Translator: ryangohsff Editor: Nora
Chapter 880 – Gratitude and Love
The China region that had just calmed down not long ago was stirred by the Great Xia Dynasty bidding and recruitment notices. As the person who caused all this commotion, Ouyang Shuo was not bothered.
That was because on the 6th month, 1st day, Zhen An Prefecture Governor Mulan Yue finally reached Shanhai City. Until she met Ouyang Shuo, she was still unsure of why she was summoned to the city.
“King Brother!”
Within the Imperial Reading Room, Mulan Yue bowed.
Out of all the officials in the dynasty, only Mulan Yue could call Ouyang Shuo in such a manner.
“Sit.” Ouyang Shuo smiled; he felt a lot of emotions when he looked at the young girl in front of him. In a short few years, that cute little girl had grown up and was shining bright.
Although the two of them did not meet up regularly, they were like siblings. Counting the time, Mulan Yue’s parents should have already left Mars and were on their way to Planet Hope.
After talking causally, Ouyang Shuo got to the topic, “Do you want a change in environment?”
Mulan Yue was stunned. Then she rolled her eyes and said, “King Brother wants me to work in the city? That’s great.” If she came to work in the city, she could see Ouyang Shuo often, so she naturally liked that.
Ever since she became the Zhen An Prefecture Governor, the Imperial Court had ruled that the officials could not leave their land for no reason. Hence, Mulan Yue had really little chance to return to Shanhai City.
It was not for no reason that Mulan Yue asked that.
As an experienced Governor, Mulan Yue was familiar with the matters of the Imperial Court. The Imperial Court was spreading that the cabinet was interested in having a swap in roles between officials in the court and working in the various lands.
Such a cross appointment was really beneficial to the dynasty. As for whether the actions of the cabinet were under the instructions of the king or not, outsiders would not know.
Ouyang Shuo smiled, “Your news is really fresh.” He paused and continued, “I summoned you here not to ask you to work in the city but because I hope you can be the Provincial Governor of Morocco. Are you willing to bear this worry for your brother?”
“Ah?” Mulan Yue’s eyes widened. She was not prepared for this at all. Only after a while did she hesitate and say, “I’m willing to work at Morocco, but I do not think I can become the Provincial Governor. Sister Bai Hua had not become a Provincial Governor yet.”
After hearing those words, Tsing Yi could not help but take a look at Ouyang Shuo.
Ouyang Shuo smiled, “Do not worry. Bai Hua has her own arrangements. Morocco Province is alone overseas, and I need someone I can trust there. I’ve thought about it, and you’re the most suitable person for the role.”
When Mulan Yue heard those words, a sweet smile appeared on her face. However, as she still lacked confidence, she said, “Let me think about it?”
Ouyang Shuo waved his hands resolutely, “What are you thinking about? Do not worry, I will not let you fight alone.”
“You should know Zhaoqing Prefecture Governor Du Sijing, right? I’m ready to make Du Sijing the Administration Director of Morocco Province. Apart from that, you can move over officials from Zhen An Prefecture that you want.”
To be able to bring people working with her over to a new appointment showed how much Ouyang Shuo doted on Mulan Yue.
Mulan Yue was filled with gratitude. She knew that Ouyang Shuo was purposely developing her. Thinking about that, she decided, “Since Brother trusts me, I’ll give it a shot.”
“Great, that’s the Yue Yue I know.”
“En.”
Mulan Yue nodded her head solemnly. She set her heart to running Morocco Province well and not letting down Ouyang Shuo.
Ouyang Shuo continued, “Pack up, you head for Morocco Province. I’ll let Jiang Shang accompany you. Rabat City and Shanhai City are connected, so I will allow you to come back when you’re free.”
“Thank you King Brother for your good grace.”
Mulan Yue got up and respectfully bowed.
…
That afternoon, under the accompaniment of Jiang Shang, Mulan Yue proceeded toward Morocco Province. At the same time, Mulan Yue and Du Sijing’s appointment decrees were spread to all the provinces through the relay.
Based on the Imperial Court official system, a Provincial Governor was listed as a primary Grade 3 official whilst a Prefecture Governor was a secondary grade 5 official. Mulan Yue was just promoted 5 ranks, so to say that she was sitting on a rocket was not an exaggeration.
All of a sudden, there were people who felt envious, some felt jealous, and some started making conspiracy theories. Even Bai Hua could not help but be affected in her heart.
Mulan Yue became the first Provincial Governor, jumping to become a superstar in the Imperial Court.
Luckily, Morocco was located overseas, so news was not clear. As a result, although there was uproar, it was not enough to cause many waves. If Mulan Yue was the Chuannan Province Provincial Governor, her appointment would not have passed.
