Chapter 26

Chapter 26: Acting as Heaven's Envoy in Jiangdong Prefecture (Part 4)

"Your Highness, the refugees have mostly been settled, and supplies from various regions have been gathered. 

Both doctors and local physicians are gradually checking the patients," Liu Yi, who has been here for several 

days, reported on the situation of the refugees. "The people sent to the flood-affected areas have also sent back 

news that the breached riverbanks have been repaired, and this year's rainy season has completely ended."

In summary, although the casualties from this flood in the Nanjiang River were significant, fortunately, there 

was no major upheaval, and at this moment, everything has been resolved properly.

"When things are over here, you go to Jinliu County in person." Sicangqing ordered, believing that as the 

Minister of Household Affairs he would be able to handle the subsequent tasks well. "Then hurry back to the 

capital."

At that time, it will be time for him to start eradicating the Qin family and carry out drastic reforms.

"Liu Yi obeys the order," Liu Yi raised his head and looked at Si Cang Qing's always expressionless face, a faint 

glimmer in his eyes, "Your Highness, are you returning to the capital?"

Shaking his head, Si Cang Qing's eyes slightly turned cold. He hadn't dealt with the governor of Jiangdong yet, 

so how could he just let him go like this? Seeing Chen Jiufan seemingly breathe a sigh of relief, did he really 

think he would let him off so easily?

Moreover... 

Si Cang Qing looked out the window at the sky after the storm had cleared, a deep blue and transparent expanse 

dotted with patches of white clouds. "This palace still needs to see that Qiu Ping Tian."

With a hint of confusion, Liu Yi asked, "The richest man in the world, Qiu Ping Tian? Your Highness, what do 

you want him for?"

Glancing at the other person, the scholar held himself in high regard, especially looking down on the merchants 

who were always scheming and calculating. How did Liu Yi, who was different from the usual pedantic scholars, 

view this? Si Cang Qing casually said, "Liu Yi, what do you think?"

Liu Yi's eyebrows narrowed slightly and he pondered for a moment, "Prosperous business will lead to wealth, 

prosperity will lead to people's stability, people's stability will lead to peace, security will make the country 

strong, and strength will lead to no troubles. Your Highness, do you not think that Qiu Ping Tian is indeed a 

prodigy in commerce? If it is used by the imperial court, our country's business will be prosperous, and our 

country will be enriched, and maintain a strong army. From then on, there will be no internal or external 

troubles!”

With a look of appreciation, Si Cang Qing nodded and said, "Continue."

Seeing Si Cang Qing's rare expression of interest, Liu Yiqing smiled lightly, "Since His Highness has been in 

power, although he has not been obvious about business actions, he has always used certain opportunities to 

issue regulations related to business. Liu Yi believes that after His Highness purged all officials and reformed 

the imperial system, he wanted to revitalize business."

Liu Yi seemed to be lost in thought and said, "However, since ancient times, emperors have looked down on 

commerce. Although there are many merchants and traders, true experts are rare. That Qiu Ping Tian is the richest 

man in the world, starting his business at ten and becoming famous at twenty. He also has many commercial 

prodigies under him. If we could recruit him, it would make establishing a business much easier."

"Moreover, Qiu Ping Tian is involved in all kinds of enterprises, and his spies are spread all over the Three 

Kingdoms, making him a great asset to Your Highness."

At this point, Liu Yi's lips curled up, and a hint of barely noticeable smugness appeared in his eyes. "Liu Yi is 

dull-witted; I wonder what Your Highness thinks of Liu Yi's analysis?"

Si Cang Qing lightly rested his chin on his left hand, observing Liu Yi for the first time with a scrutinizing gaze. 

This Liu Yi, truly deserving of having once been the top scholar, had a talent that was astonishing, his thoughts 

sharp and meticulous. What was rare was that his character was not confined by the limitations of the literati of 

this era.

"Your Highness..." Seeing that the other party remained silent for a long time, just staring at him intently, Liu Yi 

found it hard to sit still, and the little bit of pride he had vanished completely.

Everyone says he is exceptionally talented, that he is clear-minded and upright, and Si Cang Qing indeed intended 

to bring him on board. But for more than a year now, Si Cang Qing has never looked at any of his achievements 

with special regard, always remaining indifferent, as if he were fully aware and in control of everything. Perhaps 

because he was used to being adored, he would occasionally feel a slight sense of defeat, even harboring a tiny 

hope that one day this prince, who looked down on everything, would see him in a new light.

Thinking of this, Liu Yi couldn't help but feel a bit self-deprecating; he was just an ordinary person after all. The 

notions of elegance like an orchid or pride like a plum were just exaggerations!

"Not bad," retracting his gaze, Si Cang Qing's tone remained cold, "You are in the Ministry of Household affairs, 

and it's rare for your intentions to be transparent. When the time comes, I will leave this matter to you to handle."

