Meanwhile, the disaster relief team had already arrived outside the palace gates.
After receiving the message from the Mo Group, Qin Zhaoqiong intentionally slowed down his journey. With people lining the streets to welcome him, this action did not seem out of place.
With the palace gates so close yet still no news of his sixth sister's return, he couldn't help but feel anxious.
"Yin Zhe, where is Zhao Yue? Where is she?"
Yin Zhe did not appear, but his voice was transmitted through his true energy, "He seems to be unwell and has returned to the princess's residence."
Pei Xuanyun came personally to invite him, "Your Highness, is there something you need?"
Qin Zhaoqiong pursed her lips.
In the past, she would have thought her sixth sister was being absurd, or that she was genuinely unwell, but now…
"It's alright, let's go to the palace." Making a fuss now would only be more disadvantageous for Sixth Sister.
Once she entered the capital, she no longer had the authority to command the Xuanji Guards, as that would be a taboo.
So he secretly sent a message to his personal guard, instructing her to go to the Sixth Princess's residence to investigate.
Of course, not all the imperial guards and personal guards could enter the palace; only a few representatives were sent, and the group dismounted and entered the palace.
As the number of people dwindled, everyone gradually realized something was wrong: where was the Sixth Prince?
Ironically, the perception of Qin Zhaoyue's contributions during the disaster relief effort was completely stratified within the relief team.
Qin Zhaoqiong and Xuanji Wei knew the whole story, especially their contributions to the cases of privately casting ironware and minting inferior currency, as well as their use of true qi to save lives and remove poison.
When the Imperial Guards and a few officials learned that the Sixth Prince had stepped forward, wearing the armor of the First Prince, to direct the disaster relief efforts on the riverbank in Longmen County, it was the Sixth Prince who did so.
Most officials, including the disaster relief envoy Gu Tingyun and the fifth prince Qin Jingzhan, thought that Qin Zhaoqiong was just a minor figure.
Her moment of glory was in Mingyan County, where her Taoist priest proposed a method for purifying water, and she also cured a group of patients using strange methods she had read about in ancient books.
Different perceptions lead to drastically different reactions.
As the deputy commander of the Imperial Guards, Meng Jian was naturally among those entering the palace, and his eyes were dark at this moment.
Just now, Mo Yi rushed over and said that the Sixth Princess was unwell.
His heart was pounding, and he wanted to ask in his mind several times, but he held back.
The Crown Prince has a special relationship with her. If anything unexpected happens, he will definitely arrange to take care of her. Why should he interfere?
Pei Xueqiao straightened her back and strode forward, her hands clenched into fists inside her sleeves.
During the latter part of the disaster relief efforts, he was handling government affairs at the Bailu Prefecture government office and had not seen Qin Zhaoyue for a long time.
Even on the way back to Fengjing, she always stayed in the carriage, rarely appearing in public.
If you think about it, it's been more than a month since they last spoke a single word to each other.
He also kept with him the booklet he had kept in the intensive care unit of Mingyan County, thinking that if the court questioned him, he could argue his case.
But now... they've all disappeared...
With their own thoughts in mind, the group arrived at the Linde Hall under the guidance of the palace servants.
Qin Minghuang waited for a long time in the main hall, where the heads of the six departments and the imperial heirs were also present.
Qin Zhaoqiong was in front of the palace, about to unfasten the sword from her waist.
Regardless of whether they were imperial guards or personal guards, they all had to remove their armor and weapons before entering the palace, but she was the only exception.
The armor she wore was the "Phoenix Embroidered Thousand Blades" bestowed by the emperor, its design exceeding the specifications befitting a royal heir; it was the same armor Qin Zhaoyue wore on the riverbank in Longmen County.
The sword she was wearing at this time was the Shangfang Sword, which should have belonged to Zhaoyue, and she planned to return it before entering the palace.
But they haven't been seen since, so where can they be returned to?
Su Quan, the eunuch, was standing outside the hall. Upon seeing this, he quickly stepped forward to greet him, saying, "Your Highness, His Majesty has specifically stated that Your Highness may bring a sword into the hall."
Upon hearing this, there was no unusual movement in the group; everyone remained calm and composed.
Given the merits of His Highness's trip, some favors are to be expected.
However, to extend favors in such a specific detail would be too conspicuous.
Qin Zhaoqiong gave a slight bow, but Su Quan quickly stepped aside, not daring to accept the gift.
There was a strange look in his lowered eyes. This prince was actually very proud. Even he, a palace attendant, never showed him any courtesy. When had he ever been so polite?
It seems that His Highness has grown quite a bit since this trip.
When it comes to the unusual, Su Quan couldn't help but think of the eccentric Sixth Prince. Why is it that he hasn't been seen?
Qin Zhaoqiong, without any hesitation, straightened her back, placed her right hand on her sword, and strode into the hall.
Your Majesty, I respectfully report:
Dressed in golden armor, she was majestic and imposing, exuding a powerful aura. Despite being fully armored, she knelt on one knee.
Officials behind Qin Zhaoqiong knelt down as well, for this grand ceremony was held to honor those who had returned from disaster relief.
"Thanks to the divine grace and the blessings of Heaven, the current flood control measures have all proven effective, and the flood situation in the sixteen counties of Henan, Bailu, and Qingyao has been resolved."
This is not due to my humble efforts, but rather to Your Majesty's sacred teaching of "building a dam with benevolence." Please allow me to present the waterway map of the three prefectures.
Qin Minghuang was overjoyed; her eldest daughter had truly surprised her.
The job was done well, that's nothing to say, the key point is the rhetoric just now.
Before leaving the capital, Zhaoqiong was a straightforward and stubborn person, but now she's learned to flatter the emperor?
Whether she came up with the words herself or asked someone else to do it, this change in attitude is the most important thing.
It has a balance of strength and gentleness, and her planning was worthwhile.
"Alright, alright, Su Quan, bring it up."
The waterway maps of the three prefectures are detailed and clearly show care, far more comprehensive than the records kept by the Tiangong Division only once every three years.
It not only records the rerouting of waterways and the construction of dikes, but also includes one or two short notes based on the characteristics of each prefecture and county.
While seemingly recounting the difficulties and solutions encountered in the process of flood control, it also carries a sense of self-praise.
good!
Qin Minghuang just felt like something was missing.
After setting aside the waterway map for three weeks, a quick glance reveals what's missing: Where's Xiao Liu?
Previously, Qin Minghuang had some hope that after more than two months apart, she would still be able to hear Xiao Liu's thoughts.
But what's going on now? Xiao Liu isn't in the hall. What happened?
Just then, a voice transmission entered his ears, coming from Xuanji Wei Yinzhe.
In short, it was clear that Xiao Liu's carriage had left the procession as soon as it entered the city, heading straight back to the princess's residence.
Unwell due to unfamiliar environment? And what a coincidence, it just so happened to be the time to enter the city?
Qin Minghuang's heart sank. Could it be that Xiao Liu had guessed something...?
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