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The Emperor finished composing the imperial edicts. These pronouncements exiled the bigger culprits to the remote southwest, while lesser offenders were demoted by three ranks and forced to disgorge their embezzled funds.

Left with no choice, those demoted officials resigned themselves to their fate and returned to their homes.

General Liu remained in a precarious position. He felt uneasy about his future, but the Emperor needed someone to maintain order in Qianzhou. With this in mind, the Emperor summoned King Xian’s son after dinner.

“I’m ready to receive your Majesty’s orders,” King Xian’s son, known as Prince Xian, replied.

The Emperor smiled and presented him with the two memorials—Gu Chengrui’s and Gu Chengsi’s. “I’d like you to take over General Liu’s position in Qianzhou,” he explained. “Of course, if you find it overwhelming, we’ll find a suitable replacement to relieve you.”

Prince Xian, however, surprised him. “Your Majesty,” he said, “I’m more than willing to take on this responsibility. After all, it’s a promotion of two ranks. I am truly grateful.”

“Excellent. In that case, General Liu will be demoted three levels. Additionally, I want you to discreetly investigate his character. If he proves to be a valuable asset, we can keep him on. Otherwise, any minor misstep can be used as an excuse to dismiss him.”

“Understood, Your Majesty.”

“Good. Pack your belongings; you’ll be leaving this afternoon. Remember to bring some capable personnel with you.”

“Thankyou, Your Majesty,” Prince Xian bowed in gratitude before taking his leave.

The Emperor then continued finalizing the imperial edicts. One edict appointed Prince Xian as the new general, while another promoted Gu Chengsi to prefect of Qianzhou.

Additionally, he selected a skilled individual from the Ministry of Works and dispatched them to Qianzhou alongside him. He also sent a contingent of secret guards to investigate the managers at Hongyun Restaurant.

Meanwhile, in Qianzhou, Gu Chengrui had finished confiscating the stolen funds and imprisoning the corrupt officials.

He then arranged for Zhou Ying and his children to join him, spending the next five days in the prefecture.

Until the arrival of Prince Xian, Gu Chengrui managed the ongoing affairs.

On their final night, after handing over their responsibilities, Gu Chengrui presented Gu Chengsi with ten thousand taels of silver.

“Taking on the prefect’s duties along with the river management will be demanding,” he explained. “This silver is for your well-being and can be used as a buffer. I trust you won’t resort to any dishonest practices.”

“But… we already owe you so much,” Gu Chengsi stammered. “We can’t possibly accept this.”

“Take it,” Gu Chengrui insisted. “Your children are growing, and their expenses will increase. Use it to purchase some property. After all, you need to maintain a certain image as an official.”

Before Gu Chengsi could further protest, Gu Chengrui pressed the money into his hands. “We leave tomorrow. Collaborate well with the Prince.”

Gu Chengsi nodded in understanding. “Alright.”

“Remember, just focus on your work. The Gu family has enough money.” Gu Chengrui reminded him once again.

The following morning, the family of five set off early. Mrs. Bai, ever thoughtful, had prepared a generous amount of snacks and cooked food for their journey.

Zhou Ying, not one for formalities, accepted them readily. “Thankyou,” she said. “See you in the capital.”

With that, the group embarked on their journey south.

News of their mission, particularly in the major riverside cities, began to spread despite Qianzhou’s attempts at secrecy. Local officials, particularly those who had embezzled river repair funds, scrambled to investigate and address any discrepancies preemptively. As a result, the whereabouts of Gu Chengrui and his group became an open secret.

Upon their arrival in each city, they were invariably met by officials eager to please. Staying in inns, they readily accepted invitations to the Hongyun Restaurants, where the formerly arrogant staff now catered to them with the utmost deference.

Zhou Ying, ever cautious, would always inspect the establishments beforehand.

Gu Chengrui, for his part, simply noted down any minor transgressions, reserving harsher punishments for more serious offenses.