Hongshi was startled and looked in the direction of the sound. The guard asked loudly, "Who was making such a racket here just now?"
A tall, thin man emerged from the crowd. He was a skinny young man in his early twenties, but he had delicate features, especially his bright, piercing eyes. Although his complexion was pale from prolonged hunger, it did not diminish the intelligence in his eyes.
Hongshi was taken aback by the question and hesitated for a moment, but he quickly realized that he had already thought of a plan on the way. However, he had just let his guard down and was caught off guard by the question.
Just as Hongshi was about to answer, Guan Bin said, "The government is also thinking of everyone's well-being. The village was previously ravaged by bandits, and the presence of government troops was to reassure everyone and keep them there, as well as to protect the village from the bandits returning." He continued, "Besides, the food has already been delivered! The government is afraid that everyone will be impatient and run away, becoming refugees. What would happen then!"
The young man wanted to speak, but the village chief tugged at his sleeve, signaling him to stop. The others, though puzzled, did not ask any further questions.
The village chief stepped forward, bowed to Guan Bin, and said, "The villagers of Geshan Village have all appreciated Lord Guan's good intentions. On behalf of all the villagers of Geshan Village, I kneel down to thank the Imperial Envoy and Lord Guan for their great kindness and virtue." After saying that, he knelt down.
Although Hongshi was angry because Guan Bin had interrupted him earlier, he couldn't show it now, so he had to hold back and said to the village chief, "Get up."
The village chief replied, "Thank you, Your Excellency." He then tried to get up, but due to his advanced age, it was difficult for him to stand up, and he was a little unsteady. In order to show his compassion for the people, Hongshi had his guards help him up.
After the grain was distributed and the play was over, Hongshi ordered them to return to Kaifeng. The villagers saw them off as they left the village. Just as they stepped out of Geshan Village, Hongshi summoned Guan Bin.
“That young man from Geshan Village seemed a bit skeptical just now? We can’t let someone like him ruin Ben Beile’s plans,” Hongshi said with some concern.
Guan Bin quickly said, "I acted rashly in a moment of panic, Your Highness. Please don't worry. I will keep a close eye on them. Besides, what can an ignorant villager do? Your Highness is worrying too much."
After listening to his explanation, Hongshi felt that he was right. Now, all he could think about was how the emperor would reward him after he returned to the capital. He even imagined becoming the crown prince and eventually ascending the throne to become the emperor.
As he was contemplating the future, they returned to Kaifeng Prefecture. Hongshi told Guan Bin to leave first, while he went back to his study. He wanted to write to his father, the Emperor, immediately to tell him about his achievements.
As soon as he entered the courtyard, Linlang came to greet him. "Master, you're finally back! Linlang has missed you so much!" Then she asked, "I wonder how things went, Master?"
Normally, Hongshi would have held Linlang affectionately for a while, but now he couldn't care less about anything. He pretended not to see the beauty in front of him and told Linlang to go back to her room first. He would go to see her again in the evening. He then went straight to the study.
Father Emperor is still waiting for Hongshi's letter; he's eager to prove himself to the Fourth Prince. For years, he's been suppressed by Hongli, and now he finally has the chance to demonstrate his talents.
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