After the Morning Court

After the morning court, the ministers lingered for a long time, all surrounding the Emperor’s statue without mentioning the matter of Qin Fang again.

Nobody was foolish; the Qin family had put forth tens of thousands of taels of silver for road repairs, to carve the statue for the Emperor, and to prepare clothing for the common people.

At this moment, who would dare to criticize Qin Fang?

Anyone who criticized Qin Fang would be slapping the Emperor in the face.

Just a moment ago, the Qin family had used their own money to repair roads, and the next moment, they were expected to penalize Qin Fang.

Who would agree to that?

Not only would the Emperor not agree, but the people of Yunxiang County would also not accept it.

Since ancient times, which wise monarch did not value the hearts of the people?

Yang Haiyan’s road repairs were not just to gather the people’s support for the Emperor.

These funds came from the Qin family, but the common folk recognized the Emperor’s kindness.

Although it was a transparent intention, it was enough for the Emperor to appreciate it.

A few people glanced at Qin Fang, never expecting him to be in the capital while having a considerate wife back home.

One had to admit that the Lady of County was no ordinary woman.

The Emperor was also deeply shocked; this surprise came too suddenly.

He had seized the throne amidst controversies, and rumors circulated that his rise was unjust, attributing the persistent rains that lasted half a month to Heaven’s wrath.

But now, with the people sending clothing for all, could it really be said that his throne lacked legitimacy?

If Heaven were truly angry, would the people still offer him garments?

At this moment, the Emperor was in good spirits.

Indeed, he had not misjudged; Qin Fang was his fortune.

Du Xingran knelt again, “Your Majesty, I have a suggestion.”

The Emperor looked at him, “Speak.”

Du Xingran said, “I believe we should build a small house at the palace gate to display this nine-foot statue, allowing the entire capital to know that the Imperial Grain Plan benefits the common people.”

This suggestion came from Yang Haiyan.

In truth, the claim that the plan benefited the common people was mere pretense; the real purpose was to enhance the Emperor’s image.

To put it plainly, it was a matter of saying nice things publicly, and everyone knew the true intentions.

But who would dare to say it out loud?

The Emperor glanced at Du Xingran.

Du Xingran continued, “Your Majesty, I am willing to take on this responsibility personally.” Even as he said this, Du Xingran felt nervous.

He had always adhered to a passive approach; his family, the Du family, was large and wealthy.

Even though he was a branch member, he still received a considerable share of the family fortune.

Moreover, he had a good relationship with his older brother and mother.

However… even the most reckless young man harbors some aspirations, and Du Xingran was no exception.

After Yang Haiyan discussed this matter with him, he was willing to give it a try.

Even if the Emperor did not agree, it would not be a loss for him.

But what if the Emperor agreed?

Then Du Xingran would be different from then on.

Thus, Du Xingran shamelessly brought it up.

The ministers in the Golden Throne Hall looked at Du Xingran in silence, wondering how he could be so bold.

If the Emperor agreed to this matter, they would be willing to assist as well.

Suddenly, Qin Fang knelt down, “Your Majesty is wise and brilliant, uniting the hearts of the people; this is the fortune of our Qiguo. Long live the Emperor, long live the Emperor, ten thousand years!”

Qin Fang’s voice was loud and resonated throughout the quiet Golden Throne Hall.

Du Xingran echoed, “Your Majesty is wise and brilliant, uniting the hearts of the people; this is the fortune of our Qiguo. Long live the Emperor, long live the Emperor, ten thousand years!”

Then, the ministers knelt one after another, “Your Majesty is wise and brilliant, uniting the hearts of the people; this is the fortune of our Qiguo. Long live the Emperor, long live the Emperor, ten thousand years!”

The Emperor pursed his lips tightly.

Why?

He was afraid that if he smiled too widely in his joy, it would damage his image.

After a long while, he finally said, “Approved.”

Such a good thing, why would he refuse?

Imperial Study

At this moment, both Qin Fang and Du Xingran were in the Imperial Study.

Du Xingran was discussing matters concerning Yunxiang County with the Emperor, and even Qin Fang was listening attentively.

He would occasionally ask a few questions, such as: “When did road construction begin in Yunxiang County?”

“How is my wife’s health?”

“How is my family’s health?”

Du Xingran answered each of Qin Fang’s questions, and from Qin Fang’s inquiries, it was clear he knew nothing about the road repairs in Yunxiang County.

After explaining the situation in Yunxiang County, Du Xingran took out the items he had brought, including the toothbrush and toothpaste that the Emperor had requested.

Of course, he didn’t mention the items given to him by Yang Haiyan.

Du Xingran also said, “Your Majesty, this toothpaste doesn’t keep well. Lady Bingyun said she would send new supplies every three months. I’ve brought a spare toothbrush in case you need it, like if the original one breaks.”

The Emperor looked at the extra preparations with great satisfaction. “Very well. You’ve worked hard on this journey. There are still matters to attend to, so you should go back and rest.”

“Thank you, Your Majesty,” Du Xingran replied.

Once Du Xingran left, only the Emperor and Qin Fang remained in the study.

Qin Fang pondered for a moment and said, “Your Majesty, my business in the capital is complete, and with the road repairs ongoing in Yunxiang County, I should return today.”

The Emperor considered this.

As the garrison General of Yunxiang County, Qin Fang indeed couldn’t be away for too long.

