Chapter Sixty-Eight: Seeking the Province

The two followed Dongfang Qing to the courier station, which was starkly different from the dwellings of the common people. Even from the outside, it appeared far more luxurious than any other place. Stepping inside, the opulence became even more pronounced, rivaling the residences of any official in the capital.

Shen Hezhi, upon witnessing such extravagance, was instantly enraged. However, he did not let his anger spill out all at once onto Dongfang Qing. "Lord Dongfang," he demanded, "why is this courier station so lavish when the people living nearby are so impoverished?"

Though Shen Hezhi’s words contained no explicit accusation, the reproach was evident. Dongfang Qing, a perceptive man, had anticipated such questions and was prepared with an answer.

"My lord," he replied calmly, "all of this is willingly offered by the people nearby. They know the hardships endured by those who come to the frontier, so they voluntarily donate their money to build this station, hoping to provide a comfortable place for those who arrive."

"Oh? So it seems the people here truly value officials from the capital," Shen Hezhi remarked.

"Indeed. They know that if no one comes from the capital, they may well be left homeless. Those who have suffered are always more attentive."

As Shen Hezhi listened, his anger deepened. Dongfang Qing’s words made it clear: the imperial court neglected this region, leaving the people no choice but to curry favor with officials from the capital in the hope of a better life.

"Lord Dongfang, you certainly have a clever tongue. Whatever I say, you have a ready answer," Shen Hezhi said, flicking his sleeve as he strode into the courtyard.

Yan Heru glanced around and followed him in. Before entering, she turned to study Dongfang Qing once more.

Dongfang Qing promptly followed them. "My lord, my lady, this is where you may rest for now. I have compiled all the current matters at the front into a dossier. If you have time tonight, you may review it. I have other duties to attend to, so I shall not disturb you further," he said, maintaining a composed and respectful demeanor throughout, never once seeming like a corrupt official.

But if he was not corrupt, then who had embezzled these funds? Shen Hezhi pondered deeply.

Yan Heru looked about and said to Shen Hezhi, "My lord, have you come to Xunzhou to wage war?"

Her voice pulled Shen Hezhi from his thoughts. "Yes. His Majesty sent me here to subdue the neighboring kingdom. The war between our nations has lasted for years, and all attempts to conquer them have failed. It will not be easy now either."

His Majesty did not send me here with good intentions. I wouldn’t be surprised if a cold blade struck from behind while I am at war," Shen Hezhi added, laughing bitterly. Yan Heru understood well the precariousness of his position.

Though father and son, Shen Hezhi and the Emperor harbored deep grudges. Yan Heru had never asked Shen Hezhi directly, but she had gleaned the truth from others. Shen Hezhi lost his mother as a child, and it was because of the current Empress that she died. The Emperor, too, was involved in the plot against her.

Shen Hezhi never understood why his own father would kill his mother. Was it simply because of her lowly status? That was hardly a crime worthy of death.

From then on, relations between Shen Hezhi and the Emperor deteriorated. The Emperor never summoned Shen Hezhi to the palace again. Their feud could not be resolved, and only death could settle it.

For years, the Emperor had feared Shen Hezhi might threaten his throne, so he remained vigilant, always on guard.

The Emperor intended to pass the throne to the Sixth Prince.

Had it not been for the cold poison afflicting him, Shen Hezhi would have openly rebelled against the Emperor long ago.

Watching Shen Hezhi deep in thought, Yan Heru shook her head helplessly and sighed.

"My lady, the journey has been long and exhausting. You should rest," Shen Hezhi said, setting aside his worries and turning to Yan Heru.

Her arrival had been a ray of light in his darkness.

Yan Heru nodded. She could be of no help here for now, so she might as well retire to her room and tidy up.

The cold poison in Shen Hezhi’s body could flare up at any moment. She needed to prepare the necessary medicines in advance.

Xunzhou was remote and lacking in resources. If she waited until the cold poison struck to search for remedies, Shen Hezhi would be doomed.

Upon returning to her room, Yan Heru began grinding medicinal herbs. Fortunately, before coming here, she had brought some herbs from Shengjing Medical Hall, gifts from her master.

After escorting Yan Heru to her room, Shen Hezhi immediately left the courier station. Now that he had arrived, he felt a responsibility to the people here.

His feud with the Emperor was not theirs to bear, and for his consort’s sake, he would treat them well.

Shen Hezhi’s mother had been a palace maid, originally from Xunzhou. Her parents, too poor to survive, had been forced to sell her to the palace.

He knew his mother’s suffering, and that of her parents. He felt no resentment toward Xunzhou, only guilt.

Now, having been sent here by the Emperor, he was determined to do his utmost to change things for the better.

As for his private vendetta with the Emperor, that was a matter for another time. He would seek revenge, but not now.

In a month, the cold poison would be fully purged from his body. Shen Hezhi resolved to pacify the frontier rebellion within that month.

Though it was a daunting task, he was determined to try. Without effort, it would never be accomplished.

With that resolve, Shen Hezhi set out with Shen Yi into Xunzhou city, leaving Mo Yi behind to guard Yan Heru.

The two observed the city closely and found conditions far more dire than they had imagined.