On the wide street in front of the mansion, the traces of last night's fierce battle had been quickly cleaned up, leaving only some charred marks and a faint smell of blood. However, along both sides of the street, more and more people had gathered. Among them were nearby residents, merchants who had rushed over upon hearing the news, and many ragged refugees whose faces still showed fear. They stood silently, their gazes complex as they looked at the elegant and dignified Lady Huimin on the steps.
Xin Jiuwei's gaze slowly swept across the crowd, seeing the fear, worry, and confusion in their eyes, as well as the suppressed longing for peace. She cleared her throat; her voice, though not loud, possessed a peculiar penetrating power, clearly reaching everyone's ears:
"Last night, some villains attempted to take advantage of the chaos to commit violence and disturb the capital." Her words were calm and even, as if she were stating a trivial matter that had nothing to do with her. "Fortunately, thanks to His Majesty's divine might, the soldiers' bravery, and the loyal and courageous guards of the palace, the villains have been defeated and captured! The ringleader has been executed, and the remaining fugitives will be brought to justice by the law!"
A stir ran through the crowd, and people began to discuss it.
Xin Jiuwei slightly raised her hand, suppressing the discussion, her gaze becoming calmer and more forceful: "Fellow villagers, there is no need to panic. The long-standing problems in the canal transport system have brought disaster to the country and its people. His Majesty has already issued an edict for a thorough investigation, and the Imperial Envoy has already left the capital! This is a move that benefits the country and its people, and will cleanse the world! A few clowns, cornered like dogs, have resorted to such despicable assassination attempts, which only proves that they have reached their end and have lost all conscience! Such actions will not only fail to shake the court's determination to eliminate these long-standing problems and restore benefits to the people, but will also further highlight their despicable nature and their dead end!"
Her voice gradually rose, carrying an undeniable authority and a righteous spirit: "I hereby swear! No matter how many open or hidden attacks lie ahead, no matter how many demons and monsters remain, I, His Highness, and the loyal officials of the court will surely forge ahead, eliminate the treacherous officials, rectify the corruption in the grain transport system, and restore a clean and peaceful government to the Great Liang! We will also restore a stable and peaceful capital to all our fellow countrymen!"
She paused, her gaze sweeping over the pale-faced refugees, her tone softening yet firm: "Spring planting has begun in Yingzhou, and the equal distribution of land is showing initial results. The imperial court's disaster relief funds and epidemic prevention medicines are on their way. I hope that all my fellow villagers in the capital will help each other and not believe the rumors. Heaven's justice is clear, the law is mighty, and evil cannot prevail over good!"
Her words were powerful and resounding! They not only announced the victory of the previous night, but also demonstrated the firm determination to eradicate deep-seated problems! The panic quickly dissipated among the crowd, replaced by a reassured calm, and a deep respect and trust for the wise and virtuous Lady Huimin, who remained calm in the face of danger and had the people's well-being at heart.
"Long live Lady Huimin!"
"Madam Xie has stood up for the people!"
"Purge the treacherous officials! Restore justice to us!"
Someone in the crowd shouted something, and soon a large number of people responded! The sound gradually gathered, like spring thunder, echoing across the long street in front of the Sixth Prince's residence!
Xin Jiuwei nodded slightly, and amidst the spontaneous parting of the crowd and their admiring gazes, she turned and walked steadily back into the mansion. Her figure appeared exceptionally upright and resolute in the morning sun.
In the study, Xin Jiuwei had just sat down when You Ye strode in, looking travel-worn, his face filled with barely suppressed excitement and elation:
"Madam! Urgent message! His Highness... His Highness's army has crossed the Yellow River! The vanguard has reached Bailiting near the capital! His Highness... His Highness... He's back!!!"
The teacup in her hand fell with a "clatter" onto the thick Persian carpet, leaving a dark stain of tea. Xin Jiuwei suddenly stood up, and because of the sudden movement, her vision went slightly black. Lin Jingshu, who was next to her, quickly supported her.
"What...what did you say?" Her voice trembled violently without her even realizing it. All her composure crumbled at this moment, leaving only a surge of longing and a feeling of relief and ecstasy!
"His Highness is back! The vanguard has reached Bailiting! His Highness will arrive in the capital in two days at most!" You Ye repeated excitedly, his voice booming.
He's back... He's finally back!
Xin Jiuwei touched her slightly protruding belly, feeling the strong pulse of life emanating from it. Tears could no longer be held back and streamed down her face. All the hardships, all the perseverance, all the heart-stopping moments, at this moment, transformed into endless anticipation and the sweet joy of impending reunion.
"Prepare the carriage..." she choked out, her voice trembling with both tears and laughter, "No...prepare the horses! I need to go...to Bailiting!"
"Wei'er! No!" Lin Jingshu exclaimed in alarm. "Your health is not good! The journey to Bailiting is bumpy! His Highness will be in the capital soon!"
Xin Jiuwei stubbornly shook her head, her teary eyes shining with an unprecedented brightness and a hint of willful determination: "No! I want to go! I want to see him as soon as possible! Sister, I'm fine! With You Ye and the others here, everything will be alright! Prepare the horses!"
Her voice carried an undeniable resolve. At this moment, she was no longer the shrewd and calculating Lady Huimin, but simply an ordinary wife eager to see her long-separated husband and share the joy of the new life growing inside her.
Looking at the unmistakable longing and happiness in the lady's eyes, You Ye clasped his hands tightly and said, "Yes! Your subordinate will prepare immediately! I will ensure your safety!"
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