Tian Tian couldn’t believe her eyes. She never expected that Xu Mu would write a divorce letter for her.

“Husband, you…” Her gaze fell on the divorce letter in his hands, her eyes filling with tears. She couldn’t bring herself to say another word.

Seeing her tears, Xu Mu’s heart ached. He longed to take her into his arms and comfort her, but he couldn’t. He glanced down at the letter in his hands, feeling an overwhelming bitterness. He had been agonizing over how to give her the letter, but now that she had seen it, there was no need to hesitate anymore.

“Wife, since you’ve seen it, please take this divorce letter. Find a good man to spend the rest of your life with.” Heaven knows how much pain these words caused him, but as long as she could live a good life, it would all be worth it.

“Why, husband? Why are you doing this?” Tian Tian was confused. Everything had been going so well—they had even embraced and slept together just last night, full of love and affection. How could everything change overnight? “Are you hiding something from me? Tell me the truth.”

Tian Tian refused to believe that the man who had been doting on her could suddenly change so drastically. There had to be something she didn’t know.

Xu Mu sighed, deciding to tell her the truth. This was a matter too big to keep secret, and she would find out sooner or later.

“Wife, do you remember what I told you before about how serious a crime it is to use imperial grain without permission?”

Tian Tian’s heart sank, and she immediately connected the dots. “Husband, the emperor never responded, did he? You gave the imperial grain to the people as seed grain without permission, didn’t you?”

Xu Mu nodded. “The memorial I sent to the capital never received a reply. The people couldn’t wait any longer. If we delayed planting any further, there would be no harvest this year. Who knows how many would die from starvation? After much consideration, this was the only option left.” Xu Mu forced a smile. “If my life can be exchanged for the survival of tens of thousands, then my death is worth it.”

Tian Tian trembled with anger. “So you had already planned to write this divorce letter for me?”

Xu Mu gazed at her with deep affection. “Wife, I’ve lived half my life in a daze. It’s only in these past few months that I’ve felt like I’m doing something meaningful—helping the people, easing their suffering. That gives me more joy than any of the corrupt acts I committed before, when I dreamed of becoming a high-ranking official. People die, some with great honor, others without a trace. Wife, I, Xu Mu, owe you an apology.”

Tian Tian’s tears streamed down her face, her body trembling as she struggled to stay on her feet. “But have you thought about your family? You still have a brother, a sister-in-law, and your parents. By opening the grain stores without permission, they too could be implicated.”

Xu Mu smiled faintly. “They won’t be implicated. My parents, though merchants, are good and honest people. They worked hard to raise me, to see me become a scholar. But when I became corrupt, they were deeply disappointed. They tried to persuade me, but I refused to listen. In their anger, they disowned me and removed my name from the family register. I used to harbor resentment over that, thinking that once I made something of myself, I’d return and restore my name. But now I realize it was their wisdom that saved the Xu family.”

Tian Tian suddenly understood. No wonder Xu Mu had been living alone in Changping. Any other family would have followed their child who became a county magistrate to enjoy the fruits of his success, but Xu Mu had been on his own. Even during the New Year, when she had prepared gifts to send to his family, there had been no response from them. Now it all made sense.

“Husband, pack your things and leave as soon as possible,” Xu Mu said bluntly. “At this point, Wang Zhifu has surely found out that I opened the grain stores without permission. He’s likely already sent people to arrest me. You’re his daughter, and I’ve written the divorce letter. I doubt he’ll make things difficult for you.”

“Husband, I’m not someone who fears death, but I will take this divorce letter for now.” Tian Tian painfully accepted the letter, her expression firm. “You stay in prison and wait for me. I’ll find a way to get you out.” Only if she was free could she help Xu Mu. Only then would there be a chance to save him from this disaster. Tian Tian had no choice but to consider the bigger picture.

Xu Mu hadn’t expected her to accept the divorce letter so quickly. He felt a mix of emotions—relief that she had taken it and sadness that she had done so without hesitation. Did she really care about him? He wasn’t sure, but it didn’t matter anymore. As long as she was safe, that was all he needed.

“Wife, please don’t do anything foolish. This matter is already settled, and there’s no need to go to such lengths for me.” Whether her intentions were genuine or not, Xu Mu’s words came from the heart. He had offended many people, and with the sensitivity of this memorial, it had likely threatened the interests of too many. He had resigned himself to his fate.

“No… I won’t accept it,” Tian Tian choked out, her voice trembling. She absolutely refused to give in.

Xu Mu sighed. “During this disaster, I spent all my wealth to provide for the people. The money I was supposed to give to my superiors as tribute is gone. Not only will they not help, they’ll probably be looking for reasons to make things worse for me. How can I not accept my fate?”

