Upon hearing this, Qin Yining’s expression became somewhat grave.

“Is the Prince still in the palace?”

“Yes.” Xu Weizhi said, “Huzi followed the Prince into the palace. He must have heard the news and immediately sent word out secretly, so we could know in advance and be mentally prepared.”

Qin Yining nodded understandingly, as Qin Huaiyuan always acted this way.

What she was worried about now was whether the Emperor arranging for Pang Xiao to provide disaster relief was another conspiracy. With the national treasury empty and the Emperor’s private funds also not abundant, this disaster affected a wide area. To provide relief naturally required large sums of silver – where could the Emperor obtain such money?

Even a clever woman cannot cook without rice. Pang Xiao had the ability to lead people in disaster relief, but he couldn’t conjure silver out of thin air. If he couldn’t produce relief funds when the time came, wouldn’t the disaster victims still blame Pang Xiao in the end?

Qin Yining felt that things were clearly developing in the same direction as when the Emperor had defaulted on the Huben Army’s military pay. If a situation really arose where disaster relief funds were insufficient and victims couldn’t get food and clothing, wouldn’t this black pot fall on Pang Xiao’s shoulders?

“This won’t do.” Qin Yining rose and paced, saying softly, “We can’t let the Prince take the blame. It’s not that we don’t want to help the disaster area’s people, but we can’t let others easily harm the Prince. Mr. Xie, Mr. Xu, do you have any other news?”

Xie Yue and Xu Weizhi exchanged glances, then Xie Yue said, “There is one piece of news. Second Master Lu Heng of the Lu family went south, and when the earthquake occurred, he was not far from the former Great Yan capital. He seems to have been affected. Our scouts got the news and can be one step ahead of others, but the Lu family should have received news by now too. I wonder what reaction Minister Lu will have today.”

Qin Yining remembered the map she had randomly drawn – it was precisely a barren mountain north of the former Great Yan capital city. Her mood couldn’t help but feel somewhat complex.

She had only drawn it randomly, and it was a desperate measure at the time. She had expected someone would be lured there, but who would have thought he’d be unlucky enough to encounter an earthquake!

If Lu Heng lost his life because of this, wouldn’t it become her fault?

For a moment, Qin Yining’s heart was filled with mixed emotions.

Xie Yue and Xu Weizhi both keenly noticed Qin Yining’s expression was off. Thinking of outside rumors and past events, knowing that Lu Heng had always had feelings for Qin Yining, seeing her expression change upon hearing Lu Heng was in trouble, they couldn’t help but speculate.

When Qin Yining looked up and saw their expressions, she understood what they were thinking and couldn’t help but laugh as she explained about forging the treasure map that day.

“…So I was thinking, if something happened, it would really be my fault.”

“I see,” Xu Weizhi smiled, “Princess, don’t worry too much. Actually, even without the treasure map, the Lu family would definitely have arranged for people to go to the former Great Yan capital to search for clues. Although the Lu family doesn’t lack money, they don’t want such a large sum to fall into the Emperor’s hands either, as that would mean one less way to restrain the Emperor. So they would have gone even without this treasure map. Besides, earthquakes are unpredictable – it’s not something you could control.”

“Though you say so, my heart still feels uneasy.”

Qin Yining thought for a moment, then said, “If that’s the case, have people pay more attention to the Lu family’s reactions.”

“Yes. We’ve already sent people to investigate.” Both advisors smiled.

Just then, someone outside came to report that someone wanted to see Xie Yue.

Xie Yue got up and went out, returning shortly with news.

“Just as we were talking about Minister Lu, news of him has arrived. A scout just returned – Minister Lu received news that Second Master Lu was affected by the disaster and seems to have been buried. Minister Lu, who had been claiming illness at home, immediately went to the palace to petition the Emperor.”

Qin Yining bit her lower lip, thought for a moment and said, “Minister Lu dotes on Second Master Lu so much. If he could personally go south to search for his grandson’s whereabouts, he could take charge of disaster relief, and the Prince could avoid the main responsibility by accompanying him.”

“Yes.” Xie Yue sighed, “But if the Prince really takes the lead, first the Emperor won’t give him the Huben Army. He might allocate a few hundred men from Prince Consort Ji’s former Longxiang Army to the Prince, to prevent trouble from the Prince regaining control of the Huben Army.”

“The Emperor would naturally be worried. After all, the Prince’s military achievements and prestige in the army are there for all to see.”

Qin Yining, along with Xie Yue and Xu Weizhi, waited for news while discussing the current court situation.

At the same time, in the great court assembly, the scene was solemnly silent.

Only the sound of Li Qitian seated on the dragon throne could be heard as he said gravely, “Southern disaster relief cannot be delayed. Since Great Yan has submitted to Great Zhou, that land is Great Zhou’s land, and the people there are Great Zhou’s people. How can we stand by and watch them die?”

Several officials who had previously stood up to oppose disaster relief were silenced by the Emperor’s words.

Yuchi Yan, who had been standing in a corner acting like a wooden figure since surrendering, finally stepped forward this time, cupping his hands and saying, “Your Majesty, I have something to say.”

“Oh? So it’s Prince Yan.” Li Qitian seemed particularly patient when facing Yuchi Yan. “Please speak, dear minister.”

The words “dear minister” were pronounced extremely clearly.

In normal times, under such showing off and humiliation, Yuchi Yan would have turned pale and hidden in a corner, trying to minimize his presence.

