Chapter 2346: Shao Liulang
Chapter 2346: Shao Liulang
What Shao Liulang said sounded more credible to outsiders, especially since he presented it so convincingly.
Shao Yunduan’s reputation had been tarnished in the capital, and Shao Liulang had gained many followers. As a result, he caught the attention of the Fourth Prince’s confidants. The Fourth Prince summoned him, praised him, and transferred him from Hanlin Academy to the position of Minister Counsellor of the Ministry of Revenue.
Shao Liulang was both surprised and delighted. He was overjoyed, relieved that he no longer had to worry about being punished by the court for the troubles involving Shao Yunduan.
It was a blessing in disguise, an unexpected turn of events.
He worked even harder.
This time, the Fourth Prince appointed him as the imperial envoy and ordered him to go to Hangzhou City with the First Old Master Qiao to deliver the decree to Shao Yunduan. Shao Liulang agreed without hesitation.
Why not? It was exactly what he wanted!
No matter how much he slandered Shao Yunduan, he couldn’t change the fact that Shao Yunduan was living a carefree and proud life in the South. Every time Shao Liulang thought about this, he was filled with jealousy.
He could hardly wait to go to the South and scold Shao Yunduan!
And he was going as an imperial envoy.
As long as Shao Yunduan had not ascended to the throne, he would remain an official of the Qin Family. At most, he would be a minister managing the South for the Qin Family.
As the imperial envoy, Shao Yunduan would have no choice but to obey his orders.
Shao Liulang imagined calling him whatever he wanted and relished the thought of making Shao Yunduan envious as he became the Emperor’s trusted aide. The more Shao Liulang thought about it, the more pleased he became.
With the world in chaos and news being scarce, Shao Liulang was unaware that the Second Prince and the Third Prince had already sent their own so-called imperial envoys to Shao Yunduan.
The “imperial envoys” from the Second Prince were as arrogant as he was, but they had gained nothing in the end…
In early May, Shao Liulang, First Old Master Qiao, and their entourage arrived in Hangzhou City.
From the moment they entered Shao Yunduan’s territory, Shao Liulang insisted on arranging the ceremonial events with great fanfare. He even slowed down the pace of the ceremonies, as if he wanted everyone to know he was the imperial envoy sent by the Fourth Prince.
Of course, the commoners loved watching such a lively scene. The ceremonial procession attracted countless onlookers, and everyone pointed and marveled at the spectacle, envious of the vibrant and beautiful display.
Shao Liulang was very pleased with himself. He aimed to build up his popularity, and the people’s approval was crucial, no matter how reluctantly he had to comply.
After all, if he lost the support of the people, what future would he have?
Shao Liulang and his entourage made their way towards Hangzhou City at a slow pace, while Shao Yunduan and Qiao Xuan went about their business.
Spring plowing was crucial and couldn’t be delayed.
The area around Hangzhou City had been thrown into chaos by Su Huai. Many citizens were still on edge, fearing another riot, and numerous fertile fields needed repair due to the previous battle.
Shao Yunduan had to both appease the people and oversee the spring plowing, making him extremely busy.
Meanwhile, Qiao Xuan focused on sea trade this year. She supervised the expansion of the port and the construction of the fleet, investing a significant amount of money. If everything went according to plan, she expected to see results by next year.