The Cui Manor.
"By the will of Heaven and the Emperor, it is hereby decreed: The country faces great calamities, and the situation in Qing Shui City is dire. Cui Xinghe of the Cui family, a talented individual for the nation, is specially appointed as the temporary Supervisor of the Imperial Censors. He shall manage all matters in Qing Shui City and work to stabilize the grain prices as quickly as possible, restoring peace to the people. He must depart immediately without delay. Thus it is decreed!"
Cui Xinghe, dressed in official robes, had an excited expression on his handsome face.
"I, Cui Xinghe, accept the decree and will exert all efforts!"
He took the imperial edict with excitement in his heart.
"Your Majesty has issued a decree, please, Lord Cui, prepare briefly and set off immediately. Wan'er has other urgent matters and must leave now," Shangguan Wan'er said, holding another imperial edict, and headed off in a different direction.
Cui Xinghe noticed there was another edict. His pupils contracted.
He glanced at the direction Shangguan Wan'er was headed.
That was… the direction of the Duke's residence!
His face suddenly darkened.
A middle-aged man with a stern expression approached Cui Xinghe.
He was none other than the head of the Cui family, Cui Jian, one of the seven great families and five prominent families of the world.
"If I'm not mistaken, this is the Empress's test for you and Gao Yang," Cui Jian said.
"Whether our Cui family gains the Empress's trust and rises to even greater heights in the Great Qian depends on you."
Cui Xinghe nodded seriously. "When it comes to schemes and tricks, I may not compare to Gao Yang, but in terms of governing the nation, even a hundred of him couldn't match me. The grain prices in Qing Shui City will definitely drop within fifteen days!"
"Father, just wait for my good news."
Cui Jian nodded in satisfaction. "My son Xinghe has the bearing of a prime minister!"
The Duke's Residence.
Gao Yang's mouth twitched. For a moment, he couldn't tell whether the little girl was concerned for him or cursing him.
The little girl, Gao Ling, was the daughter of his second uncle, Gao Changlin. She had been close to him since childhood.
So, Gao Yang still thought that children often speak without thinking.
He pulled Gao Ling over and pinched her chubby little face.
"Ling'er, you've made me so proud."
Gao Ling blinked, still unable to understand the sarcasm behind "you've made me proud."
With tearful eyes, she said, "Brother, I heard the servants say that you've torn up the imperial edict and will be executed. Is that true?"
Gao Yang realized at once. Of course.
What bad intentions could a child have?
Before Gao Yang could speak, Gao Ling pitifully added, "Big brother, the peach blossom pastry from the east side of the city, you promised to buy it for me. Please buy it first. If you're executed, who will buy it for me?"
Gao Yang's mouth twitched as he scanned the area.
Gao Ling, a little wary, asked, "Big brother, what are you looking for?"
"I think it's necessary to make your childhood a little more memorable," Gao Yang replied.
"My rattan stick?"
The next moment, Gao Ling, like a slippery loach, started running.
"Big brother, I was wrong!"
"Don't run! If I don't beat you today, I, Gao Yang, will change my name to Gao Wan!"
Gao Yang immediately chased after her.
Perhaps because of his past life as an orphan, or because he never experienced the warmth of a family, after crossing over, he didn't feel out of place. On the contrary, he was very familiar with and close to everything in the Gao manor.
"The imperial edict has arrived!"
Just as Gao Yang caught Gao Ling, he heard the voice of the imperial decree echoing through the entire Duke's residence.
Gao Yang's face lit up, and he let go of Gao Ling, as if she were a chicken. "I'll spare you for now. Let's see what the Empress has bestowed!"
Duke's Residence, Outer Court.
Shangguan Wan'er, holding a golden silk imperial edict, stood with a dozen palace guards behind her. Her beautiful face held no expression.
When the imperial edict arrived, all the members of the Duke's residence, old and young, kneeled in unison to receive it.