“If officials can’t be relied upon, then I’ll go to the capital and file a direct appeal to the emperor. I refuse to give up,” Tian Tian said, tears streaming down her face. She couldn’t just stand by and watch Xu Mu die. He had changed for the better, and she felt it was her duty to save him.

“Wife, there’s no need. I just want you to be safe. If you are, I can rest in peace.” Xu Mu spoke gently.

Tian Tian couldn’t hold back anymore and threw herself into his arms. “Husband, don’t say such things. We’ll be together for the rest of our lives.” She sobbed uncontrollably.

Xu Mu held her tightly, not wanting to let go.

“Wife, I’ve arranged for a guard to protect you. He’s loyal, and with him by your side, I can rest easy.” It was all he could do for her now.

Tian Tian was about to refuse, but Xu Mu interrupted her. “Wife, before Wang Zhifu’s men come to arrest me, why don’t we go for a walk in the fields?”

Seeing the hopeful look in his eyes, Tian Tian couldn’t bear to refuse. “Alright, I’ll go with you.”

The two of them took a carriage to the fields, Xu Mu holding her hand the entire time. Tian Tian couldn’t be as calm as Xu Mu, and her tears kept falling.

“Wife, don’t cry. The people now have grain. We should be happy.”

“I know, but I… I just can’t bring myself to smile.”

When they arrived, Xu Mu helped Tian Tian out of the carriage. They walked along the field paths, watching the villagers sow their seeds. Everyone’s faces were filled with joy. Upon seeing Xu Mu and Tian Tian, the villagers were so moved that they rushed to greet them with bows of respect.

Xu Mu smiled and told them not to be so formal.

Tian Tian tried her best to hold back her tears.

“Wife, the seeds have been sown. The people now have hope for the future. That’s a wonderful thing.” To see this before he died—he could die content.

After returning, Xu Mu personally escorted Tian Tian back to Rose Garden. Xianglan stood at the door, her eyes red and swollen. “Master, Madam.”

Xu Mu nodded. “Is the lady’s luggage packed?”

Xianglan answered truthfully, “Yes, it’s all packed.”

Tian Tian was surprised. She couldn’t believe everything had been packed so quickly.

Xianglan pulled out a letter from her sleeve. “Madam, this letter was sent by Lady Liu. She asked you to read it immediately.”

Tian Tian took the letter and quickly scanned it. Her face grew darker with each line she read until she was trembling with anger.

Xu Mu couldn’t help but ask, “What’s wrong?”

Tian Tian handed him the letter. “Mother says I should never return home. She overheard Father’s close maid discussing his plan. After you’re imprisoned, he plans to force you to write the divorce letter and then…” Tian Tian found it hard to continue, disgusted by Wang Zhifu’s intentions. “He plans to send me to the capital as a concubine for a high-ranking official.”

Wang Zhifu was willing to sacrifice his own daughter for his political ambitions, utterly heartless and despicable.

Now she finally understood why Wang Zhifu hadn’t moved against her yet. He had calculated that after Xu Mu’s downfall, she would return to the family, and he wouldn’t have to bear the shame of forcing her back. Even if Xu Mu hadn’t illegally opened the grain stores, Wang Zhifu would have found a way to have him killed and use her to curry favor with powerful officials in the capital.

Using a remarried daughter to secure his bright future—it was a perfect plan for him.

“Greetings, my lord, my lady.” Zhou Nan and the sturdy man both clasped their fists and saluted.

Xu Mu nodded and introduced Tian Tian, “The man beside Zhou Nan is Ah Zhong. From now on, he’s assigned to you and will be responsible for your safety.”

Ah Zhong saluted Tian Tian again, and she nodded in acknowledgment.

“Let’s get going without delay,” Xu Mu said, trying to hide his reluctance. He knew that sending her away as quickly as possible was the only way to ensure her safety.

With a heavy heart, Tian Tian nodded, understanding that saving him was more important than her reluctance to leave. Carefully securing the imperial memorial, she returned to Rose Garden to change into a man’s outfit and, together with Xianglan and Ah Zhong, set off in a carriage.

As they reached the gate of the Xu residence, Tian Tian looked at the empty entryway, feeling a deep void in her heart as she didn’t see Xu Mu there to send her off.

From outside the carriage, Ah Zhong explained, “My lady, the lord said that parting is too painful, so he chose not to see you off.”

Xu Mu couldn’t bear the thought of watching the woman he loved leave, knowing it might be the last time he would see her.

Tian Tian’s eyes reddened as she whispered, “Let’s go.”

“Where to, my lady?” Ah Zhong asked as he steered the carriage.

