Chapter 403 - Chapter 403: Chapter 403: The Arrival of the Retired Emperor (Extra Update)

Chapter 403: Chapter 403: The Arrival of the Retired Emperor (Extra Update)

Upon receiving this imperial edict, Yang Ye immediately started busying himself.

Even though an earthquake had occurred in Shuifeng Prefecture, the retired Emperor was still planning to visit. This emphasized his significance attached to the place!

Yang Ye promptly found the Dean of the Academy, expressing a wish to make significant changes to Anping Village, such as building a guesthouse.

Building a palace was impossible due to time constraints, but a quaint guesthouse could still be constructed.

However, the Dean dismissed the idea, gesturing for him not to create unnecessary work, “When the retired Emperor graces Anping Village, he will not be there for the villagers, he will only be meeting the Tong Family. All you need to do is tidy up the area near the secret tunnel.”

“Then where will Grandpa Emperor stay?”

“Naturally at the Bailu Academy. This piece of land was personally allocated by the old man himself. Even after allocating it, he has not come to see it once. Now that he finally has a chance, naturally he should stay in the Academy.” The Dean replied cheerfully.

Upon hearing this, Yang Ye’s phoenix eyes widened in surprise, “This land was allocated by Grandpa Emperor to you?”

“Indeed.” The Dean nodded a bit nostalgically.

He was just over sixty now, but only forty years old twenty years ago.

Retiring at forty years was significantly early.

Although the retired Emperor never explicitly stated it, he knew his duty was not the founding of an academy, but the guarding of treasure, while occasionally supervising the Tong Family.

Twenty years, sigh, how swiftly time passed.

The retired Emperor was finally coming.

Seeing the Dean’s demeanor, Yang Ye rubbed his long fingers against his forehead, “Alright.”

As a junior, he knew too little about the disputes and grudges of the previous generations!

After settling the location of the stay, Yang Ye followed Dean’s instructions and properly repaired the pathway from the foot of the mountain to the secret tunnel. He also installed steps for the convenience of the retired Emperor.

After tidying up the location, he discussed the menu with Qiao Xiaomai, wishing if possible to move the entire Imperial Kitchen here.

Time went by swiftly amidst the hectic preparation, and soon half a month passed, and the imperial carriage of the retired Emperor finally arrived.

Bailu Town was under curfew, all shops on the main thoroughfare were closed, and troops stood guard around.

Yang Ye, Yang Wang, the Dean, Ma Dongshu, County Magistrate Cen Hong, and several distinguished students from Bailu Academy such as Fan Jia, all stood at the town entrance to receive the royal carriage.

Yang Wenxiao had not left the Capital City for over a decade, and even though Emperor Yong’an had repaired the road and the imperial carriage was comfortably arranged, the long journey left him visibly tired as he entered Bailu Town.

Upon exiting the carriage, his gaze swept across the crowd, and then he asked, “Where is Tong Tiehu?”

Yang Ye was surprised, had the Emperor immediately asked to see someone from the Tong Family after getting down from the carriage?

He immediately replied respectfully, “In response to your question, Grandpa Emperor, Tong Tiehu is at Anping village, awaiting your arrival.”

Yang Wenxiao’s brow noticeably furrowed. He glanced at the sky, noting that it was already evening, “Let’s go to the Academy.”

“I will immediately send someone to inform Tong Tiehu.” Yang Ye said.

“No need, we’ll talk tomorrow.” said Yang Wenxiao as he surveyed the surroundings, hands clasped behind his back.

Although it was evening, the air was still dry and hot. The roads, bathed in sunlight all day, emitted waves of heat, the leaves on the trees withered, and even the birds perched on the trees seemed lethargic.

But none of this affected the satisfaction in Yang Wenxiao’s eyes.

Bailu Town was his design, the blueprints were drawn by him. Twenty years had passed, and seeing the contents of his blueprints come alive was a cause of reflection and satisfaction.

He started to walk forward.

Walking into the painting he had personally designed.