Feng Yexuan was truly in a hurry to return to the imperial city.
However, according to the news he had received, even if he rushed back now, he wouldn't be able to see Li'er.
The convoy from Longteng Kingdom would not arrive that quickly.
That day, he stayed behind and took a walk around the town.
As the prefect had said, the common people were indeed miserable, and life was unbearable.
"But last month, the imperial envoy's memorial reported that the insect infestation had been largely resolved, and agriculture was gradually recovering."
Feng Yexuan and Leng Ji were both aware of the insect infestation in Qingxi Town and the surrounding areas.
They just hadn't expected the imperial envoy to be so duplicitous, reporting matters that were far from resolved as if they were handled.
"Your subordinate recalls that His Majesty even bestowed generous rewards upon the imperial envoy for his swift handling of the matter!"
With a snap, the cup in Feng Yexuan's hand was crushed.
These damned scoundrels! Deceiving their superiors and bullying their inferiors, lining their own pockets!
The suffering of the common people was largely caused by these corrupt and lawless dogs!
"Your Highness, do you intend to handle this matter personally?" Leng Ji knew very well that his prince was anxious to return to the imperial city.
Chu Qianli would be arriving at the imperial city soon, and the prince naturally wanted to return to see her.
However, dealing with an insect infestation was not something that could be resolved in a day or two.
It would inevitably delay the prince's meeting with Miss Chu.
Feng Yexuan clenched his fist tightly, finally stood up, and walked towards the door.
"Your Highness..."
"Summon Jin Rui. I will take him to the fields myself."
"It's getting late," Leng Ji said, somewhat surprised.
Going to the fields to check on insects in the middle of the night?
"I need to understand the habits of the Li Jia worm, both during the day and at night."
However, another important reason was to take Jin Rui out to see things.
Leng Ji nodded. "Yes!"
But shortly after he left, he rushed back. "Your Highness, the Fourteenth Prince is not here. The guards said he went out around dusk and hasn't returned yet."
"Your Highness, the Fourteenth Prince has high martial arts skills. He's likely just out for some fun and there's no danger," Leng Ji added.
Feng Yexuan said nothing, but his expression was grim.
Jin Rui was no longer a child. Why did he still act like one?
With such a disposition, how could he shoulder important responsibilities in the future?
"Order someone to guard him. When he returns, tell him to wait for me in the study and not to leave even half a step!"
"Yes!"
...
Feng Jin Rui had indeed gone out.
Whether it was "going out for fun," he himself wasn't sure.
In fact, after his fourth brother told him he needed to learn to grow up, he had been trying hard not to indulge in childish games.
But today, for some reason, he had seen a little girl.
A plain-looking, unfamiliar little girl he had never seen before.
It was on the street. He was riding his horse behind his elder brother, and for some reason, he suddenly looked back.
He felt an urge to look back.
After that, he saw her retreating figure.
If not for the strict military discipline, he would have chased after her then and there.
But after seeing her back, Feng Jin Rui suddenly became curious about this girl.
As soon as his elder brother moved into the prefect's mansion, he hurried out to find her.
After searching for a long time, he finally confirmed the inn where she was staying. Coincidentally, he saw the girl leaving with a small basket.
So, Feng Jin Rui followed.
Now, that girl was glaring at him, her voice filled with anger:
"You've been following me all night, what do you want? If you want to fight, just say it! What's the point of following without saying anything?"