Tian Tian thought for a moment and replied, “To Binzhou.” Based on the timeline, the emperor was likely conducting a covert investigation into corruption there. She hoped that if she hurried, she might have a chance to present her case directly to him.

Ah Zhong didn’t fully understand. Wasn’t the plan to go to the capital to appeal? Why were they heading to Binzhou instead? Still, he kept his questions to himself. His primary duty was to ensure her safety.

“Understood,” he replied.

Tian Tian had barely departed when Wang Zhifu’s men arrived. Xu Mu sat calmly in his study, allowing them to take him to prison without resistance. Knowing his fate, he remained calm and composed. When the new acting magistrate inquired about Tian Tian’s whereabouts, Xu Mu explained that he had given her a divorce letter and that she must have returned to Yuzhou by now.

Xu Mu said this to lull the acting magistrate’s suspicions and buy Tian Tian more time to escape.

Meanwhile, Tian Tian’s party dared not stop for long. When they passed through a town, they quickly bought food and continued their journey. According to her calculations, Xu Mu was now in prison. Since sentencing for a government official required approval from the Ministry of Justice in the capital, they had about a month before a final judgment would be handed down. This meant Tian Tian had only a month to reach the emperor, or Xu Mu’s life would be at risk.

For ten days, Tian Tian neither combed her hair nor washed, and the stench clung to her. She purposely adopted this disheveled look, even smearing mud on her face. Her beauty was too eye-catching, and with a disaster ravaging the land, the roads were dangerous for a woman traveling alone, even in disguise.

After ten days of urgent travel, the group finally reached Binzhou, but just as they arrived, Tian Tian received shocking news: the emperor had already completed his investigation and departed for the capital three days earlier.

Ignoring her exhaustion, Tian Tian urged, “Let’s go. We’ll follow the main road back to the capital. If we’re fast enough, we might catch up to the emperor’s entourage.”

Xianglan couldn’t help but plead, “My la—er, young master, we’ve been traveling non-stop for ten days. If we keep going, your health will suffer. While it’s urgent to save the lord, we’re all worried about your well-being.”

“I’ll be fine. We must keep moving,” Tian Tian insisted.

“Understood,” Xianglan and Ah Zhong answered in unison.

For another two days, they continued their relentless pace. On the third afternoon, the sky turned dark with heavy clouds and flashes of lightning. Ah Zhong suggested, “Young master, judging by the sky, a storm is imminent. I think it would be wise for us to seek shelter for the night and resume once the rain stops.”

Tian Tian hesitated.

“Rest assured, young master. The emperor’s guards would also have to stop to rest during a storm, so a one-night delay shouldn’t set us back,” Ah Zhong reasoned.

Realizing he was right, Tian Tian agreed. “Alright, let’s find the nearest town and stay the night.” She knew Xianglan and Ah Zhong hadn’t rested properly in days, and this would be a chance for them to sleep.

“Yes, my lady,” Ah Zhong replied.

Soon, the skies opened, and rain poured down. They had just entered Fei County when Ah Zhong steered the carriage into the Fortune Inn. Xianglan went to the front desk and secured two rooms.

Seeing that the inn’s common hall served food, Tian Tian suggested, “Let’s have a quick meal here, and then we’ll head up to rest. Tomorrow, once the rain stops, we’ll leave immediately.”

“Yes, my lady,” Xianglan and Ah Zhong replied.

Fei County was famous for its donkey meat dishes, which had become well-known even in neighboring regions, drawing travelers who came just to try it. Tian Tian ordered a feast of donkey dishes—braised donkey meat, roasted donkey meat, donkey bone soup…

While they were eating, a commotion broke out at the front desk. Tian Tian looked over and saw three finely dressed men apparently struggling to pay for their meal and lodging. The men seemed embarrassed, with red faces, though they certainly stood out for their striking appearances.

The three men appeared to be in their twenties. The one in the blue silk robe had an elegant, noble air, with an aura of authority that marked him as someone from a high station. The one in the black tunic looked bold and vigorous, while the third, dressed in white silk, had delicate, almost feminine features and a slightly softer demeanor.

“By the looks of your attire, you don’t seem like people who would be short on money. The banquet you ordered costs a full five taels of silver, and now you say you don’t have the money? Trying to get a free meal, are you?” The innkeeper was furious. He had thought they were wealthy customers but felt tricked now.

The three men turned red with indignation. The delicate-featured man snapped, “How dare you! Do you even know who you’re talking to? Are you tired of living?”

