Meanwhile, Hongshi and his group traveled at a leisurely pace, finally arriving in Hebi.
The coachman stood respectfully in front of the carriage, bowing his head and closing his eyes to indicate: "Sir, we have arrived. The city gate of Hebi is just ahead."
There was silence in the car for a long time. After a while, someone finally spoke slowly: "Alright, I understand."
A slender, jade-like hand emerged from the car, its wrist and fingers as white as spring onions, its skin as smooth as new jade. Just a glimpse of the white wrist was enough to captivate anyone.
Ruan Shuying lifted the carriage curtain, her eyebrows like distant mountains, her lips like vermilion, captivating all who beheld her. Ruan Shuying took Hongshi's arm and leaned against him, suppressing the hatred in her heart: "Master... this servant also wants to see the scenery of Hebi. How about we stand together at the front of the carriage and enjoy the beautiful view?"
Hearing the sound, Linlang also stepped out of the carriage, thinking to herself: This Ruan Shuying is really good at this. She stands with Hongshi, and in a short time, everyone in the entourage will think that Ruan Shuying is more favored by Hongshi than Linlang!
Just as Linlang was about to speak, Ruan Shuying interrupted her with a single sentence: "Little sister Linlang, are you perhaps getting restless and want to stand with me and the master as well?"
After saying that, he looked troubled and said, "It's just a pity... there's only room for the two of us on the front of this carriage..."
Linlang had no choice but to back down for the time being: "Don't assume I'm right. I just heard a commotion outside and came out to see what was going on."
Linlang slowly walked back to the carriage, clenched her fists, and hated Ruan Shuying so much that her teeth itched.
Hongshi had not yet been completely bewitched by Ruan Shuying. He stroked the stray hairs on Ruan Shuying's forehead and said with a smile, "You go in first. I will have someone open the car window later so you can enjoy the view."
Ruan Shuying seemed unwilling, but she still returned to the carriage.
A group of people in official robes galloped up on horseback in the distance. As they approached Hongshi and his entourage, they dismounted, knelt down, and shouted in unison, "Your humble servants greet Your Majesty the Imperial Envoy! May Your Majesty enjoy boundless blessings!"
Hongshi raised his hand: "Everyone, please get up! Hongshi dares not accept such praise!" To compete for the position of Crown Prince, one needs to win people's hearts, and Hongshi has done a good job in this regard.
"I am late, Your Excellency, please forgive me!" the county magistrate, who was in the lead, said tremblingly.
Hongshi laughed heartily, "What are you talking about? When did you arrive late? It's clear that I traveled day and night and arrived a few minutes earlier than originally scheduled."
The magistrate was taken aback at first, then realized, "Yes, yes, sir, you must have been working under the stars to arrive in Hebi so early. Your hard work for the country and the people is truly a blessing for our Great Qing Dynasty! Please come inside, sir!"
Hongshi rode the tallest horse in the herd, making him stand out in the crowd.
The magistrate then approached Hongshi and said, "I wonder how many days you plan to stay this time, sir? You have worked hard in the disaster relief efforts, why not rest in Hebi for a few days? I have prepared fine wine and beautiful women to welcome you home."
Hongshi smiled and said, "I am here to provide disaster relief. The situation is urgent, so I cannot stay for long. I can only listen for one day. You don't need to prepare too much."
"I understand, sir. This way please."
After traveling for a short while, they came to a beautiful courtyard. Hongshi dismounted and went inside. There were pavilions, towers, bridges and streams, all of which were exquisitely crafted. Although it could not compare to the luxurious scene in the palace, it had a unique charm and the cost of its construction must have been quite high.
Ruan Shuying approached Hongshi in a flattering manner: "Is Your Highness tired? Why don't you let me keep you company while you rest..."
“No need,” Hongshi said. “Shuying must be tired from the journey. She should rest early.”
After Linlang and Ruan Meiying were led away to rest, Hongshi was taken away by the officials to drink.
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