"Your Majesty, the reason for this trip to the north is also for this matter."
The emperor finally showed some joy, "That's good. Grand Preceptor, please feel free to ask if you need anything, and I will try my best to fulfill your request."
He wasn't bothered by the disappearance of the Grand Preceptor; as long as someone took his place, that was fine.
Mingyue smiled and said, "Then I would like to trouble Your Majesty to bestow a royal chef to accompany me on my journey north."
The emperor sighed, "The Grand Preceptor only made such a small request, what trouble could he possibly have?" He waved his hand and said, "What kind of request is this? The journey north is long and arduous, and I am deeply gratified that the Grand Preceptor is concerned about the people. I will allow two imperial chefs to accompany him and will also bestow upon him five pearls from East Lake."
The pearls of Donghu Lake are worth a fortune. Mingyue accepted the imperial decree with neither arrogance nor servility, expressing her gratitude: "Thank you for your reward, Your Majesty."
The Imperial Preceptor's residence was located in the mountains and fields, and there were few people around. When Mingyue returned, only two maids came out to greet her. They said, "Xiaocui, prepare food and clothes. I'm going to the north."
The disaster in the northern areas is severe. It's not just one village that's affected; almost all the villages and counties in the north are severely affected. Years of drought have led to crop failure, and the only solution is to divert water from the Mohe River there.
This project cannot be completed in a day or two. Human and financial resources are exploited at every level. Since Mingyue has pointed out that someone is embezzling and accepting bribes, then the person must be brought before the emperor.
Xiao Cui leaned forward slightly, somewhat surprised, "Is the Imperial Advisor going to the north?"
Mingyue: "Yes, prepare more food."
"yes."
The north suffers from a chronic drought. What is the Imperial Advisor going to the north for?
Moreover, since their mistress was away on a long journey, it was impossible for them, as servants, to stay in the capital and enjoy themselves. But the climate in the north was so bad, how could her skin still be so delicate and flawless after such a trip?
Xiao Cui hesitated as she packed Mingyue's things, her mind filled with many thoughts, a gloomy look gathering between her brows. She had come to work at the Imperial Preceptor's mansion because the work was easy and the pay was high, and she really couldn't understand why the Imperial Preceptor had to go north.
Mingyue casually ate the pastries that were served, her delicate hand fiddled with the jade beads in her hand.
After Xiao Cui loaded everything onto the carriage, she found Mingyue, knelt down, and said, "Grand Preceptor, the food and change of clothes are ready."
"Alright, let's go."
Xiao Cui gripped her skirt tightly and struggled to speak, "Grand Preceptor, this servant... this servant has something to say."
Xiao Yun, who was serving Mingyue, looked at Xiao Cui, hesitated, and knew in her heart that Xiao Cui probably did not want to endure the hardships of the journey.
The Imperial Preceptor has a gentle temperament, so he should agree if Xiao Cui doesn't want to go.
Mingyue gave a lazy "hmm," signaling the other person to continue.
Xiao Cui was overjoyed, it seemed she had made the right bet. "Grand Preceptor, this servant wishes to stay at the Grand Preceptor's residence to guard the house."
For a moment, the only sound in the hall was the sound of the moon plucking the jade beads. Xiao Cui dared not look up. The longer time passed, the more Xiao Cui felt that the frequency of her heartbeat was the same as the jade beads being plucked in the hands of the Grand Preceptor, making her tremble with fear and break out in a cold sweat.
Just as Xiaoyun was about to speak up for Xiaocui, Mingyue spoke up, "Okay."
Xiao Cui's tense body relaxed abruptly, and she kowtowed repeatedly, "Thank you, Grand Preceptor!"
So Mingyue took Xiaoyun in a carriage and headed towards the city gate. At the city gate, a group of people arranged by the emperor escorted them, along with two imperial chefs.
Xiao Yun secretly glanced at Mingyue's expression and was momentarily stunned. The Grand Preceptor truly deserved to be named the most beautiful woman in the Great Rong Dynasty.
"Speak if you have something to say."
Her clear, cool voice was like a gentle stream. Xiaoyun unconsciously touched her ear; it was so pleasant to hear. "Your Excellency, I was just wondering if Your Excellency is angry with Xiaocui?"
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