“Li Fuquan, show some respect to the innkeeper!” the man in blue said with embarrassment. “Sir, please understand. We’re not refusing to pay; it’s just that our purses were stolen. We only just discovered it…”

He had left the money with Li Fuquan and Chong San, and all three of them had been robbed when two street children had bumped into them earlier. They hadn’t noticed anything wrong until it was time to pay.

Tian Tian said to Ah Zhong, “Go help them pay. Consider it an act of kindness.” She knew that everyone could fall on hard times when traveling, and a little help could go a long way.

“Yes, my lady.” Ah Zhong got up and paid the bill on their behalf.

The three men, grateful for the help, came over to personally thank Tian Tian. But as they approached, they caught a whiff of the sour smell from her and Xianglan, along with the mud smeared on their faces. They looked like ragged beggars, and the men were visibly taken aback.

No one would have expected that their benefactors would look like this.

The man in blue expressed his thanks first, and the other two followed. Tian Tian gave them a quick nod before returning to her meal, unwilling to say too much in case her voice betrayed her as a woman.

Li Fuquan, the delicate-featured man, was indignant. Their lord had personally come to thank this grubby stranger, and yet the man had been so cold. He was about to voice his frustration when the man in black tugged him back, and the man in blue gave him a warning look, which stopped him from saying more.

The next morning, just at dawn, Tian Tian saw that the rain had stopped and instructed Ah Zhong to get the carriage ready to leave.

The three of them hurried toward the capital, with Tian Tian feeling increasingly anxious as the days passed.

Around noon, their carriage entered a long stretch of forested hills, where they were suddenly blocked by a group of seven or eight bandits.

“Everyone, out of the carriage! Hand over your money, and we might spare your lives!” one of the bandits shouted.

Inside the carriage, Xianglan turned pale with fear. She had never encountered anything like this. “M-my lord, what are we going to do?”

Tian Tian quickly collected herself and asked Ah Zhong, “Are you confident you can handle them?”

Ah Zhong grimaced, “My lady, there are too many of them. I can protect myself, but it would be difficult to get all of us out safely.”

Tian Tian nodded, her expression resolute. “I understand.”

Xiaglan asked worriedly, “My lady, what are we going to do?”

Tian Tian sighed. “Let’s get out of the carriage for now.” If giving up their travel money could get them out of this alive, it would be worth it.

The three of them stepped off the carriage. Tian Tian led the way, throwing her purse down in front of the bandits, and Xianglan and Ah Zhong quickly followed suit.

Ah Zhong clasped his hands in respect. “Good sirs, we’ve handed over everything we have. We ask for your mercy to let us leave in peace.” As Tian Tian and Xianglan were disguised as men, Ah Zhong spoke on their behalf to avoid suspicion.

The bandits exchanged glances, surprised at how quickly they’d complied. One of them, the leader, sneered, “Now come over here and let us search you. If you’ve got nothing hidden, we’ll let you pass.”

Tian Tian and Xianglan’s faces paled. If they were searched, their identities as women would be exposed, and escape would be impossible.

Ah Zhong immediately refused, trying his best to keep things calm. He spoke politely, but the bandits weren’t convinced.

“Boss, they’re hiding something for sure. We should stick to our usual ways and just take them down,” one of the bandits suggested.

The leader nodded, “Seems that’s the way it has to be.”

Ah Zhong noticed this and whispered to Tian Tian, “Young master, I’ll hold them off. You and the maid must run for it.”

Understanding the gravity of the situation, Tian Tian nodded firmly. “Alright, take care of yourself.”

Ah Zhong gave a slight bow. “Now! Run!” he shouted, charging toward the bandits with his fists ready.

Not wasting a second, Tian Tian and Xianglan turned and sprinted back along the path. Without a carriage or horses, they could only run as fast as they could.

They hadn’t gone far before exhaustion set in. Tian Tian, unaccustomed to physical exertion, was quickly winded.

“Master, I… I can’t run anymore,” Xianglan panted.

“We have to keep going! If they catch us, it’ll be over,” Tian Tian urged, her heart racing with fear of what would happen if they were taken to the bandits’ hideout.

After running a bit farther, Tian Tian stumbled and fell hard onto the ground, gasping in pain. The imperial memorial she’d been carrying slipped from her hands. She scrambled to pick it up, clutching it close as Xianglan helped her to her feet, and they pushed on.

“Xianglan, take the memorial and keep running. Don’t worry about me—if you make it to the emperor, there’s still hope for Xu Mu,” Tian Tian instructed, thrusting the memorial into her hands.

Before Xianglan could reply, three of the bandits closed in on them, grinning wickedly. “Thought you could get away? You had your chance to leave alive, but now we’ll make you pay for making us chase you!”

