Before an incense stick could burn, the sound of rapid hoofbeats came from outside the inn, and then a middle-aged man in official robes stumbled in.
He didn't bother wiping the sweat from his forehead and followed his subordinates' directions straight to the room where Gan Li and the others were.
As soon as he entered, his eyes scanned the faces of everyone in the room. When he saw the girl in black on the bed, a look of surprise flashed across his face, and he exclaimed, "It really is you..."
He knelt down with a thud, his voice trembling as he said, "Your humble servant Lu Yuan greets Your Highness the Princess! I never imagined that I would see the Princess again in this lifetime... no, Your Highness the Eldest Princess!"
Seeing the dignified county magistrate kneeling so readily before a young woman, everyone present was stunned. Their eyes widened and their mouths were agape, as if they could fit an egg in them.
What's going on? Is this girl really a princess? Or even the eldest princess?! She's the emperor's own sister!
Everyone snapped out of their daze and hurriedly knelt down, trembling as they called out, "Greetings, Your Highness the Princess!"
The officials who had been so arrogant just moments before were now ashen-faced, their legs gave way, and they knelt on the ground, trembling as they cried out:
"Greetings...Greetings to Your Highness, the Eldest Princess..."
Ganli also knelt on the ground, but inwardly she was cursing.
She hadn't noticed before, but now she remembered that when the girl mentioned her background earlier, she used the phrase "overwhelmingly powerful" when talking about her half-brother.
So, given that this girl is the eldest princess, and according to seniority, isn't her half-brother, who already holds power, the current emperor? Truly, he wields immense power!
Ganli, upon learning the truth: "..." It's really Barbie Q!
Think back to what she said back then. She was just a village girl, yet she advised a princess to kill the emperor and seize the throne for herself?! Wasn't that instigating a rebellion?
Realizing what had happened, Ganli could only be thankful that no one else was present, otherwise she probably would have lost her head.
Seeing the fearful yet curious looks in the eyes of so many people, a glint of light flashed in Qingyang's eyes.
The Lu family, to which Lu Yuan belongs, is headed by a student of her maternal grandfather. Naturally, the family was on her and her brother's side. However, now that the current emperor has ascended the throne, the Lu family is bound to suffer. Sure enough, even the direct descendants have been sent to this remote place to serve as local officials.
She came here because she knew the Lu family was here. Lu Yuan was indeed clever; after all this commotion, the news of her return would surely spread. In that case, even if that person wanted to get rid of her without anyone knowing, they wouldn't be able to.
"Rise, all of you," Princess Qingyang said calmly, her voice cool yet carrying an undeniable air of authority.
Lu Yuan quickly got up and said respectfully, "This place is simple. Your Highness, it is not appropriate for you to stay here for long. Why don't you rest at my humble abode first and then make further plans?"
Princess Qingyang nodded slightly, glancing at Gan Li and the others: "This is my savior."
Upon hearing this, Lu Yuan understood and quickly turned around, politely inviting Gan Li to return to the mansion together.
Gan Li was troubled by the secret recipe, so she naturally did not refuse when she heard about it. Thus, under Lu Yuan's arrangement, the group returned to the county magistrate's residence in the area.
The carriage arranged by Magistrate Lu was quite spacious. Gan Li, along with Gan Tian and Princess Qingyang, rode in the same carriage, while Gan Mingyi followed closely beside the carriage. Under Lu Yuan's guidance, they arrived at the magistrate's office without incident.
Lu Yuan was being modest. This was hardly a humble abode. High walls, green tiles, flying eaves, and bracket sets made it incredibly grand and luxurious.
Gan Tian and Gan Mingyi were already stunned by the sight before them, but Gan Li, preoccupied with her own thoughts, had no time to appreciate it.
Magistrate Lu welcomed the two into the main hall, ordered someone to serve them fragrant tea, and then dismissed everyone else, leaving only Gan Li's family of three and Princess Qingyang.
"Your Highness, I have already sent someone to the capital to inform you. I believe the Emperor will soon send someone to fetch you back," Magistrate Lu said respectfully.
Princess Qingyang nodded slightly: "No rush. They will need some time to process the fact that I have returned."
She said coldly, a hint of mockery in her upturned lips.
Ganli looked at the person seated at the head of the table, her feelings complicated.
She has already learned Qingyang's true identity.
Princess Qingyang was the late emperor's most beloved daughter, but she disappeared five years ago. The official news was that she and her younger brother, the sixth prince, went out of the palace to pray for the late emperor, but were kidnapped by spies from an enemy country and have been missing ever since.
But Ganli already knew the truth, and now when she looked at Princess Qingyang, her eyes held a hint of worry.
If what Princess Qingyang said is true, then the current emperor is her enemy. To fight against the ruler of a country with one's own strength... her path to revenge must be extremely difficult.
Princess Qingyang avoided her gaze, her distant attitude suggesting a lack of the previous openness and trust.
She was still wearing the same clothes, but now, seated in the main seat, she appeared as if she were dressed in magnificent robes. She showed no embarrassment, but rather an air of noble composure, and spoke softly:
“Ganli, you saved my life. I have no way to repay you. Just tell me what you want. As long as it is within my power, I will not refuse.”
Gan Li quickly stood up and said, "Your Highness, you are too kind. I only did what I should do. How could I dare to ask what reward Your Highness desires?"
She paused for a moment, then continued, "However, there is something I would like to ask Lord Lu."
Lu Yuan was taken aback. The princess was right ahead, and this village girl, instead of speaking to her, wanted to ask him for advice? He quickly replied:
"Please tell me what you need, young lady. I will do my best to help you if it is within my power."
"Actually, it's nothing major. I just have a question..."
Gan Li then recounted her previous experience of presenting the prescription to the yamen (government office), and concluded by saying:
"I discovered this formula, but I dared not keep it for myself. I thought of offering it to the court to benefit the people. I was driven out, and then someone slandered me. If it weren't for the good fortune of having the protection of the Princess, I would probably have been imprisoned this time."
"Is that so? But I wasn't in the county office at the time."
Upon hearing this, Lu Yuan was initially surprised, but then he realized that it must have been the county magistrate's doing!
He had heard before that the magistrate was corrupt and colluded with merchants for profit, but the magistrate was so discreet that he had never been able to catch him red-handed.
This time, they've delivered the evidence right to our doorstep, and it's even the Princess's benefactor! This time, we must deal with that corrupt official no matter what!
Thinking of this, he said seriously to Gan Li, "Don't worry, I will deal with this matter later."
Gan Li could also see that the county magistrate and the county head were at odds. Moreover, she was now the princess's savior, so she wasn't afraid of the county magistrate playing tricks in front of the princess.
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