After the banquet ended, the two returned to their room. As soon as they entered, Jiang Shuyue's face immediately darkened.
He slammed his hand on the table and said coldly, "So this is the prefect of Guang Prefecture, trying to fool me."
The prefect of Guangzhou is a man of the second prince, Jiang Yuanqi. During the banquet, he kept mentioning Jiang Yuanqi, implying that this was Jiang Yuanqi's territory and that they should not even think about taking over Guangzhou.
Guangzhou is not far from the capital. There are imperial troops stationed here, but these troops are not under the Xie family's command, otherwise the prefect would not have been so audacious.
Most of the Jin Dynasty's army is now heading to the southern border, except for the garrison in Guang Prefecture, which has not been mobilized. The court's intention is to allow them to borrow troops from there.
"They're not planning to lend us any people."
Jiang Shuyue sneered: "We came out this time at His Majesty's behest. Do you think we can just refuse to lend it if we don't want to? Do you really think I'm a pushover?"
Previously, the Jin Dynasty's army was controlled by civil officials to prevent military generals from rebelling. However, this proved to be ineffective, as it led to delays in warfare and the loss of many cities. Subsequently, Xie Linzhou and Jiang Shuyue proposed reforms.
However, reform takes time, and in some places, military commanders still have to obey the orders of local officials.
Gwangju is a case in point.
In particular, the prefect of Guangzhou had a second prince above him, who wielded even greater power.
"I didn't come here for nothing. Don't worry, by this time tomorrow, I guarantee that this prefect will obey me."
"Then I'll leave this matter to Sister Jiang."
Jiang Shuyue was decisive and efficient. Before evening of the next day, the prefect of Guang Prefecture brought her to the capital.
Song Ning asked in confusion, "How did you do that?"
Jiang Shuyue laughed: "The world is vast and His Majesty is the greatest. So what if the Second Prince's people don't listen? If they don't listen, it's treason."
Song Ning gave her a thumbs up.
The group continued on their journey, and did not stop in the town to rest before reaching Tianxiang County.
Upon arriving at Tianxiang County, the current magistrate of Tianxiang County was already waiting at the city gate.
This person was promoted by Zheng Gaoyi, so he can be trusted.
Jiang Shuyue alighted from the carriage, and Magistrate Hu quickly bowed, saying, "Greetings, Your Highness the Third Prince, greetings, Lord Zheng."
No need for formalities.
"Your Highness, we have prepared accommodations for you. Please make your move."
Song Ning followed behind Jiang Shuyue, observing the changes in Tianxiang County over the past year.
It looks more lively than a year ago. The previously empty spaces on the street have been filled with houses and shops.
A lot of infrastructure has been added, and everything shows that Tianxiang County is thriving. The corners of my mouth that were originally raised suddenly froze when I turned a street corner.
Her lips twitched. No, is this really... appropriate?
In the very middle of the street stood a statue about two people tall, with offerings placed in front of it. Passersby even bowed before the statue.
This wouldn't normally be a problem, but this statue looks exactly like her!
She's still alive, isn't that a bit of an exaggeration?
Zheng Gaoyi also saw it, and suppressed a laugh as he whispered, "This has nothing to do with me; it's just that the people insist on doing it this way."
"Won't this shorten my lifespan?" I've never seen anything like this before.
Who but the emperor could receive such treatment? She was truly panicked.
If she were discovered by the people with her, she would be dead for sure; this is a serious crime!
"Don't worry, such things happened before the Jin Dynasty. Don't worry, nothing will happen."
After watching for a while, I thought, "Is this the legendary temple construction?"
He sighed, thinking, "That's just too outrageous."
As they passed by on the street, Magistrate Hu even introduced the statue to them, saying it was a great hero of Tianxiang County and a living god revered by the people.
The mere mention of the word "living god" sent shivers down Song Ning's spine.
Spare her.
Finally arriving at the accommodation, I looked up and saw her Xiangyun Tower.
A large crowd stood at the entrance, all welcoming the arrival of the Third Prince.
Magistrate Hu continued to explain, "This is the best restaurant in the county, and the accommodations here are also the best. Although there are guesthouses in the county, it is still more comfortable to stay here."
Jiang Shuyue knew it belonged to Song Ning as soon as she saw the three characters "Xiangyunlou". She turned around and smiled, "Yes, I'm very satisfied."
Song Ning glanced at Li Xingwang, who was standing at the front. He looked much more mature after a year apart, and just standing there, he did look like a manager.
Following Jiang Shuyue upstairs, they found a room that had been reserved for entertaining guests. The room had been decorated and looked quite nice.
"Your Highness must be tired from your journey. Please rest first. I will have someone bring you some food in a little while."
Jiang Shuyue nodded. As soon as Magistrate Hu left, she collapsed to the ground, saying, "I'm exhausted."
"It's been a tough journey, but we've finally arrived."
"I heard that the people from Beiliang will not arrive for a few more days. Sister Jiang, you should rest here for a few days and we can talk again later."
"That's fine, I was indeed a bit tired from the journey."
After settling Jiang Shuyue in, Song Ning left the room and headed downstairs.
Because a prince was staying at Xiangyun Tower, it was surrounded by layers of guards.
Upon seeing Song Ning come down, the person at the counter quickly came forward and asked, "Does Your Excellency have any instructions?"
Song Ning looked around but didn't see anyone, so she asked, "Isn't Li Xingwang here?"
"You're looking for our manager? He's in the backyard. I'll take you there right away."
"No need, I can go by myself." With that, she lifted the curtain and went to the backyard.
The person behind him was stunned and wondered, "Is this gentleman a little too familiar?"
After all, they were distinguished guests, so we didn't dare let them go alone and followed behind them.
As soon as Song Ning entered, she saw Li Xingwang counting the delivered ingredients in the backyard. Song Ning went up to her and patted her on the shoulder.
Li Xingwang was startled. He turned around and saw the person in front of him. He was stunned for a moment. Song Ning chuckled: "It's only been a year. You don't recognize me anymore?"
Li Xingwang stared blankly for a while, then was about to shout, "Two..."
"Shh!"
Li Xingwang realized what was happening and instructed the person behind Song Ning, "You can go ahead and get busy."
"yes."
As soon as she left, Li Xingwang excitedly grabbed her arm: "Er Ya, is that Er Ya? You really came back?"
"I'm back. Did you miss me?"
Li Xingwang nodded: "Yes, everyone misses you! When you came in just now, I didn't even recognize you. You look a little different from before."
"What's different?"
Li Xingwang scratched his head sheepishly: "I just feel... you seem to have grown up."
She used to be a clueless little girl, but now she's really grown up. Especially in this outfit, apart from being a bit short, she really has the air of an official.
"That's right, after all, I'm a married man now."
Everyone here knows about Song Ning's marriage. They sent a message back home, but because they live far away, no one went back.
After exchanging pleasantries for a while, Li Xingwang suddenly said, "By the way, you didn't know, did you? Your cousin is back."
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