In seconds, the bandits surrounded Tian Tian and Xianglan, hands reaching out to grab them. Xianglan, terrified, dropped the memorial, her hands trembling as she struggled to keep from crying. Tian Tian instinctively bent down to retrieve it, but the bandits barked, “Don’t move, or you’ll find a blade at your throat.”

Just then, the sound of galloping hooves filled the air. Tian Tian looked up and saw the three men they’d helped the night before charging toward them on horseback.

The man in the black robe was the first to reach them, leaping off his horse with agility and throwing himself at the bandits.

Two of the bandits turned their attention to him, while the third kept watch over Tian Tian and Xianglan, preventing their escape. Confident they had the upper hand, the bandits believed one man alone posed no threat.

But the man in black proved to be a formidable fighter. In moments, he subdued the two bandits, then moved toward the third.

Meanwhile, the man in the blue robe and the delicate-featured man dismounted and approached Tian Tian and Xianglan.

“Are you both alright?” the man in blue asked, his voice warm with concern.

Tian Tian quickly knelt to retrieve the memorial, checking it carefully. Only when she was sure it was undamaged did she respond, deliberately lowering her voice. “Thank you, young master, for saving our lives. My servant and I are fine.”

The man in blue eyed her curiously, her voice and manner striking him as unusual. But his attention shifted to the document in her hands. “Little brother, is that a memorial you’re holding?”

Tian Tian was startled he’d recognized it so easily, which suggested he might be of high birth himself. His dignified presence and sharp observation pointed to a background that was anything but ordinary.

“It’s just a routine government document,” she replied cautiously, unsure of his intentions and aware that noble connections could complicate matters.

The man in blue seemed satisfied with her answer and didn’t press further.

Suddenly, Tian Tian fell to her knees before him. The man in blue looked startled. “Little brother, what are you doing?”

Seeing her mistress kneel, Xianglan followed suit.

Tian Tian bowed her head and pleaded, “Young master, please, I beg you to save my other servant, Ah Zhong, who’s surely in danger. We were attacked by the bandits, and he stayed behind to protect us.” She quickly recounted their harrowing encounter.

Without hesitation, the man in blue ordered the man in black to find and rescue Ah Zhong.

In no time, the man in black had tied up the remaining bandits and left on horseback in search of Ah Zhong. Meanwhile, the delicate-featured man, whom the man in blue had called Li Fuquan, was instructed to keep the tied bandits in check as they all proceeded in Ah Zhong’s direction.

It wasn’t long before they found Ah Zhong, who was injured but alive, with the remaining bandits tied up. Relieved, Tian Tian thanked their rescuers sincerely, intending to part ways. But the man in blue, reminded of their previous kindness, extended an offer.

“Where are you headed?” he asked. “If it’s in the same direction, we could travel together. These forests are dense and might still hold other dangers. Traveling together would be safer.”

Tian Tian considered his offer. “We’re headed to the capital to deliver a government document. And you, young master?”

The man in blue smiled. “As it happens, we’re headed to the capital as well. May I ask which position you hold?”

Caught off guard, Tian Tian froze, having no prepared answer. She was, after all, posing as a man and had no official position to speak of.

Seeing her hesitation, Li Fuquan raised a delicately arched eyebrow and snapped, “When our young master speaks to you, you’d better answer quickly! Do you even know who he is? You should be trembling right now…”

The man in blue cleared his throat, and Li Fuquan quickly adjusted his tone. “Our young master works under the imperial inspector. We’re on our way to the capital to report back to him,” he boasted, clearly taking pleasure in his role.

The man in blue chuckled. “That’s right. The inspector has been assisting the emperor on a tour through Binzhou, but urgent matters required me to divert here before returning to join them.”

Hearing this, Tian Tian’s mind raced. Everything clicked: the noble demeanor, the high-ranking entourage, and their return to the capital—it all pointed to one truth. She had crossed paths with none other than the emperor himself.

Summoning all her courage, she dropped to her knees again, holding the memorial above her head. “My lord, please hear my plea! The magistrate of Changping County is suffering a great injustice.”

The man in blue paused, surprised, but didn’t deny her claim. Taking the memorial from her hands, he began reading. As he scanned its contents, his face grew darker with each line.

When he’d finished, Tian Tian described the famine and the desperate measures Xu Mu had taken. “Magistrate Xu Mu risked everything to save his people, opening the grain stores to keep thousands from starvation. He is a rare, righteous official. I beg you, my lord, to grant him justice and to restore fairness under heaven.”

The man in blue, clearly disturbed, said gravely, “If what you’ve said is true, then this is a serious miscarriage of justice.”

