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Yuan Jiaqi was at Bichun Garden in the capital, playing chess with Old Master Wang.

“Old Master Wang, we’ve been staying in the capital for quite some time now. Isn’t that an issue?”

“The Emperor’s intentions are inscrutable. He values you. Perhaps he has some tasks in mind for you. Don’t be hasty.”

“I don’t want to take on significant responsibilities. I only want to start as a small county governor and do practical work for the people.”

“Practical work? Not to undermine you, but do you have the wealth for that?”

“Do you have any influence? If you become a governor all on your own, without power, local people will take advantage of you. You won’t have any means to counter them.”

“Do they dare to disrespect a royal appointee?”

“Respect? They haven’t broken any laws. For instance, in case of a disaster, if you need relief and they refuse to provide it, what can you do? Or if there are robbers, and you need their cooperation to catch them, but they act foolishly, what can you do?”

Yuan Jiaqi suddenly felt that the court was like a battlefield. He furrowed his brows.

“So, what should I do?”

“You need to cultivate your people, make them follow you devotedly, obey your commands, and always act on your behalf, facing any danger.” “Bodyguards?”

“And advisers, those who can offer strategies and counsel.”

Yuan Jiaqi nodded. Just then, a eunuch came from the palace. The Emperor wanted to meet him.

Old Master Wang’s expression soured, unable to fathom the Emperor’s intentions for delaying Yuan Jiaqi’s official assignment.

This was an unprecedented situation, leaving him somewhat bewildered.

Yuan Jiaqi followed the eunuch to the palace and entered the imperial study. The Emperor was there, reviewing memorials.

Upon hearing the eunuch’s report, the Emperor didn’t raise his head.

“Let him in.”

Yuan Jiaqi slightly bowed his head without nervousness and entered the room.

He had never aspired to wealth and had no intentions of ingratiating himself with the powerful. He had reached this point with the support of his wife and his efforts.

He had no reason to fear anything, especially since he had nothing to hide.

He paid his respects, “Your Majesty.”

“Rise. I’ve called you here today to discuss something.”

The Emperor said, still not looking up, his eyes on the memorials.

“Please, Your Majesty, let me know.”

“You must have a family by now, right?”

“Yes, Your Majesty. I have a family with three sons and one daughter.”

“Only one of them is your biological child, right? The other two are adopted, and one is your wife’s daughter?”

Yuan Jiaqi’s response was composed. It was clear that the Emperor had investigated him before summoning him.

“My wife is kind-hearted and treats my sons as her own. I must reciprocate her kindness.”

“I heard that you and your wife live in harmony?”

The Emperor even knew that they slept in separate rooms. Astonishing!

“My wife and I respect each other. We refrain from intimacy to prevent disrupting my studies until I pass the imperial examination. It’s a mutual choice.”

Every word Yuan Jiaqi spoke was well-considered.

“I see. My daughter was attracted to you when she saw you riding through the streets. She came to me and begged for a favor, wanting you to become her husband. I’m not a foolish man, so I wanted your opinion on this matter.” Yuan Jiaqi knelt immediately after hearing that.

“Your Majesty, my affection for my wife is profound. I would never consider divorcing her.”

“What if I let my daughter become your second wife?”

“It’s impossible, Your Majesty. You might have examined my past and know the hardship I faced when I raised my son. Were it not for my wife’s care and support, I wouldn’t be here today. I would never commit the ungrateful act of abandoning her, especially when my heart is filled with love for her, and there’s no room for anyone else.”

The Emperor finally raised his head, giving Yuan Jiaqi a deep and meaningful look.

“If you are unwilling, I won’t force you. However, you can’t remain in the capital any longer.”

“Your Majesty, please send me to a distant place to serve as a county governor.

I want to make a real difference for the people.”

“Distant?”

“Yes!”

The Emperor raised an eyebrow. “Your family resides in Tianshui Town in Wei City, right? It’s close to the northern border. How about you go to County She to the north?”

“Thank you for your consideration, Your Majesty.”

