"How to quell it?" Tang Xiao asked earnestly, but Lu Qingwan's reply was extremely casual. "Suppress it with force, or like them, respond to public opinion with public opinion?"
No matter what kind of rumor it was, as long as one used their brain, a suitable method could be found to deal with it. But this rumor directly targeted Si Fengwu and Lu Qingwan, and they had no way to explain. If they appeared weak, it would seem like they were guilty. If they appeared strong, it would be like bullying with power. Unless the missing people reappeared in public and personally proved that the so-called "enslavement theory" was pure nonsense, anything they said would sound like a lame excuse.
Tang Xiao was speechless and looked helpless. Lu Qingwan couldn't help but sigh, "I've discussed this matter with the Prince and high officials like Nan Xiang. Before this matter is clarified, the date of the enthronement ceremony will not be decided. So there is plenty of time, you just need to investigate with peace of mind, and don't worry about other things."
Tang Xiao was relieved to hear this. "In that case, this subordinate is relieved. This subordinate will do his best to bring them back as quickly as possible."
Lu Qingwan, seizing the opportunity to finish her late-night snack, pushed away her bowl and chopsticks upon hearing Tang Xiao's words, her expression displeased. "This matter needs to be expedited, but not rushed. When one is anxious, it's easy to fall into others' traps."
Although Lu Qingwan had been urging them to find people, Tang Xiao instinctively furrowed his brow at her sudden words. "Please enlighten me, Your Highness."
"The New Dynasty's enslavement theory is a long-term conspiracy. Unless the Prince and the Emperor of Da Qin completely break ties, this rumor will always have a basis for existence. Even if you find all the missing people, if you don't uncover the mastermind who kidnapped or lured them to Da Qin, this absurd rumor will still not be dispelled."
Tang Xiao's sincere request was for Lu Qingwan to give him a plan. Little did he know, when she spoke, she was making them face the brutal reality head-on. After hearing her words, not only Tang Xiao, but Li Su and Ying Yi were almost discouraged.
Fortunately, Lu Qingwan wasn't just someone who poured cold water. Seeing her subordinates looking dejected, she finally said something encouraging. "Let Shen Tangzhou and Wu Ying work together. Rescue people, capture the culprits, and find the source of the rumor – a three-pronged approach. Isn't there a Chongyang Temple Fair in the new capital? Clarify the rumor at the temple fair. With that day's crowd, spreading the truth throughout the New Dynasty should not be difficult, right?"
Tang Xiao and the others had fought their way from the lowest ranks of the Xuanjia Army to where they were today. They feared no hardship, no difficulty, only acting without direction. Lu Qingwan pointed out a clear path, and they immediately saw the light.
"Thank you for your guidance, Your Highness. This subordinate will go and contact Wu Ying and Shen Tangzhou immediately, and guarantee the mission will be completed before the Chongyang Temple Fair." After speaking, he excitedly ran off without waiting for Lu Qingwan's response.
Lu Qingwan smiled and shook her head, then tilted her head to look at Li Su. "Bring me the latest map of the three southeastern countries, and some clean Xuan paper. Then you can go and rest. You can pick me up tomorrow after the palace gates open."
Although Lu Qingwan said this, when the masters were still burning the midnight oil, how could the subordinates dare to go to sleep! This was outside the palace, and the other attendants were inside the palace and hadn't come out. Li Su and Ying Yi acknowledged and withdrew. One hurried to find the things Lu Qingwan wanted, while the other climbed onto the roof to keep watch for Lu Qingwan. In this way, each fulfilling their duties, they worked tirelessly through the entire night.
As the night watchman's beat broke the silence of dawn, Lu Qingwan was still drawing and writing on the map. Hearing the watchman's beat, she came to her senses. "What time is it?"
"Reporting to Your Highness, it's past Mao Shi. The palace gates have long been open." Li Su carefully trimmed the lamp wick and asked softly, afraid of disturbing Lu Qingwan's thoughts.
The latter rubbed her temples and finally put down her pen and paper. "Pack these up and take them back to the palace. Don't forget to have Tie Shou come and see me when he returns." With that, she stood up.
Li Su glanced outside. "Are we returning now, Your Highness? The sky is not yet bright." The summer sky wasn't too dark, but it was still early, and the dawn wind was still a bit cool.
Lu Qingwan couldn't help but yawn. "Let's go back. I'm so tired, I'll sleep for a while when we get back." This reason was very convincing. Li Su couldn't say anything more, and silently lowered his head to tidy up the mess on the table. Ying Yi, who had been on the roof all night, had already gone to prepare the carriage.
On the first day of being in the new imperial palace, she stayed out all night. By the time the carriage returned to the palace, Ying Yi couldn't figure out where to go. After the carriage had been on the palace road for a while, he finally remembered to ask, "Your Highness, are we going to the Hall of Mental Cultivation or the Palace of Earthly Tranquility?"
Si Fengwu had not yet ascended the throne, and Lu Qingwan was not yet Empress. However, everyone knew that given Si Fengwu's importance to Lu Qingwan, she was undoubtedly the founding Empress of the new dynasty. Therefore, when the Imperial Household Department prepared the sleeping quarters, they had directly arranged for Lu Qingwan's residence in the Palace of Earthly Tranquility. However, the supervisor of the Imperial Household Department, who was in charge of all palace affairs, was Si Fengwu's confidant and naturally paid more attention to Si Fengwu's feelings. Therefore, sleeping quarters and clothing for Lu Qingwan were also prepared in the Hall of Mental Cultivation. Ying Yi also knew about the supervisor of the Imperial Household Department's efforts, which was why he asked specifically.
Lu Qingwan, drowsy in the carriage, asked vaguely, "Where is the Prince?" Ying Yi remained silent. Lu Qingwan, too tired to think clearly, didn't press further. Soon, the carriage stopped, and Lu Qingwan subconsciously stepped out.
Before she could exit the carriage, her body was lifted. Enveloped by a familiar aura, Lu Qingwan's mind hadn't yet registered what was happening, but her arms had already wrapped around the person's neck, clinging to him and nestling into his embrace. "Why did you get up so early?"
"The Princess stayed out all night, and this Prince slept alone, longing for the Princess's return and waiting all night. Has the Princess thought about how to compensate this Prince?"
Lu Qingwan was amused, her eyes curving. She lightly punched him with a squint. "Stop teasing me. I haven't slept all night either. You've chased away all my sleepiness."
Si Fengwu dotingly lowered his head, his chin brushing against the slightly cool hair on her head. He softly coaxed her, "Alright, I won't tease you anymore. Sleep, I'm here!" Lu Qingwan truly fell asleep without any restraint. From outside the Hall of Imperial Concord to the inner chambers of the Hall of Mental Cultivation, it took less than fifteen minutes, and she slept soundly.
Si Fengwu placed her on the imperial couch and covered her with a blanket. She didn't stir at all. Si Fengwu chuckled and gently pinched her slightly thin cheek. "Like a little pig, you wouldn't even know if I sold you someday!"