Starting in Exile: Transmigrated as the Crown Prince's Lucky Little Wife

Chapter 207 The Turmoil in Qingping Town

The warm, gentle sunlight of Jiangnan spilled onto the winding official road, draping the earth in a golden veil. The Emperor Emeritus and Empress Dowager's procession moved slowly forward, the clatter of hooves and the rumble of wheels creating a unique symphony of travel on this tranquil Jiangnan countryside.

"Your Majesty, the scenery of Jiangnan is unique in every corner." The Empress Dowager sat in the carriage, looking out the window at the beautiful scenery along the way, her eyes full of admiration.

The Emperor Emeritus nodded slightly, a contented smile on his face: "Indeed, this trip has been worthwhile."

Just then, the carriage suddenly came to a slow stop. The Emperor Emeritus frowned slightly, lifted the curtain, and asked, "Why have you stopped?"

The accompanying captain of the guards quickly stepped forward and respectfully said, "Your Majesty, there is someone blocking the way ahead."

The Emperor Emeritus and the Empress Dowager exchanged a glance, a hint of doubt flashing in their eyes. They stepped down from the carriage and saw a middle-aged man in official robes kneeling on the ground. This man was Zhao Gang, the magistrate of Qingping Town. He was thin, haggard, and his forehead was covered in sweat, his eyes revealing anxiety and helplessness.

"This humble subject, Zhao Gang, the magistrate of Qingping Town, pays his respects to the Emperor Emeritus and the Empress Dowager." Zhao Gang's voice trembled, tinged with fear.

The retired emperor slightly raised his hand: "Get up. Why did you stop my entourage?"

Zhao Gang stood up, his eyes full of earnestness: "Your Majesty and Empress Dowager, you must be tired from your journey. I humbly request that you rest at the post station for a while. Although Qingping Town is small, it has a place where you can rest temporarily."

The Emperor Emeritus and Empress Dowager, who had always wanted to learn more about the lives of ordinary people, readily agreed. Led by Zhao Gang, the caravan arrived at the post station in Qingping Town. While not as luxurious as the imperial palace, the post station was clean, tidy, and quite comfortable.

"Magistrate Zhao, you look anxious. Is there something troubling you?" The Empress Dowager asked softly as she sat in the main hall of the post station.

Upon hearing this, Zhao Gang knelt down again with a thud, tears welling in his eyes: "Your Majesty, Your Majesty, I was truly driven to desperation, which is why I dared to stop Your Majesty. Qingping Town may seem peaceful, but it is actually fraught with hidden dangers. The Minister here is colluding with local wealthy merchants to exploit the people. I have tried to stop them many times, but they have all suppressed me. The people are suffering terribly, and I simply cannot bear to see them suffer."

The Emperor Emeritus's face instantly darkened, his eyes revealing both authority and anger: "Is this true? Tell me in detail."

Zhao Gang wiped away his tears and slowly said, "This wealthy merchant is named Qian Wanguan. Relying on his relationship with the Minister, he acts recklessly in Qingping Town. He forcibly seizes the people's land and raises prices, and the people dare not speak out against him. I have reported this to my superiors many times, but all my reports have gone unanswered. Now, he plans to forcibly seize the people's houses to expand his shops. The people are displaced and are truly pitiful."

The Empress Dowager's eyes were filled with heartache: "These corrupt officials are truly despicable. Your Majesty, we cannot stand idly by."

The Emperor Emeritus nodded slightly and looked at Zhao Gang: "Do you have any evidence?"

Zhao Gang quickly took out a stack of papers from his pocket and handed them over: "Your Majesty, this is the evidence I have collected. It records the various crimes they committed in collusion, as well as the joint petition from the people."

The Emperor Emeritus took the evidence and carefully examined it, his brow furrowing deeper with each page he read. "I will thoroughly investigate this matter and show no leniency," the Emperor Emeritus declared, his voice firm and powerful, like a thunderclap echoing through the hall of the post station.

"Your Majesty, this matter requires careful consideration. That Minister wields considerable influence in the court, and if we act rashly, we risk alerting him," the Empress Dowager gently cautioned.

The Emperor Emeritus pondered for a moment and said, "The Empress is absolutely right. Magistrate Zhao, please rise. Do not make this public; I will arrange it myself."

Zhao Gang was moved to tears: "Thank you so much, Your Majesty and Empress Dowager, for standing up for the people. I am willing to serve you both with utmost loyalty."

In the days that followed, the Emperor Emeritus and the Empress Dowager, under the guise of touring Qingping Town, secretly investigated the collusion between the Minister and wealthy merchants. They traveled incognito, interviewing many people and hearing more horrific stories of their crimes.

