Chapter 34

In the mid-autumn season, the sky was high and the clouds were light.

Sunlight and the faint scent of osmanthus flowers spilled into the cabin.

Jiang Yuxun had not even begun to feel apprehensive.

Ying Changchuan had already laughed softly and asked with interest, "Then, my minister, what position do you think would be most suitable?"

What position?

Jiang Yuxun instinctively began to consider seriously.

After the events at Yi River and the palace upheaval, three positions among the 'Three Dukes and Nine Ministers' were left vacant.

But the position of the Nine Ministers is too high, clearly not something I should be considering at the moment.

As for the positions below the Nine Ministers...

Wait a minute! Is Ying Changchuan joking with me, or is he serious?

With this realization, Jiang Yuxun belatedly became alert.

Without time for pleasantries, he sincerely blurted out, "I believe the position of 'Prefect of the Masters of Writing' seems more suitable..."

...Whenever Jiang Yuxun had spare time, he couldn't help but ponder over the issue of "promotion" and the three years of salary arrears owed to him.

He had even thoroughly studied the administrative system of the Great Zhou and the vacancies in the court.

The "Prefect of the Masters of Writing" is an official subordinate to the "Minister of the Imperial Treasury," one of the Nine Ministers.

Originally, the Prefect of the Masters of Writing was responsible for conveying and recording imperial decrees and edicts, similar to the role of the Palace Attendants.

Over time, the position became more powerful, evolving into a chief official overseeing government orders.

In the era Jiang Yuxun currently lived in, the position of the Prefect of the Masters of Writing was in the process of gaining more power, with vaguely defined, potentially expansive authority.

Hearing this, Ying Changchuan raised his eyebrows: "My minister has indeed thought this through."

At this moment, there was not a hint of displeasure in the emperor's ash-colored eyes, as if Jiang Yuxun's words were entirely within his expectations.

Since ancient times, court ministers have always been discreet and cautious, concealing their capabilities and biding their time.

Regardless of what they did behind the scenes, they always presented themselves as having no desires or ambitions.

Jiang Yuxun, on the contrary, seemed to be completely opposite to these people.

——He appeared unafraid to expose his own ambitions.

-

Although the emperor's southern tour was not announced in advance, it has now spread throughout the Chenjiang Plain.

Now many people know that the court's representatives carry novel agricultural tools never seen before, and they are inquiring everywhere about their production and purchase methods.

Before long, this group of people was finally gathered outside various government offices.

——In addition, the displaced people who had been sent back to their hometowns were also brought here by the government soldiers.

Seeing the items placed in front of the government office, the crowd couldn't help but whisper among themselves:

"Look! That's the harrow Master Jiang mentioned."

"…And what are those two things beside it?"

"I, I don't know either…"

When enough people had gathered, an official finally emerged from inside the building.

The people of Taoyan County were not usually respectful towards the government, but today, seeing someone in official attire, they involuntarily quieted down, even holding their breath, looking forward with great anticipation.

Once the crowd quieted, the official from the Great Zhou finally cleared his throat.

He first introduced the names of the three agricultural tools on the ground, demonstrated how to use them, and then raised his voice to state the purpose of this gathering.

——These new agricultural tools were made by the imperial court and were currently limited in number.

Before the spring plowing, the imperial court will set up schools near the government offices in various places to teach the "Method of Intensive Farming." Only those who learn and understand the basic methods of farming will be eligible to buy them at a low price for their use.

Before the start of spring sowing, it was difficult for the common people to see with the naked eye the benefits of "meticulous farming."

But the efficiency of the agricultural tools was visibly apparent.

After harvesting the paddy fields, it's necessary to weed and loosen the soil.

That's when the harrow will come into play.

The day the news spread, countless people on the Chenjiang Plain reported their names to the government offices, fearing they would be a step behind others.

-

Riding a swift horse, one could reach Zhao Du from Zhe Rou in at most two days and a night.

The southern tour was important, but Ying Changchuan, as the Emperor, couldn't stay away from the capital for too long.

According to the plan, the tower ship would stop for a longer time in Taoyan County on the return journey.

So, after leaving Tong Hailin and Xue Kejin to continue overseeing the "military farming," the rest stayed a few more days in Taoyan County before the tower ship continued southward, eventually reaching Shuo Lin County — the place where the Chenjiang River meets the sea and the southernmost point of the Great Zhou territory.

