“This improves the people…” Lu Nancheng paused for a moment, seemingly pondering how to phrase it.
"People's livelihood," Lu Jingze continued.
“Yes, it’s about people’s livelihood.” Lu Nancheng nodded, his eyes fixed intently on Lu Jingze. “Where do you intend to begin?”
As soon as they finished speaking, the two brothers almost simultaneously blurted out two words – “Cangzhou”.
Cangzhou, located in the far north, has barren land, and the farmers in the city live in poverty, relying on the weather for their livelihood year after year.
However, what is even more unexpected is that this seemingly inconspicuous city of Cangzhou is actually the lair of the evil Star Moon Sect.
Over the years, the imperial court has repeatedly dispatched large armies to Cangzhou to suppress the rebellion.
But just as Lu Jingze had told Wang Xiuxiu before, every time the imperial court sent troops to attack, the leader of the Star Moon Sect would run faster than a rabbit.
However, after the imperial army withdrew, the Star Moon Sect quickly revived like weeds blown by the spring breeze.
Therefore, the task of eradicating the enemy has not yielded significant results.
Lu Nancheng pondered for a moment, a resolute glint in his eyes, and decisively issued the order: "Good! I will immediately order the Ministry of Revenue to allocate 100,000 taels of silver for water conservancy projects and road repairs in Cangzhou. I am really worried about you going to Cangzhou alone. Lanfeng is always clever and reliable, so let him go with you."
---
Without hesitation, Lu Nancheng immediately ordered his men to send a message to Ye Lanfeng, instructing him to come to the palace for an audience as soon as possible.
Let's talk about Ye Lanfeng. He and Lu Jingze grew up together and he was Lu Jingze's longest-serving study companion.
This person usually appears to be cynical and irreverent, spending his days in brothels and taverns, seemingly indifferent to everything in the world.
Despite his seemingly carefree and unconventional behavior, he can display extraordinary composure and thoroughness when it comes to serious matters.
Before long, Ye Lanfeng hurriedly arrived at the palace.
He was dressed in fine clothes, with an exquisite jade pendant hanging at his waist. He wore his usual lazy smile and bowed as soon as he entered the room, saying, "Your subject Ye Lanfeng greets Your Majesty."
Lu Nancheng waved his hand, indicating that he should not stand on ceremony, and then briefly explained the plan for the trip to Cangzhou.
"Your Majesty, rest assured, I will do my utmost to assist Prince Jing in completing this mission."
Lu Nancheng nodded, quite satisfied with his attitude: "With the two of you traveling together, I am at ease."
Ye Lanfeng made various promises to Lu Nancheng, speaking earnestly and with a respectful attitude.
However, once they were outside the main hall and only he and Lu Jingze remained on the palace path, he immediately wore a bitter expression. "Jingze, don't you want to reconsider? Cangzhou is your Third Imperial Uncle's territory! If we go and provoke him, we'll be skinned alive!"
Lu Jingze's third uncle, Prince Cheng, has been openly and secretly dissatisfied ever since he was granted Cangzhou as his fief.
King Cheng was of a fierce temperament and always outwardly complied with the court's decrees but inwardly defied them.
Lu Jingze and Ye Lanfeng's journey to Cangzhou this time not only involves facing threats from the Star Moon Sect, but also dealing with the difficulties posed by King Cheng. The arduousness of their mission is self-evident.
Upon hearing this, Lu Jingze remained calm, but his tone was firm: "This matter concerns the people's livelihood and the dignity of the court. No matter how much the Third Imperial Uncle tries to obstruct us, we must complete the mission. If you are afraid, go and report to the Emperor. I will go to Cangzhou alone."
Upon hearing this, the man beside him immediately retorted loudly in dissatisfaction: "Hey! What kind of talk is that? Don't you know how loyal I, Ye, am in the martial arts world? I will definitely go to Cangzhou with you!"
Upon hearing this, Lu Jingze finally stopped walking, turned around, and stood quietly in place, waiting to hear what he had to say next.
"I'm not going with you to report to Prince Cheng before leaving the capital." Ye Lanfeng shook his head vigorously, his face full of resistance.
Ye Lanfeng was incredibly charming and charismatic, loved by everyone!
For some reason, he was inexplicably disliked by the Third Prince! However, since the Third Prince was of high status, Ye Lanfeng dared not be angry or speak out, and could only keep his distance and avoid him.
Upon hearing this, Lu Jingze nodded, "Alright, I'll talk to the Third Imperial Uncle about this. You go to the Ministry of Revenue and get back the 100,000 taels of silver that my brother promised."
Upon hearing this, Ye Lanfeng's eyes widened in disbelief: "What? You want me to go to the Ministry of Revenue to ask for money? Jingze, do you know who Minister Liu of the Ministry of Revenue is? He's a notorious miser! Getting any money from him is as difficult as climbing to heaven!"
Seeing this, Lu Jingze raised an eyebrow slightly, revealing a half-smile: "What? This won't do either? How about I switch with you?"
Upon hearing this, Ye Lanfeng repeatedly refused, "No, no, no! It's not necessary! I'll go to the Ministry of Revenue right now and have a proper 'talk' with Lord Liu!"
After saying that, he slipped away as fast as he could, afraid that Lu Jingze would change his mind.
Watching Ye Lanfeng's departing figure, Lu Jingze's lips curled up slightly.
Although Ye Lanfeng complains, he is always reliable when it comes to getting things done.
With him around, this trip to Cangzhou will be much smoother.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com