The next morning after the court session, Zhao Shi'an met with the emperor and told him about the matter.
"You mean you don't want Fang Qing to go to Jiaozhou?"
"Of course, Your Majesty, you also know that it is not a stable place there."
The emperor looked displeased.
"If anyone from the court could go to Jiaozhou, would I send Fang Qing there?"
"Since there's no one there, why should Your Majesty send someone over just to save face? Just refuse outright."
The emperor forcefully threw the memorial in his hand onto the table.
"Zhao Shi'an, don't think I wouldn't dare to do anything to you. Everything you and Fang Qing have now is given to you by me. What's wrong with Fang Qing doing some things for the court?"
Zhao Shi'an met the Emperor's gaze without the slightest fear.
“Since His Majesty does not wish to give it, he can simply take it back. There is no need to force Fang Qing to do these things.”
His words and attitude were undoubtedly offensive to the Emperor, who immediately became furious and his face turned ugly.
"How dare you, Zhao Shi'an, commit insubordination!"
The palace servants in the imperial study knelt on the ground, each one trembling with fear.
Only Zhao Shi'an remained seated at his desk, looking at the Emperor with indifferent eyes.
The emperor kicked over the desk in front of him.
"Fine, since you're reluctant to let Fang Qing go to Jiaozhou, then you go. Someone, draft an imperial edict now: Zhao Shi'an, get out of here and go to Jiaozhou immediately. He can come back when he has figured out how to make rice."
The emperor was angry, and no one dared to plead for Zhao Shi'an.
Zhao Shi'an calmly got up.
"Your subject obeys the decree."
"roll!"
No sooner had Zhao Shi'an left the palace than news spread throughout the capital that he had angered the emperor and been demoted to Jiaozhou.
Feeling a pang of regret, Zhao Fen specifically intercepted Zhao Shi'an on the main road to inquire about the situation.
People were coming and going on the street, and they couldn't help but look in this direction out of curiosity.
"It's like the rabbit being killed and the hunting dog being cooked."
Zhao Fen's face turned pale the moment Zhao Shi'an uttered those words.
"You're asking for it, saying something like that."
Zhao Shi'an snorted coldly.
"You don't need to comfort me. I don't know when I'll be able to return from the capital. Until we meet again."
Zhao Fen looked at him, seemingly wanting to say something but holding back. However, Zhao Shi'an was determined and left after lowering the carriage curtain.
These words quickly spread throughout the streets and alleys.
Just a few months ago, he was a close advisor to the emperor and a prominent figure in the capital. Overnight, he was suddenly demoted and has become a laughing stock in the city.
There were plenty of people watching the spectacle. Take the Grand Princess's residence, for example. When they heard the news, they all looked like they were thinking, "See? We knew Zhao Shi'an would have this day sooner or later."
Those who know Zhao Shi'an are well aware of his arrogance. He doesn't even respect his colleagues, let alone the royal family and nobles. Now that he has been disliked by the emperor, he deserves it.
"Zhao Shi'an had just cleared the Zhong family's name when the Emperor demoted him. Wasn't that too hasty? What will the high-ranking officials think?"
The Grand Princess was uneasy.
Princess Qinghe snorted coldly.
"He deserved it. Who told him to be so ungrateful as to present my incriminating evidence to the Court of Judicial Review? It seems that even my cousin the Emperor dislikes him for slapping the royal family in the face."
Princess Qinghe looked smug.
Now that Zhao Shi'an, who is not afraid of death, has left the capital, no one will dare to investigate what she did in the past. Who knows, when she gets married in a while, the emperor might even give her a title.
The Grand Princess gave her a disapproving look.
She knew what kind of person this daughter was, but she was still her daughter after all. If Zhao Shi'an left the capital, she would really feel relieved.
Fang Qing didn't go to the farm today. She was going to stay home and read for a while when Xiao Liu came over and told her about what happened in the palace.
Fang Qing's heart skipped a beat, and then she paused for a moment, as if she had just remembered something.
"You mean Zhao Shi'an angered the Emperor first, and then the Emperor demoted him?"
Xiao Liu nodded nervously.
He came to Fang Qing because he didn't know what to do.
If the Emperor really investigates Fengyulou, will they have to move their hard-earned foundation in the capital to another place?
"Madam, do you think the master will be alright?"
"Don't worry, your master isn't the impulsive type. I think he must have his own reasons for doing this."
As soon as she finished speaking, Zhao Shi'an walked in with a smile.
"As expected, my wife understands me best."
Xiao Liu saw him return and then left.
Fang Qing also put down the book in her hand.
"What's going on?"
Zhao Shi'an drank the tea in front of her.
“It was on purpose for those people outside to see. I plan to go to Jiaozhou with you.”
"Go and arrest Gao Wancheng?"
"I guess so, but I'm still worried about you going there alone."
Fang Qing raised her eyebrows.
How do you know I'll definitely go?
Zhao Shi'an tapped the book in front of her.
"You've even taken a liking to books about Jiaozhou, so you're probably planning to go there?"
Fang Qing smiled softly, pursing her lips.
"Actually, it doesn't have to be at this time, but with you here, I can go without hesitation."
Zhao Shi'an tapped her on the head.
"Then let's pack our things today and set off tomorrow."
"Huh? In such a hurry?"
"Yes, after all, the Emperor's order is for us to set off immediately."
After a pause, Zhao Shi'an added, "Besides, the journey is long and the scenery is beautiful, why don't we take the time to enjoy it?"
Fang Qing didn't pack much, only some basic books and a few clothes. She would buy whatever she needed when she got there.
They set off early the next morning.
As they left the city, Fang Qing knew without looking out that many people were watching them.
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