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Seeing Xiao Cong's reaction, Li Jian Cheng could roughly guess who it was, so he chose not to dwell on it and continued the conversation. The most likely source of such rumors at this time was, of course, Yang Yue, who had been taken away by Xiao Cong from the Minister of Internal Affairs.
However, with the Yang Family having reached this point, no one was willing to confront them directly, and thus they could only suppress their grievances.
Xiao Cong said, "Fortunately, you are here; otherwise, if this street rumor spreads, His Majesty..."
No one knew how Yang Guang would react, but it certainly wouldn't be good. Even if he didn't explode immediately, it would inevitably lead to trouble later on.
Xiao Cong expressed his gratitude to Li Jian Cheng for timely discovering and suppressing this matter. It not only concerned his own official position but would also greatly affect the entire Xiao Family.
After a moment, Xiao Cong suddenly asked, "Jian Cheng, what are your plans for the future? Do you want to stay in the Capital City or...?"
"Naturally, I seek an official position outside."
Xiao Cong was very pleased with Li Jian Cheng's choice. Anyone with a clear mind would want to be assigned to a local post; serving the emperor was like accompanying a tiger, especially when it was a hungry one.
"Good. I will keep an eye out for you and find a good place."
After their discussion concluded, Li Jian Cheng stood up to take his leave. Xiao Cong personally escorted him to the front gate and reminded him, "Do not advise His Majesty anymore."
"Jian Cheng understands."
...
As soon as the Tongji Canal and Han Canal were opened, the emperor urgently issued an edict. He wanted to inspect Jiangdu and ordered officials to hasten preparations for the Dragon Boat, Phoenix Ship, Yellow Dragon, Red Ship, Treasure Ship, and others.
The court officials had become somewhat numb; no one offered any advice and simply complied with the arrangements for related matters while putting all their efforts into building the Dragon Boat that had started production last year.
Yang Guang felt quite pleased with himself and thought he had successfully subdued the courtiers. However, he forgot that such a significant matter without even a hint of dissent was clearly abnormal.
Under such compliance, the fleet needed by the emperor was quickly prepared: one Dragon Boat, one Flying Dragon Boat, nine Floating Scenery Boats, thirty-six Colorful Water Boats, fifty-two Treasure Ships of type five, one hundred twenty Treasure Ships of type three, and two hundred fifty Treasure Ships of type two...
The Dragon Boat was forty-five feet high, fifty feet wide, and two hundred feet long, divided into four layers. The top layer consisted of the main hall, the inner hall, and the east and west assembly halls, while the middle two layers contained a total of one hundred and twenty rooms.
The hull was adorned with gold, silver, and jewels, draped with tassels and decorated with feathers, radiating brilliance throughout.
The Emperor led his ministers on a tour, reminiscing about the simplicity of his past visits. He generously rewarded the officials for their service.
Then he eagerly guided the imperial harem, various princes, princesses, officials, monks, Taoists, and foreign guests on their journey.
Boats stretched for over two hundred miles, their lights illuminating the rivers and land. Cavalry guarded both banks as banners fluttered across the fields.
Li Jian Cheng was tasked with notifying various states along the route to prepare food. It was not just the Emperor and his officials who needed sustenance; the soldiers pulling the boats were a significant concern.
This task was not difficult to manage; the decree stated that every state within five hundred miles should provide food. There was no need for Li Jian Cheng to worry much; regardless of wealth or poverty, all states had prepared provisions well in advance.
Moreover, these were merely basic offerings; providing food and drink was just a formality. How could one truly demonstrate loyalty to His Majesty?
There would certainly be more than enough—over a hundred carts filled with rare delicacies from land and sea as tribute. Some states would send hundreds of carts, far more than could be consumed, leaving much to be discarded by the roadside or thrown into the river.
As a result, many impoverished commoners followed behind the Dragon Boat fleet at a distance, scavenging for food. However, they were often driven away for amusement by the guards. After witnessing this, Li Jian Cheng imposed strict punishments on a dozen riders to put an end to it.
