jiu.

Zhang Yuqing knew that this person was sincere and grateful, truly a hidden dragon in the abyss, ready to be transformed by the wind.

He was generous in sharing his experience with unpolished gems.

Yan Jiu felt that he had been elevated, and the confusion and difficulties he had encountered in governing the area over the years had been enlightened.

Murong Yue also felt that she had been elevated.

At this moment, His Majesty, the most esteemed ruler of the Qing Kingdom, is receiving instruction in the Baoguang Hall.

Confucius was very excited.

They were even more excited than the students.

The students' curiosity was focused on His Majesty himself, and their minds were not on their studies.

This chapter is not finished yet. Please click on the next page to continue reading the exciting content!