Mu Qing was somewhat confused and did not know what kind of seal it was.
Murong Yu was also taken aback when Mu Qing opened the box, but he quickly understood.
Looking at Mu Qing's puzzled expression, he said, "This is the Golden Dragon Seal, a subsidiary seal of the Imperial Seal. The Imperial Seal is too large and inconvenient to carry when going out. The Emperor usually does not carry the Imperial Seal when he goes on inspection tours, but carries the Golden Dragon Seal instead."
"The Golden Dragon Seal is second only to the Imperial Seal. Its issuance is as if His Majesty were personally present, and it can command all officials."
Hearing Murong Yu say this, Mu Qing felt the Golden Dragon Seal in her hand become inexplicably heavier.
Mu Qing: "This..."
Murong Yu: "Since your brother has bestowed it upon you, you should accept it."
He paused, then added, "The Golden Dragon Seal is different from the Imperial Seal. There is only one Imperial Seal, symbolizing the emperor's unique power. However, there are multiple Golden Dragon Seals. They can be bestowed upon virtuous ministers who have made great contributions to the country. The Golden Dragon Seal is carved with a dragon protecting a mountain, signifying the protection of the country. Naturally, protecting the country is not just the responsibility of the emperor alone." Of course, it was also rare for an emperor to bestow such a seal upon his ministers, let alone upon commoners. Murong Yu left the rest of his words unsaid.
Upon hearing his words, Mu Qing's concerns lessened somewhat, and she said, "In that case, I will accept it."
Murong Yu looked at him with a faint smile.
After a while, Mu Qing looked up and asked, "Are you leaving for Jiangnan tomorrow?"
Rong Yu: "Hmm."
Murong Yu: "Does Aqing want to come along?"
Mu Qing looked down at the mark on her hand: "Let's go together."
Murong Yu said to himself, "Aqing, don't force yourself. Your brother didn't mean you had to go with him when he bestowed the seal; he just wanted you to come along."
Although Murong Yu didn't say what he was going to say, Mu Qing somehow understood.
Mu Qing: "It's alright, let's go together. We can also visit Grandpa on the way."
Murong Yu: "Okay."
Mu Qing said to the servant beside him, "Little Stone, go to the Bai family's shop and find out if there are any boats going to Jiangnan tomorrow."
Little Stone: "Yes, young master," he said, then turned and left.
Mu Qing and Murong Yu continued to drink tea and chat in the room, but they mostly talked about the torrential rain in Jiangnan.
An Yi took An Er out to buy things they needed for the trip.
As evening approached, An Yi and An Er prepared all the necessary items and food for the journey, and Xiao Shitou, who had been gathering information, returned.
Little Stone: "Young Master, the Bai family's ship departed early this morning. However, I met the Huangfu family's steward at the dock. The Huangfu family's ship will depart from the capital for Jiangnan early tomorrow morning."
Murong Yu: "An Yi, go and tell Master Huangfu that we will take the Huangfu family's boat to Jiangnan tomorrow."
Little Stone watched Mu Qing from the side, seemingly wanting to say something but holding back.
Mu Qing: "Just say what you have to say."
Little Stone whispered, "On my way back, I met Si Dong. He learned that Young Master needs to take a boat to Jiangnan tomorrow, and said that he would talk to the steward of the Huangfu family about it."
Mu Qing nodded and turned to Murong Yu, saying, "Brother is acquainted with Huangfu Hua, and Si Dong should know the Huangfu family's steward. It would be appropriate for him to speak on their behalf."
Just then, An Er walked in and said, "Your Highness, someone from the Mu family just came to tell Young Master Mu Qing that they have already made arrangements with the Huangfu family to go to Jiangnan tomorrow and travel together on their ship. They have made all the preparations tonight, and Young Master Mu and his party can depart as soon as they arrive tomorrow."
Murong Yu: "Okay."
The two agreed on a time to meet at the pier the next day, and then Mu Qing took his leave.
The next day, Murong Yu and Mu Qing and their party boarded the Huangfu family's boat and headed to Jiangnan.
The group arrived at the local area in less than ten days and met with the local officials.
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