Nighttime, below deck on the tower ship.

On ordinary days, the accompanying officials dine in this cabin.

Tonight, due to an imperial decree, the place was especially lively.

"That's great, young people should be bold!" Zhuang Yue gave Jiang Yuxun a hearty pat on the shoulder, "Ah Xun, the youth are to be feared indeed!"

After saying this, he raised his wine jar high, swaying it twice before downing it in one gulp.

The others echoed in agreement: "The youth are indeed to be feared!"

Carried away by the atmosphere, Jiang Yuxun had no choice but to follow suit and take another drink.

During the conversation, Lou Zhuozheng, the magistrate of Shuo Lin County, one of the "three southeastern counties," also raised his cup and emptied it.

He, like Zhuang Yue, was a good friend of Jiang Yuxun's father.

Hearing of Jiang Yuxun’s "promotion," both were happier than the other.

"Minister Jiang... no, it should be 'Prefect Jiang' soon! Come on, drink up!"

Today, they were drinking not strong liquor, but traditional Tian wine.

It was unclear how much Lou Zhuozheng had drunk, as his cheeks were already flushed.

"Yes, Minister Lou." With such enthusiasm from the other party, Jiang Yuxun had to keep up.

Unknowingly, his cheeks also started to turn a light red.

Perhaps getting tipsy, after praising Jiang Yuxun a few times, Lou Zhuozheng suddenly remembered the past and turned to reminisce with Zhuang Yue, whom he hadn't seen in many years.

With no one urging him to drink anymore, Jiang Yuxun finally let out a sigh of relief.

Just then, someone couldn't help but say: "The position of Prefect of the Masters has been vacant since His Majesty's ascension to the throne. We all thought His Majesty wouldn't appoint anyone to this position again—"

Before finishing, he realized the inappropriateness of his words and hastily closed his mouth.

Meanwhile, those around had already silently completed the thought in their minds:

Unexpectedly, Jiang Yuxun, a young official who had just started his career, would become the first Prefect of the Masters of the Great Zhou.

Honestly, not just them, even Jiang Yuxun himself was somewhat surprised.

Although he anticipated that Ying Changchuan would promote him, he never imagined Ying Changchuan would do so this readily.

Could it be that he's really a wishing well?

"Cough, cough, cough..." The next moment, Jiang Yuxun couldn't help but choke on his wine.

What wishing well!

Which wishing well could exploit someone like this?

Even though he had become the "Prefect of the Masters," he still retained the position of "Imperial Attendant."

— Still a workhorse among workhorses!

Thinking of this, Jiang Yuxun felt a wave of sadness.

The Emperor was on this very tower ship.

Naturally, everyone dared not make too much noise.

After reminiscing about the past and getting tipsy, Lou Zhuozheng was helped off the ship by his attendants, and the others also took their leave.

But in the blink of an eye, only Jiang Yuxun and Zhuang Yue were left.

It was getting late, and Jiang Yuxun was about to take his leave, but Zhuang Yue patted his shoulder to stop him.

His tone was quite solemn: "Nephew, come to the deck."

Jiang Yuxun hesitated for a moment, then quickly followed him.

The autumn deepened, and even in the southern Shuo Lin County, a chill lingered on the river after nightfall.

As soon as he stepped out, Jiang Yuxun's drowsiness was completely swept away by the wind.

Unlike the excitement and joy at dinner, Zhuang Yue's expression was somewhat heavy at this moment.

He gazed deeply at Jiang Yuxun, then lowered his voice and said, "His Majesty always distinguishes clearly between rewards and punishments. We military officers have all been promoted based on our military achievements."

Jiang Yuxun nodded lightly.

The River Chen was engulfed in silence, as Zhuang Yue continued, "His Majesty once led a hundred thousand troops, waging wars across the land, undoubtedly revealing his sharp edge. Your resemblance to him in this aspect is striking, and it’s not surprising that His Majesty appreciates you."

"It’s just that..."

A cold wind blew, and Zhuang Yue’s expression suddenly became stern.

Jiang Yuxun couldn’t help but tense up, holding his breath subconsciously and asking, "Just what?"

Zhuang Yue suddenly looked around sneakily, ensuring no one was nearby, then lowered his voice to Jiang Yuxun, "Everything should be done in moderation. Once you become the Minister, you must no longer behave recklessly. You need to grasp the nuances of your actions and avoid angering His Majesty at all costs. Can you do that?"

