PNB Chapter 152 Before leaving
Chapter 152 Before leaving
The three were so engrossed in their research that they didn't even notice someone approaching at the courtyard gate until Xiao Yuan coughed lightly, at which point they realized what was happening.
Jiang Xinyu was surprised that Xiao Yuan came back so early today. She rushed over, hugged his neck, and kissed him.
He Zhang, already used to it, bowed and greeted the Grand Supervisor, while Ye Xiao was so shocked that he forgot to greet him.
He never expected that this woman would be so shameless as to kiss his godfather in public, and he never expected that his godfather would look so delighted.
Was my godfather possessed?
In the past, even when he was a little lively, he would keep a serious face to appear composed.
So who is this man with a sly smile and eyes full of autumn water? Where is his composure?
Xiao Yuan was in a good mood after being kissed by his wife, but his face darkened when he turned around and saw his stunned adopted son.
"He's getting more and more childish as he gets older; he can't even greet people anymore?"
Ye Xiao's face stiffened, and he quickly bowed and called him godfather.
That's right, it's still his fussy, serious, and unsmiling father.
Only today did he realize that his godfather could smile so brightly and look so doting, but none of these were for him.
Damn it, no wonder this woman is so arrogant. Being favored really makes a difference. He's lost completely this time.
Seeing that the two light bulbs were still not leaving, Xiao Yuan coughed lightly, and He Zhang immediately understood and pushed Ye Xiao away.
I thought that since the Grand Eunuch hadn't seen Xiao Ye for many days, he might be able to say a few words to her. It seems he was overthinking it. When he has his wife, the Grand Eunuch can't see anyone else.
Ye Xiao thought so too. After leaving the courtyard, he looked unhappy and asked He Zhang in frustration if this was always how the two of them got along.
He Zhang chuckled, "If you really want to know how the Chief Eunuch and his wife get along, why ask me? Wouldn't it be faster to ask Xiaodouzi and Miss Qiyue?"
You all know each other well, so you should trust them more.
It was originally a joke, but Ye Xiao actually took it to heart and specifically asked his maid to see when July would be free to call her over.
He had indeed been too presumptuous in the past, always trying to guess his godfather's thoughts based on his own understanding.
After seeing how the two of them got along today, he realized that if the woman genuinely liked his godfather and could make him happy, then accepting her as his godmother wouldn't be a bad idea.
After the third wheel left, the shameless couple spent a good time being affectionate, but this time Xiao Yuan didn't bring any good news.
The flood in Xuzhou has been reported, and the imperial court is discussing it today.
He estimates he'll be leaving in three to five days.
Jiang Xinyu felt a sudden panic and tightened her grip on Xiao Xuan's arm.
In this era of low medical standards and scarce resources in disaster areas, Xiao Yuan's departure would significantly increase the risk of danger.
Coupled with inconvenient transportation and communication disruptions, she felt she could only wait at home until she became depressed.
Jiang Xinyu hesitated for a long time, wanting to suggest to Xiao Yuan that she accompany him, but she swallowed the words back.
She knew it was impossible.
She felt sorry for Xiao Yuan, and Xiao Yuan felt sorry for her too; the disaster area wasn't a good place.
If Xiao Yuan knew she had such thoughts, he would probably guard her closely and even lock her up.
Then we'll have to change our approach.
Jiang Xinyu knew when Xiao Yuan was most agreeable, so in the evening she specially changed into a newly made sexy lingerie dress and used all her charms to seduce him.
Chief Supervisor Xiao has never had much self-control in front of his wife, and since he was going to be away for a long time, he wanted to indulge in revelry every night before he left.
The lady has already arranged herself on a platter, so what are we waiting for?
Of course, you should start eating with your hands.
One deliberately seduced the other, wanting to indulge before parting ways; their passionate encounter was more intense than ever before.
The guards had long since run outside in embarrassment, and the sounds of their unrestrained pleasure were drowned out by the cicadas chirping outside.
When Jiangxinyu is feeling lazy, she's truly lazy; but when she's active, she's full of energy.
It was as if a camel was storing water; all the energy I had saved up from sleeping in late was put to use, and I felt like I was on stimulants.