But there was one exception, standing at the front—Duke Gao Tianlong, wearing a coarse long robe, with a face full of dignified authority.
He merely bent slightly, but no one thought it inappropriate, because this was the privilege earned by fifty years of battles for the Great Qian with his life.
Gao Yang, of course, had no such privilege. Though he greatly disliked kneeling to receive the edict from the Great Qian, in ancient times, one had no choice but to bow.
This was the first time he saw his grandfather, the esteemed general of the Great Qian, after his crossing.
Though the old man's hair was graying and he didn't speak a word, a powerful aura surrounded him, making it impossible to look him in the eye.
Thus, Gao Yang cast a sideways glance at Gao Tianlong.
"Unfilial... unworthy son, when receiving the imperial edict, lower your head and show respect. Do not commit the crime of disrespecting the Emperor, for that could lead to exile to the southern regions!" Gao Feng said in a low voice, unable to hold back anymore. His son was looking around like a curious child.
The old man wasn't a stunning beauty, so why was he being so scrutinized?
Besides, this imperial edict might not be a good thing. His instinct was far sharper than the leisurely strolls in the Jinluan Hall.
Gao Yang had no choice but to lower his head and obediently receive the edict.
Shangguan Wan'er unfolded the imperial edict and read aloud, "By the will of Heaven and the Emperor, it is hereby decreed: The country faces great calamities, and the situation in Linjiang City is grave. Gao Yang, grandson of Duke Gao Tianlong, a talented individual for the nation, is specially appointed as the temporary Supervisor of the Imperial Censors. He shall manage all matters in Linjiang City and work to stabilize the grain prices as quickly as possible, restoring peace to the people. He must depart immediately without delay. Thus it is decreed!"
"Gao Yang, receive the decree and express your thanks."
When the edict was issued, Gao Feng's pupils contracted.
Even Gao Tianlong, standing at the front, suddenly had a sharp glint in his eyes.
Gao Yang was stunned for a moment, then respectfully said, "Gao Yang thanks Your Majesty for the grace."
He took the imperial edict and smiled helplessly. Originally, he thought this was an appointment from the Empress.
But now it seemed that the Empress's favor wasn't so easily won.
This was clearly a transition from theory to practical governance. If he couldn't lower the grain prices as quickly as possible, he would be removed from the Empress's favor.
Yet he couldn't help but be impressed by Wu Zhao's boldness, using the lives of a city's people as an opportunity to test him.
Isn't the Empress afraid he'll mess things up?
Gao Feng looked at Shangguan Wan'er, shocked, "With that son's ability, how can he handle the position of the Imperial Inspector? The lives of an entire city's citizens cannot be left to chance."
Shangguan Wan'er's face turned cold, and as she thought about having to follow Gao Yang on this doomed mission, she felt quite dissatisfied.
She didn't look down on Gao Yang, but in her heart, compared to Cui Xinghe, Gao Yang could never win. That was a fact.
"Minister Gao, this is His Majesty's will. You know His Majesty's temper—no one can change it."
Then, Shangguan Wan'er looked at Gao Yang and said, "The disaster situation is urgent. I am waiting outside. Please, High Imperial Inspector, gather your things and leave as soon as possible."
Saying that, Shangguan Wan'er turned around and left.
Gao Tianlong turned around to look at Gao Yang. His stern face showed no emotion. "The disaster is urgent. Pack your things and hurry. This is His Majesty's test for you. If you succeed, you'll soar to the skies. But remember, it's better to not do it than to make a mistake. Even if you fail, I can still save your life."
"Whether it's good or bad, it's all up to you."
After saying this, Gao Tianlong turned and walked toward the inner house.
Though his tone was cold, Gao Yang could still feel some concern.
He turned to gather his things, but there wasn't much to pack.
It was like a business trip—everything would be provided, and he only needed to pack a few sets of clean clothes.
So, he had his maid pack a few garments and then pushed the door open to leave.
