Chapter 673 Xu Qingshan of Ghost Valley!
There were indeed people inside. Shen Lanxi, along with officials selected from various departments, discussed ways to help the local people get rich, taking into account local customs, traditions, and unique products.
Liu Yanhui pointed out, "There is nothing left to promote in Fengze County. There are many rivers here, and fish farming and animal husbandry have been carried out in the past few years. The rice planted is also an improved variety."
"If there's anything that needs improvement, it's the taxes along the way. Dried chicken and duck transported from here to various places all need to travel along the newly built waterways, passing through multiple docks, and incurring a considerable amount of taxes."
Shen Lanxi: "Although the imperial court no longer needs to rely on taxes for its expenditures, this is at most a reduction or exemption for the common people, while merchants are facing challenges in making profits..."
The conversation lasted until mid-month before finally ending. Shen Yuanjing, who had been waiting outside for a long time, had already gone to rest because he was unsure when it would end.
The next morning, Shen Yuanjing could no longer wait. After breakfast, he immediately went to ask for permission.
"Your Majesty, everyone else has things to do, but I don't. I would like to share some of the burden with Your Majesty."
Shen Lanxi: "I was thinking that since you've been guarding the border all this time, I wanted you to get some rest on this trip. But since you can't stay idle, why don't you go ashore and investigate the case?"
Although Shen Yuanjing didn't want to go ashore, he was happy to hear that there were cases to investigate.
After all, the results of the investigation must be reported to His Majesty. This task is no less important than Zhou Cheng'an's.
When the people cried out for justice again, Shen Yuanjing disembarked.
...
"Your Majesty, we have been here for sixty days, and in two more days we will reach the end of the river. To date, we have received 1,200 petitions from the people, of which the grievances have been substantiated..."
Shen Lanxi listened quietly without saying a word.
A small boat is rowing from the large ship to the shore.
"Third brother, fifth brother, seventh brother, eighth brother..."
Shen Lanxi called out to everyone one by one.
The men returned the greeting respectfully: "Your Majesty!"
Shen Lanxi's face lit up with a smile: "Master has gone down the mountain?"
The third brother, Yinzi, chuckled and said, "Master has wanted to go down the mountain for a long time. He had already packed up and was ready to go down the mountain to help you last time, but he didn't expect you to solve the problem yourself."
His voice was tinged with regret.
Fifth Brother Feng Wu chimed in, "Don't listen to him. Although Master couldn't come out of the mountain last time, he was very pleased to see that you had resolved the matter of the fake Ghost Valley successor."
Seventh Brother Jiang Wuyai laughed and said, "Master said that he has nothing left to teach you. You have now surpassed your master."
Shen Lanxi always had a smile on her face.
“I miss my master too. One of the purposes of this trip to the south is to see my master, as well as my fellow disciples.”
Jiang Wuyai laughed and said, "Then let's go, don't keep our master waiting."
The group rode for another half an hour before arriving at a house deep in the mountains.
This is one of Guigu's residences.
A man with an air of otherworldly wisdom, accompanied by several men and women, was already waiting at the door.
"Master, your disciple greets you!" Shen Lanxi knelt on the ground to perform the disciple-acceptance ceremony.
Xu Qingshan stared at the person who was completely different from the one in his memory for a long time before nodding with a smile and helping Shen Lanxi up.
“You are now an emperor, there is no need for you to bow to a mere mountain gentleman.”
"It should be me who comes to pay my respects to you."
As soon as Xu Qingshan finished speaking, he was about to kneel on the ground. Yin Zifeng and the others were about to help him up when Xu Qingshan pushed them away.
"The proper etiquette between ruler and subject must not be abandoned. Even though you are now favored ministers in the emperor's entourage, you must not become arrogant because of your favor."
The reprimanded disciples hung their heads and listened attentively to the teachings.
Jiang Wuyai glanced at Shen Lanxi silently, his eyes filled with doubt, confusion, and deep contemplation.
"Your subject, Xu Qingshan, pays respects to Your Majesty. Long live the Emperor!"
Shen Lanxi's eyes were exceptionally calm, and her breathing was steady.
"Rise, my subject!"
Xu Qingshan supported himself on his knees as he stood up.
Shen Lanxi smiled and said, "Master, I want to have a private chat with you."
Xu Qingshan's eyes flashed, and he thought to himself, "What was bound to happen has finally happened."
How could a woman who sits on the throne be a fool who is kept in the dark?
"Your Majesty, please follow me inside."
The members of Guigu were all like people trying to solve a riddle.
Once the two entered the courtyard, the group voiced their doubts and questions.
"Why are Master and His Majesty behaving so strangely today?"
"Could it be because we haven't seen each other for so long that we're feeling awkward?"
Jiang Wuyai shook his head inwardly. No, none of that is right.
He had always thought that Guigu was His Majesty's reliance, but now it seems that it wasn't.
interior
The two slowly sat down, each occupying a table.
"Master, have some tea." Just like when she was still in Guigu Valley, Shen Lanxi picked up the teapot and poured a cup of tea for Xu Qingshan.
Steam rose from the tea, indicating that it had just been refilled with hot water not long ago.
Xu Qingshan took a small sip and suddenly sighed.
"You knew all along?"
Shen Lanxi: "I've always found something strange. With Huang Yu and Zhou Xinrou's brains, they couldn't have come up with such a detailed plan, but I just can't find the strategist behind it all. Master, isn't that strange?"
Xu Qingshan chuckled: "Of course it's strange."
Shen Lanxi: "The successor of the thatched cottage has been in hiding for too long. In the eyes of the world, the thatched cottage no longer exists. After Yuan Lang came out of the mountains, he has always wanted to prove the thatched cottage and fight for a place for it in the world. This is in line with the behavior of a hermit."
Xu Qingshan lowered his eyes, and fatigue gradually appeared on his face.
"You are the best student I have ever taught, the most outstanding student. You have once again brought the name of Guigu to the world's attention."
Shen Lanxi: "So, Master, did you intentionally meet me back then and take me as your disciple?"
Xu Qingshan closed his eyes and tried to recall carefully.
"No, after all, at that time, I wasn't sure if you had the potential for enlightenment."
Shen Lanxi: "So it was just a random, casual move?"
Xu Qingshan: "Master will teach you something else. Every chess piece is not a useless piece. No matter how inconspicuous a piece is, it has its purpose."
Shen Lanxi: "So, who was the most crucial piece that Master initially chose?"
Xu Qingshan had no intention of hiding anything; he would answer whatever his most outstanding apprentice asked.
After all, this disciple had already fulfilled his grand ambition, allowing the world to once again elevate Guigu to mythical status.
"It's Zhou Ruyuan!"
Shen Lanxi laughed out loud. She thought of Zhou Xinrou, and any other inconspicuous prince, but she never expected it to be the most eye-catching Zhou Ruyuan.
"Unfortunately, I have disappointed my master."
Xu Qingshan said coldly, "He is indeed unreliable. Fortunately, I never make only one-sided preparations when I do things."
Shen Lanxi: "It certainly fits Master's resourceful style."
Xu Qingshan: "When I was young and ambitious, I had my own aspirations, but I was unable to realize them because of the rules of Guigu's selection of masters."
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