At the very least, the cabinet would not approve it.
After sending Mulan Yue away, Ouyang Shuo immediately contacted Cabinet Deputy Kou Zhun, who was still in Morocco. He wrote that regarding the appointments of officials in Morocco to listen to the views of Mulan Yue.
For the two of them to discuss would be disrespectful for Mulan Yue as Provincial Governor. With Kou Zhun’s intelligence, he would definitely understand what Ouyang Shuo was getting at.
After arranging everything, it was already 3 PM.
Although it was still quite early, Ouyang Shuo was ready to go home. Today was children’s day. Although Bing’er had grown into a young teen, she was still at the age to celebrate this day.
Early in the morning, she had been bugging Ouyang Shuo. She told him that the city had a new food street, and she wanted Ouyang Shuo to play with her.
When Ouyang Shuo heard that, he had no reason to reject her request. Since entering the game, apart from the starting stages, Ouyang Shuo had been really busy and had really little time to accompany Bing’er. Hence, he felt really guilty.
As a result, Ouyang Shuo told Tsing Yi to reject all meetings for him. Today, he ended work early.
Returning to the back palace, Bing’er had long been waiting. Seeing Ouyang Shuo come back early, her face was covered with a wide smile.
Ouyang Shuo said, “Wait a while, I will go change.”
Since he was accompanying Bing’er to stroll the streets, Ouyang Shuo did not want to be too eye catching. Hence, he wanted to change into ordinary clothes. When the Personal Guards heard that, they naturally changed their attire as well.
Even Bing’er put on some disguises. If not, with her fame in the territory, she would be noticed immediately.
In a short while, the group left the Xia Palace.
Walking on the busy streets, Ouyang Shuo and his group looked like a prince bringing his sister and servants out for a walk. On the bustling streets, such a sight was common.
The food street that Bing’er had mentioned was located in the west city region, and it was not far away from the imperial city. Apparently, it was built by a player merchant and gathered hundreds of specialties north and south of the Great River.
One could even taste overseas delicacies here.
He truly was an exceptional person.
Shanhai City was really a diverse place, philosophers would debate, and it was a place with an open heart that accepted everyone and everything. Hence, many new trends appeared, breaking the old and creating the new time and time again.
Although it was the afternoon, the food street was already really busy. Allowed by the Shanhai City Yamen, carriages and horses were prohibited on the food street.
Be it officials or civilians, they could only walk on the street.
If this was placed in the system imperial city, such a thing would be impossible. However, in Shanhai City, be it the Yamen officials or the natives, they were all used to it.
Ouyang Shuo looked around. Everywhere was advertising various delicacies, Tianjing pancake, Beijing fried liver, Henan pepper spicy soup, Lingnan rice noodle, and more.
Such a scene led Ouyang Shuo to think back to when they went to buy New Year goodies years back. Although three years had passed, it was still like yesterday.
Bing’er was probably reminiscing the past, so she had asked Ouyang Shuo to come.
‘Little girl, you have really grown up.’ Ouyang Shuo thought in his heart.
It was a total coincidence. Just as Ouyang Shuo was reminiscing, two women dressed in swordsmen attire walked over with skewers in their hands.
Upon closer inspection, they were Ouyang Shuo’s classmates Meng Feifei and Tan Xiaoli. Three years ago, in the Jiaozhou New Year market, Ouyang Shuo had bumped into them while purchasing New Year goodies too.
What Ouyang Shuo did not know was that Meng Feifei, who was usually really quiet, would have times like this where she did not bother about her image. It seemed like the temptation of food was one that even girls could not block.
The two of them saw Ouyang Shuo and his group, and they immediately recognized him. Tan Xiaoli wanted to greet him, but before she could speak, Meng Feifei pinched her. It was obvious what kind of uproar would result if Ouyang Shuo’s identity was revealed.
Ouyang Shuo smiled, “What a coincidence, why don’t we sit together?” Whilst speaking, he pointed at a small noodle shop.
“Great!”
Meng Feifei replied. However, when she saw Ouyang Shuo looking at the skewer in her hand, she felt shy, hiding her hand behind her back.
‘What an easily shy girl.’
Whilst speaking, the group walked into the noodle shop.
“Welcome, would you like the main hall or the small room?” When the waiter of the shop saw the aura of Ouyang Shuo, he warmly welcomed them.
Ouyang Shuo said, “Give us the small room on the second floor.”
“Okay!”
The waiter’s face was covered with a wide smile as he led the way.
Ouyang Shuo was worried that if he sat in the main hall, he would be recognized.
Seeing Meng Feifei and Tan Xiaoli, Ouyang Shuo was really interested and wanted to talk to both of them. Since he obtained his high position, Ouyang Shuo had broken away from the masses for too long.
