flstandardbreds Chapter 157 Leaving Jicheng
Chapter 157 Leaving Jicheng
Everyone sat around the steaming hot pot, their laughter and chatter filling the air. The meal was a delightful affair, with both host and guests thoroughly enjoying themselves. Seeing how well Gu Mochen and Ye Qingchen got along, and how open-minded Gu Mochen was, and how magnanimous Ye Qingchen was, Lord Li felt as if he had only discovered true friends in his twilight years. He also understood why Old Master Lu had followed and protected him all this way. Feeling genuinely reluctant to part, he urged, "Your Highness, Your Highness, and all of you, please stay a few more days, so I can extend my hospitality." However, Gu Mochen politely declined, saying, "Thank you for your kind offer, Lord Li, but we have important matters to attend to on this trip and cannot stay long. I hope things will have changed when we return."
Despite this, Gu Mochen and Ye Qingchen stayed for another three days. During these three short days, Gu Mochen reviewed the tasks Ye Qingchen had entrusted to him with his subordinates and waited until all the equipment needed for the two thousand soldiers was completed. Once the equipment was finished, he led everyone on their journey again. Before departing, everyone bid each other farewell, wishing each other well. Gu Mochen had developed a rapport with this Lord Li over these three days. Lord Li was indeed quite incorruptible and enjoyed using inexpensive ingredients to create delicious food, culinary art, and was also knowledgeable in governance. Gu Mochen thought that one day, if he could establish himself in the capital, he would definitely invite Lord Li to serve as an official there, so they could have more opportunities to interact.
On the day of their departure, the two thousand elite soldiers accompanying them each received a gift from Gu Mochen and Ye Qingchen. Each person carried a large backpack with buttons instead of zippers, revealing brand-new leather boots inside. None of them knew the material of the soles, except for Ye Qingchen, who knew they were rubber. However, she could only pretend not to know. Gu Mochen had long known his wife was extraordinary, but he refused to reveal it, fearing his beautiful wife would disappear. The soldiers also carried soft down undershirts, thick sheepskin coats, and even numerous gloves and other warm clothing. These items were exquisitely crafted and made of superior materials, clearly the result of careful preparation.
Although the weather was still warm and there was no need to wear these clothes, the care shown was like a warm current flowing into everyone's hearts. Moreover, the thick cloth backpacks were very practical, and the soldiers all liked them very much. Gu Mochen looked at the mountain of supplies before him, his heart filled with gratitude. He quietly moved closer to Ye Qingchen and sincerely thanked her in a low voice, "Thank you so much, my queen, for your thoughtfulness and care. This expedition is a long journey, and with these ample supplies, my soldiers will surely suffer much less from the hardships of wind and frost!"
Upon hearing this, Ye Qingchen's lips curled into a gentle smile. She softly replied, "Your Highness is too kind. As a princess, it is only natural for me to think of you and the soldiers. This is merely my duty." With that, she turned gracefully and stepped into the ornately decorated carriage.
Seeing this, Gu Mochen smiled slightly and, instead of following him onto the carriage, nimbly mounted his horse. At this moment, besides Ye Qingchen sitting comfortably inside the carriage, Bai Zhi, Fu Ling, Xiao Zhixin, and the others all leaped onto their horses. Seeing everyone's choice, Ye Qingchen didn't object further, as this would slightly increase the group's speed.
The group traveled north in a grand procession, soon arriving at the border of Liaocheng. As far as the eye could see, the vast plains were covered in lush, verdant crops, a vibrant scene of life. The terrain was flat and open, offering a wide and expansive view that was truly refreshing. It was already mid-August in the lunar calendar, and the Mid-Autumn Festival was just around the corner. When Gu Mochen stepped onto this land, a sense of tranquility and peace washed over him, causing his tense nerves to relax slightly.
Finally arriving in Liaocheng, they saw the city gates wide open and banners fluttering along the roads, a scene of bustling activity. It turned out that the Liaocheng Prefect and his officials had been waiting there for some time. The reason for such a grand ceremony was that the general leading the army knew the journey to the capital was long and fraught with danger and unforeseen events, fearing someone might harm the Prince. Therefore, they had deliberately chosen the official road and sent messengers to inform the Liaocheng officials beforehand.
After Gu Mochen dismounted, he immediately saw a large number of officials kneeling before him. The scene was quite spectacular, inspiring awe in all who beheld it. Gu Mochen frowned slightly upon seeing this, then steadily walked forward. When he was a few steps away from the kneeling officials, the leading official hurriedly spoke, "Your subject Han Yuecheng, along with all the officials of Liaocheng, pays respects to Prince Chen! We warmly welcome Your Highness's esteemed presence!" His voice was loud and respectful, echoing throughout the city gate.
In truth, Gu Mochen hadn't expected the welcoming ceremony to be so grand and solemn. After all, arriving in Liaocheng with such fanfare would make it less convenient to visit his subordinates later. However, since the commander had arranged everything, it must have been out of good intentions—to allow him to appear before everyone with more pomp and circumstance, and also for his safety. Therefore, both morally and logically, he couldn't help but feel grateful for the commander's kindness.
Gu Mochen's lips curved into a gentle, spring-like smile as he walked lightly towards the group of solemn-looking ministers in their official robes. Upon reaching them, Gu Mochen stopped, clasped his hands in a respectful bow to the head minister, Lord Han, and the other ministers, and said loudly, "I am deeply honored that Lord Han and all the other ministers have gone to such lengths to welcome my wife and me. This profound kindness has made me feel incredibly fortunate. My wife and I have traveled a great distance to visit you all at the behest of His Majesty. Firstly, we wish to humbly learn from your valuable experience and insights regarding farming; secondly, we wish to inquire about the harvest situation in our area this year. Therefore, I earnestly request that you, sirs, generously offer your guidance and answer my questions!"
Lord Han was completely taken aback by the legendary Prince Chen's approachable and amiable nature, and immediately felt a sense of goodwill towards him. He quickly replied, "Your Highness and Princess Consort must be exhausted from their journey. I have specially prepared a sumptuous meal with local Liaocheng specialties at my residence to welcome them. I hope that Your Highness, Princess Consort, and the accompanying soldiers will do me the honor of visiting my residence to rest and enjoy the meal."
Upon hearing this, Gu Mochen nodded without hesitation, replying, "Since Lord Han has extended such a warm invitation, then I will not refuse." With that, he turned to face the crowd behind him and announced loudly, "Let's go! To Lord Han's residence!" At his command, the entourage marched in a grand procession towards Lord Han's residence. Accompanying them were not only the guards and attendants of Prince Chen's residence, but also officials of varying ranks from various counties of Liaocheng. Along the way, everyone chatted and laughed, creating a rather harmonious atmosphere.