Jiang Yuxun, of course, understood the logic in Zhuang Yue's words.

It’s just... such subtlety wasn’t something he could master just by wanting to.

Jiang Yuxun subconsciously clenched his fist, shifting his gaze unnaturally towards the river.

"I...” I certainly can’t.

He thought this in his heart, but of course, he couldn’t voice it and scare others.

Jiang Yuxun turned to Zhuang Yue with a smile, reassuringly saying, "Don’t worry, Uncle, I naturally understand this principle."

—Understood, but truly unable to achieve it.

"That's wonderful, truly wonderful! Ah Xun, you have indeed grown up!"

Seeing Jiang Yuxun's confident smile, Zhuang Yue felt a great weight lifted off his shoulders.

"Ah... if only your parents could see you now, that would be perfect..."

Zhuang Yue sighed softly.

After a moment of silence, he finally looked at Jiang Yuxun with relief, praising him as a "formidable youth" while they headed together towards the cabin on the deck.

-

Jiang Yuxun tiptoed as he pushed open the cabin door.

It was late, and he had thought Ying Changchuan would have already retired.

To his surprise, upon opening the door, he saw Ying Changchuan in black robes, standing by the window, gazing into the distance.

Hearing the footsteps, Ying Changchuan slowly turned to face Jiang Yuxun.

"Your servant greets Your Majesty—"

"Dispense with the formalities."

It was getting colder now, and only half the windows were open on the boat at night for ventilation.

Seeing Ying Changchuan slowly sit back down at his desk.

Eunuch Sang hurried in to close a window, then turned to head towards the partition.

But before his hand could touch the door, the Emperor softly said, "You may leave now."

"Yes, Your Majesty."

Sang Gonggong quickly withdrew, thinking he was being considerate by closing the door and sending away the attendants outside.

Seeing Ying Changchuan sit down, Jiang Yuxun hesitated for a moment before also taking a seat on the outer cabin bench.

The next moment, the Emperor slightly frowned and asked, "Why do I smell alcohol on you?"

Alcohol?

Hearing this, Jiang Yuxun subconsciously sniffed himself a couple of times.

Whether he had grown accustomed to it or for some other reason, he couldn’t detect any hint of alcohol on himself.

Ying Changchuan’s nose is too sensitive, isn’t it?!

Although he wanted to argue, Jiang Yuxun paused and then honestly admitted, "Minister Zhuang was celebrating my appointment as Prefect, so he invited me for a chat and a few drinks to exchange heartfelt thoughts."

Tian wine almost had no alcohol content, being the most common beverage of that era.

From high-ranking court officials to relatively well-off commoners, everyone liked to enjoy a small drink when idle.

Drinking was a perfectly normal activity, but Jiang Yuxun felt guilty under Ying Changchuan's questioning.

The Emperor nodded lightly.

Just when Jiang Yuxun thought Ying Changchuan had finished asking, the latter casually added, "What heartfelt thoughts?"

"...” Since when did he become so interested in ministers' conversations!

At this moment, alarms were going off in Jiang Yuxun's mind.

If it were someone else being asked this, they would certainly use this opportunity to utter phrases about "loyalty to the monarch and serving the country" or "alleviating His Majesty’s worries," while buttering up the Emperor.

But Jiang Yuxun could only recall and honestly say, "Minister Zhuang advised me not to be too casual in front of His Majesty, to avoid displeasing the royal countenance."

Jiang Yuxun: !!!

Have I inadvertently betrayed my ally?

Jiang Yuxun had grown accustomed to losing face or speaking recklessly in front of Ying Changchuan.

But betraying an ally seemed to be a first for him, an area where he was notably inexperienced.

As he finished speaking and saw the Emperor frown, the last traces of sleepiness vanished from Jiang Yuxun.

Did my words just now imply that Ying Changchuan has a bad temper?!

Finished, have I dragged Minister Zhuang down with me?

With this thought, Jiang Yuxun hurriedly bowed and began to explain on Zhuang Yue’s behalf, “Your Majesty, please understand that Minister Zhuang had no other intentions. He was merely concerned about my unrestrained speech and reminded me as such—”

Jiang Yuxun was cut off mid-sentence by Ying Changchuan's laughter: “It’s alright.”

It’s alright?

Is Ying Changchuan not going to hold it against Zhuang Yue?

