Chapter 477 Farewell
Wen Woyu was also a little sad, but she was always precocious and knew that leaving the capital today was something that could not be changed. The more Wen Shaochen cried, the worse everyone felt.
The little boy jumped off the carriage and took Wen Shaochen's hand.
"Shaochen, I'm just going to another place with Father and Mother, not that I won't be able to come back forever. Mother said that when we get to the Northern Frontier, she'll have someone teach me how to ride horses and hunt. You should practice hard in the palace too. Next time we meet, your elder sister will have a competition with you to see who's better, okay?"
Wen Shao Chen nodded, but was unwilling to let go, still muttering "Royal Sister, don't go."
Wen Woyu leaned close to his ear and whispered with a smile.
"I've sent all my treasures to your courtyard, including your favorite Xuanyuan Sword... You'd better go back and check on it, or the palace maids might have thrown it away as if it were useless..."
Wen Shaochen was only two years old after all. When he heard about his favorite Xuanyuan Sword, his eyes lit up and he grinned before his tears had even dried.
"Thank you, Your Majesty..."
He thanked her, then broke free from the Empress Dowager, and with his short legs, turned and ran back to his palace, afraid that if he was even a step too late, his beloved Xuanyuan Sword would be gone.
Wen Shaochen's wailing successfully stirred up everyone's emotions, but before they could react, he ran away, leaving everyone looking bewildered.
After a moment of surprise, everyone rubbed their eyes and burst out laughing almost simultaneously.
This unexpected turn of events dispelled the somber atmosphere of parting, and everyone rushed to the carriage to wish each other well.
Wen Woyu waved goodbye to everyone and returned to the carriage to sit down.
Wen Zhiming peeked out from behind the carriage curtain, cupped his hands in greeting to the crowd, and the carriage quickly sped off, leaving everyone behind.
The 50,000 soldiers who were going to the northern frontier had all assembled and were waiting at the palace gate, ready to join Wen Zhiming and the others as soon as they left the palace.
But once their carriages left the palace gates, they discovered that in addition to the 50,000 soldiers, there were also many civilians around.
Wen Zhiming and Meng Lingge got off the carriage with curiosity, and the accompanying officials immediately stepped forward to explain.
"Greetings, King of Northern Frontier and Queen of Northern Frontier. These people came spontaneously to see you off after hearing that you were leaving the capital today. Most of them were previously homeless and suffering from hunger and cold. Since you established the nursing home, exempted them from taxes for three years, and implemented the new policies, they have now established themselves in the capital and are free from worries about food and clothing. Seeing their sincere hearts, I did not drive them away."
Wen Zhiming and Meng Lingge were surprised to see so many people come to see them off. Just as they were about to say something, the people heard the official's words and instantly realized the two of them were real.
They surged forward, shouting at the top of their lungs, "Your Highness, Your Highness!"
However, two rows of soldiers formed a human wall, keeping them out.
The people held up the things in their hands and tried their best to send them forward, hoping that Wen Zhiming and Meng Lingge would accept them.
They brought a wide variety of items, from snacks to clothing, covering all aspects of daily life, and it seems they brought all the most presentable things from their homes.
A limping man who was nearby shouted.
"King of the Northern Frontier, if it weren't for your establishment of the nursing home, I would have frozen to death on the street long ago. Now I have found a job and even got married. It was you who saved me. My wife heard that my benefactor was leaving the capital today, so she personally sewed two pairs of cotton boots. It's cold in the Northern Frontier, so please accept them with your wife..."
A short couple had tears in their eyes.
“Our family’s fertile land was seized by corrupt officials. Fortunately, you have worked hard to investigate these corrupt officials and imprisoned those who harmed us, which is why our family was able to survive. This is a hen we raise at home. You have traveled a long way. If you are in a hurry and do not have time to find a restaurant, kill this hen and roast it.”
There was also a group of elderly people holding up various snacks.
"The King of the Northern Frontier has implemented new policies, exempting us from taxes for three years. Our lives are much better now. We don't know anything else, but we have some dry food that we make ourselves. It's easy to store, so please accept it, Your Highness and Your Highness."
Seeing that the people were so enthusiastic that they were about to knock down the human wall formed by the soldiers, Meng Lingge quickly stepped forward and said.
"Please don't push, everyone. Please don't fall and get hurt. The prince and I have brought all the necessities we need for our trip to the northern frontier. We appreciate your kindness, but please take the things back and keep them for your own use. The prince hopes that the people of the capital can live well, and he is very satisfied to know your current situation."
Wen Zhiming looked at Meng Lingge and smiled, "What the Princess Consort said is exactly what I was thinking. The fact that everyone came to see me off today is the best reward I have received in the past few years as the ruler."
"Your Highness and Princess, please accept this."
"Please accept this; it's all from our hearts."
The common people were still trying to persuade him. They didn't understand what was happening in the palace, but they knew that Wen Zhiming had made their lives better after becoming emperor. They were grateful from the bottom of their hearts and wanted the prince and princess to accept their gifts so that they would feel better.
Wen Zhiming and Meng Lingge knew what they were thinking, but they really couldn't let go of these things, and they couldn't favor some people by accepting others, otherwise the people who weren't accepted would be even more disappointed.
Moreover, these are all precious things to ordinary people. If they take them away and don't use them, or if they slow down their journey, they will become a burden and waste the good intentions.
After thinking for a moment, Meng Lingge said, "It is indeed inconvenient for the Prince and me to carry these things, but since they are all from everyone's heart, and friendship is priceless, if everyone is willing, these things can be donated to the nursing home in the capital to convey the Prince's goodwill and help more people."
Immediately, someone nodded and said, "That's right. The nursing home is where the Prince helps the suffering people in the capital. By sending the goods there, we are helping the Prince save people, which will not only repay the Prince's kindness but also convey goodwill. It's settled then, I'm willing to send it there."
“I am willing too. The prince has gone to the northern frontier, but the new policies he implemented have remained. We must preserve the prince’s nursing home and make it better and better.”
More and more people nodded in agreement, willing to send their gifts to the nursing home.
"Alright." Meng Lingge nodded and smiled, "Then I'll trouble you all to take care of things. It's getting late, and the Prince and I should be on our way. We'll take our leave here today!"
"May Your Highness and Princess have a safe journey!"
"May Your Highness and Your Highness have a safe journey!"
Fearing they might obstruct the Northern Frontier King's journey, the people stepped aside after offering their blessings, making way for them and their soldiers.
Wen Zhiming and Meng Lingge returned to the carriage. Wen Woyu's face was full of admiration: "Father and Mother are so amazing. So many people are so grateful to you. Will so many people welcome us when we go to the Northern Frontier?"
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