Geng Youran suddenly thought of a unlikely solution, and she cautiously mentioned her idea to Yinzhen:
"Sir, why don't you take me with you? I can leave Hongzhou in Wanru's care."
Yinzhen paused in his hand as he held the teacup, then shook his head:
"It wouldn't be difficult to take you out. But this trip isn't for sightseeing; you'll likely stay at home more often."
Geng Youran pouted, thinking to herself that the novels she had read before were all lies.
Let's not even talk about being the only one she loves; going on a long trip with her is simply a pipe dream.
But Geng Youran was not giving up.
"Sir, think about the forms from the last flood. Maybe I can help you this time too."
This time, Yinzhen simply didn't bother to say anything.
This woman's thoughts are so easy to guess. She says she wants to help me out, but what she really wants is to get out of here.
But it must be said that Geng Youran's suggestion did indeed tempt him.
"I need to report this matter to Father Emperor."
Geng Youran was overjoyed, as this meant that her departure was almost certain.
"Thank you, sir!"
Since marrying Yinzhen, she has hardly ever returned to her parents' home, let alone traveled far away.
If she doesn't take this opportunity to leave, who knows if she'll have another chance after Yinzhen ascends the throne.
The earthquake occurred in Sichuan, and Yinzhen took Nian Gengyao and others with him on this trip.
Nian Gengyao was very surprised to see Geng Youran, dressed in men's clothing, appear in the group, but he concealed it well.
"Your Highness, what's going on with Princess Geng?"
"Don't worry, Father has already given permission."
So how did Geng Youran appear in the group dressed as a man?
The day after Geng Youran made her suggestion to Yinzhen, Yinzhen sought out Kangxi alone after court.
"Father, I have a request to make, and I hope you will grant it."
Kangxi glanced up at Yinzhen, assuming he was just there to pay his respects, and then lowered his head again to continue reviewing the memorials.
"Speak, what is it?"
"Your Majesty, I wish to request permission to personally go to Sichuan to inspect the disaster situation."
"Oh, you mean this matter? No need. Yesterday, Lao Ba volunteered, and the list of officials to go to Sichuan has already been drawn up."
"Your Majesty, I believe that our past handling of disasters has been too general. We simply sent people to investigate the damage and then opened the national treasury for relief. However, through reviewing the relief efforts for the previous earthquakes, I discovered significant flaws. In particular, the number of disaster victims has increased rather than decreased. They have left their original homes and fled to surrounding areas, leading to an overpopulation of disaster victims in those areas. If this continues, it is not impossible for the people to rebel under the pressure of the officials."
"How dare you!"
Emperor Kangxi threw away the writing brush he used to review memorials.
"Is it appropriate for a prince to utter the phrase 'oppressed officials lead to rebellion'?"
Yinzhen knelt on the ground, and although his words were an admission of guilt, his tone remained firm and powerful.
"Please forgive me, Father Emperor. I have no intention of disobeying you. However, there are some things I must say, even if it means punishing you. Our Great Qing has been engaged in intermittent warfare for the past few years. Although we have won all our battles against Galdan, the military expenditures have nearly emptied the national treasury. And in recent years, although the lives of the people have improved, tsunamis and earthquakes still occur frequently. Father Emperor, you must not allow those corrupt officials to ruin the reputation of the Great Qing!"
After listening to Yinzhen's heartfelt words, Kangxi secretly sighed that his son was indeed becoming more and more mature, and his thoughts were no longer as straightforward as before.
Although some of the ideas still missed the point, they were all reasonable.
"Very well, since you insist on this, then I will send you and the thirteenth prince to Sichuan to take charge of disaster relief."
"Your subject obeys the decree! However, Father Emperor, your subject has another request."
"explain."
Yinzhen took a deep breath:
"Father, I would like to take Lady Geng from my household with me this time."
Kangxi raised his head again, thinking that his fourth son was not a womanizer, and must have his own reasons.
"Alright, whatever you say. Remember to bring her here after you're done. I haven't seen this girl in a long time."
"Your subject obeys the decree."
After returning to the manor, Yinzhen arranged everything and, citing Geng Youran's serious illness and the need to move out of the estate, entrusted Hongzhou to Niohuru Wanru's care, while Hongshi remained under the care of his wife.
No one suspected anything; in fact, everyone kept their distance, fearing they might also get infected.
When Yinxiang saw Geng Youran dressed as a man, he had an expression that said, "I knew it all along."
He waved his fan and said jokingly:
"Fourth Brother, when did you get such a handsome young servant by your side?"
Yinzhen glared at Yinxiang, coughed, and then ordered them to set off.
Since Geng Youran cannot ride a horse, she can only travel by carriage.
Thankfully, several layers of blankets were laid out in the carriage, otherwise Geng Youran would have been thrown to pieces.
"Indeed, 'science and technology are the primary productive forces.' If this were modern times, we could just 'whoosh' over in an airplane or high-speed train, and there would be no need to suffer like this."
Geng Youran kept changing her position while talking to herself.
Because Geng Youran was dressed as a man this time, she did not bring any maids with her, and she had to do everything herself.
However, she thinks it's fine this way.
Thinking back to when I first arrived and was waited on hand and foot, I felt really uncomfortable. Now, without the maids, it's quite a struggle to tidy myself up.
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