“I— I’m not talking to you anymore.” His subtle fragrance of pagoda tree flowers drifted into my nose, making me flustered. I stood up and retreated several steps. “I’ve said what needed to be said. Do what you want.” With that, I fled.
I had delivered the message, but An Jin only seemed slightly happier, appearing more frequently but making no other moves. He seemed quite leisurely, while I was anxious. Could he really be planning to destroy his own capabilities? If he truly intended to do nothing, I would have to act before the three-month deadline to leave him some room; otherwise, when Hongdi made his move, nothing would be left.
Just as I was about to act, an earthquake suddenly broke out in the eastern part of the Southern Rui Kingdom.
The earthquake disaster was severe, causing significant losses and casualties.
After local officials reported the disaster situation, affected areas, and number of victims to the Ministry of Households, the Emperor immediately decided to dispatch imperial envoys with relief supplies and medical teams to investigate the disaster and provide aid to the people.
I volunteered to go.
On one hand, as a member of the Southern Rui royal family and heir apparent, I should step forward at this time of panic and do something for the Southern Rui people. On the other hand, I was worried about what might have happened to Yun Qiao in the earthquake and wanted to take this opportunity to see if she was safe.
Since ancient times, earthquakes have easily been used as a pretext to negatively impact royal rule. Only by going myself could I quell such unfavorable rumors.
When An Jin heard about this, he insisted on going with me. I refused and ordered people to watch him carefully. Who knew he would use some method to mix in with the accompanying physicians and follow along. When discovered, he proudly said, “I’m also a physician. Have you forgotten that I cured your cold?”
So I had no choice but to let him follow.
The disaster-affected area included five cities and three states in eastern Southern Rui. An Jin and I traveled, busy inspecting local officials’ disaster assessment, comforting victims, distributing supplies and arranging relief.
After covering four cities and three states, we finally reached Rao City. Upon entering, I discovered this was actually the most severely affected place.
