When the emperor made his southern tour, the cities he passed through were all bustling with activity, and the local prefects basically cleared up all the areas near the canal.
Some of the prefects in the surrounding area relied on the power of powerful families, and some were even illegitimate sons of large families. As long as they came from good families, they could get ahead. A month ago, when Kangxi decided to make a southern tour, everyone in the capital spread the news.
When the news reached Jiangnan, the prefects became very busy. They not only drove away all the stalls near the canal, but also had their yamen runners patrol every day. Whenever a stall was set up, the runners would drive it away.
The people were unaware of what had happened and began to complain. When the emperor was about to depart, the prefect ordered the people to wear new clothes and respectfully greet and see him off along both sides of the canal.
The order had barely been issued when the people began to complain. Some shops closed, unwilling to stop doing business for several days to wait for the emperor's arrival, as they saw it as a waste of time.
Qingyan had reminded Yin that before the emperor's arrival, someone should go down to investigate, as this would yield more accurate information.
"Father is preparing to leave the imperial ship, just like last time, and go out in secret," Yin said softly.
Emperor Kangxi had spoken with Yinzhi and Yinzhi beforehand, planning to take the three children on a trip to broaden their horizons. The Crown Prince would be in charge of the imperial procession.
"Going out? Every time, Father Emperor has to go. How many of those officials can handle him?" Qingyan sneered.
The repeated disturbances and the layers of corruption within the Imperial Household Department meant that very little money reached the Prefect. The money intended to compensate the people was mostly embezzled by those at higher levels.
"My dear child, Father Emperor plans to take advantage of this trip to thoroughly crush the corrupt officials of the Imperial Household Department. Several times he has sent Dragon Guards, but none of them have been able to infiltrate the core." Yin said, revealing the crux of the problem.
As Qingyan approached Yin, a feeling of powerlessness washed over her. Every time she went out with Kangxi, more and more problems would arise, and sometimes, she would even encounter assassination attempts.
"When are you leaving?" Qingyan asked.
"Three days later." The twins were sent to Kangxi by Yin. Yin received another special task that required Qingyan's cooperation.
Seeing Yin's hesitant expression, Qingyan understood that their trip must have been arranged in a special way.
"We might need to conceal our identities along the way. Father Emperor has decided that we can only stay at the Yuelai Inn along the route." Kangxi decided to reduce the possibility of revealing his identity.
Qingyan was stunned. Yuelai Inn was accepting all guests? Then she would have to close the doors to guests while Kangxi and the others were staying, which was the most troublesome thing.
This month, the peak season for welcoming guests to the Yue Lai Inn in the south is almost here.
"Fourth Prince, many of the Yuelai Inns are booked by the Emperor. If we close them all to guests, we need a reasonable excuse. Father Emperor also said that we can't let the officials outside the capital know." Qingyan frowned, her mood extremely bad.
Yin held Qingyan in his arms, and the two of them leaned against the cushions of the soft couch, kicking their legs to express their dissatisfaction.
They had to carry out Emperor Kangxi's imperial decree. Qingyan complained that this was an impossible task. Even the Imperial Guards would leak Kangxi's whereabouts. With so many people coming and going at Yuelai Inn, how could she possibly manage?
"Sisi, you're always making things difficult for people." Qingyan pouted.
Yin stroked her little head, for the Emperor's decree was not to be disobeyed.
"Several families of officials have booked the Yuelai Inn as the southern tour progresses," Yin inquired.
Qingyan rubbed her temples. She often paid attention to the accommodation issues of the Yuelai guests and said directly, "All five families are officials from the capital."
It's not yet the season for visiting Yangzhou in the third month of spring, but the inn will probably be packed with people again after the imperial entourage leaves.
"Have you refunded the deposit?" Yin sighed. In the past, Kangxi had never made a strict request to take over the entire inn.
Qingyan sighed, unsure of what to say. The worst thing a business can do is break its promises.
The boat rocked and swayed as it sailed forward. Qingyan lay on his back, looking at the scenery outside the boat. The banks of the canal were clean and tidy, clearly having been meticulously prepared. It had only taken ten days to get here from the capital, so the news must have been sent out before the inspection tour even began.
"See, none of you can keep it completely a secret." Qingyan stood up angrily, walked to the other side of the soft couch, sat down, her little face stern, and she was very unhappy.
It's not honesty to make her do something that even a subject couldn't do.
“Little darling, it’s not a secret forever. Once we arrive in Jiangnan, the news can be spread.” Yin advised Qingyan, this was the last line of defense.
Qingyan took a sip of cold tea, and her anger finally subsided.
"Fourth, let Suo'etu make the arrangements himself. The people at Yuelai Inn have no experience." Qingyan simply stopped caring and prepared to be a hands-off manager.
In fact, Yin also wanted Tulichen's people to make the arrangements so that they wouldn't have to take responsibility.
"Sulan." Qingyan shouted directly at the cabin door. Sulan entered and bowed respectfully. "Have Erlu send someone to contact the manager of Yuelai Inn. The Fourth Master's residence token will do."
Qingyan disliked getting involved in resolving the issue. Yin's people were the ones Qingyan trusted most. The people at Yuelai Inn often entertained those from Yin's residence who came south on business, and many of the guards were quite familiar with the innkeepers of Yuelai Inn.
"Okay, go and explain. Su Peisheng, you talk to Tu Lichen." Yin plans to spend his vacation with Qingyan.
After the two left, Yin sat cross-legged facing Qingyan, watching the little girl sulking and refusing to look at him.
"Little darling, the ship has stopped. How about we go for a stroll?" Yin tried to coax Little darling.
Qingyan nodded. When they stopped at the previous station, they didn't get off the ship; they stayed on board to take care of the twins.
"Do you want to buy something?" Qingyan leaned against the window frame of the cabin and pushed the window open. The breeze from the canal blew in, making the whole cabin exceptionally cool.
Yin's ship was the sixth in number, and it was considered the most comfortable place to sail.
"Little Darling, all the markets near the canal have been cleared out." Yin had someone inquire beforehand, and the boatmen in the area said that the clearing out of the canal markets had started half a month ago.
What?!
Qingyan was dumbfounded. The nearby market was gone. What was she still wandering around for?
The local customs and traditions of each place could be concentrated at the market held every five or ten days. The prefect was worried that someone would cause trouble, so he decided to abolish all the people's markets.
"We don't need to go down. Since we can't go shopping, shall we go down and see the place the prefect wants us to see?" Qingyan was a little annoyed.
The local officials who served as prefects at the places where the ships stopped were mostly illegitimate sons of prominent families from the capital, who came here to gain prestige.
The position of prefect in the southern government was a coveted one for powerful officials, who would use these powers to secure benefits for their families in the future.
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