“You’re wise and just, my lord,” Tian Tian said. “When I left Changping, Magistrate Xu Mu was already imprisoned. By my estimation, he has about ten days left before they carry out the sentence. Please, my lord, hurry with me to Changping County to see that justice is done.”

After a moment of thought, the man in blue nodded. “Very well, we’ll change course for Changping immediately.”

Tian Tian felt a wave of relief and gratitude. “Thank you, my lord.”

The man in blue turned to the refined-featured man at his side. “Li Fuquan, take these bandits to the nearest magistrate and see that they’re dealt with properly.” Then, he handed Li Fuquan the memorial. “Deliver this directly to the imperial inspector on horseback, and instruct him to issue an order delaying Xu Mu’s sentence until we arrive.”

“Understood,” Li Fuquan replied with a deep bow.

“Let’s move out,” the man in blue said, mounting his horse, followed by the man in black.

Tian Tian’s face reddened with embarrassment as she looked around helplessly—Ah Zhong was injured, and none of them knew how to drive a carriage.

The man in blue noticed their predicament and ordered, “Chong San, go drive their carriage.”

“Yes, my lord.” The man in black dismounted, tied his own horse to the carriage, and took the reins. The group set off for Changping with haste.

Ah Zhong, weakened from his injuries, could barely handle the journey, so Tian Tian stopped at a medical clinic and left a hundred silver taels to ensure he’d receive proper care before heading back to Changping on his own.

Though he was reluctant to part ways, Ah Zhong knew his injuries were a burden that might slow their mission to save Xu Mu. He could only accept that he had to stay behind.

After seven days on the road, they neared the borders of Yuzhou, where displaced people crowded the roads. Corpses littered the streets, and the air was thick with the stench of decay.

The man in blue looked away, unable to bear the sight. If it hadn’t been for the urgency of their journey to Changping, he would have stayed to investigate the devastation more closely.

As they drew closer to Yuzhou, the extent of the suffering grew worse, and his face darkened. “The people are in despair, living in such misery. How could the local officials conceal such a massive disaster and ignore human life like this? Their arrogance and cruelty know no bounds—unforgivable!”

Tian Tian, hearing his distressed outburst from within the carriage, tried to console him. She reminded herself of his status and chose her words carefully: “Please don’t let anger cloud your thoughts, my lord. It is heartbreaking, but I believe these hardships are only temporary.”

The man in blue looked over, surprised.

She continued, “The flood in Binzhou was brought to light only because His Majesty personally disguised himself to investigate, uncovering dozens of corrupt officials. The people have been full of praise, calling His Majesty a wise and just ruler for the ages. With such a noble emperor on the throne, surely these dark days will soon give way to a brighter, fairer world.”

The man in blue was taken aback. “So, young man, you know of the Binzhou floods?”

“I heard about it along the way,” Tian Tian replied smoothly, “and I even traveled through Binzhou myself. I heard the people speaking of His Majesty’s actions, and I admire him greatly. It was the belief in his wisdom that gave Xu Mu and me the courage to bring our memorial to the capital.”

The man in blue smiled, his spirits visibly lifted. “If you know of Binzhou, then tell me—what are your thoughts on how we handled the situation?”

Caught off guard, Tian Tian’s mind raced. “Sir Huang, I am hardly worthy of such a question! I’m just a humble messenger, a distant relative of Magistrate Xu Mu, with little understanding of grand matters of state.” She waved her hand dismissively, trying to laugh it off, “Truly, I have no insight to offer.”

He chuckled. “No need to be shy—speak freely. You needn’t worry; you won’t be punished for simply sharing your thoughts.”

Still hesitant, Tian Tian didn’t want to risk overstepping, especially with a figure as powerful as him. But after a moment of thought, she relented. “Alright, Sir Huang, I’ll give you my humble opinion. Please don’t hold it against me if I speak poorly.”

“Of course,” he said, eager to hear her thoughts.

“I believe His Majesty’s efforts to punish corruption have indeed been commendable,” she began. “But with the immediate crisis at hand, the main focus in Binzhou should be on strengthening flood prevention. First, I suggest creating a system for early warnings and incident reporting. That would allow officials to respond faster, evacuating people and repairing dams before things worsen. Second, they could build diversion channels to help manage the river’s flow. Not only would this reduce the impact of future floods, but it would also improve irrigation for crops, helping with food production. It would truly be a win-win for the people.”

Li Hua’s expression shifted to one of admiration. What had started as a casual question now felt like a revelation. The young man’s ideas seemed even more practical than what he’d heard from his ministers, opening his eyes to new possibilities.

“Astonishing,” Li Hua said, unable to hide his amazement. “To think that a humble messenger would possess such wisdom. You’ve downplayed your talents this entire journey—if I hadn’t asked, we might never have uncovered such a brilliant mind. A great loss indeed.”