Before Jiang Yuxun could fully grasp the meaning of his words, the Emperor suddenly stood up and called Eunuch Sang, who was waiting outside, into the room.

Accompanied by a soft creak, the cabin door was pulled open from the outside.

The elderly eunuch stooped as he entered, pushing the partition and dividing the cabin in two with a little effort.

Just as the partition was about to close, Ying Changchuan's voice came through from inside the room.

His tone was as casual as ever: "As usual will be fine."

The boat gently rocked on the waves, creating a soft sound of water.

The Emperor's voice suddenly seemed a bit indistinct.

The next moment, the partition finally closed.

Eunuch Sang then bowed and withdrew.

By the time Jiang Yuxun came to his senses, Ying Changchuan's voice had already dissipated into the night sky.

Calming down under the moonlight streaming through the window, Jiang Yuxun couldn’t help but ponder.

...Should I just be as usual?

Could it be that Ying Changchuan wants me to maintain my previous style of speaking?

※

During the Emperor's tour, he still received daily reports from Zhao Du.

— Currently, the alchemists of Lingtian Terrace were at Xuan Yin Supervisor's station, conducting experiments based on Jiang Yuxun's ideas.

Besides, the progress of land reclamation near Zhao Du was also quite rapid.

The next day, on the deck of the tower ship.

"Reporting to Your Majesty, several hundred acres of fertile land have been reclaimed near the Fulin Army camp, and in a few days, we can start planting this season’s winter wheat!" Zhuang Yue said excitedly.

After speaking, he couldn’t help but feel a bit regretful, "Unfortunately, we were a step late in reclaiming this year. At this time, we can only manage to plant wheat; it’s too late for millet."

Another official nearby also laughed, "Indeed, we'll have to settle for wheat for a few months. Next year we’ll plant millet early."

Although wheat was also grown on the Yi River Plain, according to historical records, it would be several hundred years before it became the main crop in the northern regions.

Millet, referred to as 'su' here, was the main staple in the northern regions of the Great Zhou at this time.

Steaming and boiling were the most common cooking methods.

After traversing time, Jiang Yuxun took a long while to adapt to such dietary habits.

Despite his discomfort with eating millet, he never considered switching to wheat as the staple.

The reason was simple—the wheat varieties popular in the Great Zhou Dynasty were different from modern ones, yielding flour that was extremely sticky and nearly inedible.

It could only be made into so-called "wheat rice," eaten grain by grain with chopsticks, and frankly, it didn’t taste very good.

It was already autumn, missing the last planting time for millet.

Considering the increase in wheat's proportion in military rations next year, it's no wonder the ministers felt regret.

By now, the southern tour had reached the end of its water journey.

As they spoke, the group disembarked from the tower ship and switched to carriages, heading towards the main road.

……

Shuolin County by the sea, with its warm climate, was the first in the Great Zhou to harvest late-season rice.

The fields were already a splendid sight.

The setting sun cast its rays over the other side of the hill, turning the vast rice fields into a sea of gold.

The Prefect of Shuolin County, Lou Zhuo, crouched by the field, tenderly touching the nearly ripe, harvest-ready rice, "Your Majesty, the weather in Shuolin County has been favorable this year, and the rice has grown well! We expect a 20% increase in yield compared to last year.”

Although speaking of increased yield, Lou Zhuo’s expression was not particularly joyful.

His brows remained tightly furrowed.

—Unlike Taoyan County in the Chen River Plains, Shuolin County was covered in low hills, with hardly any flat land for grain cultivation.

Even in years of good harvest, the people still faced hunger.

In years of misfortune, famine would lead to deaths along the roads…

This was well-known not just to Lou Zhuo, but to the court and the Emperor as well.

Hence, even if he tried, it was difficult for him to feign happiness.

After spending so much time in the south, Jiang Yuxun finally stepped into the rice fields.

He couldn't resist taking a few steps forward, reaching out to measure the rice plants.

Although Jiang Yuxun, a city dweller, had never farmed, he had at least seen fields and rice up close.

He had felt something unusual about these rice plants; upon closer inspection, he realized their stalks were much taller than those he remembered!

Lou Zhuo mentioned this year being bountiful, free of disasters, yet in the distance, rice could be seen collapsed in the fields.

From everyone's expressions, this seemed to be taken as normal.

Jiang Yuxun subconsciously touched the rice ears, his thoughts swirling.

“What is my dear official observing?”

