Hearing this, Ze felt troubled. He didn't know how to write the edict. If it was too severe, the emperor would be displeased, and the royal family would lose face; if it was too lenient, it would be hard to quell public opinion. Once the news of the Earth Dragon Turns Over spread, Ze could imagine how his hidden enemies would revel in laughter, seizing the opportunity to stir up public sentiment.
Why were there so many disasters? The new year was just around the corner; it should be a good time, right?
"Are you still thinking about celebrating?"
"I just booked several banquet tables with Miss Sang yesterday."
At this critical moment, if you were to hold a grand celebration, it would definitely attract Ginseng's attention. You should cancel it.
"I won't cancel. I'll have Miss Sang send a long-lasting preservation talisman into the palace. We definitely won't have time to rest; we can save some for later and enjoy it slowly. Besides, look at you—after just a few days, you've lost so much weight."
When faced with major events, I realize how vast the gap is between us. The Court can do without me, but it absolutely cannot do without you.
"Forgive my bluntness, but you must assist another dynasty; otherwise, none of those few can bear the burden."
"Mind your words!"
Ze continued in a whispering tone. "I just feel a bit anxious. This is something I can only share with you. We need to plan ahead; those younger ones I've hardly interacted with—I don't know their character."
Cui Cheng, the Imperial Teacher, has finally died. I never thought much of him before; he meddled too much in the education of the princes in the palace. His death is a relief; we can select a new batch properly.
The Ministry of Revenue needs time to gather supplies. Qi Xiaomian had a day off; however, he wouldn't really take a break. He held a small meeting at The Office of Censors and specifically kept Qi Shuo behind.
They were busy until late at night. Habitually, he climbed over the wall to Small Tavern. Inside Small Tavern, apart from a few youngsters, everyone sat by the fire pit chatting idly—unlike before when they would roast skewers and laugh heartily.
There were only a few jugs of clear wine left, and the atmosphere was tinged with faint sorrow.
"They must have known I was coming and waited for me."
"When are you leaving?" Sang Qingxiao asked.
"The departure time depends on the Ministry of Revenue."
"Is there another prince trying to compete with you?"
"Word travels fast! It's mine; he can't take it away from me. What he can take are things I don't want anyway. Besides, Shi Yuan is here to keep him in check."
Sang Qingxiao handed him a Spatial Symbol containing provisions for the journey and food that could be donated.
Although the Court had preparations in place, things were different on the ground; there were plenty profiting from national disasters. With surplus food in hand, one could remain calm and prepared for emergencies.
Qi Xiaomian smiled. "Ever since I got your Spatial Symbol, I've also allocated a large amount of supplies from my territory to carry with me—enough to feed an entire state for a month."
"Hey, you're not just a mine owner, a merchant, but also a landlord, aren't you? Just like you said, with surplus grain in hand, there's no need to panic."
After discussing several matters regarding their travels and preparing to rest, Qi Xiaomian called Sang Qingxiao aside and smiled, "You've made quite an achievement. Without you, the casualties would have been even greater. But with so many affairs at court and His Majesty bedridden, there's really no way to reward you."
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