“You flatter me, Sir Huang,” Tian Tian said, bowing slightly. “I’m just a small-town commoner. After witnessing last year’s disasters in Changping, I merely had some thoughts to share.”

Li Hua’s interest only deepened. “So you have thoughts on how to handle such disasters. Please, tell me more.”

Tian Tian, seeing his curiosity, spoke candidly. “Natural disasters are inevitable, of course, but I believe we can better prepare for them. For instance, if Yuzhou had had water reserves available during the drought, the damage to crops might have been severe but not this disastrous. The people could have had enough to survive.”

Li Hua leaned forward. “And how do you propose we prevent such disasters?”

“Well,” Tian Tian answered thoughtfully, “we could build reservoirs to store water, which would complement the diversion channels I mentioned. Such reservoirs could serve multiple purposes: they would provide a water source, improve irrigation, and also help prevent floods.”

Li Hua’s eyes shone with excitement. “That’s a brilliant suggestion! If it works, it could change millions of lives. Is this something you’ve tried in Changping?”

She shook her head. “No, I only thought of it recently, but last year, during the famine, we barely managed to scrape by. There was no extra manpower or resources to implement such a plan.”

When the influx of refugees began, daily expenses skyrocketed as she poured silver into securing grain. At one point, she had considered implementing a work-for-relief program, especially for the men, but quickly dismissed the idea. The grain shortage meant her funds were just enough to keep people alive. Demanding hard labor in exchange would require at least half again the current food rations, and that was simply too costly to sustain.

Li Hua nodded in understanding. “Young man, have you ever considered a career in government? I’d be more than happy to write you a recommendation to work on the flood control efforts in Binzhou. Your talents shouldn’t go to waste.”

Tian Tian forced a smile, panicking internally. “I’m grateful for your kind offer, Sir Huang, but I have no such ambition. I’m content to work quietly under Magistrate Xu Mu.”

Li Hua, however, was undeterred and continued to press her. She dodged each proposal with gentle refusals, until he finally gave up, sighing in exasperation.

After seven or eight more days of hard travel, exhaustion settled in. Li Hua decided they should stop at an inn to rest. Though anxious to reach Changping, Tian Tian had no choice but to agree. He was the emperor, after all.

They rented two rooms: one for Li Hua and his bodyguard, Chong San, and one for Tian Tian and Xianglan.

That evening, just as Tian Tian was about to bathe, Li Hua burst into her room. Startled, she hastily pulled her clothes close, grateful she hadn’t yet undressed, and bowed. “What brings you here at this late hour, my lord?”

Li Hua strode over to a chair and sat down. “Tonight, I wish to discuss flood management in Binzhou with you. Since hearing your ideas, I’ve been reflecting on them deeply. However, some points remain unclear, and I couldn’t sit still until I’ve worked them through with you.”

Tian Tian’s head spun. “Sir Huang, it’s already very late. I’m afraid now isn’t the best time for such a discussion. You’ve been traveling nonstop for over a week—if you don’t rest, you’ll fall ill. Surely we can discuss this tomorrow along the road.”

Li Hua clearly wasn’t someone accustomed to being refused, and he wouldn’t leave empty-handed. “This is a matter of the state, affecting millions of lives. My own fatigue is inconsequential.”

Tian Tian was speechless. All she wanted was a good night’s rest. If they really stayed up discussing matters, there was no telling what kinds of rumors might spread. Sooner or later, her true identity would become known, and in these times, a woman’s reputation was her life. She couldn’t risk this situation.

“My lord, I truly admire your dedication and am honored by your trust in me,” she said sincerely. “I’m more than willing to discuss this matter in depth, but please understand that I’ve been traveling for nearly a month, sleeping mostly in the open. If not for my concern for Magistrate Xu’s fate, I would have collapsed long ago. I need to rest properly tonight, or I fear I may not even make it to Changping. I beg for your understanding.”

Her appeal seemed to work. “Fine. Tomorrow, you and I will ride together in the carriage so we can continue this conversation,” Li Hua said, finally relenting.

Tian Tian nodded and bowed as he left. She and Xianglan both heaved a sigh of relief once the door closed.

The following day, Li Fuquan caught up with them, having delivered the memorandum. Two days later, they arrived in Changping County.

From her carriage window, Tian Tian glimpsed a poster near the city gate. On it was a drawing of her and Xianglan. A wave of dread filled her. “Xianglan, step down and ask someone about those wanted posters of us.”

“Yes, ma’am,” Xianglan said, signaling Chong San to stop the carriage. She quickly found a local resident and discreetly asked about the situation.