But today, he spoke righteously, “Your Majesty, I request that this disaster relief mission to the former capital be entrusted to me to supervise.”

“Oh?” Li Qitian said with interest, “Prince Yan truly loves the people like his own children, but I cannot agree to this. The disaster in the former Yan capital is severe, and after the earthquake, who knows if there will be epidemics. Sending you there now, I fear it would implicate you.”

Actually, any clear-sighted person understood – how could Li Qitian feel at ease letting Yuchi Yan go out?

The disaster area was where Yuchi Yan’s former capital had been located, and the people there had all once been Yuchi Yan’s subjects.

No one could guarantee whether Yuchi Yan had other forces there locally. Just like the treasure left by the foolish ruler, which had kept everyone spinning for so long.

If he agreed to let Yuchi Yan go, wouldn’t that be like releasing a tiger back to the mountain?

Yuchi Yan thought about it and understood Li Qitian’s concerns, saying, “Your Majesty just arranged for Prince Zhongshun to provide disaster relief, which is excellent. Prince Zhongshun is capable and would certainly be a good choice for disaster relief. Why doesn’t Your Majesty arrange for me to go with Prince Zhongshun?”

Hearing this, Li Qitian looked around at all the civil and military officials, finally fixing his gaze on Pang Xiao.

Seeing Li Qitian seemed to be considering, all the ministers dared not even breathe.

Only Minister Lu, frantic about his missing grandson and unable to control his emotions, said, “Your Majesty, please send people quickly.”

No one could understand how heartbreaking it was for one’s most excellent grandson, who had been talking with him just fine before departure, to soon have news arrive that he was buried and missing.

Li Qitian could understand Minister Lu’s feelings too.

Precisely because he understood, his heart felt particularly pleased.

Letting that Lu Heng fellow get the treasure map and run off privately, not knowing to hand the treasure over to the court.

This time it would be best if he died in the south to satisfy his hatred!

Although Li Qitian thought this way, Minister Lu was after all a veteran minister. If Li Qitian appeared too heartless, he might hurt other ministers’ feelings, which wouldn’t benefit his future governance of his subjects.

Li Qitian began to ponder.

Just then, Qin Huaiyuan stepped forward and bowed, “Your Majesty.”

Li Qitian still trusted Qin Huaiyuan greatly and said kindly, “What does Minister Qin have to say?”

Qin Huaiyuan respectfully bowed and said, “Your Majesty, I believe disaster relief cannot be delayed. We should immediately send people from the capital, on one hand to prepare relief supplies to ensure people’s food and warmth, and on the other hand to focus on bringing physicians to prevent epidemics. This is precisely an opportunity for Your Majesty to show your benevolence to your subjects.”

Li Qitian nodded understandingly.

Indeed, since the former Yan dynasty wasn’t originally his territory, if he remained indifferent when the former Yan capital suffered such a great crisis, it would inevitably chill the hearts of the former Yan people.

“Minister Qin thinks the same as I do. This disaster relief must certainly be undertaken. It’s just the personnel selection that I haven’t decided on. Prince Yan has the people’s welfare at heart. I think, let Prince Yan go.”

As soon as he finished speaking, Yuchi Yan joyfully bowed and said gratefully, “Thank you for Your Majesty’s blessing! I will certainly handle this assignment seriously.”

These words made Li Qitian feel particularly comfortable.

Being so submissively served by the former ruler of an enemy nation that had surrendered to him truly demonstrated his strength and ability, hitting precisely the spot that pleased him most.

Seeing Li Qitian seemed to have made his decision, Qin Huaiyuan returned to his position and no longer attempted to speak.

Li Qitian thought for a moment, then said, “Very well, then. I hereby appoint Prince Yan as Imperial Commissioner for Disaster Relief. The southern disaster relief will be entrusted to you. When traveling outside, you cannot be without capable assistance. Thus, I’ll arrange for Prince Zhongshun to take three hundred Longxiang Army soldiers with you, to protect your safety and follow your commands.”

Yuchi Yan hated Pang Xiao to the bone. If not for Pang Xiao, could the Great Yan dynasty have been conquered? If not for his long-standing schemes, how could Qin Yining have been granted in marriage to Pang Xiao, completely cutting off his thoughts of taking Qin Yining as a consort?

This man seemed born to oppose him.

Now going to provide disaster relief, returning to his former country, he would actually have to bring Pang Xiao along!

Yuchi Yan understood that Li Qitian wanted Pang Xiao to monitor his every move, which was also why he had proactively made the request to reassure the Emperor.

But as the most awkward among the surrendered ministers, where could he find suitable reasons to refuse?

Remembering what Gu Chang’s grandfather Gu Shixiong had said, Yuchi Yan respectfully bowed, “Your Majesty’s consideration is thorough. I thank Your Majesty.”

“Rise.” Li Qitian smiled pleasantly as he looked at Pang Xiao. Just when arranging things, Pang Xiao had still been in the leading position, but now he had become Prince Yan’s bodyguard?

Li Qitian looked at Pang Xiao’s sour expression and felt a surge of pleasure.

He didn’t mind adding more trouble between Pang Xiao and Yuchi Yan.

“Prince Zhongshun has to travel far just after getting married – this is too inappropriate. Thus, I specially permit Prince Zhongshun to bring his princess along for disaster relief.”