Qin Yuan, leading his horse, stood near the gate of Yongning City, looking towards them from afar.
Upon seeing this, Zheng Ye happily dismounted and greeted him.
Ning Xi'er then dismounted, and Qin Yuan respectfully bowed and pointed to the side.
Xuan Shuang immediately revealed herself.
Ning Xi'er then knew that Xie Zhun had arranged for the two of them to come.
As the four approached, Bai Zhi, Gan Cao, and others stood guard around them.
Qin Yuan got straight to the point, informing Ning Xi'er that Xie Zhun had asked them to bring a batch of supplies, enough to sustain Yongning County for a few days.
Ning Xi'er was puzzled; Xie Zhun should know the population of Yongning County better than she did.
With a population of over one million, there is enough food and supplies to sustain them for several days...
This can't be gathered in Xiude County in just a few days, unless...
Ning Xi'er had a guess and looked at Qin Yuan.
Seeing Ning Xi'er's expression, Qin Yuan guessed what she was thinking and greatly appreciated it.
"That's right, these are the supplies that His Highness Prince Cheng asked the master to collect in advance, and they are temporarily stored in Xiude."
Qin Yuan added, "But the Crown Prince's faction has too much influence; despite the magistrate of Xiude County's mediation, the supplies have been blocked..."
"His Highness guessed that you are facing a shortage of supplies, and suggested that rather than being hindered or obstructed by others, it would be better to prioritize the needs of the people of Yongning..."
Upon hearing this, Zheng Ye's pride was evident. He then suddenly asked, "Since the Crown Prince's faction is creating such obstacles, how easy would it be to transport the supplies out?"
Qin Yuan smiled calmly and composedly, "Our prince naturally has plenty of ways..."
As the group was talking, Ning Xi'er suddenly saw Xue Lin rushing back, looking travel-worn.
Xue Lin went to four neighboring counties to collect grain, and based on the distance, he was originally scheduled to return tomorrow.
I didn't expect it to be so much earlier than planned.
Seeing his somber expression, Ning Xi'er knew that the trip had not gone smoothly.
Upon seeing Ning Xi'er, Xue Lin roused himself and forced a rather strained smile.
Ning Xi'er introduced Qin Yuan to him, thanked him for his hard work, handed him a water pouch filled with spiritual spring liquid, and then told him about Xie Zhun's delivery of supplies.
This happiness came so suddenly that Xue Lin didn't know how to react for a moment.
He quickly thanked Ning Xi'er and Qin Yuan.
Qin Yuan smiled and said, "This was all arranged by His Highness. His Highness said that Yongning City was able to be defended thanks to Lord Xue. His Highness also said..."
"We cannot let capable ministers suffer and become disheartened..."
Xue Lin was slightly taken aback, and tears welled up in his eyes.
Xue Lin's lips twitched, and after a long while, he finally spoke, "On behalf of the people of this city, I thank Your Highness!"
"Your Highness's help is a real lifesaver! Without the food and supplies you provided, the people of Yongning City would all starve tomorrow..."
Xue Lin gave a brief account of his trip to the four neighboring counties to collect grain.
As Ning Xi'er had predicted, all four counties had set up checkpoints at the pipelines bordering Yongning County, prohibiting personnel from passing through...
This also prevented Xue Lin from seeking help, even though he gave his name.
We couldn't even get into the city, and the same was true for all four counties, which is why we returned early.
Upon hearing this, Qin Yuan did not show indignation; instead, a smug smile appeared on his face.
Ning Xi'er turned her head, and Zheng Ye also found it strange.
Qin Yuan didn't keep them in suspense and explained that His Highness Prince Cheng not only raised the supplies, but also did so in the name of Ciji Temple.
Zheng Ye suddenly realized that the abbot of Ciji Temple was a highly accomplished monk, known to everyone in Great Yan.
He was invited to the palace several times to teach Buddhism to the current emperor...
Since he personally collected the supplies, no one dared to stop him, and his opinions could directly reach the ears of the emperor.
Ning Xi'er thought of another point. No one else would ask, but Xiu Deyuan was far away from the two cities, so how did he know?
Qin Yuan smiled slyly, looked at Xue Lin, and comforted him, "Lord Xue, don't be discouraged. Our Prince has dealt a heavy blow to the four surrounding counties for you!"
"They will begin delivering food and supplies tonight, or at the latest tomorrow..."
Xue Lin was taken aback and was about to ask when he heard Qin Yuan, unable to contain his laughter, answer with a smile:
"Your Highness knows the magistrates of these four counties quite well, and has a rough idea of their attitudes..."
"Although His Highness has sent supplies, they won't last more than a few days. We've also heard about the prefect's attitude; His Highness said that distant water can't quench a fire, and it's better to wait for the prefect to keep pulling in and out of things..."
"Why not start with what's closer to home!"
Xue Lin was still puzzled. He had personally gone to the city but couldn't even get in. How could the other side possibly heed His Highness Prince Cheng's advice and be willing to provide food and supplies?
In particular, the connections behind these four county magistrates clearly do not side with His Highness Prince Cheng.
Qin Yuan's eyes lit up. "They didn't do it willingly..."
Xue Lin was taken aback, still puzzled.
Qin Yuan: "Your Highness has ordered their wives, children, and elderly to be captured. If they refuse to supply food, their wives, children, and elderly will all be thrown into Yongning City to fend for themselves with the people of Yongning City!"
"His Highness promised that as long as they do their best to help, their families will be safely sent back to their residences once the plague in Yongning City is over..."
Even someone as impulsive as Zheng Ye was speechless with astonishment...
Your Highness...
Has he gone mad?
Aren't they afraid that these four county magistrates will impeach him, thus escalating his already exiled punishment to an even higher level?
Or perhaps he took the lead and got involved in the rescue efforts in Yongning City, making everyone in the capital extremely uneasy...
There are concerns that this is an attempt to win popular support...
Qin Yuan smiled faintly, "It's nothing. His Highness did this in Lord Xue's name."
Now it was Xue Lin's turn to be dumbfounded.
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