The tenth man was Liu Ziming, the nephew of Chancellor Liu An.
He boasted of being dashing and erudite.
He immediately launched into a long and detailed explanation of how to govern a country.
He seemed to be a seasoned veteran, as if he were a battle-hardened old minister.
Chen Qingwan sneered inwardly. How dare he, a mere pretty face, talk about governing a country?
Lu Yan's casual remarks were a hundred times better than his!
The ten people have finished their introductions.
Chen Qingwan rubbed her temples, feeling utterly exhausted.
This isn't a talent show, it's torture!
"Each of you gentlemen has your own unique strengths,"
Chen Qingwan's tone was icy.
"However, I am not feeling well today, so I will make a decision at another time."
Upon hearing this, Liu An immediately became anxious.
"Your Majesty, this matter concerns the fate of the nation; we urge Your Majesty to make a decision as soon as possible!"
"Prime Minister Liu, my health is none of your concern!"
Chen Qingwan gave him a sharp look, and Liu An was so frightened that he quickly shut his mouth.
"All of you, step back!"
Chen Qingwan waved her hand, signaling everyone to leave.
No one dared to say anything more and they all took their leave.
Before leaving, Liu An didn't forget to glare fiercely at Chen Qingwan.
That look seemed to say:
"You just wait!"
Chen Qingwan sneered, "Old man, do you think you can still control me?"
After everyone left, Chen Qingwan leaned back in her chair, exhausted, her mind filled with images of Lu Yan.
She remembered his deep eyes.
She remembered the mischievous smile on his lips, and the words that pierced her heart...
Suddenly, as if she had thought of something, she sat up abruptly, a glint of light flashing in her eyes.
"Someone come here!"
"What are your orders, Your Majesty?" A palace maid hurriedly entered.
"Prepare the horses, I am going on an incognito tour!"
"Your Majesty, this...I'm afraid it's inappropriate."
The palace maid hesitated.
"What's wrong with that? I am the emperor, I can go wherever I want!"
Chen Qingwan's tone was firm.
"But……"
"No buts! Go now!"
Chen Qingwan already had a plan in mind.
She was going to Shannan Prefecture; she was going to see Lu Yan!
She wanted to see for herself the man who haunted her dreams.
What magic does it possess that fascinates her so much?
Chen Qingwan changed into a plain dress.
He left the palace quietly, taking only his personal maid Qiao'er and a few guards with him.
They spurred their horses and galloped towards Shannan Prefecture.
Qiao'er asked, puzzled:
"Your Majesty, where are we going?"
Chen Qingwan's lips curled up slightly, revealing a mysterious smile:
"I'm going to see someone very important."
"A very important person?" Qiao'er was even more puzzled.
How important is it?
Chen Qingwan did not answer, but simply hummed a little tune softly, in a cheerful mood.
After several days of travel, the group finally arrived in Shannan Prefecture.
Inside an inn called "Yuelai" in Shannan Prefecture.
Chen Qingwan shed her travel-worn appearance and changed into more casual attire.
Qiao'er stood by, serving, looking puzzled.
"Your Majesty, we have traveled a long way to Shannan Prefecture, why don't we go directly to the prefectural government office to find Lord Lu?"
“You’ve done business with him before, he’ll definitely remember you.”
Chen Qingwan glanced at Qiao'er sideways, her tone carrying a hint of barely perceptible coquettishness:
"You talk too much! I have my own arrangements, you just need to follow along."
After saying that, she straightened her clothes in front of the bronze mirror and revealed a sly smile.
"I want to see what Lu Yan is capable of that makes the people of Shannan Prefecture so revered."
The two arrived at the most bustling restaurant in the city, "Drunken Immortal Pavilion".
It was lunchtime, and the restaurant was bustling with activity.
Chen Qingwan and Qiao'er found a seat by the window and ordered several signature dishes.
Before all the dishes were served, Chen Qingwan overheard the conversation at the next table.
"Hey, you guys, this Lord Lu is truly amazing!"
"He has only been in office for a short time, and Shannan County has already been upgraded to a prefecture."
"That's right! Our area used to be plagued by bandits every other day,"
"Now people don't pick up lost items on the road, and they don't lock their doors at night. Life is so comfortable!"
"And those barbarians, they used to come and harass us every year, stealing our food and women,"
"Ever since Lord Lu arrived, he wiped them out and even established a branch county for us!"
"Lord Lu not only quelled banditry, but also developed commerce. Look at Shannan Prefecture now,"
"Merchants flocked here, business was booming, and our wallets are getting fuller!"
"That's right! My wife talks about it every day now. She says Lord Lu is a god sent from heaven, our savior!"
"In my opinion, only Lord Lu is worthy of being the current Empress!"
A slightly drunken voice suddenly rang out.
Shh! You can't say things like that!
The other person quickly stopped him, but his tone also carried a hint of agreement.
"But to be honest, only Lord Lu can change the Great Tong Dynasty..."
Chen Qingwan listened to these discussions, feeling a mix of emotions.
At first, when she heard them praising Lu Yan, she felt a little proud, as if they were praising herself.
But upon hearing the last sentence, she couldn't help but feel a little annoyed.
Hmph! That corrupt official is not worthy of me!
After finishing their dinner, Chen Qingwan and her servant left Zuixianlou.
As night falls and the streetlights come on, the shops on both sides of the street are brightly lit, bustling with people.
As Chen Qingwan strolled along the street, taking in the bustling scene, her admiration for Lu Yan's governance abilities grew even stronger.
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