At this time, other people also stepped forward to volunteer.
"Very well!" The emperor then looked at the others. "My dear ministers, this disaster is severe, and I need you all to work together to overcome this difficult time."
As night approached, the list of people to go to the disaster relief site was finally finalized.
The rest of the people who weren't going left the palace one after another, and Li Xi breathed a sigh of relief when she realized that she wasn't involved.
Just as she was about to leave, the emperor's eunuch told her to wait for him in the imperial study, as he had something to tell her.
The candlelight flickered in the council chamber as those involved in flood relief and disaster recovery discussed the next steps in their plans.
Seeing this, Li Xi went to wait outside the Imperial Study.
Just as Li Xi was about to leave, a voice came from behind her.
"General Li, please wait!"
Upon hearing that familiar voice, Li Xi stopped and turned around.
Prince An strode up to her and said, "I have some questions for General Li. Is now a convenient time?"
Li Xi looked at the man in front of her. He looked very serious, as if he had something important to ask her.
So she nodded and replied, "Your Highness, please speak."
Prince An stepped forward and asked in a low voice, "I heard that Doctor Meng has left the capital. Has she gone on a long journey?"
Li Xi was slightly taken aback. She hadn't expected that Prince An, who usually treated her with hostility, would now lower himself to ask her, his "love rival," a question.
She composed herself and answered truthfully, "Lan'er went to Huangshi Village to gather herbs."
“Huangshi Village?” A hint of doubt flashed in Prince An’s eyes. “Why would she go there? It’s a remote place with rugged mountain roads. Why would Doctor Meng choose to go there to collect herbs?”
She explained, "Lan'er is a highly skilled doctor and often needs to go up the mountain to collect medicinal herbs herself. The mountains near Huangshi Village are said to have many rare herbs, which is why she chose to go there."
Upon hearing this, Prince An's face revealed a complex expression.
He was silent for a moment before speaking again: "When will she come back?"
Li Xi shook her head: "I don't know. She didn't say, but she should be back in ten days or half a month."
She sent people to protect them, so there shouldn't be any safety issues.
But Prince An still seemed somewhat uneasy; he frowned, as if deep in thought.
"Alright, I understand." With that, he left.
Li Xi sighed, and when she arrived at the entrance of the Imperial Study, she sat down on the ground and rubbed her temples.
She was overwhelmed by the sheer volume of things happening every day.
Fortunately, her master returned, and she could finally breathe a sigh of relief at the fake doctor's place.
However, thinking about what was to come, Li Xi couldn't help but frown.
This month has seen a surge in cult-related disturbances, a very troublesome issue. If not handled properly, it could escalate into even greater problems.
"What are you thinking about, Minister Li?" The emperor's voice broke Li Xi's reverie.
She hurriedly stood up and bowed slightly, saying, "Your Majesty, I have been improper and beg your forgiveness."
The emperor waved his hand, indicating that she did not need to be so polite.
He then walked to the desk, sat down, and picked up a letter from the desk.
He glanced through them casually, then looked up at Li Xi with a furrowed brow: "Take a look. These are all secret letters sent from various places. They contain news of the Red Lotus Sect recruiting followers and causing disturbances in various regions."
Li Xi took the secret letter and read it one by one.
Each letter detailed the Red Lotus Cult's activities in various locations and how they incited the public and created chaos.
Her brows furrowed, and a sense of unease welled up inside her.
"Your Majesty, the Red Lotus Sect has become increasingly arrogant lately, disregarding the authority of the court. I'm afraid they are planning some major operation." Li Xi gently put down the letter, his face full of worry.
The emperor nodded slightly and said in a deep voice, "I have already heard about it. The enemy attack on the border was also the work of the Red Lotus Sect in collusion with the Emperor of Xiyue and the Geri tribe."
The emperor's voice echoed in the empty hall, carrying an unquestionable majesty.
His gaze was profound, as if it could pierce through all the fog and see the truth of this chaotic world.
"I have ordered officials in all regions to closely monitor the movements of the Red Lotus Sect and report any unusual activity immediately," the emperor said slowly, a memorial in his hand.
The Red Lotus Cult, a sect that claims to 'save humanity,' actually uses its followers as a tool to amass wealth in order to achieve its true goals.
Li Xi felt somewhat relieved after hearing this, but her brows remained furrowed.
She knew full well that the Red Lotus Sect was a powerful force that could not be eradicated overnight.
Moreover, the fact that this was backed by the Emperor of Xiyue made the situation even more complicated.
"Your Majesty, the Red Lotus Sect is not only active among the common people, but it must also have many spies in the court. We must act with caution to avoid alerting them," Li Xi whispered a reminder.
The emperor nodded. "I suppose the person behind the Red Lotus Sect is also hiding in the capital. He probably has his eyes on my throne for a long time."
"Your Majesty is the Son of Heaven, how could such petty people compare to you?" Li Xi said righteously.
Flattery will get you everywhere. Appropriate flattery can even improve the relationship between ruler and subject.
"Hahaha, you're an interesting fellow," the emperor laughed.
A hint of appreciation flashed in his eyes, "I like your straightforward nature."
“Your Majesty, everything I have said is true,” Li Xi said respectfully, bowing his head. “However, we still need to act cautiously. The Red Lotus Sect has a wide following among the people. If we act rashly, it may cause a popular uprising.”
"You're right." The emperor nodded, his brows furrowing. "I've been considering this issue as well. However, I believe that with sufficient preparation, we can eradicate this cancer in one fell swoop."
"Your Majesty is wise," Li Xi flattered. "Your subject is willing to share Your Majesty's burdens and assist Your Majesty in eradicating the Red Lotus Sect."
The emperor looked at Li Xi, a hint of satisfaction flashing in his eyes: "My dear minister, I have seen your abilities. There is indeed something that only you can handle right now."
"Your Majesty, I will do my utmost to live up to your expectations," Li Xi said firmly.
The emperor nodded, pondered for a moment, and then said, "You should know about the massacre of the entire Xuanming Sect eleven years ago..."
"Your subject knows a little bit." Li Xi lowered his head slightly, but a thousand sorrows welled up in his heart.
He took a deep breath and sighed, "I have a deep friendship with Li Huaifeng of the Xuanming Sect. He is not only my close friend, but also my savior..."
The emperor's voice gradually lowered, as if he were lost in memories of the past.
The original owner's father was Emperor Jingyuan's savior? This is truly unbelievable.
"Back then, when I learned that the entire Li family had been slaughtered, I was heartbroken. However, although I am the emperor, I am also helpless and unable to seek justice for Brother Li's family."
The emperor's voice was filled with helplessness and anger.
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