[BL] After Being Abducted by the General

chapter 185

The Provincial Governor of Jingzhou had once wavered between Yuan Li and Chen Wang but ultimately chose to side with Chen Wang due to the distance between them. Because of his grudges with Chen Wang, he planned to kill the emissaries sent by Yuan Li, Xiang Hongyun and Wang Qianzhi, to please Chen Wang. He even intended to eliminate Wang Qianzhi's entire family.

If it hadn't been for Xiang Hongyun and Wang Qianzhi's quick wit, they would have met a tragic end by now.

Yuan Li remembered this incident clearly, but at the moment, he didn't have time to confront Jiang Biao. However, it didn't mean he would let Jiang Biao off easily.

He hadn't yet vented his anger for his subordinates.

Yuan Li ordered the fleet to dock, but both he and the Emperor stayed on the boat. Instead, he dispatched numerous soldiers on behalf of Xiang Hongyun, instructing Xiang Hongyun to go and negotiate with Jiang Biao.

For a Provincial Governor to act so servilely, he expected to meet the Emperor and Duke Wen. Instead, he encountered a mere advisor. Yuan Li, observing from the boat, noticed Jiang Biao's darkening face. Clearly, Jiang Biao wanted to leave in a huff, but to avoid offending him, he tried his best to speak respectfully and amicably to Xiang Hongyun, every movement polite and deferential.

Watching Jiang Biao's demeanor, Xiang Hongyun couldn't help but find it somewhat amusing.

He knew that Yuan Li's show of support was meant to boost his morale. Even though Xiang Hongyun wasn't concerned about these matters, he felt warm in his heart due to Yuan Li's support.

However, while Yuan Li was willing to lend him support and vent his anger on his behalf, Xiang Hongyun couldn't be so reckless. He knew they were currently in a critical period, and any problems with Yuan Li's grand plan must be avoided at all costs.

Although a Provincial Governor couldn't shake Yuan Li's position, he was still a Provincial Governor. One couldn't underestimate such a figure. At this moment, they couldn't afford to have a complete falling-out with Jiang Biao and make things ugly.

Thus, Xiang Hongyun was also polite and courteous, ensuring that Jiang Biao didn't lose all face.

After Xiang Hongyun returned, the fleet continued its journey.

In early June, Yuan Li finally returned to Youzhou.

After disembarking from the boat, they switched to carriages. The Emperor curiously peered out, exclaiming with childlike wonder, "Although Youzhou might not be as prosperous as Yangzhou, the people here seem well-fed and well-clothed. It's completely different from the dire situations described in books. Rumors are unreliable; those who claim to be suffering might not be genuinely suffering. Lord Guo, do you think the tales of widespread famine are also unfounded?"

Guo Mao's smile faded, and he replied, "Your Majesty, you've misunderstood. I am a native of Youzhou, and I can assure you with my life that the people here truly suffered in the past. The fact that they are now well-fed and their fields are filled with crops is all thanks to Duke Wen's efforts. However, Duke Wen is just one person, and there are thirteen provinces in the realm. Beyond Youzhou, countless people still live in poverty and deprivation, eating mud and vegetation, and some even resort to cannibalism."

The Emperor was both horrified and curious, asking, "How can one eat mud?"

Guo Mao briefly explained the dire situation to dispel the Emperor's curiosity.

Yuan Li and Chu Hechao were resting in the carriage. As they approached Jixian, the procession suddenly stopped.

Yuan Li opened his eyes and lifted the curtain to look outside. Just as he was about to inquire about the situation, he heard a resolute and sorrowful voice, full of determination and aged wisdom.