The following morning, at dawn, five thousand imperial guards were fully equipped and ready to depart.
The rain stopped for about an hour in the early hours of this morning, but it has started drizzling again now.
Fortunately, after a night's rest, the Imperial Guards were in good spirits and could withstand the journey ahead.
From top to bottom, everyone in Chiyan County, including Ye Ling, was present to see him off.
County Magistrate Zhou Yanqing and Magistrate Duan Lifeng were at the forefront, leading the way by bowing in respect.
"On behalf of the people of Chiyan County, I thank Your Highness for your kindness in providing disaster relief."
Qin Zhaoqiong, fully armored and seated on his horse, said solemnly, “The task of digging the canal cannot be neglected. I have appointed the Sixth Prince as the supervisor, and it must be completed within three days.”
The matter had been informed of the county government in advance, and all the officials present were aware of it, so they were not surprised.
With the flood season approaching, the princess cannot linger in one county for too long, as more than a dozen counties in Bailu and Hanoi prefectures are severely affected by the disaster.
If it weren't for the special disaster situation at Tiezhashan in Chiyan County, it's estimated that the imperial envoy team for disaster relief wouldn't have come to this place.
"Your Highness, please rest assured, I will cooperate with the Sixth Prince to complete the diversion project."
"I hope you will keep your word. As for those outrageous actions, I will write them down as appropriate. If the disaster is brought under control, you will be credited."
"Thank you, Your Highness!"
Qin Zhaoqiong then turned to her sixth sister, Zhaoyue, and said, "Zhaoyue, the work of controlling the floods cannot be neglected. After you have supervised the completion of the diversion project in Chiyan County, then meet up with me."
Qin Zhaoyue got up early again, and this time she dressed up quite formally, making herself look like a well-behaved and obedient younger sister.
"Don't worry, elder sister, I'll take care of it. I'll make sure they're well supervised."
Qin Zhaoqiong gave her a deep look, revealing a hint of worry, but her gaze ultimately fell on Pei Xueqiao without saying anything more.
The fifth prince, also seated on horseback, clenched his fists upon seeing this.
The water management strategy in Chiyan County is progressing steadily. All that's left to do is supervise the progress; the credit will go straight into his pocket. This job... he can do it too!
They're both useless, so why does all the good things fall on Sixth Sister's head?
He received the news that morning and immediately met with his elder sister to ask her to stay, but she flatly refused.
Looking at his well-behaved sixth sister across from him, Qin Jingzhan clenched his fists.
Qin Zhaoyue didn't care about any of that, and with a wave of her hand, she ordered, "Let's go."
"yes!"
The eldest princess set off immediately with nearly five thousand imperial guards, leaving only two hundred cavalrymen in Chiyan County.
After the Imperial Guards completely disappeared into the rain, Qin Zhaoyue's shoulders slumped, and she yawned.
"Let's go, let's go back to sleep."
"This..." Zhou Yanqing stepped in, "Sixth Prince, won't you go to the mine to supervise the canal digging?"
Qin Zhaoyue lowered her eyes slightly, "You're Magistrate Zhou, right? Can you guarantee the canal will be completed within three days?"
"This humble official is willing to sign a military pledge and will do his utmost."
"That's settled then. I'll come to inspect it in three days. If it's not done, watch out for your head."
After speaking, he turned to leave, but before he had taken two steps, another person appeared in front of him—it was Pei Xueqiao.
He never expected that as soon as the princess left, this man would want to quit, and he gradually realized that this job was not so easy.
He braced himself and stood in front of you, bowing respectfully. "Sixth Prince, His Highness the First Prince instructed me to record your every word and action for verification afterward."
The atmosphere in the farewell procession suddenly became solemn.
Qin Zhaoyue's face flushed with anger, and she curled her lip, "Ha, I never knew that Lord Pei had the ambition to become a court attendant."
"How about I speak to the Empress Dowager after we return to the capital, and grant your wish?"
Comparing Pei Xueqiao, the prime minister's eldest son and a top scholar in the imperial examination, to a mere court attendant is already a great insult, but that's not the most crucial point.
The reigning empress has a female attendant as her personal secretary! For Lord Pei to assume his post, he must first visit the Imperial Household Department…
Pei Xueqiao's temples were throbbing with veins, clearly indicating that he was quite angry.
He finally realized that this task was far more difficult than he had imagined, and that it would also offend the Sixth Princess.
However, remembering the princess's repeated instructions before his departure, he stubbornly refrained from backing down even a step.
"Sixth Prince, flood control is a serious matter. Please consider the overall situation!"
Pei Xueqiao bowed deeply, respectful yet resolute.
Qin Zhaoyue's face turned pale with anger, her chest heaving violently. "Is Lord Pei planning to go his own way?"
"Your Highness, please consider the bigger picture!"
Everyone at the city gate fell silent, except for the pattering of rain against the oil-paper umbrellas.
"Hmph!" Qin Zhaoyue finally flicked her sleeves and walked around Pei Xueqiao to leave.
Sui Mo, who was holding an umbrella beside him, asked at the opportune moment, "Your Highness, are we going back to the manor?"
"Go back to the manor!" Qin Zhaoyue was furious, her steps quickening. "Didn't you hear Lord Pei wanting to complain? Let's go to the mine!"
"Yes, yes, yes..."
Zhou Yanqing and Duan Lifeng exchanged a glance, a hint of a smile playing in their eyes.
When one's gaze falls upon Pei Xueqiao, who is still bowing, a trace of sympathy inevitably arises.
They all understood the meaning behind the princess's meaningful glance earlier: the job of becoming the top scholar... was not going to be easy.
However, among the disaster relief team, it's estimated that only this person's status can keep the Sixth Princess in check.
As for the Sixth Princess... she truly lives up to her name...
"Lord Pei, let's hurry and catch up."
They dared not utter a word of sarcasm about the eldest son of the prime minister's family; they had to treat him with utmost respect.
Pei Xueqiao straightened up, her face pale.
Everyone assumed it was because he felt humiliated; no one knew what he was really thinking.
That's it... We were already at a disadvantage, and now we've really angered her...
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