"Ah!" Jiang Yuxun was startled for a moment, only then realizing Ying Changchuan had appeared behind him.

He quickly turned and bowed to the Emperor, "Your Majesty, I was observing these rice grains."

He added softly, "…Shuolin County is hilly, and as I traveled, I noticed the rice is only planted in some flat areas… I was thinking, if in the future we could plant rice on the mid-slopes of these hills, perhaps Shuolin could avoid famine."

Right where they stood, there were many gently sloping hills nearby.

If rice could be planted here, even the labor of building terraced fields could be saved.

Lou Zhuo slowly stood up, smiling as he explained to Jiang Yuxun, the son of an old friend:

"Although the slopes of these hills are gentle, the land is too dry. The locals have tried planting rice here before, but despite their efforts, they saw little harvest. Over time, such attempts ceased."

The field suddenly fell silent.

Indeed, the famine problem in Shuolin County was severe.

Over the years, the locals had naturally tried every conceivable method.

Seeing these unarable hills, everyone's mood grew heavy.

Jiang Yuxun once again ran his hand over the rice grains.

Tiny barbs unintentionally pricked his fingertips, bringing a sharp, unavoidable pain.

"Hiss..." Jiang Yuxun reflexively drew back his hand, looking down at his fingers.

Fortunately, the barbs on the rice were not as sharp as those on wheat.

The sting he had just felt was painful, but it didn’t break his skin.

Yet, this sharp pain suddenly cleared Jiang Yuxun's mind.

Rice that can be grown in the mountains...?

I remember now!

Jiang Yuxun's heart began to beat heavily.

Unconsciously, he clenched the hem of his robe while biting his teeth together.

"Lord Jiang, what’s the matter with you?" Lou Zhuo, standing nearby, was startled by Jiang Yuxun's sudden tension.

At this moment, Ying Changchuan had already noticed—Jiang Yuxun's eyes were bright with excitement he couldn't suppress.

Ying Changchuan narrowed his eyes: "Has my dear official thought of something?"

"Reporting to Your Majesty, I do have something to report," Jiang Yuxun immediately turned and bowed to the Emperor, then slowly said, "It’s about the variety of rice."

Without waiting for Ying Changchuan to inquire further, Jiang Yuxun hurriedly shared the background he had concocted:

"I grew up in Lanzhe County, which borders the Hai Fang Kingdom. A portion of the people in the county share ancestry and close ties with the people of Hai Fang. I heard some of the elders talk about things related to Hai Fang Kingdom."

As Jiang Yuxun spoke, his breathing became rapid: "…Hai Fang Kingdom has a variety of rice that matures early and is drought-resistant, making it very suitable for cultivation on highlands."

Lanzhe County is rainy, so this type of rice wasn’t needed there.

Even if the locals knew about it, they wouldn’t go out of their way to find this rice variety, let alone promote it widely.

But it’s a different story for nearby Shuolin County!

This variety of rice was later known as "Hai Fang Rice," officially introduced and widely cultivated in the southeastern hilly regions over a thousand years later.

With this, the famine issue in Shuolin County was finally resolved.

Upon hearing his words, a murmur of private conversations quickly spread among those on the field ridges.

"Lord Jiang, is what you say true?" The Prefect of Shuolin County became excited instantly, even stepping forward to grasp his hand.

Despite his question, Lou Zhuo already believed much of what Jiang Yuxun said.

—He had long heard various rumors about Jiang Yuxun and deep down, he trusted the son of his old friend.

Jiang Yuxun nodded slowly: "Indeed, my lord, it's absolutely true."

His tone was unwaveringly firm.

Hai Fang Rice indeed existed, and Jiang Yuxun was not only unafraid of people searching for it, but he also strongly advocated for the officials to actively seek this rice variety.

And the sooner, the better!

The rice grains rustled with the gentle breeze.

Jiang Yuxun turned to face Ying Changchuan, speaking earnestly, "Every word I say is true, Your Majesty. Please consider this matter carefully."

The golden rice fields, together with the setting sun, reflected in his dark eyes.

Like flames flickering in the wind.

At this moment, Ying Changchuan suddenly recalled the fiery sunset by the Yi River.

—Now, it seemed to have spread across the entire Chen River region.

-

Before Jiang Yuxun, not to mention having seen it, no one in the Great Zhou Dynasty had ever heard of the so-called "Hai Fang Rice."

Naturally, the Emperor couldn’t make an immediate decision based on a few words spoken beside the rice field.

