Whoever can strike me hard will be rewarded handsomely.

By the time they returned to the palace with their New Year's money, it was almost dawn. They could sleep for another hour at most before having to receive the homage of the officials.

Qin Ji put the New Year's money and the note that Jiang Jibai had signed earlier, along with the jade pendant at his waist, into the box next to his pillow. He held it like a treasure and slept there all night. He also repeatedly instructed Fu Lu not to let the eunuchs who were tidying up the dragon bed touch it.

On the first day of the month, Qin Ji, dressed in imperial robes, received the homage of all the officials. Afterwards, he held a writing ceremony, writing auspicious words to pray for national peace and prosperity, and favorable weather.

On the second day of the month, although the ministers were still on holiday, Qin Ji's vacation was considered over, and he began to handle government affairs.

By the fifth day of the first lunar month, the New Year celebrations for all officials were considered over, and everything returned to normal.

Qin Ji gave Bian Yushu a few extra days off so that he could spend more time with his family at home.

Fulu arranged for Liu's siblings to move to a new house, and transferred some people from the villa to take care of Liu Zhiwei.

They also sent someone to give Liu Zhiwei a pass to enter and exit the palace, allowing her to read the palace's books. They also arranged for her to take the mathematics courses that were originally intended for Bian Yushu, so that she could selectively attend the classes with Bian Yushu.

In addition, those who should take up their posts should take up their posts, and those who should be transferred to other posts should be transferred to other posts.

Yang Xiuyun was scheduled to leave the capital on the eighth day of the first lunar month, while Bian Hongzhen wrote a letter saying he planned to depart for his post on the seventh day.

Jiang Jibai also asked Shen Jiangliu to pass on a message to him, asking if he could take leave on the eighth day of the first lunar month so that he could go with him to see Yang Xiuyun off.

As long as you want to keep your pseudonym, it's impossible to get rid of it in one go.

Qin Ji replied to Bian Hongzhen's letter regarding his new post, asking him to postpone his departure until the eighth day of the first lunar month.

Thus, Yang Xiuyun and Bian Hongzhen left the capital on the same day, one heading south and the other west, going in different directions and not using the same gate.

As the "son," Qin Ji naturally prioritized seeing off his "father," and politely declined Jiang Jibai's offer with the most legitimate reason imaginable.

Of course, although he wouldn't accompany Jiang Jibai to the city gate to see Yang Xiuyun off in person, he still had to make promises and keep the ministers' hearts at ease.

On the sixth day of the first lunar month, Qin Ji summoned Yang Xiuyun to the Qianzheng Hall.

With tears streaming down his face, Yang Xiuyun kowtowed to thank His Majesty for his great trust, as if Ning'an was not a difficult task, but a divinely granted opportunity to make a name for himself.

Qin Ji personally helped him up, held his hand, and spoke frankly, "Ning'an is in dire need of reconstruction, and we are waiting for you to take charge of the overall situation. You are going there with a heavy responsibility and many difficulties. Take good care of yourself. If you encounter any difficulties or if any villains try to obstruct your administration, just submit a memorial. I will do my best to help you and support you."

Yang Xiuyun was moved to tears. "With Your Majesty's words, I am relieved."

Qin Ji continued to bestow favors: "I have heard that you, my dear minister, will be traveling with your wife and children. The journey is long, and you will need to travel by boat down the river."

I have ordered the Imperial Medical Academy to select a physician skilled in treating travel fatigue and acclimatization issues to accompany me, and to prepare a full range of medicinal materials to prevent dizziness, stop vomiting, and regulate the spleen and stomach.

I hope you have a safe journey and take good care of your health.

Yang Xiuyun was surprised that His Majesty had considered things so thoroughly for him. His eyes glistened with tears as he said emotionally, "Your Majesty's kindness to me is as deep as the sea. I will do my utmost and give my life to repay Your Majesty's grace."

Seeing that the atmosphere was almost right, Qin Ji patted Yang Xiuyun's hand and concluded, "My dear minister, you are a pillar of the nation. The heavy responsibility of Ning'an is entrusted to you. I believe you will be able to sweep away the stagnation of Ning'an and bring about a new look to the city. I am in the capital, awaiting your good news."

Yang Xiuyun bowed deeply: "Your Majesty, I will certainly not fail your trust."

After expressing his gratitude for the Emperor's favor, Yang Xiuyun raised his head, his face showing difficulty, "But..."

Seeing his reaction, Qin Ji knew he was about to make some request. He cursed inwardly but smiled and said, "Please speak freely, my dear minister."

Yang Xiuyun then bluntly said, "Many officials were implicated in the corruption case involving the Ning'an River channel. Now the number of officials has been greatly reduced, and even those who remain in office are terrified and struggling to maintain order. If we want to clean up the area, I'm afraid we won't have enough manpower."

The old man, the imperial examinations haven't even started yet, and he's already demanding people from him.

Qin Ji smiled broadly and assured him, "Don't worry, my dear minister, we will select more people for the imperial examinations this year, and we will send many to Ning'an to fill vacancies."

Yang Xiuyun hesitated and said, "With so many people passing the imperial examination in a single year, won't the quality vary greatly?"

Qin Ji laughed and scolded, "You don't mean to try and steal the best from this batch of candidates, do you? The court already has enough people to fill those positions; you're dreaming!"

Yang Xiuyun persisted, "Isn't this a case of Ning'an needing to be rebuilt from scratch..."

Qin Ji waved his hand to shoo him away, "Alright, alright, you'll get your share. Get out of here and come back to report to me next year. Don't stand here and annoy me."

Yang Xiuyun left satisfied.

Qin Ji watched his retreating figure and thought to himself: Finally, I've sent this big troublemaker out of the capital.

At least eight out of the ten holes in my disguise were caused by you.

Before leaving, he even poked me another one on New Year's Eve. I still haven't dared to go see the Poison Master.

You'd better never come back in this lifetime!

...

On the eighth day, Qin Ji personally went to the city gate to see Bian Hongzhen off.

The entire Bian family was present.

Bian Yushu's eyes were red-rimmed, like a rabbit's.

Bian Yuheng looked somewhat reluctant.

Bian Yulou, however, was oblivious to the danger and continued to address Bian Hongzhen as "Bian Hongzhen" repeatedly.

After the family had finished their tearful farewells, Qin Ji invited Bian Hongzhen to take a walk together.

The two left the carriage and followed the woods to a quiet spot.

"Your Majesty can simply put on a show in front of Mr. Jiang; why bother personally escorting him?"

"You are one of my most trusted advisors; what harm is there in me seeing you off?"

Bian Hongzhen looked at the imposing young man beside him and advised, "The truth will eventually come out. How can such deception last?"