After discussing some more details, Chen Qingwan got up to take her leave.
Before leaving, she discreetly left behind several guards to secretly observe Lu Yan's every move.
Chen Qingwan and her entourage left Shannan County and embarked on their journey back to the capital.
The carriage rumbled along the official road.
Inside the car, Chen Qingwan lifted the curtain and watched Shannan County gradually disappear into the distance, her mind filled with countless thoughts.
This trip to Shannan County gave her a deeper understanding of Lu Yan and filled her with anticipation for the future.
Perhaps, in this chaotic world, he can truly help me govern this country well.
The carriage bumped along the way, and Chen Qingwan's thoughts drifted. Before she knew it, dusk was approaching.
The scenery along the roadside gradually became desolate, and the sky gradually darkened.
Qiao'er asked with some concern:
"Your Majesty, it's getting late. Shouldn't we find a place to rest?"
Chen Qingwan pondered for a moment and said:
"There should be a post station not far ahead. Let's rest there."
As they were talking, a post station indeed appeared ahead.
The group entered the inn, requested several guest rooms, and prepared to spend the night there.
After settling everything in, Chen Qingwan went to the window.
As I gazed at the setting sun, I silently murmured to myself:
Lu Yan, what kind of person are you really?
...
Meanwhile, inside the Shannan County government office, Lu Yan saw Chen Qingwan off.
While reviewing official documents in the county government office, I suddenly heard a commotion outside.
The area outside the yamen was bustling with noise, like a pot had been boiled over.
Lu Yan impatiently put down the official document in his hand and rubbed his temples.
Although Shannan County is changing rapidly and is thriving.
But there are quite a few of these trivial matters.
"What's all this commotion about?"
Lu Yan walked out of the county government office and asked unhappily.
A line of magnificent carriages was parked outside the yamen.
The area was surrounded by onlookers.
A woman dressed in fine clothes stood with her hands on her hips, speaking to the yamen runners in a condescending manner.
The woman was accompanied by several maids, each with a beautiful face and an extraordinary demeanor.
She's clearly not from an ordinary family.
A constable ran up to Lu Yan with a pained expression and whispered:
"My lord, this woman claims to be Princess Mingyue of the Northern Xiang Kingdom and insists on seeing you. We couldn't stop her..."
"The Princess of Beixiang?"
Lu Yan was taken aback. The Northern Xiang Kingdom and the Great Tong Dynasty had always kept to themselves.
What is this princess doing here in this poor, remote Shannan County instead of staying in her own country?
Could it be... that they've come to spy on military intelligence?
Thinking of this, Lu Yan couldn't help but become wary.
He looked the so-called princess up and down.
She was no more than eighteen years old and had a beautiful appearance.
Her almond-shaped eyes were bright and mischievous, sparkling with life.
However, his expression carried an air of arrogance that made people somewhat dislike him.
"I am Princess Mingyue of the Northern Xiang Kingdom, and I have come to pay my respects to Lord Lu!"
When the woman saw Lu Yan come out, she immediately spoke loudly.
The sound was clear and melodious, yet carried an undeniable air of authority.
Lu Yan sneered inwardly; this princess certainly had the air of one.
I just don't know if it's all show and no substance.
He cupped his hands in a respectful gesture, and said with a forced smile:
"I didn't know Your Highness had the honor of your presence. What brings you here?"
Princess Mingyue looked Lu Yan up and down.
Seeing his simple clothes and casual manners, I felt a little disdain.
He thought to himself: These county magistrates of the Great Tong Dynasty are indeed all bumpkins.
However, she remained outwardly calm and said with a smile:
"I have heard that Lord Lu governs the county well, and Shannan County is now prosperous and thriving. I admire him greatly and have come here to see for myself."
"Your Highness is too kind. Shannan County is just a small place, incomparable to the prosperity of Beixiang Kingdom,"
Lu Yan was being modest on the surface, but inwardly he was ranting and raving:
Look, if you really think I'm awesome, then hurry up and learn from me.
Stop spending all your time eating, drinking, and having fun like a useless piece of trash!
Princess Mingyue didn't care about Lu Yan's perfunctory attitude and walked straight into the county government office, followed by her maids.
Lu Yan had no choice but to follow behind.
Princess Mingyue stepped into the county government office, her eyes practically popping out of their sockets as if she were Granny Liu visiting a zoo!
He looked around and touched things, poking at the documents on the table and pointing at the map on the wall.
He kept making "tsk tsk tsk" sounds like a broken record.
Anyone who didn't know better would think she'd discovered some treasure!
"Lord Lu, your county government office is quite unique, even more magnificent than the imperial palace of our Northern Xiang Kingdom!"
As Princess Mingyue spoke, she picked up a teacup from the table.
Curious, he asked, "What is this? Is it also a teacup? Why is its shape so strange?"
Lu Yan glanced at it; it was a mug he had specially commissioned to be made for drinking milk tea.
“This is a cup for drinking milk tea,” he explained casually.
"Milk tea?" Princess Mingyue's eyes lit up.
"Is it that sweet and delicious milk tea that leaves you wanting more?"
Lu Yan nodded. This milk tea has been around ever since it was launched.
It became the signature drink of Shannan County.
People from several surrounding counties came to visit.
"Quickly, give me a cup!" Princess Mingyue said impatiently.
Lu Yan instructed Lao Li to prepare milk tea. Lao Li immediately sprang to attention and ran off to the kitchen.
Princess Mingyue really knows how to pick her timing; she just happened to arrive just as he had brewed a pot of top-quality Maojian tea!
If we let her drink the milk tea, wouldn't that be a waste?
"Lord Lu, why is your map different from the one in our Northern Xiang Kingdom?"
Princess Mingyue pointed to the map on the wall and asked in confusion.
Lu Yan glanced at it and thought to himself:
Nonsense, this is a redrawn map based on modern maps, of course it's different!
He replied dismissively, "Perhaps it's because of the different drawing methods."
"What is drawn on this? Why is it so strangely shaped?"
Princess Mingyue pointed to an island on the map and asked curiously.
Lu Yan glanced at it; it was a drawing of the Pearl of the Sea that he had made from memory when he had nothing else to do.
His eyes darted around, and an idea came to him. He said mysteriously:
"That's an overseas fairy island, where immortal immortals are said to live."
"Really?" Princess Mingyue's eyes lit up, and she instantly became interested.
"How can we get there?"
Lu Yan stroked his chin with feigned profundity and said:
"Well... it requires the right timing, the right location, and the right people; none of these can be missing."
"When will we have to wait?" Princess Mingyue pressed.
"Well... it's hard to say. Maybe tomorrow, maybe ten years, maybe a hundred years..."
Lu Yan deliberately kept her in suspense.
Princess Mingyue was immediately disappointed upon hearing this, and pouted as she said:
"Then I'll have to wait a long time?"
Lu Yan chuckled inwardly. "Little brat, trying to trick me into revealing information?"
Just as he was about to continue his charade, Old Li came in carrying milk tea.
"Your Highness, your milk tea."
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