One day, the Emperor Emeritus and the Empress Dowager encountered a ragged old man at the town's market. The old man leaned on a cane, his eyes filled with despair.

"Grandma, what's wrong?" The Empress Dowager stepped forward and asked softly.

The old man raised his head, looked at the Empress Dowager, and tears welled up in his eyes: "Madam, you must be from out of town. Our Qingping Town has suffered so much because of Qian Wanguan and the Minister. They forcibly occupied my house and took my son away. His whereabouts are still unknown."

A flash of anger crossed the Emperor Emeritus's eyes: "Outrageous! Rest assured, old man, we will definitely stand up for you."

As the investigation deepened and more evidence accumulated, the truth gradually came to light. The retired emperor decided to take immediate action once he had gathered sufficient evidence.

"Your Majesty, when shall we make our move?" the Empress Dowager asked.

The retired emperor's gaze was firm: "Tomorrow, I will ensure that these corrupt officials receive the punishment they deserve."

The next morning, the Emperor Emeritus and the Empress Dowager summoned their accompanying guards, Zhao Gang, and some loyal officials at the post station.

"This operation must bring these corrupt officials to justice." The Emperor Emeritus's voice was deep and powerful, filled with authority.

The group accepted the order and quickly sprang into action. They split into several groups, one heading towards the Minister's residence and the other towards the shop of the wealthy merchant Qian Wanguan.

The Minister was still asleep when the soldiers surrounded his residence. He was awakened by the noise outside and, before he could react, was dragged out by the soldiers.

"Who are you? How dare you trespass on my residence!" The Minister still tried to maintain his authority, shouting loudly.

The retired emperor stepped forward and looked at him coldly: "Do you know your crime?"

Upon seeing the Emperor Emeritus, the Minister's face turned deathly pale. He knelt on the ground with a thud, pleading, "Emperor Emeritus, spare my life!"

Meanwhile, the soldiers who went to Qian Wanguan's shop successfully captured him. When Qian Wanguan was brought before the Emperor Emeritus, he trembled with fear.

"Your Majesty, I know my crime, I beg Your Majesty to spare my life." Qian Wanguan kept kowtowing, his forehead bleeding from the repeated kowtows.

The retired emperor looked at them with disgust in his eyes: "You colluded to prey on the people and committed heinous crimes. Today is your end."

Subsequently, the retired emperor ordered that the minister and Qian Wanguan be severely punished according to the law, and their property be confiscated to compensate the people. Upon hearing this news, the people flocked to the streets, cheering and rejoicing.

"The Emperor Emeritus and Empress Dowager are wise!" The cheers of the people rose and fell, echoing throughout the entire Qingping Town.

After staying in Qingping Town for a few days, the Emperor Emeritus and the Empress Dowager continued their journey. Their hearts were filled with both the satisfaction of ridding the people of a scourge and a deep concern for their lives.

"Your Majesty, along this journey, we have witnessed the suffering of the people, but also their simple and honest nature," the Empress Dowager said with emotion as she sat in the carriage.

The retired emperor nodded slightly: "Yes, as emperors, we must protect the people of this world."

Lingering Charm of Jiangnan: Warmth and Mission

The Emperor Emeritus and Empress Dowager's entourage slowly departed Qingping Town, the cheers of the people still echoing in their ears, warming their hearts. As the carriages moved forward, the scenery of Jiangnan became increasingly enchanting, with mountains as dark as ink, flowing green waters, and rice paddies swaying gently in the breeze, resembling a golden ocean.

"Your Majesty, the scenery of Jiangnan is truly breathtaking." The Empress Dowager gently lifted the carriage curtain, gazing at the picturesque view outside the window with eyes full of fascination.

The Emperor Emeritus smiled and nodded, then gently took the Empress Dowager's hand: "Yes, every scene is enchanting, and it makes us feel the beauty of this world and its close connection to the lives of the people."

The convoy stopped in a quiet little town. Built along a river, the water was crystal clear, and small boats occasionally glided across its surface, the ripples created by their oars shimmering golden in the sunlight. The Emperor Emeritus and Empress Dowager strolled along the town's cobblestone streets, enjoying the tranquility and peace of this quaint town. The shops lining the streets were a dazzling array, selling various handicrafts and delicacies characteristic of the Jiangnan region.

An old man selling oiled paper umbrellas greeted the Emperor Emeritus and Empress Dowager warmly, saying, "Esteemed guests, take a look at my oiled paper umbrellas. They are all handmade by me, with exquisite craftsmanship and beautiful patterns."

