The following morning, the Sixth Prince and his entourage were fully prepared to depart.
Everyone who was supposed to come has come, including the county magistrate who visited late at night.
"On behalf of the people of Chiyan County, I thank Your Highness the Sixth Prince!"
Everyone bowed in respect, but the enthusiasm was far less than that of the previous farewell.
Qin Zhaoyue made a brief appearance, nodding slightly as a greeting, before being helped into the carriage by a maid.
Watching the two hundred riders escort him away, everyone present looked at each other and shook their heads.
"Alright, everyone has been busy these past few days. The government office will have a three-day break."
Everyone agreed and dispersed. Zhou Yanqing, clutching the jade token, whispered, "Don't keep the person here."
Duan Lifeng was slightly surprised, "Aren't you going to ask if you've hidden anything?"
"Can they really find out anything? They'll just suspect you and me."
I feel uneasy, so I want to finish this quickly so I can get a good night's sleep.
Although mining is prohibited during this period, we can't just sit idle; we need to replace the lost workers.
"Don't worry, I know what I'm doing."
He's a veteran actor after all; he didn't reveal the slightest flaw.
Qin Zhaoyue was on her way when, around noon, three knocks suddenly sounded beside the throne of the third carriage.
Mo Wu, who was driving the carriage, had already received the order and immediately lifted the carriage curtain.
Zhao Qingshan, who had just died once, was quietly brought into the carriage. He was taken off his clothes, his wounds were bandaged, and he was disguised, going through the same process as Constable Jiang had gone through.
This carriage was requested by the county of Chiyan. It was half-loaded with dried meat, and the rest was used to accommodate three people.
The father and son wept with joy, but restrained themselves from making any noise.
Canglan left the team last night with the latest news: Dragon Brain Incense, roster, ledger, and Black Steel Spine – the progress was incredibly fast.
The case has reached a critical point, so Liu Yan naturally cannot leave. Qin Zhaoyue's guards are stronger than ever before.
The three chief guards of the palace, and officials of the third, fourth, fifth, and sixth ranks, were all present.
At noon, two cavalrymen approached the village; they were members of the Imperial Guard.
It turned out that after the princess left Chiyan County, she immediately sent scouts to various prefectures and counties ahead.
At the same time, the post station system was implemented, leaving two riders in villages and towns along the way to deliver intelligence and also to inform the Sixth Prince who was arriving later.
"Your Highness, the First Prince entered Hanoi Prefecture a day ago."
"Hanoi Prefecture," Qin Zhaoyue pressed, "Which prefecture?"
"Xia'gao County".
The magistrate of Chiyan County said his superior was the prison warden of Longmen County, but there was no guarantee that there was a connection between the prefecture and the county.
Or, judging from that list, there is a very high possibility that there is some connection.
Qin Zhaoyue pondered to herself that although she had temporarily stabilized Zhou Yanqing and Qi Zhenyuan, no one could guarantee that they wouldn't reveal any flaws.
In her view, the eldest sister was the most likely to inherit the throne in the future.
By using their charm and flattery, the two sisters now have a harmonious relationship. If they can help the other sister successfully secure the position of heir, will her days of ease be far away?
She is capable of leading troops into battle and managing waterways and investigating cases. Which other prince or princess can compare to her?
Sigh... Qin Zhaoyue told herself: Just keep working for a while longer, it'll be over soon...
Originally, they planned to stop in a village to rest and have a hot meal, but now they can skip that and the team continues on their way to Hanoi Province.
In Long Men District, Hanoi Prefecture, Magistrate Lu Zhaochuan stood at the city gate with his county officials.
Behind him were crowds of people, filling the street completely; from above, it was all oil-paper umbrellas.
They all craned their necks, constantly asking the people in front of them, "Has he arrived yet?" Anxiety gradually spread among them.
Lu Zhaochuan was a small old man in his fifties. He paced back and forth in the small space under the doorway, which showed that he was not at peace.
After waiting for about the time it takes to drink two cups of tea, we finally heard the sound of horses' hooves.
"My lord, they've arrived!"
Upon hearing this, Lu Zhaochuan immediately waved his hand, "Quickly, follow me to greet the imperial envoy."
The county magistrate helped him up, and the clerk held an umbrella for him as they rushed into the rain.
After walking about twenty steps, I could vaguely see the figure opposite me. I immediately stopped and bowed deeply.
"Your humble servant, Lu Zhaochuan, Magistrate of Longmen County, pays his respects to Your Excellency the Imperial Envoy."
He stopped his horse before the screen and said, "Rise. The imperial envoy is Her Highness the Princess. I am the Director of the Ministry of Civil Affairs, and I have been ordered by the Princess to deliver relief grain ahead of time."
"Yes, yes, yes... thank you, sir!"
As the food supplies dwindled, Lu Zhaochuan was extremely anxious.
They tried every possible method, mobilizing wealthy merchants and businessmen in the county time and time again, but they still couldn't squeeze out even a single grain of rice.
Finally, he received the disaster relief grain from the imperial court. How could he not be excited?
"Quickly, invite them in. The county government has already prepared food and hot water."
"Okay, lead the way."
The yamen runners were overjoyed and quickly cleared the road.
"Make way, make way quickly! The imperial court's disaster relief grain has arrived. Don't block the sir's way."
The crowd immediately stirred, "They're here! They're really here!"
"That's right, Magistrate Lu is an upright and just official. How could he have deceived us?"
"Ha, if you're so sure, why did you come all the way to the city gate?"
"Stop fooling around. If you anger the imperial envoy again, who will be able to take responsibility?"
...
Despite the commotion, everyone cooperated and moved to the sides of the street, crowding together but all wearing smiles.
The imperial relief grain has arrived, and they no longer need to go hungry.
First came tall horses, followed by carts covered with waterproof tarpaulins and piled high.
The wheels creaked as they rolled over the bluestone slabs; they were quite heavy.
Seeing this, everyone felt much more at ease.
"Thank you, Lord Qincha!"
"Thank you, Your Excellency, for saving my life!"
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