The people outside the hall also cheered and praised the emperor for his wisdom.

Emperor Yong'an turned to look at the prefect Zhang Heng beside him and pondered for a moment.

"Zhang Heng, you once conspired with the Li family, and then allowed the Li family to act this way, shielding the Li family from their mistakes. You truly feel guilty towards the people of Yunzhou."

"But considering that you repented promptly, took the initiative to confess your sins, and exposed the crimes of the Li family, it can be considered an act of atonement."

"Although the death penalty can be avoided, the most difficult thing to escape is the living punishment. What you did in Yunzhou before cannot be completely forgiven."

"So, after much deliberation, I have decided to give you a chance to reform. I will dismiss you from your position as Yunzhou prefect and demote you to the rank of seventh-rank county magistrate, sending you to Lin County."

"I hope you will not disappoint my trust and the people's expectations in the future."

Zhang Heng was stunned for a moment before reacting. He quickly knelt and kowtowed in thanks, "Your Majesty, I deeply thank you for your grace. I will definitely change my ways and govern Lin County well."

A small official is still an official, and he is still useful in some way.

Zhang Heng had originally thought he was lucky to have saved his life, but he hadn't expected His Majesty to show mercy...

The black hat on his head is still there...

He couldn't help but have tears in his eyes. He kowtowed three times to the emperor and the empress in the hall, and then bowed deeply to the people outside the door.

"I have let you all down in the past. I am ashamed to face all the elders and fellow villagers across the street. Please allow me to apologize to you all here."

"I am willing to share the salary I have saved over the years with these innocent women. It can be regarded as making up for the debt I feel."

"From now on, I will use my practical actions to benefit the people of Lin County, and spend the rest of my life making up for the mistakes I have made."

At this moment, the hall was silent, and the people outside were so moved that they didn't know what to say.

After Zhang Heng finished speaking, he prepared to go to Lin County alone to take up his post.

The people made way for him in the middle of the road, and just as his figure was about to disappear around the corner, someone shouted, "County magistrate!"

The others followed suit and shouted, "County Magistrate Zhang, have a safe journey!" They waved goodbye to him.

Zhang Heng paused, tears finally flowing from his red eyes. He turned his back and waved to the people behind him.

The heavy stone in his heart finally fell to the ground...

This means that the people have recognized him and are willing to give him a chance to reform, and he will definitely not let them down again.

Zhang Heng's originally heavy footsteps seemed to have become much lighter, and he couldn't wait to take up his post in Lin County.

Shen Leyan couldn't help but be moved when watching this scene. She now understood Emperor Yong'an's intention.

When she turned to look at Emperor Yong'an, she happened to meet his deep eyes, as if all he saw was her...

After dealing with this matter, Emperor Yong'an took Shen Leyan and headed towards Lingxia Mountain.

They have received news that Shen Lebai and Shangguan Yueyin are currently in a remote village near Yunqi Town.

Along the way, Emperor Yong'an held Shen Leyan's hand tightly, "Yan'er, do you know that your action today is too risky?"

"What if the prefect has no remorse and instead continues to help the Li family commit evil, allowing Li Lian to take you away?"

Shen Leyan smiled and said, "Your Majesty, don't worry. I wasn't being completely reckless. It was just that the situation was urgent, so I decided to take a gamble."

"I also heard some stories about the prefect from the common people at the time, and I concluded that he shouldn't be the kind of person who is unforgivable."

"Besides, since His Majesty is here, he wouldn't dare to act recklessly. That's why I asked Auntie to help find him."

"It's a good opportunity to see his reaction. If he continues to allow the Li family to do whatever they want, then we can be considered as eliminating a threat to the people."

It was because of Shen Leyan's test that Emperor Yong'an decided to give Zhang Heng a chance. He believed that after this incident, Zhang Heng would never be the same again.

It can also serve as a deterrent to other officials who have made mistakes and persuade them to reform themselves as soon as possible.

Emperor Yong'an shook his head helplessly. "You, forget it this time, but never take such a risk again in the future."

"The most important thing is not to leave my sight!"

After this incident, Emperor Yong'an decided to arrange two more female secret guards for Shen Leyan to protect her safety.

Originally, he thought that with him by her side, she didn't need anyone else's protection, but today he felt that it was still necessary.

Shen Leyan nodded obediently, "I won't make Your Majesty worry anymore."

Shen Leyan snuggled in Emperor Yong'an's arms, feeling particularly safe.

He suddenly thought of something and took out an exquisite box from his arms. When he opened it, he saw the butterfly cakes inside emitting an enticing aroma.

Shen Leyan looked at the butterfly cake in his hand with surprise, and her heart was filled with emotion, "Your Majesty is so thoughtful!"

Emperor Yong'an smiled and said, "As long as Yan'er is happy, that's all that matters."

"Try it now and see if the butterfly cake here tastes like what you like."

Shen Leyan looked at him with shining eyes, as if there was honey in her eyes.

She gently picked up a piece and put it into her mouth. It was crispy and sweet.

She looked at Emperor Yong'an with a smile, "Your Majesty, these butterfly cakes are delicious, and the sugar content is just right, not greasy."

She took another piece and prepared to feed it to Emperor Yong'an, but he said he didn't like sweets.

Just when Shen Leyan was covering her mouth in frustration, he directly bit her cherry lips.

Shen Leyan's face turned red instantly. She looked at Emperor Yong'an with a reproachful look and wanted to push him away.

Emperor Yong'an burst into laughter and hugged her even tighter.

“It tastes really good.”

"I said I don't like sweets, but I didn't say I don't like the ones in Yan'er's mouth..."

Ok……

This is... too much...

However, Emperor Yong'an did not give Shen Leyan a chance to get angry this time, and directly blocked her mouth again.

As if he was addicted, he kept pecking her little mouth.

He kissed her lips until they were numb and her face gradually turned red.

Soon, their carriage arrived at Yunqi Town.

It was getting late, and they had been traveling all day, so Emperor Yong'an decided to rest in this small town for the night and recuperate.

He was mainly worried that Shen Leyan's body would not be able to take it, and wanted her to have a good rest tonight.

We will set off early tomorrow morning to Guiyun Village where Shen Lebai and the others are.

Although Shen Leyan was a little anxious, she also agreed with his proposal.

After all, mountain roads are difficult to travel on, and there are some unknown dangers at night. To be on the safe side, it would be safer to travel tomorrow.

Anyway, we already know their exact location, and my brother and sister Yueyin are still alive and safe, so there is no need to rush tonight.

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