The First National Preceptor of the Tang Dynasty

Chapter 386

The former magistrate of Chen County also colluded with the Minister of Works.

"Old Duan has been hiding his true intentions well."

Hearing his master address Duan Lun as "Old Duan," he was speechless for a moment, then said, "Master, would you like to hitch up the carriage?"

Xu Tian nodded, then put on the white robe, put his hands behind his back, went out the door, and got into the carriage.

After traveling for about half an incense stick's time, the carriage stopped in front of the town's guesthouse.

The butler glanced at Xu Tian and saw Xu Tian walk into the guesthouse with a serious expression. The butler immediately followed and saw an old man in his seventies walk out of the guesthouse.

But the old man was in good health and had sharp hearing and eyesight.

"Your humble servant pays his respects to Prince Rui."

Xu Tian immediately helped the man up, and then said politely, "His Majesty has appointed me as the magistrate of Congling County. I am only a seventh-rank official, how dare I accept the Minister's respect? I am here today specifically to take care of the old Minister."

The repeated use of the word "old" made Duan Lun grit his teeth, and then he followed.

Xu Tian looked around and said, "What are you all standing there for? The Minister has been here for so long, why haven't you served the dishes yet?"

Duan Lun immediately said from the side, "That's right, I wanted to wait until His Highness arrived before having my servants attend to him."

Xu Tian was taken aback for a moment, then said, "It is the Minister who is so thoughtful. Unlike me, who is inexperienced and naive, I have failed to provide adequate hospitality. I hope the Minister will not take offense."

Duan Lun was speechless for a moment, not expecting Xu Tian to be so humble. It was just a meal, after all.

Unexpectedly, a smile flashed in Qin Xian's eyes as he followed behind Xu Tian. He knew that Xu Tian's purpose in coming was not ordinary.

Sure enough, Xu Tian said, "General Qin, have this place heavily guarded by me. Don't let even a fly in. And of course, don't let anyone out either."

Qin Xian immediately nodded, accepted the order, and left.

Duan Lun was somewhat puzzled and asked, "Why is Your Highness doing this?"

Xu Tian smiled slightly and said, "Lord Duan truly does not know. This is truly outrageous! I was assassinated before I even arrived here. I wonder if Minister's arrival was smooth?"

Duan Lun nodded and said, "Throughout this journey, I've only felt that the surrounding scenery is desolate."

They didn't encounter any assassins or bandits either.

Xu Tian immediately looked relieved and placed the recipe in front of Duan Lun.

"In order not to waste or disperse our troops, let the guards stay at the guesthouse today. The menu is all newly released. I heard that Minister Duan was coming, so I stayed at the manor for a long time, just waiting to enjoy the delicious food with Minister Duan."

Duan Lun opened the menu and saw that it read "Volcano Snowfall", "Golden Splendor", and "Two Dragons Fighting for a Pearl".

Before Duan Lun could say anything, Xu Tian quickly said, "Come on, serve the food, I'm getting a little hungry."

Soon the waiter brought over the tray.

"Your dish."

Duan Lun immediately said, "Do you know who is sitting in the guesthouse today? How dare they serve me some vegetarian dishes?"

Duan Lun had served as Minister of Works for over a decade, and at this moment, his lack of a smile exuded a certain authority.

The waiter smacked his lips and slowly turned around, saying, "Isn't this the dish you gentlemen ordered? 'Volcano Snowfall,' 'Golden Splendor,' and 'Two Dragons Playing with a Pearl.' I haven't brought the wrong dish!"

Xu Tian chuckled inwardly, wondering if this old scoundrel would still dare to impeach him in front of the Emperor. Besides, Xu Tian had only been here a short time, and the guesthouse was even more dilapidated than it is now. At least now there's a waiter serving food.

Duan Lun's chopsticks trembled as he pointed at the plate of tomatoes with sugar and said, "Is this 'Volcanic Snowfall'?"