“Qingxi, I’ve prepared some pastries for you on your way back. I’ll be returning in a few days, so don’t rush on the road,” he advised her like a husband who is worried about his wife leaving.
Liu Qingxi smiled in response; after all, she was not truly a fourteen-year-old girl but a mature soul.
The two parted ways at the inn, and Liu Qingxi set off on her journey home with the gains from this trip.
Once Yang Yichen turned away, his warm smile was instantly replaced by a frosty demeanor, losing any trace of the gentle youth he had been.
He quickly concealed himself in a courtyard and summoned a few subordinates to inquire, “What exactly is going on?”
Indeed, being in Ten Li Pu village meant that some news was quite limited and not readily available.
Coincidentally, during this visit to Lingjiang Province, Absolute Hand learned that his disciple was here and came specifically to check on him and give him a heads-up to prepare mentally.
However,
Yang Yichen did not furrow his brow in worry; although he held the title of Master of the Inorganic Sect and had many dignitaries seeking his favor, this identity still felt somewhat less than straightforward. Even if officials valued the craftsmanship of artisans, especially advanced weaponry, it remained an invaluable treasure that various nations competed for.
He only hoped she could freely pursue what she loved without being entangled by Inorganic Gate and without facing various risks as soon as she stepped outside.
Thus? Seeking fortune in danger, Yang Yichen’s pen danced over several names, his brow furrowed as he contemplated deeply. Suddenly, the tip of the pen paused, lingering on one particular name.
Opening his eyes, his gaze became clear and resolute, as if he had made a certain decision.
Next, a series of orders were issued; Inorganic Gate began to operate swiftly.
At the same time, Liu Qingxi’s carriage rolled out of Lingjiang Province, the rhythmic sound of the wheels steady and regular as it headed toward Linyi County.
Two maidservants accompanied Liu Qingxi in the carriage; one was lively and active while the other was more composed, perfectly balancing the monotony of travel.
“Sister, you’re amazing! I’ve never seen anyone as impressive as you when I was with my mistress in town,” said one maidservant. Especially during the symposium, your confident demeanor and eloquent speech earned them all respect.
Chunyu couldn’t sit still; regardless of whether Liu Qingxi responded or not, she animatedly gestured: “Did you see those people’s expressions? Their eyes nearly popped out! Now that you’ve become Elder Ying’s disciple, who would dare cross you again?”
Liu Qingxi smiled lightly, only stopping the maid's blind confidence and reminding her, "It's just good luck. There's no need to boast about it when you return."
Some things are best kept to oneself; after all, it's a closed-door life, and those who don't need to know are already aware.
Chunyu stuck out her tongue and made a funny face, saying, "Sister is always right."
Laughter and cheerful voices came from the carriage, and even the driver sitting on the cart couldn't help but be infected by the smiles of the master and servants, a slight curve appearing at the corners of his mouth.
At the Lingjiang Provincial Government Office, Mei Hansheng bowed respectfully, nearly knocking his head to the ground. "Minister Fu, you've worked hard. The journey is long; please take care. I hope you can speak a few good words for me in front of the Emperor."
"Mayor Mei, rest assured, I won't forget your kindness. Everyone has worked hard."
With that, Fu Zhilang and Ning Ze, two Imperial Envoys, boarded their carriages while others mounted their horses. In a grand procession, they led the returning group back to the capital.
However, the return journey was much easier than the trip there; after all, there were not as many supplies to carry, allowing for a lighter march and naturally quicker progress.
After nearly three months, the disaster relief efforts in seventeen counties of Lingjiang Province were basically completed. The post-disaster reconstruction was greatly accelerated due to Liu Qingxi's methods.
They had completed the Emperor's orders ahead of schedule and could naturally set off back to the capital.
At this point, it's worth mentioning that during a meeting, Elder Ying mysteriously led Liu Qingxi into a room where a middle-aged man in his forties dressed in luxurious robes spoke with her. He finally laughed heartily and said, " Miss Liu, with your virtuous qualities, you are a blessing to the people. Good people will always be rewarded."
Liu Qingxi secretly speculated about this person's identity; perhaps he was someone from the capital?
To her surprise, her wild guess turned out to be true.
This middle-aged man was none other than Fu Zhilang. When it comes to post-disaster reconstruction, what is most important? Naturally, it is housing issues and building homes.
In addition to adopting Liu Qingxi's methods, construction masters like Elder Ying were also key figures he focused on. Therefore, this meeting involved in-depth discussions about reconstruction after the earthquake.
Fu Zhilang took this opportunity to get to know this renowned girl.
Indeed, seeing is believing. The young lady Mikou was clear-eyed, with a straight back and an air of pride; such demeanor must have been forged through considerable trials.
Reflecting on this meeting, Liu Qingxi shook her head, sighing—was it a bitter smile or a joyful one? In any case, her feelings were somewhat complicated.
Having gone through the life-and-death choices recently, Liu Qingxi felt no desire for the fame and fortune that the onlookers spoke of. Moreover, all of this might stem from new construction methods.
But what was the premise of her being well-known? It was the praise of countless citizens after the earthquake. At the same time, this disaster had caused many to lose their lives and be separated from loved ones, leaving numerous families shattered.
Thus, she had no particular yearning for fame and fortune; she only wished to take steady steps toward the future she desired.
The carriage continued onward. At noon, the sun was scorching and the air was hot and dry. The driver found a shady spot to stop the carriage. The master and several attendants had a simple meal of pastries and drank some water before continuing their journey.
In the early afternoon, the carriage arrived at Linyi County. Passing through the main street, the area had largely regained its former vibrancy. People began to smile again, and life seemed to return to tranquility.
However, this calmness existed only among the common folk. In another place, it was indeed a calm before a storm—a turbulent undercurrent beneath a placid surface.
Liu Qingxi had no idea that she would become entangled in such matters for a long time.
The carriage did not pause at all as it continued on its way. Who would have thought that just after leaving Linyi County, while passing through a densely wooded area where birds occasionally chirped, the lingering heat of noon still hung in the air?
Suddenly, a whiff of blood reached the driver's nose. Having witnessed life and death during the earthquake, he initially did not want to stop. However, unable to ignore his conscience's unease and reproach, he slowly spoke up: "Sister, something feels off outside."
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