Quickly regaining composure, Liu Yi showed no signs of disagreement, "Your Highness values me, so Liu Yi will 

do his utmost."

At this moment, Feng Lan pushed the door open and, upon seeing Liu Yi, gave a slight nod as a greeting before 

coming to Si Cang Qing's side. "Master, everything has been arranged properly."

"Mmn," Si Cang Qing stood up and looked at Feng Lan quietly, "Let's go!" 

"Where is Master going?" Feng Lan felt a bit puzzled. Now that everything except for Chen Jiufan and Qiu Ping 

Tian's matters had been properly arranged, where could Si Cang Qing be going at this time?

"Pay respects to your family." Seeing Feng Lan suddenly stunned, Si Cang Qing's gaze softened slightly. He 

hadn't forgotten the time he went to the cemetery with Feng Lan. The fragility and tears of this man were visible 

in his eyes. A soft emotion flowed through his heart unconsciously.

Stunned, there was also Liu Yi, who had been forgotten on the side. Once again, he deeply scrutinized Feng Lan. 

Clearly, he was just an ordinary-looking man, just a bit more gentle and quiet, someone who had never left a 

particularly strong impression. But why was it that he could always evoke some different emotions in that 

indifferent person?

Feng Lan came to his senses and smiled faintly, his eyes bright and clear, with no trace of the past sadness left. 

"Thank you, Master. It's just that many people in Zhaoyang City recognize you now, so going to the graveyard 

so suddenly might be a bit..."

"No problem." Si Cang Qing never cared about what others thought about what he wanted to do.

"Really, it's not necessary," Feng Lan said with a gentle smile, his delicate features radiating happiness. "As long 

as there's sincerity, it doesn't matter whether we pay our respects or not." Hearing this, Si Cang Qing didn't insist. 

Although he knew Feng Lan must want to go deep down, he wouldn't force him since he was unwilling.

◇Cang Huan◇Seven Palaces◇

Quisui Restaurant

After checking everything inside and out, Qiu Ping Tian finally returned to the study and picked up the ledger to 

read.

Ever since His Highness the Crown Prince suddenly descended from the heavens, he immediately arranged for 

people to lead the refugees outside the city to set up temporary camps. Soon, the refugees pouring into Zhaoyang 

City were settled. Due to the arrival of the imperial envoy, the refugees from several other counties were also 

quickly settled. Now, the capital of Jiangdong is slowly returning to normal, except for…

When the prince ordered the rectification of merchants here, merchants in Zhaoyang and several surrounding 

towns became the first targets of demonstration. Those merchants who originally made huge profits during the 

turmoil were all punished this time, but the gains outweighed the losses.

Thinking of this, Qiu Ping Tian smiled slightly. He had always been sensitive to matters related to business, and 

this time it was indeed within his expectations. Over the past year, based on the orders given by Si Cang Qing, he 

had gradually been able to analyze some principles.

Si Cang Qing places great importance on commerce, this is beyond doubt; but at the same time, he strongly 

disapproves of merchants colluding to monopolize prices, and it seems he intends for the court to manage 

essential goods like grain, cloth, oil, and salt. On the other hand, Si Cang Qing vehemently opposes the collusion 

between officials and merchants…

Qiu Ping Tian started making calculations.

Therefore, he knew that the behavior of Zhaoyang City merchants this time would definitely arouse the 

displeasure and even anger of His Highness the Crown Prince. Therefore, he decided to give up his business in 

Zhaoyang City first, go against the methods of other merchants, and try his best to help the refugees. The sincerity 

of this move is undeniable, but there is also a lot of ulterior motives behind it.

Sure enough... 

After quickly finishing the ledger in his hands, Qiuping Tian picked up the abacus and stood up to leave the 

study—business at Qiujis had been halted for these days, and it had just resumed operation in the past two days. 

He was afraid there might be some issues, so he should go inspect it.

Watching the slowly drifting white clouds at the edge of the sky, Qiuping Tian felt delighted. This time, Si Cang 

Qing's swift and decisive measures had no impact on Qiujiji.

Can he have some expectations?

If Si Cang Qing is indeed as one imagines, then the royal family must have its own influence in the business 

world—royal merchants—avoiding both monopolies with other merchants and collusion with the government.

It's just that Si Cang Qing has always been difficult to deal with. Qiupingtian sighed slightly, wondering if he had 

calculated some of it. 

"Are you going to inspect the shops in the West City, boss?"

Ever since the refugees gradually left Qiushui Villa, especially after His Highness the Crown Prince openly 

praised them in the proclamation, Uncle Fu has been in high spirits all day, his complexion becoming increasingly 

rosy.

"Mm," Qiuping Tian chuckled as he looked at Uncle Fu's beaming face, "Uncle Fu, you went to the post station 

again? Did you see His Highness the Crown Prince?"