The Empress Dowager was drawn to an oil-paper umbrella painted with a scene of a water town in Jiangnan. She gently picked it up, opened it, and the beautiful scenery on the umbrella reflected the town before her, like a flowing scroll painting. "Your Majesty, this umbrella is so beautiful. Buy it for the children; they will surely love it."

The Emperor Emeritus smiled and nodded, paid the money, and carefully folded the oil-paper umbrella. They continued on their way and came to a teahouse. The teahouse was full of local people, who were drinking tea, chatting, and laughing. The Emperor Emeritus and the Empress Dowager found an empty seat and ordered a pot of local fragrant tea.

The aroma of tea wafted through the air. The Empress Dowager took a small sip and praised, "This tea has a truly unique flavor; it's refreshing on the palate and leaves a lingering aftertaste."

Just then, a scholar at the next table was telling everyone historical anecdotes about Jiangnan, which the Emperor Emeritus and Empress Dowager listened to intently. After the scholar finished, everyone applauded. The Emperor Emeritus smiled and said to the scholar, "Young master, you have excellent eloquence. This story was told vividly and interestingly, giving us a deeper understanding of the history of Jiangnan."

The scholar rose and bowed respectfully: "Thank you both for your praise. It is my honor to share the culture of Jiangnan with you all."

After leaving the teahouse, the Emperor Emeritus and Empress Dowager continued their stroll through the town. They came to an ancient stone bridge, where the river flowed gently beneath it, and weeping willows lined both banks, their branches swaying in the wind as if telling a story of the gentle charm of Jiangnan.

"Your Majesty, life in Jiangnan is simple and happy. Our greatest wish is for the people to live and work in peace and contentment," the Empress Dowager said softly, leaning on the Emperor Emeritus's shoulder.

The Emperor Emeritus nodded slightly, his gaze firm: "Yes, we must ensure that all the people of this world can live such a life."

As their journey continued, they arrived at a bustling city in Jiangnan. The city was vibrant and lively, with shops lining both sides of the street, displaying a dazzling array of goods. The Emperor Emeritus and the Empress Dowager entered a silk shop, where various exquisite silks were displayed, their colors vibrant and their textures soft.

"These silks are truly exquisite. Take some back with you to make clothes for the women in the palace," the Empress Dowager said as she selected the silks.

The shopkeeper enthusiastically introduced the characteristics and uses of various silks, and the Emperor Emeritus and Empress Dowager listened attentively, occasionally asking questions. After selecting their silks, they went to a porcelain shop. The shop was filled with various exquisite porcelains, including blue and white porcelain and famille rose porcelain, each piece demonstrating superb craftsmanship and truly a work of art.

"The porcelain from Jiangnan is famous throughout the world, and it truly lives up to its reputation." The Emperor Emeritus picked up a blue and white porcelain vase, carefully admiring the patterns on it, and praised it highly.

After touring the city for a few days, the Emperor Emeritus and Empress Dowager learned that a grand temple fair was being held there. They decided to join in the fun and experience the local folk culture.

The temple fair was packed with people and incredibly lively. A variety of performances were held, including dragon and lion dances, acrobatics, and more. Numerous food stalls sold various local delicacies, such as candied hawthorn skewers, sugar figurines, and stinky tofu.

The Empress Dowager was drawn to a sugar figurine stall. She watched the craftsman skillfully making the figurines, her eyes filled with curiosity. The craftsman crafted a small rabbit-shaped sugar figurine and handed it to the Empress Dowager: "Madam, this sugar figurine is for you. May your life be sweet and joyful."

The Empress Dowager smiled as she accepted the sugar figurine and handed it to the Emperor Emeritus beside her: "Your Majesty, please have a taste."

The retired emperor took a small bite of the sugar figurine and said with a smile, "It's so sweet."

They strolled around the temple fair for a long time, enjoying various performances, tasting delicious food, and feeling the joy and happiness of the people.

"Your Majesty, this trip to Jiangnan has allowed us to witness the beauty of the world and feel the warmth of the people," the Empress Dowager said with emotion.

The retired emperor nodded in agreement: "Yes, we must continue this good thing so that all people in the world can live a happy life."

As time passed, the Emperor Emeritus and Empress Dowager's journey gradually drew to a close. Filled with memories and deep concern for the people, they embarked on their return journey. During their journey, they constantly reflected on what they had seen and heard along the way, their resolve to protect the people of the land strengthened even further.

"Your Majesty, after we return to the palace, we must tell the children what we saw and heard in Jiangnan, so that they may also understand the importance of the people," the Empress Dowager said.

The Emperor Emeritus nodded slightly: "Good, let them know that as members of the royal family, they bear the heavy responsibility of protecting the world."

The carriage moved slowly forward, heading towards the palace.