During the day, she studies emergency manuals and packs with her son and daughter-in-law; at night, she pesters Xiao Yuan to party every night—truly a model worker.
After indulging himself for several days, Governor Xiao's legs felt weak when he went to court; it was truly a mix of pain and pleasure.
The old emperor was very satisfied with Xiao Yuan's condition.
Seeing his exhausted appearance and dark circles under his eyes, they assumed he was tired from preparing for disaster relief, so they singled him out as an example and angrily rebuked the court officials.
Look at Minister Xiao and then look at you all, you're just sitting on your positions without doing anything, not even knowing how to share my burdens.
I am so worried about the disaster area that I can't sleep at night, but you all seem to be eating well, sleeping soundly, and looking radiant. It's obvious you don't care about the people in the disaster area.
Zhang Zhongyi and his group of ministers were resentful after being thoroughly scolded, but they felt relieved when they thought about Xiao Yuan heading to the disaster area soon.
What good are all the honors and awards? You have to be alive to enjoy them and also to receive them.
After the flood, famine and plague will be rampant. No matter how clever or skilled you are, Xiao Yuan, you may not be able to escape it.
Unless you stay in the government office, never leave, and do not provide disaster relief or repair the dikes, then the entire Censorate will have something to do.
As Xiao Yuan's departure drew closer, Ye Xiao, knowing the dangers his godfather's journey would be, fell silent.
On one hand, he secretly resented Jiang Xinyu for injuring his leg and preventing him from going with his godfather; on the other hand, he was afraid that his godfather would worry about the family and dared not show any disrespect to Jiang Xinyu.
All he could do now was help the woman pack his godfather's belongings, hoping that these strange and unusual items would be of help to his godfather.
Xiao Yuan has been living a particularly comfortable life these past few days. His wife is virtuous, his children are filial, and he is living a harmonious life. It would be even more perfect if it weren't for Xu Qinglan, who was tearfully sending him off to the execution ground.
The day of parting finally arrived. Xiao Yuan left the capital, taking with him hundreds of emergency manuals and a large cart full of strange and wonderful things that could help with disaster relief.
Then there are the ten calligraphic works bearing the imperial seal that Prince An obtained from the emperor.
How well the calligraphy is written is not important; what matters is that the words personally inscribed by the emperor—such as "benevolent merchants, righteous people, loyal and upright officials"—are very tempting to anyone.
If he were to organize an auction by the government when passing through the prosperous Jiangnan region, he would surely find that wealthy merchants and noble families would spend lavishly to donate large amounts of grain in exchange for a piece of calligraphy.
Merchants in the Great Jin Dynasty were wealthy but of low social status, and they would empty their pockets in order to marry into the families of officials and gentry.
If one could obtain a piece of calligraphy by the emperor praising one's benevolence, it would be of great benefit to the entire clan.
This thing might not be very useful in the capital, but in places far from the emperor's reach, it's practically a get-out-of-jail-free card.
A new broom sweeps clean, and every time a new official takes office, businessmen and ordinary people inevitably have to spend a fortune.
Even so, they could not escape being targeted by malicious people who could destroy their families and cause their deaths.
But having such a piece of calligraphy hanging in the house is quite something. Even the Emperor praised my family for their benevolence. How dare you insult us?
You're not taking the Emperor seriously!
It can be said that as long as the Jin Dynasty does not fall, the value of this calligraphy will only increase.
An emperor can deny his own statements, but he cannot deny the statements of his father or grandfather.
The praise my ancestors received from Emperor Taizong and Emperor Taizu for their benevolence is far more valuable than the praise my family received from the emperor.
The old emperor was quite stingy. When Prince An cautiously asked him for instructions, saying he dared not touch the calligraphy, the emperor immediately thought of this scheme to get something for nothing.
When Xiao Yuan left the capital this time, he directly halted the Ministry of Revenue's allocation of funds, and sent off the imperial envoy for disaster relief with just ten calligraphy pieces.
The words sound grand and dignified, but the central idea is just one thing.
Life is tough, even the emperor has to resort to performing arts. My dear minister, take a look and see how much money I can get for this calligraphy. Use it for now.
If that's not enough, figure out a way yourself. I have high hopes for you!