Chapter 121

Chapter 121 - Huizhou

The day Teng Yu set out, a cold spring arrived, and a light snowfall graced the night. Meanwhile, the Advice Letter of Hui State sent another report indicating the calamity had worsened.

As a result, the Emperor issued an imperial decree requiring him to reach the Hui State within three days.

However, even if the road was clear, it would still take three days to travel from the capital to Hui State on horseback. Additionally, the snow-covered roads would certainly slow them down.

At the city gate, Teng Yu exited the carriage and switched to a horse. He then said to Yin Xu, who was in the carriage, “I will go ahead, you take the carriage and follow slowly.”

Yin Xu was extremely sensitive to the cold. Initially, Teng Yu did not want Yin Xu to accompany him, but the journey to the Hui State was bound to have many obstacles.

On the contrary, Yin Xu felt that his recent days had been too peaceful, which wouldn't benefit his cultivation growth. Thus, despite not being fully recovered, he insisted on following Teng Yu to the Hui State.

Knowing that the Wei Family was a large business, Yin Xu was determined to firmly control Wei Zi'an. This was much faster than relying on the funds from the Third Prince Mansion's sales.

Yin Xu exited the carriage, climbed onto Teng Yu's back, wrapped his arms around his waist, and bundled himself tightly in a fox fur coat. He then said in a muffled voice, “Let's go.”

Teng Yu did not argue, and fortunately, they had not engaged in any mischief the previous night. Otherwise, letting Yin Xu ride the horse would have been impossible.

Teng Yu brought over a dozen subordinates, but only Ding Yi was present. They all possessed first-class fighting skills, so Yin Xu's safety was assured in case of danger.

Three days later, at night, the group finally saw the gates of Hui State. Historically, Hui State had been fortified with tall and thick northern city walls.

However, at this moment, the city gate was locked, with no soldiers patrolling the walls, rendering the city eerily quiet.

Ding Yi approached and knocked on the door. This night in Hui State was indeed cold, and they had traveled non-stop for three days. They were cold and hungry, unable to endure another night outside the city.

After a while, a voice came from inside the city gate, “Who's out there? Don't you know it's past the time to enter the city? Come back early tomorrow!”

Ding Yi continued knocking, “Open the door, Master Messenger has arrived. Inform your Prefect immediately!”

Upon hearing this, the person inside opened the door without hesitation, as they had been informed that the imperial government's emissaries would be arriving soon.

Moreover, Hui State was a problematic city, and typically, no one would visit for opportunistic reasons.

It had only been three days since his departure. Even with a fast horse, it seemed impossible. He didn't believe it but had already dressed and waited outside, thinking if anyone pretended to be the Third Prince, they would be sentenced on the spot.

When Yu Xuezhong stood up, his face still showed shock. He took another look at the Third Prince, sensing that although his face was the same, something about him seemed different.

“Your Highness should really rest well after your journey. Please follow me.” After arranging his quarters, Yu Xuezhong returned to his room, still filled with doubts.

His wife entered, helped him remove his cape, and asked sadly, “Husband, why did the imperial government send the Third Prince here? How can he help?”

Yu Xuezhong held his wife's hand and sighed, “I don't know either. I'll wait until tomorrow to see before deciding. If there's no other option, I'll have to continue to play along.”

With the Third Prince's reputation, he truly didn't have much hope.

“You've been busy these past few days, hurry up and rest.” Yu Xuezhong patted his wife's hands, his eyes filled with admiration for her.

Perhaps influenced by his mother, Yu Xuezhong yearned for simple emotions. Since getting married, he had never taken a concubine and treated his wife with great respect.

His wife was just an ordinary daughter from a scholar's family, well-informed and kind-hearted. Recently, she had organized the wives of Hui State to make porridge in the city, which not only brought him fame but also helped him significantly.

Yu Xuezhong and his wife woke up before dawn. One intended to discuss how to receive the Third Prince while the other prepared the Third Prince's breakfast.

A commoner in the prefecture was still waiting for them to settle matters. It was bound to be a busy day.

Teng Yu and Yin Xu also woke up early in the morning, with footsteps coming from the courtyard, but they were deliberately quiet, clearly having been instructed to do so.

Teng Yu gently moved Yin Xu's arm, which had rested on him for half the night, and pulled up the blanket for him, “You don't have to accompany me today; just get some more sleep.”

Yin Xu turned over, “As you wish. I have my own matters anyway, I don't have time to follow you.”

Teng Yu suddenly remembered that Yin Xu didn't come specifically to accompany him, and a strange feeling arose in his heart. He patted Yin Xu's back and said, “Then I'll leave a few more people with you.”

After Teng Yu got up and washed, he had someone take him to Yu Xuezhong's study. Along the way, they saw many broken and scattered places, but unfortunately, they were either dilapidated temples or houses, unable to keep out the cold.

Upon entering the city, they saw many places where refugees had gathered. At night, it was so cold that they had to huddle together, and occasional moans could be heard.

This situation meant that who knows how many more people would die in another day. Even though Teng Yu didn't have much sympathy, he knew the urgency of the situation.

Yu Xuezhong anxiously welcomed him in. Probably because Teng Yu came early, his expression was excited, and without hesitation, he began discussing the situation in Hui State.