The backyard of the county government office in Shannan Prefecture.
Lu Yan was leisurely lying in a rocking chair, holding a palm-leaf fan in his hand and gently waving it.
Sunlight filters through the gaps in the leaves, casting dappled shadows.
"Xiao Kui, is this watermelon sweet?"
He took a big bite of watermelon, and juice splashed everywhere.
Li Kui stood respectfully to the side, holding half a watermelon in his hand.
"Your Excellency, it's very sweet! I specially picked this out from Old Wang outside the city. It's sweet and crumbly, I guarantee you'll be satisfied!"
Lu Yan nodded in satisfaction, then pointed to the grapes on the table:
"Peel a few grapes."
Li Kui quickly put down the watermelon and picked up the grapes.
Peel each one and place them in the small dish in front of Lu Yan.
"Master, what's happening in the capital..."
Li Kui hesitated, as if he wanted to say something but then stopped.
"The capital?" Lu Yan casually spat out two grape seeds.
"What else could it be? Those pedantic officials who criticize me all day long, I'm used to it."
As he spoke, he grabbed another handful of grapes, stuffed them into his mouth, and mumbled indistinctly:
"Let them ginseng. If they don't die from it, I'll admit defeat."
Li Kui shook his head helplessly, thinking to himself:
The old man is really carefree; even with things in dire straits, he's still leisurely eating watermelon.
"Master, the people coming from the capital seem to have ill intentions. Are you really not worried at all?"
Lu Yan lazily patted his belly with a palm-leaf fan and said nonchalantly:
"What's there to worry about! If the sky falls, the tall ones will hold it up. What waves can a mere prefect like me make?"
"Besides, I've governed Shannan Prefecture very well. No one picks up lost items on the road, and doors are left unlocked at night. What can they do to me?"
Li Kui wanted to persuade him further, but a government official rushed in, panting, and knelt down with a thud:
"Reporting...Master, Miss Chen requests an audience!"
Upon hearing this, Lu Yan raised an eyebrow. "They've arrived?"
This woman is certainly well-informed.
"Let her in."
A moment later, Chen Qingwan appeared before Lu Yan in an elegant outfit.
She wore no makeup today, yet she appeared even more beautiful and refined.
Like a lotus emerging from the water, it is a sight to behold.
Before she could speak, Lu Yan asked with a smile:
"Miss Chen has also heard the news from the capital?"
Chen Qingwan nodded slightly, her expression calm.
Lu Yan asked again:
"What was the Empress's reaction?"
"They wouldn't actually believe those old scoundrels' slander and want to drag me back to the capital to be beheaded, would they?"
He deliberately feigned fear, speaking in an exaggerated tone.
Chen Qingwan smiled faintly and said:
"Lord Lu is joking. His Majesty is wise and mighty; how could he be deceived by such rumors?"
"His Majesty greatly admires your abilities and hopes that you can come to the capital and become His Majesty's capable assistant."
Lu Yan feigned surprise and widened his eyes:
"Really? You want me to go to the capital? To serve the Empress? This... this isn't very appropriate, is it?"
He rubbed his hands together, looking troubled.
Chen Qingwan watched his performance quietly, a hint of a smile flashing in her eyes.
This man is playing dumb again.
"Lord Lu need not worry. His Majesty said that if you do not wish to go to the capital, you can stay in Shannan Prefecture and continue to benefit the people. The court will also strongly support all your actions."
Upon hearing this, Lu Yan immediately adopted an expression of ecstatic joy:
"Oh, that's wonderful!"
"I knew it! The Empress is wise and powerful, with discerning eyes. She must have seen that I am a rare talent!"
"Hehe, actually, I don't have any grand ambitions. I just want to stay in Shannan Prefecture and live a comfortable life."
"Let the people of Shannan Prefecture live a good life."
Chen Qingwan couldn't help but chuckle as she looked at his pathetic state.
Seeing her smile, Lu Yan smiled too, and said sincerely:
"Miss Chen, I'm so grateful to you for putting in a good word for me with the Empress. I'll treat you to a nice meal another day."
"The beggar's chicken at Zuixianlou Restaurant in Shannan Prefecture is absolutely amazing!"
Chen Qingwan rolled her eyes at him.
This man really doesn't act until he sees the benefit; even now, he's still trying to take advantage of himself.
"Lord Lu, you're too kind. It was just a small favor."
Lu Yan chuckled and said again:
"By the way, Miss Chen, besides delivering my message, is there anything else you need to do in Shannan Prefecture this time?"
Chen Qingwan's expression turned serious, and she said:
"Besides conveying His Majesty's decree, I have another request to make."
Lu Yan immediately patted his chest and assured him:
"Miss Chen, please tell me. As long as it's within my power, I will go through fire and water for you!"
Chen Qingwan said:
"Your Majesty has heard that Lord Lu has developed a firearm with tremendous power. Would you allow me to see it?"
Chen Qingwan observed Lu Yan discreetly.
His expression seemed relaxed and casual, but she keenly sensed it.
A subtle shrewdness lurked deep in Lu Yan's eyes.
In her view, Lu Yan's feigned ignorance just now was more like a test.
To test her true purpose for this trip, and to test the will of the Emperor.
Thinking of that powerful musket, Chen Qingwan felt a surge of excitement.
If I could equip my Imperial Guards with these muskets...
The military strength of the Datong Dynasty will surely be elevated to a new level.
At that time, those restless Xiongnu tribes on the border will be dealt with.
They will inevitably submit to the iron cavalry of the Datong Dynasty.
Lu Yan smiled mysteriously:
“Miss Chen, it’s not that I’m disrespecting you, but these firearms are secret weapons of Shannan Prefecture. How can we show them to others so easily?”
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