However, the matters in Laiwang County also needed attention.

Thus, he said, “Hmm, I will send someone to handle the affairs of Laiwang County. Do you have anyone in mind?”

A recommendation?

Qin Fang was unsure of the Emperor’s intent but answered honestly, “Your Majesty, aside from my teacher, I only know two officials in the court, Wei Ting and Shen Lixian. I trust their character, but for the case in Laiwang County, wouldn’t it be more suitable for Governor Liu from Hedong Prefecture to handle it?”

The Emperor glanced at him. “If that is the case, I will decree that Governor Liu handle this case well. Also, Qin Fang, you have married a good wife.”

Qin Fang nodded. “I have always known this. I must thank Your Majesty for this; without your intervention, I would not have been able to marry such a wonderful wife.”

If it weren’t for the imperial rivalry and the royal decree that arranged his marriage, he wouldn’t have married Yan Yan.

Thus, the Emperor was truly their matchmaker.

The Emperor replied, “I’m glad about the road repairs, the statue, and the clothes of the common people. However… since the Qin family is indifferent to fame and fortune, I will not grant them silver.”

A few thousand taels of silver would be a burden on the Emperor’s heart.

Granting just a few hundred taels would hold no significance.

However, there was one thing he was not hesitant about: titles.

In fact, he was more than willing to grant titles that didn’t cost him anything.

Therefore, he decided to promote Yang Haiyan’s title. “Qin Fang, listen to the decree…”

Qin Fang immediately knelt. “I am listening, Your Majesty…”

Once he heard the Emperor’s decree, he processed the meaning: his wife had been promoted from the third rank, Lady Bingyun, to the second rank, Madam Bingyun.

This promotion was faster than his own.

With the decree and the Emperor’s rewards in hand, Qin Fang left the palace.

Not to mention the rewards, the most conspicuous thing was the two steeds—the prized blood-sweating horses.

This time, Qin Fang wasn’t returning to Yunxiang County alone; the Emperor had also granted him two grooms.

Otherwise, it would be difficult for him to ride three horses back by himself.

But before returning to Yunxiang County, he first visited the Du residence.

After leaving the Du residence, he was laden with gifts.

Du Xingran accompanied him to the city gate, feeling quite reluctant to part. “Qin Ge, we will meet again next August. I will come to Yunxiang County to find you,” he said, implying he would be there for the watermelons.

Qin Fang waved his hand. “Alright, I’ll be waiting for you in Yunxiang County.”

Meanwhile, at a certain location in the capital…

“Qin Fang is indeed somewhat fortunate,” Wei Hong remarked, looking at the middle-aged man before him.

The middle-aged man, surnamed Ren, was the father of the Imperial Concubine and held the position of Minister of Justice.

He took a sip of tea and said, “He seems a bit naive,” meaning he wasn’t very clever and was rather simple-minded.

Wei Hong smiled without responding.

Minister Ren added, “The affairs in Laiwang County must be handled cleanly, leaving no traces behind.”

Wei Hong replied, “Rest assured, County Magistrate Cheng knows what to do. However, this time they didn’t dismiss Qin Fang. Next time, it won’t be so easy. It’s a pity; ordinarily, a garrison commander shouldn’t leave the county without permission. Just for this matter, he could have been dismissed. Who knew that the second young master Du would bring such significant news?”

Minister Ren said, “So, it seems Qin Fang is not as naive as he appears. Perhaps he had already plotted this before he set off and then had the second young master return… Or maybe this was planned by Du Ke?”

Wei Hong thought for a moment. “It’s possible it was Du Ke. Compared to Qin Fang and his wife, they believe it was more likely Du Ke’s scheme.”

Minister Ren commented, “Du Ke has always been very cunning; it’s best not to offend him.”

Hearing this, Wei Hong felt displeased.

In his youth, he had been overshadowed by Du Ke, and even at this age, he still felt the pressure.

Even Minister Ren didn’t want to offend Du Ke, making it clear that they were more inclined to win him over rather than him.

Yet Du Ke remained unyielding.

Thinking of this made Wei Hong even more uncomfortable, but he could only endure it.

One day…

….

Three days later, Qin Fang returned to Yunxiang County.

It had been more than half a month since he had left, and in that time, significant progress had been made on the road repairs.

Although there were no monthly wages for roadwork, meals were provided, so many villagers came to help, which expedited the process.

The villagers shouted in unison upon seeing Qin Fang return, “General Qin is back! General Qin is back!”

Due to its remote and barren location, the county government had little business to attend to, so County Magistrate Yang was among those who came to help with the road repairs.

Therefore, he also spotted Qin Fang.

As he instructed everyone to continue their work, he made his way over to Qin Fang. “General Qin.”

Qin Fang dismounted.

At first, he had been unsure of what kind of situation Yunxiang County was in based on Du Xingran’s words about the road repairs.

But now, seeing the grand scale of the work, he was impressed. “Magistrate Yang, you’ve worked hard.”

Although Yan Yan could organize the villagers for road repairs, it wouldn’t have been so straightforward without Magistrate Yang’s support and assistance.

In this regard, Magistrate Yang must have exerted considerable effort to mobilize all the townspeople.

Thinking of this, Qin Fang earnestly said, “I sincerely thank you, Magistrate Yang, for your help this time.”