Song Chuyu stood still.
Lin Qingyuan also stopped before the horse: "Farewell, Uncle." He slowly turned and looked at the Princess, then lowered his head: "Farewell, Princess."
Song Chuyu didn't move. The cold wind stirred her earrings, her skirt swaying slightly, the golden threads shimmering like the tail fins of koi carp: "What about you?"
Lin Qingyuan was surprised: "This humble one is going to the government office. It's very close."
Duke Song, seeing the carriage ahead hadn't moved, lifted the curtain in confusion: "Why haven't you left yet?"
Song Chuyu continued looking at Lin Qingyuan. His face showed no pride in having accomplished something, nor the expected high spirits, as if it were a trivial matter, as natural as eating or drinking: "The weather is cold. Sir, take my carriage back. You may use it for now, and it will be convenient for your future travels."
"No need. It's just a few steps."
Song Chuyu signaled for her father's carriage to leave first: "Regarding the Sujiang Prefecture matter, you don't need to listen to my father. There's no logic in building a cemetery thousands of miles away. Secretary Lin may handle those funds as you see fit." As she spoke, she handed over the hand warmer she was holding.
Duke Song snorted and dropped the curtain: So outwardly generous!
Lin Qingyuan glanced at the chubby bronze warmer, then looked up at the Princess: "Princess."
"Hmm?"
"Have you perhaps misunderstood something? The refugees were able to return home because this humble one is the future son-in-law of Anguo Duke Mansion. Without the Duke, I could have talked until I was blue in the face and Lord Gong wouldn't have gotten involved." Because there was the risk of being purged by the Empress Dowager. So there was no need to gift him the bronze warmer.
If he had tried to do it alone, it would have taken ten or twenty years to accomplish.
If one must credit anyone, it was the Princess who gave him the possibility to converse with someone of Lord Gong's stature.
Song Chuyu looked embarrassed. Had she been that obvious?
Lin Qingyuan thought it was quite evident. She seemed very eager to take care of him because of this matter, but he didn't feel he had done anything worthy?
"Take it when it's given to you. There's no reason to walk every day." Song Chuyu shoved the warmer into his hands and turned to leave.
"Princess—" Warmth spread from his palms through his limbs. Lin Qingyuan looked down at the small bronze warmer with its duck-bill spout and round body, chubby and quite adorable. Adorning the body was an ornamental tassel woven with gemstones, exquisite and delicate, clearly expensive at first glance. So this was a hand warmer? It suited her.
"Sir, shall we depart now?"
"Thank you."
…
During his noon break, Zhao Rong remembered something: "Many refugees have left recently. It seems Lord Gong took pity on his hometown folks, sent people with sufficient provisions, and escorted the refugees all the way back to their hometowns."
"Such a good deed?" That must have cost a fortune. Is Lord Gong that compassionate? It sounds rather unbelievable.
"Absolutely true. I heard several officials from prefectures near the disaster areas, finding their individual capabilities insufficient, wanted to join forces with other officials to send a group of refugees back home together."
Sun Qian passed by and glanced at Kang Rui.
Kang Rui frowned, having heard some rumors himself. That's why it was strange—the number of refugees around Shangjing City had rapidly decreased, as if overnight all southern officials began caring about their local people.
But not long ago, he had told his superior that this matter wasn't feasible, and now it was resolved, and resolved in such a baffling way.
Zhao Rui clearly had more information: "Do you know who was put in charge of this matter?"
"The Ministry of Revenue?"
"The Grand Secretariat?"
"Lin Qingyuan from the Ministry of Works."
Why him? But then again, it could be him, considering his other status.
"But his experience is too shallow," someone questioned, "Does anyone actually listen to him?" His prestige seems insufficient.
"The strange thing is precisely here – even Lord Gong listens to him attentively. Many officials from disaster-stricken areas without faction affiliations are waiting at the Ministry of Works' gate, asking if they can contribute their modest efforts for their hometowns. Lin the Clerk has now become highly sought after."
"Even without this matter, he would still be highly sought after."
Kang Rui clenched and unclenched his fist – relying on the Duke's mansion, that's all! If it were him—
Kang Rui suddenly thought that if he were the one engaged to the Princess, he would be handling this matter instead. What would Lin Qingyuan have to do with it?
Sun Qian sighed: "Regardless, it's good that the disaster victims are properly settled. The Duke's son-in-law is quite capable. I heard it was his idea – a man with foresight indeed. The Duke has chosen a good husband for his daughter."
Kang Rui instantly turned to look at Sun Qian.
Having heard some inside information, Sun Qian remarked: "He truly has ability. We might soon be addressing him as Vice Director Lin."
Kang Rui felt as if struck by lightning. He handled it! How could he possibly manage this matter properly!
But if it were Lin Qingyuan, who would dare say he couldn't accomplish it!
Kang Rui felt oppressed and stifled. He didn't want to acknowledge Lin Qingyuan's capability, yet couldn't deny his competence. This feeling weighed heavily on his heart, becoming increasingly suffocating. Unconsciously, he blurted out: "He just secured a good marriage alliance."
Sun Qian looked at him.
Kang Rui immediately stepped back and bowed: "This official spoke improperly. That's not what I meant, I—"
"Nothing that can't be said. He did indeed secure a good marriage. But mind your attitude. Even if he took a shortcut, his handling of the refugee situation shows his greater capability. Don't let prejudice blind you – it won't benefit your official career."
"Minister Sun's guidance is correct."