While they waited, Li Hua, Li Fuquan, and Chong San took in the scene.

“This Magistrate Xu seems to be a rare, upright official,” Li Hua observed. “Much of Yuzhou lies in ruin, the people starving, yet here in Changping, there’s peace and prosperity. I haven’t seen a single corpse.”

“Indeed,” Li Fuquan agreed. “The fields we passed were brimming with healthy young crops. If the weather cooperates, this will be a good harvest year.”

“It seems we made the right choice in coming here.”

“But I wonder—why are so many people heading into the city today?”

“They look anxious. Some are even weeping. Something big must be happening.”

“Li Fuquan, find out if there’s trouble in Changping,” Li Hua ordered.

Li Fuquan promptly found a local and slipped him a silver tael, hoping for some insight.

Before long, Xianglan returned to the carriage with a grim expression.

“Well? What did you learn?” Tian Tian asked.

Eyes wide with worry, Xianglan replied, “Mistress, something terrible is about to happen. They’re going to execute Magistrate Xu at noon in the marketplace! Judging by the time, we’re almost there. We must hurry if we’re to save him.”

Tian Tian went pale, her heart pounding as she explained the situation to Li Hua. Just then, Li Fuquan also returned and relayed his findings.

Li Hua didn’t hesitate. “Li Fuquan, take the imperial decree to the marketplace and order them to halt the execution. We’ll be right behind you.”

“Yes, my lord!” Li Fuquan replied, then quickly mounted his horse and galloped off.

“Mistress, when you see him, don’t reveal who you are,” Xianglan urged. “The posters at the gate were ordered by Magistrate Wang himself. They’re everywhere, even throughout Yuzhou. He seems desperate to find you. Rumor has it he plans to take you to the capital to marry off to a high-ranking official to advance his career. He has agents surrounding Xu Mu. The moment you appear, they’ll seize you.”

Tian Tian’s hands trembled with anger. Magistrate Wang! So relentless in his schemes, he’d stop at nothing to use her as a pawn, a tool to buy himself favor. He was truly heartless.

“I understand.”

The streets were packed with people, so crowded that the carriage couldn’t proceed. Tian Tian and the others had no choice but to make their way to the market on foot.

As they approached, the sheer number of kneeling, weeping citizens blocked the way, their voices raised in anguish.

“He was a true father to us all. He’s only being executed because he cared for us!”

“Oh, heavens, open your eyes! Take the corrupt officials, not this good man. He did no wrong!”

Li Hua was deeply moved by the scene before him—thousands of citizens on their knees, their tears flowing for the life of an honest official. It was rare to find such integrity within the court, yet here in Changping, it was embodied by this one man.

On the execution platform, Xu Mu knelt with his head bowed, disheveled and exhausted. He gazed at the crowd, who mourned him as though he were already dead. A faint, resigned smile appeared on his face. They say a man’s death can be heavier than a mountain or lighter than a feather. Today, he felt his life had meant something. If he had to die, this was a worthy end.

The acting magistrate sat nearby, glancing at the sun’s position in the sky. Once it reached noon, he gave the order: “Proceed!”

At the command, the crowd’s wailing grew louder, filling the marketplace with sorrow.

“Stop! Stay the blade! An imperial decree has arrived!” Li Fuquan’s voice rang out as he raised the document and strode up to the execution platform.

The acting magistrate was stunned. How could there be an imperial decree in this remote county? But he didn’t dare hesitate. Bowing, he approached Li Fuquan to listen.

Li Fuquan unfolded the decree, his voice clear and firm: “The case of Magistrate Xu Mu’s use of royal grain has yet to be thoroughly investigated. His punishment is to be postponed until further review and the truth has been determined.”

The crowd erupted in cheers.

Xu Mu was speechless. An imperial decree had arrived. This meant Tian Tian had succeeded in reaching the emperor. She—a mere woman—had achieved what seemed impossible.

He had written the memorial with little hope, intending only to encourage her to leave him and save herself. He, better than anyone, understood the near impossibility of reaching the emperor. Yet she had defied all odds and done it.

Overcome with emotion, Xu Mu’s entire body trembled. He scanned the sea of faces, searching for the one person he most wanted to see.

Then, their eyes met. Despite her messy appearance and dirt-streaked face, he recognized her instantly—his beloved wife.

No disguise could hide those tear-filled eyes he knew so well, eyes he had seen filled with laughter and, in their private moments, tears of affection.

Xu Mu’s face softened into a smile, his gaze tender and full of love. Seeing the weariness and suffering on his face, Tian Tian’s tears flowed freely, heart aching at how much he must have endured in one month of her absence.

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