"My Lord, someone requests your assistance in making a recommendation. Would you like to meet them?"
During the Emperor's tour, aside from local officials, there were also many gentry and wealthy individuals eager to curry favor. Some brought pearls as gifts; others presented tigers, leopards, rhinoceroses, or fine horses—and even offered their daughters.
Initially, the accompanying officials were unsure whether to introduce these individuals. However, after witnessing the Emperor's delight during a couple of attempts, they felt encouraged to proceed.
"What kind of person is it? What do they wish to offer?"
Shen Guang hesitated slightly: "They are not of notable background or possessing rare treasures; they are simply known for their eloquence and cleverness. They have connections with some of your old friends and have sent word through them."
This sounded interesting. Li Jian Cheng became intrigued and had someone bring the individual in for a meeting. After their conversation, he could only say he was quite impressed.
However, such a person could not be introduced by him, so he passed the message to Yuan Shibin, who successfully arranged for the individual to meet the Emperor.
"The commoner Wang Yi pays his respects to Your Majesty. Long live the Emperor!"
Yang Guang noticed that although Wang Yi was small in stature, his features were quite handsome. Curiously, he asked, "You are neither an absolute beauty nor a priceless treasure. What brings you here to see me?"
Wang Yi looked up with tears streaming down his face and said, "Your Majesty possesses the virtues of Yao and Shun, and your path is akin to that of Yu and Tang. I am but a rascal from Southern Chu, basking in the benevolence of the Sage. I dare not compare myself to beauties or treasures; I only wish to express my loyalty and humble heart as a loyal minister. I hope Your Majesty will take me into consideration."
His response was rather amusing. Yang Guang, having nothing better to do, decided to challenge him a few more times. Wang Yi answered each question appropriately and managed to flatter him at every turn.
The Emperor then ordered generous rewards for Wang Yi, but he bowed until he bled and said, "I only hope to serve Your Holy Heart and be by your side; that would be enough to comfort me in this life."
"All my loyal ministers are virtuous men; why should you be the only one left out?"
"Loyalty is a treasure of the nation. A ruler should never feel there are too many loyal subjects to support him. Moreover, even dogs and horses are devoted to their masters; how could a gentleman not seek such loyalty? Although I am a distant commoner, I am still connected by virtue. Would Your Majesty truly abandon me?"
"Hahaha! Well said, Wang Yi! Then you shall accompany me on my tour of Jiangdu."
"Thank you for your great kindness! I would dare not hold back my life in return for your Imperial Favor!"
In the following days, the Emperor took Wang Yi with him everywhere except when he was resting, which surprised many court officials.
Yuan Shibin also received generous rewards for this. He approached Li Jian Cheng and said, "Thanks! I didn't expect this little fellow to be so capable; he has truly managed to amuse His Majesty."
"By the way, he asked me to convey his message: he will never forget your great virtue."
Li Jian Cheng smiled and said, "The Street is not without its extraordinary individuals."
A single idle move in a crucial moment can bring forth someone who can influence the emperor; it can only be seen as a good thing.
Initially, he thought he would have considerable time without any connection to Wang Yi, but unexpectedly, Wang Yi approached him himself.
"Li Langjun, Rascal wishes to ask you for one more thing."
Li Jian Cheng frowned at the man's lack of propriety and looked at him. Wang Yi knelt down and said, "It is not that Rascal is being insatiable; it is simply that apart from you, I do not know whom else to turn to."
"What is it? Speak up."
"My Lord, I wish to enter the palace in a state of purity to serve the emperor day and night."
"Cough cough!"
Li Jian Cheng coughed a few times in surprise and asked, "What exactly do you want?"
"If it is merely for an official position in pursuit of wealth and glory, you can serve the emperor with peace of mind. Once we return to the capital, I will think of a way for you to achieve your desires. But if you seek purity, then everything will be in vain."
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