But as soon as he opened the door, he saw Gao Feng, his face tense, and his mother, Li Shi, looking at him with concern.
Li Shi saw Gao Yang and immediately showed a heartbroken expression, "Linjiang City is over two hundred miles from Chang'an. This journey will be hard for you!"
"Green Ivy, go with Yang'er and take care of his daily needs."
A delicate girl in green hurriedly responded, "Yes!"
Her fair face was full of softness, and Gao Yang's eyes brightened at the sight.
His mother was so thoughtful.
Green Ivy glanced up at him timidly, feeling like Gao Yang's eyes were as terrifying as those of a tiger or wolf.
Meanwhile, Gao Ling, bouncing with energy, walked over and handed him a small bundle.
With a sad little face, she said, "Big Brother, this is peach blossom pastry. Take it with you and eat it on the road."
Gao Ling looked at him with a heart full of worry, but still handed the bundle to Gao Yang without hesitation.
A young man, a bit younger and with a mischievous look, spoke next, "Brother, you're going for at least half a month or a month!"
"Don't worry, I'll take good care of the ladies you look after in the brothel. You don't have to worry."
The speaker was Gao Yang's younger brother, Gao Feng's second son, Gao Changwen!
Hearing this, Gao Yang's lips twitched.
Before he could speak, Gao Feng's face turned red with fury. "You little bastard, get out in three breaths!"
Seeing his father's anger, Gao Changwen immediately fled toward the gates of the mansion.
He ran while shouting, "Big Brother, don't worry, I'll take good care of your women!"
Gao Feng closed his eyes in pain.
He shouldn't have been so greedy back then, or else his blood pressure wouldn't be so high every day.
"Father, there's no need to be angry. As the saying goes, 'A big brother is like a father.' When I return, I'll discipline Changwen and make him turn over a new leaf."
Gao Yang smiled and said.
Gao Feng suppressed the blood in his chest and after a long while said, "This is an opportunity and a crisis. Chang'an is in turmoil now, and if you don't have confidence, then follow your grandfather's advice. The Gao family will always protect you."
"Remember, don't be reckless and let things spiral out of control."
Gao Yang's heart was moved.
A mother worried about her son traveling far, sending a maid to accompany him, and a younger sister who sent him his favorite peach blossom pastries.
Gao Changwen didn't count.
Despite calling him a bastard, his father, Gao Feng, always protected him, and his grandfather, Gao Tianlong, though not talkative, also took care of him.
What he lacked in his past life, was unexpectedly made up for after he crossed over.
Gao Yang smiled, "A fledgling eagle will eventually spread its wings. How can it soar and overlook the world while under the family's protection?"
"With the emperor just ascended, the country needs talent. If I can gain the favor of the Empress, I will continue the glory of the Dingguo Duke's residence for another century."
This casual statement made Gao Feng pause, and his eyes softened with a look of pride.
"The grain price in Linjiang City will drop within ten days. Father, wait for my good news in Chang'an. The Gao family should have someone else carry the weight from now on."
"Your son will leave now."
Gao Yang spoke with confidence, then bowed respectfully to Gao Feng and Li Shi before turning to leave.
Green Ivy took the bundle and followed closely behind him.
With the new emperor on the throne and the political situation in turmoil, although the Gao family had three generations of generals and was one of the six great dukes, they were still under the watchful eyes of many who wished to see their downfall.
Many in Chang'an wanted to bring down the Gao family.
To live a peaceful life and protect the hard-earned stability, he had to cling to the Empress's favor!
This time, Gao Yang would either crush the profiteers in Linjiang City taking advantage of the national disaster…
Or he might as well find a rock and end it all.
Behind him, Gao Feng watched his son's retreating figure and smiled with relief.
"Heaven, in the end, protects my Gao family."
But then he immediately became furious, "Send my order—lock that bastard up! Yang'er hasn't returned yet, and he is not to leave the Dingguo Duke's residence!"
"Otherwise, I'll break his three legs!"