“Very well, you may leave. In a couple of days, you’ll receive your official appointment, and you can take up your position.”

Yuan Jiaqi left the palace and wiped the sweat from his brow. He wasn’t afraid of anything except this. Old Master Wang had warned him not to betray Madam Qiao.

Back in Bichun Garden, Old Master Wang was anxiously waiting.

“How did it go?”

“Good. I should receive my official appointment in the next few days.”

“Where will you be going?” “She County to the north.”

“Why there?”

Yuan Jiaqi explained his discussion with the Emperor.

“I see. You refused a marriage, and it irritated the Emperor. But he’s a wise ruler; he won’t issue an edict to force the marriage. I must say, young man, you’ve earned my respect.”

“Teacher, I have no intention of being ungrateful. Besides, I genuinely care for Madam Qiao.”

“Well, no more studying. Focus on being a governor from now on. With the support of your wife, you’ll do an excellent job. Also, invest more effort in your relationship. Don’t become a bookworm the moment you see books.”

“I understand, Teacher. I’m not very good at that. I don’t know how to get along with my wife.”

Old Master Wang blushed, “I can’t teach you that, but I’ll have my wife do so.”

And so, in mid-May, Yuan Jiaqi and Old Master Wang returned to Tianshui Town.

Upon hearing that Yuan Jiaqi was assigned to She County in the north, Qiao Mai was delighted. She prepared a sumptuous feast.

Because it was summer, she didn’t prepare heavy meat or fish dishes and instead ordered everything from the online platform.

There were delicious, canned dishes like spicy deboned chicken claws, crispy and garlic-flavored water chestnuts, beef luncheon meat, deep-fried small yellow croakers, spicy hairy crabs, and more. The table was filled to the brim, and everyone enjoyed the feast.

Old Master Wang was content. “There’s nothing better than being at home. I’ve had enough of staying in the capital; I longed to return every day.” “Jiaqi’s new assignment is close to home, so he can come back frequently.”

“Indeed. I particularly look forward to the delicious food you make, my dear,” He said, blushing.

Old Master Wang whispered a few words in his wife’s ear, and she couldn’t help but smile, nodding repeatedly.

Yuan Jiaqi spent a comfortable three days at home before setting off to take up his post in She County. To ensure he had some assistance, Old Master Wang arranged for six bodyguards to accompany him.

Before leaving, Qiao Mai generously handed him ten thousand taels of silver to help with his preparations.

Yuan Jiaqi accepted it as he needed the money.

Mayor Qian didn’t come to join the celebration. He wasn’t in town as he had to return to his hometown for his father’s funeral.

Upon hearing that Yuan Jiaqi had passed the imperial examination, Lu Sanniang prepared a gift as a gesture of congratulations.

Qin Yide and Ruyi found time in their schedules to visit on the eve of Yuan Jiaqi’s departure.

Other well-wishers came either early in the morning or evening, taking advantage of the cooler times of the day.

Yuan Jiaqi was now an official appointed by the court, and while it was acceptable for people to come and congratulate him, he refused to accept any gifts or offerings. In fact, when Lu Sanniang sent a gift, Qiao Mai had it returned.

Qiao Mai had considered having Old Master Wang accompany her husband to his new post.

However, Old Master Wang firmly refused to leave Lucky Garden. He also didn’t want to act as Yuan Jiaqi’s advisor. He had already given him extensive guidance on his new role and responsibilities.

Given this level of preparation and advice, it would be unbecoming for Yuan Jiaqi to still require Old Master Wang to accompany him.

However, Old Mistress Wang had different plans. She insisted that Yuan Jiaqi take Qiao Mai with him to She County.

What kind of joke is this? Wei City is facing a drought. If she leaves, what will happen to the home? How will they manage the water supply? She can’t handle all the affairs and care for the city’s residents. It’s too exhausting.

Old Master Wang and his wife exchanged a knowing look and decided not to push the matter any further. They couldn’t force Qiao Mai to leave..