The Crown Princess is busy fishing

Upon entering the mansion, he coldly instructed Mo Nan:

"Prepare to pack your things and come back to Lingnan with me in half a month."

Mo Nan looked doubtful and asked softly:

"Your Highness, the matters in the capital haven't been resolved yet, so what's going on?"

Xiao Yunqing's gaze was firm, and he said in a deep voice:

"I need to finish this in the next two weeks. I've been back in Beijing for a while, and it's time to go back to Lingnan. There are some people waiting for me to go back and deal with them."

Mo Nan said no more and left to carry out his orders.

Xiao Yunqing turned and walked towards Hua Ruoyan's Hanyan Courtyard, his steps hurried and his expression slightly solemn.

Upon arriving at the entrance of Hanyan Courtyard, he softly asked the maid behind the door, "Has Mother Consort rested?"

The maidservant hurriedly bowed and replied, "Your Highness, Her Highness has not yet retired for the night."

At this moment, Hua Ruoyan was leaning against the soft couch, casually flipping through a picture book in her hand.

Granny Gui walked in quietly and whispered in her ear, "The young master is here."

Hua Ruoyan sat up slightly, a hint of surprise flashing in her eyes, and said:

"Invite him in quickly."

Xiao Yunqing entered the room, first bowing to Hua Ruoyan, and said:

"Mother, I apologize for disturbing you."

Hua Ruoyan smiled and gestured for him to stand up.

"Has Miss Lin been sent back?"

"Okay, I'm going back!"

Xiao Yunqing walked closer, sat down on a chair nearby, paused, and said:

"Mother, I plan to return to Lingnan with Yuge and the others in half a month."

Hua Ruoyan raised an eyebrow slightly, a mischievous glint in her eyes, and chuckled softly:

"Oh? To go with the fishermen's songs?"

Your intentions are probably more than just returning to Lingnan to handle some business.

A rare hint of unease appeared on Xiao Yunqing's face, and he coughed lightly.

"Mother is joking. Your son is only concerned that her merchant ships may encounter risks on their return voyage."

There are many urgent matters to be dealt with in Lingnan, and colleagues can look out for each other.

Hua Ruoyan chuckled softly:

"You shouldn't be stubborn in front of your mother."

You have been calm and reserved since childhood, but when it comes to Miss Lin, your eyes and demeanor reveal a different side.

Marriage is a normal thing, but if you truly have feelings for Miss Lin, you should plan carefully after returning to Lingnan, lest you miss out on a good match.

Xiao Yunqing was somewhat embarrassed by what was said, and the tips of her ears turned slightly red:

“Mother, let’s discuss this matter later. The current situation in Lingnan is my primary concern.”

The next day, after attending the morning court session, Xiao Yunqing hurried to the Imperial Study.

Emperor Qianyuan was sitting on the dragon throne in the imperial study, reviewing memorials.

Seeing Xiao Yunqing rushing over, he put down the vermilion brush in his hand.

"Yun Qing has arrived. Is there something important to report?" Emperor Qian Yuan's expression was dignified, but his eyes revealed a hint of concern.

Xiao Yunqing bowed respectfully and then handed over his resignation.

He said earnestly:

"Your Majesty, the matters in the capital have now been properly handled."

"I have lingered in the capital for too long, and many affairs in Lingnan urgently require my attention. I humbly request Your Majesty's permission to return."

Emperor Qianyuan looked at the resignation letter in his hand. Although he was reluctant to part with it, he knew that the situation in Lingnan was urgent.

Moreover, this imperial nephew is indeed the best candidate to guard Lingnan.

He said slowly:

"Yunqing, you have already demonstrated bravery and strategic acumen in suppressing the pirates before the New Year. I have high hopes for you."

In the Lingnan region, there are still collusions between officials and the wealthy, which is a major hidden danger.

If the situation is not rectified, government orders will be difficult to implement, and the people will suffer.

"On your mission, you must thoroughly investigate this corrupt practice and restore integrity and honesty to the officialdom of Lingnan."

Emperor Qianyuan held the resignation letter in his hand, slightly raised his eyes, and his expression showed a mixture of contemplation and determination.

He then continued:

"Yunqing, I have approved your proposal before the new year to use the profits from salt production to supply the military and expand the navy."

