Chapter 219: Chapter 4: Fortune Follows Misfortune

Chen Tang glanced at Yan Qi, noticing the calm expression on his face, he felt no more doubt in his heart.

Regarding this Vermilion Bird Bureau and this Captain, he still held trust.

“What is the purpose of you being here, my lord?”

Chen Tang asked Zong Zhulan.

“I am here under the command of the Eldest Princess, with a purpose similar to that of the Qilin Bureau.”

Zong Zhulan said, “If you intend to go to the Capital City, we will escort you all the way, sending you into the city.”

“That would be great, I appreciate your hard work, my lords.”

Chen Tang cupped his hands and smiled, feeling relieved, and headed down the mountain.

marshal Taishi Qu of the Qilin Bureau, dressed in black, rode a black steed, appearing to be about forty years old, with a calm demeanor, signaled to his men to bring over a horse, and said, “Brother Chen Tang, mount up.”

“Thank you, I have a horse nearby.”

Chen Tang smiled, then whistled.

The whistle echoed in the forest, but there was no response.

Chen Tang whistled again.

There was still no movement.

The atmosphere became somewhat awkward.

Taishi Qu chuckled and said, “Brother Chen Tang, this horse was carefully selected by the Ministry of Imperial Stables, an excellent steed that can cover eight hundred miles a day. Prince Wei has instructed us to get to the Capital as quickly as possible.”

Since Chen Tang descended the mountain, Taishi Qu had been observing this young man.

Other than being tall, he seemed quite ordinary, not knowing why Prince Wei valued him so much.

Suddenly, Chen Tang asked, “My lord, do you have any wine?”

“I do.”

Taishi Qu was taken aback but still retrieved a wine gourd from his saddlebag.

Chen Tang took it, removed the cork, and whistled again.

After a short while, the sound of hooves could be heard.

Thunder Leopard galloped over, head held high and excited at seeing Chen Tang, trotted eagerly toward him.

Taishi Qu and his men shook their heads at the sight of this shaggy horse.

According to their experience, this horse was among the worst in appearance, even unfit for a carriage.

Before they could even finish their thoughts, the steeds beneath them suddenly became restless!

As Thunder Leopard drew nearer, their horses stepped back a few paces, creating some distance!

“This…”

Taishi Qu was greatly surprised.

Having been out of sight for some days, Thunder Leopard had grown a bit larger, barely reaching the ’sturdy’ threshold.

“You’ve been doing well outside, not mistreating yourself.”

Chen Tang patted Thunder Leopard’s neck.

Thunder Leopard lifted its front hooves proudly, snorted as if understanding Chen Tang’s praise, its dark eyes occasionally glancing at the wine gourd in Chen Tang’s hand.

“Haha!”

Chen Tang laughed heartily and said, “My lord, may I borrow a gourd of wine?”

“Brother Chen Tang, feel free to use it.”

Taishi Qu said, watching Thunder Leopard with curiosity.

Chen Tang raised the wine gourd in his hand.

Thunder Leopard raised its head, obediently opened its mouth.

Chen Tang poured the wine carefully, the liquid flowing smoothly into Thunder Leopard’s mouth without spilling a drop.

Everyone clicked their tongues in amazement.

If it were any other horse, even a Ferghana Horse, it would have long disappeared far and wide from being raised outside for so long.

Yet Thunder Leopard remained near Martial General Mountain.

Initially, when the original owner died, Thunder Leopard refused to leave and stayed at the original owner’s home, showcasing its loyalty.

Unfortunately, the original owner’s descendants didn’t recognize a good horse, treated it as a burden, and often beat and scolded it, thus allowing Chen Tang to gain such a treasure.

“Let’s go.”

Chen Tang mounted his horse.

Accompanied by the escort of many Qilin Guard, they headed towards the Capital City.

Zong Zhulan and other members of the Vermilion Bird Guard followed closely behind.

The Capital City was located in Qian State.

Yongzhou was northwest of Qian State, adjacent and not far from each other.

Chen Tang and his entourage sped along the official road, stopping to rest briefly at each county they passed.

The journey was filled with flourishing blossoms, a spring breeze on their faces.

From being hunted down by various forces, unable to show his face, to now being escorted to the Capital by many Qilin Guards, with Vermilion Bird Guards secretly protecting him, it felt like going from darkness to light, prospering after hardship.

The counties they passed through were more vibrant than those in Pingzhou, with bustling streets full of vendors, travelers, and a lively atmosphere.

Occasionally, they heard some news.

It was said that after the new emperor of Qian Country ascended the throne, he enacted benevolent governance, reduced corvée and taxes, let the people rest, reformed bureaucracy, and lightened punishments. Within less than a year, the counties of Kyushu saw renewed vitality.

The people praised this new emperor highly.

Strangely enough, crossing through several counties, Chen Tang did not spot any of the White Servants known for bullying the people.

Upon inquiry, they found out that the new emperor had ordered the removal of all White Servants from the states and counties just last month.

Taishi Qu said, “His Holiness lived among the common people for over ten years, deeply aware of their hardships. The new policies aim to improve their lives.”

“There are quite a few White Servants across Kyushu. Where did they all go, and wasn’t there any trouble?”

Chen Tang asked.

Taishi Qu replied, “They were given some land to farm, as the new policies prioritize agriculture. They were originally ordinary people and were not official court officers, so although there was some resistance, it was quickly suppressed.”

Chen Tang nodded.

Without government backing and losing their power, White Servants were mere ordinary people.

This not only saved a lot of expenses and increased grain production but also revitalized the common people’s energy.

Taishi Qu said, “The new policies from His Holiness, like reducing taxes and corvée, have had a tremendous impact on the people! After ascending the throne, His Holiness ordered a temporary halt to all corvée and the release of all serving people, exempting Kyushu from corvée for two years.”

“His Holiness leads by example, implementing strict frugality, including halting the construction of unfinished palaces left by the late emperor and repairs on Profound Celestial Temples across the land.”

“Just this act won gratitude from countless people.”

Chen Tang was somewhat surprised.

In ancient books, he had read of admonitions for frugality and reducing burdens, but they were mostly superficial.

This new emperor seems to earnestly mean it.

Yet it’s uncertain how long this will last.

Even the so-called wise rulers in ancient books couldn’t avoid extravagance and waste in their later years, indulging in grand constructions at the people’s expense.

Moreover, implementing new policies throughout history, due to severely impacting vested interests, always faced significant resistance.

Some even led to unrest in court and society!

For the new policies of Qian Country, Chen Tang had just heard a bit and realized the new policies already encroached on the interests of the giant Profound Celestial Sect!

…

The Capital City.

Grand Commandant’s Mansion.

“Reporting, my lord, there’s news from Martial General Mountain!”

A personal guard, kneeling at the backyard gate of the Grand Commandant, spoke in a deep voice.

“Speak!”

A voice came from the room.

The personal guard said, “That Chen Tang has descended from Martial General Mountain and appears to be heading to the Capital City. Due to the escort from the Qilin Guard and protection from the Vermilion Bird Guard, Commander Cheng and his men cannot act on the way.”

“Understood.”

The voice in the room spoke again, “Relay this message to Marshal Sun.”

“Yes, sir!”

The personal guard received the order and withdrew.

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