Xie Rang knew exactly how to deal with Yun Qing. The Grand Tutor always treated him like a weak child, subtly revealing his cautiousness, which always made Yun Qing agree.
Xie Rang said softly, "I also want to see what the outside world is like."
[Damn it, why is it that the history books never mention this child being able to act cute? How could anyone bear to refuse him?]
The answer is no, at least not Yun Qing.
She coughed lightly, feigning seriousness: "This is a one-time exception, and there will be no next time."
This meant he was giving in. Xie Rang slightly curved his lips, knowing that the Grand Tutor was always the most soft-hearted, especially when it came to something that didn't cross his bottom line.
"I understand. The Grand Tutor treats Qi'an the best."
Xie Rang sometimes really felt that the Grand Tutor was easy to coax. All she wanted was an obedient child. Xie Rang could easily fake it without anyone noticing.
"But we need to make it clear to Commander Lin beforehand that we don't want any treacherous people to infiltrate this place while we're away."
Yun Qing's knowledge of Lin Chen came entirely from historical records. Lin Chen's rise to prominence was many years in the future, so this was a good opportunity to see what he was capable of.
"I will explain."
Even if Yun Qing doesn't say anything, Xie Rang will handle this matter well. What they have gained so far has been hard-won, and they cannot afford to be careless.
"Then it's settled. I'll meet you at the palace gate tomorrow morning."
Yun Qing hadn't intended to tell anyone about this. If asked, she would simply say she was visiting relatives. Having been away from home guarding the border for so many years, even the emperor had to treat her with utmost respect; it was none of the business of outsiders questioning her.
Xie Rang raised his eyebrows: "Alright, I will wait for the Grand Tutor."
That was settled. After returning to the manor, Yunqing's wavering decision drew a lot of criticism from Uncle Jiang.
"Young master, haven't you ever considered that His Majesty may not be as gentle and harmless as he appears on the surface?"
Uncle Jiang is quite old and has seen a lot. He is naturally very sensitive to emotions and noticed Xie Rang's different side after several close encounters.
While he expressed his approval of his young master's actions in helping the young emperor, he also harbored a hidden worry in his heart.
Even on this trip, Yun Qing brought the young emperor with her. Isn't that just handing the young emperor leverage over her?
"I know," Yun Qing chuckled awkwardly. "I know what I'm doing."
A tyrant's thinking is sometimes that simple. If he keeps hiding things, he is more likely to arouse suspicion. In contrast, a powerful family that actively surrenders and hands over its secrets may be more likely to gain trust.
Moreover, manufacturing gunpowder and improving weapons, along with many other things Yun Qing will do in the future, are all serious matters that could lead to execution. She cannot guarantee that no word of these things will leak out; sooner or later, they will all be brought to light.
"The situation in the capital is too chaotic right now. Taking His Majesty away for a while might not be such a bad thing."
Uncle Jiang didn't know what Yun Qing was thinking, but since she had decided to do this, all he needed to do was support her. This wasn't entirely without its benefits; the young emperor was not suitable to be under the watchful eyes of those two right now.
"It's good that you know. During my absence, I hope Uncle Jiang will take good care of things at the residence. Please let me know if anything happens."
Yun Qing was relieved to receive Uncle Jiang's affirmative answer. Fortunately, the original owner of this body had little contact with officials in the capital, so she was not afraid that anyone would come up to her to inquire about her after she left.
"Yes, young master, please bring more secret guards and assassins as well."
No matter when, as long as it involves factional disputes, going out is the easiest time to be watched. Moreover, after the incident at the palace, Yun Qing is a thorn in Liang Zhigong's side, and there will probably be many twists and turns on the way.
Moreover, with a young emperor who is still developing his powers by his side, there are likely to be even more variables.
Throughout history, there have been many instances of people using the emperor to command the feudal lords.
"Don't worry, Uncle Jiang."
Yun Qing had already completed the preparations, but there was an extra person's quota at the last minute. It was alright, since many things can be solved with money. They could deal with it when the time came.
Yun Qing had a premonition that her wallet would be drained this time she went out.
With everything prepared, Yun Qing went to pick up Xie Rang before dawn the next day.
Commander Lin seemed a little uneasy and came out with him to check. Only when he saw Yun Qing did his serious expression relax slightly: "I hope the Grand Tutor can protect His Majesty well."
Yun Qing nodded: "Of course."
[It's surprising that this ambitious person cares about his master; he's truly loyal, no wonder he's gained his trust.]
Emperor Xie Rang is capable of making ambitious people submit; even Uncle Jiang could see it. He warned Yun Qing not to underestimate Xie Rang, and all of this was foreshadowed.
Yun Qing did not deliberately hide her departure from the capital from anyone. The carriage was made as comfortable as possible, with soft blankets laid on it to prevent excessive bumps on the road.
Although official roads have been built between counties, they are only slightly better than mud roads, still full of potholes. Yun Qing thought that when she found suitable materials, she might be able to try making cement. Whether for paving roads or building walls, it would be a treasure.
"Just something to tide you over, these pastries are fresh out of the oven and still warm."
Knowing that Yunqing was leaving this morning, the cooks at the manor got up even earlier to prepare some fresh snacks for Yunqing to pass the time on the journey.
Xie Rang took a bite, and Yun Qing observed his little expression, quickly noticing the almost imperceptible joy in his eyes.
[You like sweet things so much, huh? Then it wasn't for nothing that I specifically asked for it to be sweetened.]
Eating too many sweets is not good either. Yunqing adheres to the concept of a healthy life and usually controls his sugar intake. He only gets rewards when he does well in his studies.
But when it comes to playing, she still indulges her child a lot.
Xie Rang's hand trembled slightly upon hearing this, and before he knew it, crumbs of the pastry fell onto his leg. He stared at Yun Qing for a moment, feeling a complex mix of emotions regarding her meticulous care.
Yun Qing quickly noticed his unusual behavior and smiled as she used a handkerchief to brush the crumbs off his legs: "You can't even concentrate on eating, Your Majesty. What are you thinking about?"
Xie Rang was honest this time: "I'm thinking about the Grand Tutor."
Thinking about Yunqing's background and the care she showed him, Xie Rang felt a little awkward thinking about how he had only received such care after growing up for so long.
Yun Qing raised an eyebrow: "What are you thinking about? You're so young, don't worry too much."
Yun Qing didn't care what Xie Rang was thinking or what he suspected about her. She hadn't expected to gain Xie Rang's trust overnight; a little suspicion was just part of the normal process.
Xie Rang paused for a moment, then said, "Oh."
Forget it, I won't say it anymore. Anyway, even if I say it now, the Grand Tutor won't understand.
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