But now, Jiang Yuxun’s words had taken root in everyone’s heart like a seed in the quiet.

Just waiting for the moment to break through the soil.

……

Ying Changchuan was to travel by horse carriage to the capital of Shuolin County.

Still serving as the "Imperial Attendant," Jiang Yuxun, as before, shared a carriage with Ying Changchuan.

Not long after leaving the rice fields, the carriage returned to the main road.

Shuolin County, being near the sea, carried a faint briny scent in the night air.

Shortly into the journey, a gust of wind from outside lifted a corner of the carriage curtain.

Coincidentally, a sea cliff appeared in Jiang Yuxun’s line of sight.

Seeing its familiar shape, the words "Qinglin Cliff" surfaced in his mind.

—Back when Ying Changchuan was a noble of the previous dynasty, his first military expedition had been to this place, then known as "Shuolin Kingdom."

And it was the battle at "Qinglin Cliff" that first made him famous across the land!

By this time, the sun had completely set.

The white cliff standing by the sea was particularly striking.

Jiang Yuxun, in his previous life, had once traveled here, so he recognized it at first glance!

…He hadn't expected that a thousand years ago, outside this cliff lay a forest.

Seeing this, Jiang Yuxun couldn't help comparing the scenery before him with the images in his mind.

Lost in his memories, he was unusually distracted.

Thus, he didn't notice that Ying Changchuan, seated beside him, had set aside the memorial he was reading.

"Are you looking at Qinglin Cliff?" The Emperor's voice reached Jiang Yuxun's ears.

“……”

Being caught daydreaming was no longer a big deal for Jiang Yuxun.

He instinctively replied, "Yes, Your Majesty, I was looking at Qinglin Cliff."

His response even sounded a bit defiant…

But Ying Changchuan wasn't angry.

The Emperor's gaze followed Jiang Yuxun’s out the carriage window.

After a pause, Jiang Yuxun reached out to open the curtain.

There was no moon tonight, yet the white edge of the sea shimmered with a soft glow.

Ying Changchuan fell silent for a moment, then said with a light laugh, "It has been seven years since I last came here."

The mention of history instantly piqued Jiang Yuxun’s interest.

He couldn’t help saying, "I know, Your Majesty, you defeated Shuolin Kingdom here!"

Ying Changchuan turned to Jiang Yuxun, remarking casually, "You seem to know quite a lot."

...Wait!

Having said that, Jiang Yuxun suddenly realized that the "History of Zhou" with Ying Changchuan as the "main character" had not yet been compiled.

What he just mentioned was unknown to many in the current court.

He couldn’t help but defend himself, "My father had once mentioned this incident to me."

"Oh?" Ying Changchuan seemed intrigued, "What else do you know, my dear official?"

"...I also know that Your Majesty took the life of the King of Shuolin Kingdom here with a single arrow. The Shuolin army, leaderless, suffered a great defeat at your hands. Most importantly, all this occurred at midnight."

Unlike his previous excitement, Jiang Yuxun's tone now carried a hint of skepticism.

Historical records can’t always be fully trusted.

Taking a life with an arrow at midnight?

—Such an account seems a bit exaggerated!

When Jiang Yuxun first read about this in the "History of Zhou," he suspected it was the dramatization of later historians.

Perhaps even Ying Changchuan himself didn’t know that future historians would attribute such a feat to him!

Unaware, Jiang Yuxun, as a skeptical critic, was overly obvious in his doubt.

It was as if he had the words "I don't believe it" written all over his face.

Ying Changchuan: "……"

The carriage slowly took a turn, entering the forest, and the Qinglin Cliff that hung like a bright moon over the sea also disappeared from view.

Jiang Yuxun finally withdrew his gaze reluctantly, lowering the carriage curtain and subconsciously looking towards Ying Changchuan.

Such trivial matters shouldn’t concern an emperor.

Yet after a moment of silence, Ying Changchuan couldn't help but frown and look at the person beside him: "Do you think this matter is true or false, my dear official?"

The flickering candlelight inside the carriage illuminated Jiang Yuxun's cheeks.

His expression was clearly visible in Ying Changchuan's eyes.

Huh?

Why is Ying Changchuan asking me this?

Though somewhat puzzled, Jiang Yuxun sincerely raised his eyes to meet Ying Changchuan’s, saying with utmost seriousness, “It’s surely false.”