When it came to this, Uncle Fu always sighed with regret. On the day of the execution at Caishikou, most of the 

spectators were drifters and a few well-meaning townsfolk, so they never saw Si Cang Qing's true face. They 

only learned about him through word of mouth and the notices that were occasionally posted at street corners.

And many people, like Uncle Fu, would occasionally run to the vicinity of the post station, hoping to catch a 

glimpse of the prince. 

"Sigh, what a pity..." 

Hearing the other's sigh, Qiuping Tian knew he must have returned disappointed. He didn't ask further, just 

smiled gently and said, "Uncle Fu, I'll come back after dinner." Then he left to attend to his business.

……

The sky gradually darkened, with the western sun half-hidden. 

The restored Qiu Shui Restaurant, with its elegant and serene ambiance, was favored by the aristocrats, scholars, 

and literati who enjoyed the refined and cultured lifestyle.

"Masters, what are your orders?"

Behind the counter, Uncle Fu busily greeted the two elegantly dressed individuals with a smile, unable to help 

but be drawn in by the young man's imposing presence, who was wearing a hat with a brim. He thought to 

himself, judging by the demeanor of these two, they must be scions of wealthy families; otherwise, after the 

recent flood, few would have the means to come to this Restaurant.

"I want to see Qiu Ping Tian," Si Cang Qing stated directly.

Uncle Fu immediately broke into a smile, squinting his small eyes, showing no sign of surprise. "The boss is 

busy with affairs and hasn't returned from inspecting the shops yet. May I ask what urgent matters you have? 

Can I convey them on your behalf?"

Seeing how experienced the other person was, it was likely that there had always been countless people looking 

for Qiu Ping Tian. 

"No need," Si Cang Qing refused without a second thought, "I'll wait for him to come back." According to the 

news just received, Qiu Ping Tian would probably return in less than half an hour.

"Is there something urgent that you must see the boss for?" Uncle Fu remained smiling, but discreetly observed 

the two of them, keeping his thoughts to himself. 

"Discuss business."

"Very well," Uncle Fu gestured invitingly, smiling broadly, "Please, you two, come this way. You can first 

experience the unique flowing water pavilion of Qiushui Restaurant. When the owner returns, I will convey your 

message."

Anyway, Qiuping is very smooth and slick. Since He was here, he won't bother to put in the effort.

The flowing water cottage truly has a unique charm, with a design that is half open and half secluded. Depending 

on the guests' preferences, some have bamboo, some have orchids, some have rockeries, some have small 

streams, and occasionally there are delicate waterfalls…

"Beautiful!" Feng Lan couldn't help but exclaim, finally understanding why those high-ranking officials and 

nobles were willing to spend lavishly here. Amidst the worldly chaos, this place seemed to be detached from the 

hustle and bustle, truly a paradise on earth.

Si Cang Qing glanced over the layout with a faint gaze, formulating a plan in his mind: No wonder his two major 

businesses had been unable to catch up with Qiuji over the years. The design here, even in the original 

extravagant world, was something not many could conceive.

Qiu Ping Tian, indeed, is someone distinct from the others.

For this reason, this trip is worthwhile.

After carefully scrutinizing, Si Cang Qing looked at Feng Lan's unabashed affection, and the coldness on his 

face softened slightly. "Lan, if you like it, we will stay here for a few more days.”

Hearing this, Feng Lan, who had been lost in a trance, woke up with a hint of sweetness, "No need, although this 

place is comfortable and beautiful, just seeing it and praising it is enough."

He is not a greedy person. The master's plan is about to begin; how could he be delayed by these trivial matters?

Gazing quietly at Feng Lan's gentle eyes filled with laughter and happiness, Si Cang Qing naturally reached out, 

as if he had done it a thousand times before, and with a slight pull, he embraced the other person in his arms.

Suddenly being pulled into an embrace, Feng Lan felt a bit bashful, his cheeks slightly flushed. Remembering 

the incident in the dilapidated house outside the city, his heart raced. Although Si Cang Qing had mentioned 

"giving it a try," everything was the same as usual. He didn't dare to think too much about it; he just felt that 

after expressing his feelings, being able to stay with Si Cang Qing as usual, occasionally receiving his gentle 

concern, was happiness enough.

Si Cang Qing slightly lowered his head, watching the blush on Feng Lan's face gradually spread. His gaze 

became increasingly gentle as he raised a hand to gently lift the other person's chin.

In a flurry, Feng Lan was forced to look up and immediately found himself staring straight into Si Cang Qing's 

clear and gentle eyes.

For a moment, their gazes were glued together, focused, with only each other's figures in their eyes.

These clear eyes, having clearly endured the most painful and darkest trials of the human world, still carried 

warmth and purity, which is why he was immediately captivated back then. Si Cang Qing gently caressed 

Feng Lan's brows and eyes, and the other person's stiff body relaxed, obediently leaning into his embrace.

"Lan..." 

Si Cang Qing's voice was clear and melodious, and Feng Lan couldn't help but feel a bit enchanted.

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