In the Lingnan region, coastal defense is of paramount importance. Although the pirates have been temporarily eradicated, it is hard to guarantee that they will not cause trouble again in the future, and the surrounding small countries are also eyeing our country's waters with covetousness.

"Only by expanding the navy can we ensure peace and tranquility in Lingnan. This is a matter of vital importance to the nation, and I will certainly give it my full support."

Xiao Yunqing was overjoyed and quickly knelt down to pay his respects.

He said loudly:

"Thank you for your trust, Your Majesty. I will certainly live up to your expectations."

After I return to Lingnan, I will personally supervise the salt fields and strictly manage the revenue and expenditure of salt profits.

Ensure that every tael of silver is converted into excellent warships, ample military equipment, and well-trained naval officers and soldiers.

This will surely enable our navy to display its might on the seas of Lingnan and protect this region.

Emperor Qian Yuan nodded slightly, seemingly changing the subject casually, but his eyes revealed a hint of curiosity and concern:

"I heard that Miss Lin has come to the capital. I haven't forgotten that she has secretly assisted in many matters and made great contributions."

I am very curious about what kind of extraordinary woman she is.

"Yun Qing, when do you plan to bring her here for me to see? I must reward her handsomely to recognize her merits."

Xiao Yunqing felt a little embarrassed when she saw the gossipy look in her uncle's eyes.

He quickly replied:

"Your Majesty, Miss Lin's family is still in Lingnan, and she is very worried about them."

Furthermore, since Lord Lin is still serving in Lingnan, I am thinking that we might as well wait until Lord Lin returns to the capital in the future.

It would be more appropriate to have Miss Lin come to express her gratitude and receive the title during a family reunion.

This matter should not be rushed. Your Majesty's kindness will be abundant, and there will be many opportunities in the future. Please, Your Majesty, keep this generous gift for now.

After the business was finished, the atmosphere between the uncle and nephew relaxed.

Emperor Qianyuan laughed and scolded:

"You little rascal, you're quite shrewd, using Lord Lin to shut me up."

"Very well, I will grant your request. However, after you return to Lingnan, you must settle all matters as soon as possible, and do not keep me waiting."

Xiao Yunqing quickly agreed, chatted with Emperor Qianyuan for a few more minutes, and then respectfully took his leave.

In the following days, Lin Yuge was busy traveling with Lu Ziheng, Mo Dong, and the others between various shops and workshops in the capital.

They were completely unaware that Xiao Yunqing was also planning to return to Lingnan with them.

Mo Dong knew his master's plan, but since the young master hadn't mentioned it, he didn't say anything more.

They purchased a large quantity of dried goods, cloth, ceramics, medicinal herbs, as well as some books and paintings, all unique to the North.

After several days of hard work, everyone had carefully arranged the goods and was ready to embark on their journey home.

On this day, Lin Yuge came to Shengxi Lane again.

The Xie residence was no longer the desolate and lonely place it had been before, with its gates tightly closed.

The vermilion gate was wide open, and Xie Chengzhu stood at the door to greet people.

Every now and then, people would carry boxes of packed luggage onto horse-drawn carriages outside.

"Uncle, is everything arranged here?" Lin Yuge stepped forward and asked.

When Xie Chengzhu saw her, a relieved smile appeared on his face, and he nodded and said:

"It's almost done, thanks to you all and Young Master Lu."

Lin Yuge looked puzzled; why was Brother Lu involved?

Xie Chengzhu explained:

"With your shipment, the remaining shops in the family have all recovered."

Besides, weren't we planning to go with you to Lingnan to get your cousin medical treatment? We don't have time to take care of those shops for the time being.

It just so happens that Young Master Lu is planning to open several shops in the capital to sell goods from Lingnan.

I sold the shop to him, which gave us more financial security when we went to Lingnan.

Secondly, the shop can continue to operate under his management and won't fall into disrepair.

Lin Yuge was taken aback when she heard this; she hadn't heard Brother Lu mention this before.

But this is for the best, since my uncle and the others don't know how long they'll be staying in Lingnan.

The shops here are unmanaged and there's a risk of something going wrong, so it's better to just transfer them out.

I just don't know what Brother Lu's plans are.