Chapter 777 Going to a Remote Place

Ouyang Lian turned to face Xi Yu, bowed his head slightly, and asked in his eyes: "Prime Minister, is it okay for me to handle it this way?"

His expression was a little nervous, and he cared about Xi Yu's opinion.

Xi Yu's mouth corners slightly raised, revealing a smile of approval, nodded and said: "Ouyang, the governor, handled it very well."

Ouyang Lian breathed a sigh of relief after getting Xi Yu's approval. He looked at the shop owner again and said sternly: "Go and compensate this girl quickly, and then close the shop. If I find you doing this again in the future, I will never let you off easily."

The shop owner slumped on the ground, his eyes desperate, but he knew that the matter was irreversible.

He could only stand up slowly and walked into the shop in a daze to get the compensation.

The crowd around saw this scene, applauded, and praised Ouyang Lian for being fair and selfless.

In the eyes of the crowd, Ouyang Lian's posture became more upright. He knew that he was not only maintaining fairness, but also the reputation of himself and the prime minister.

The woman's eyes were filled with tears, and her lips trembled slightly.

Under the gaze of the crowd, she slowly bent her knees and knelt on the ground, with a slight sound when her knees collided with the ground.

She crossed her hands in front of her body, and said with a choked voice: "Thank you, sir, thank you, Prime Minister. If it weren't for you two, I really don't know what to do."

Seeing this, Ouyang Lian immediately stepped forward and wanted to help the woman up. With a gentle and concerned look on his face, he said: "Miss, please get up quickly. This is what we should do."

Xi Yu stood aside, nodded slightly, and there was a hint of tenderness in his eyes. He whispered: "Miss, there is no need to do this. Evil deeds should not be condoned."

The woman raised her head, her eyes full of gratitude. She looked at Ouyang Lian and Xi Yu, tears sliding down her cheeks.

"The great kindness of sir and Prime Minister, I will never forget."

The owner hung his head and reluctantly handed the compensation property to the woman.

There was still a hint of unwillingness in his eyes, but under the majestic gaze of Ouyang Lian, he did not dare to do anything rash.

Ouyang Lian turned to face the crowd, his posture was as straight as a pine tree, he raised his voice and said: "Today, my punishment for my cousin is real, and it is definitely not to perfunctory the prime minister. Even if the prime minister leaves, I will not allow my cousin to come back, please supervise."

His eyes were firm and sincere, sweeping across the faces of everyone present.

The people were stunned at first, and then the crowd burst into warm applause.

The applause was as loud as thunder and echoed in the streets.

Someone shouted loudly: "Ouyang, the governor, is fair and strict, we believe in you!"

Someone else echoed: "It is our blessing to have such a good official!"

The woman hugged the compensation property tightly, tears flashing in her eyes, and she also applauded.

Xi Yu stood aside, nodded slightly, and a smile of approval appeared on his face.

He looked at Ouyang Lian, and was quite satisfied with his handling of the matter.

Ouyang Lian's cheeks flushed slightly, and he was moved by the recognition of everyone.

He bowed to everyone again and said, "Thank you for your trust, fellow villagers. I will live up to your expectations."

The sun at this time shone on him, as if he was covered with a layer of golden light, and he looked even taller and more majestic.

Amidst the warm applause, the shop owner left in disgrace, and the storm ended under Ouyang Lian's fair handling, becoming a good story among the people.

The crowd gradually dispersed, and the streets returned to their former tranquility. Ouyang Lian stood beside Xi Yu, bowed his head slightly, and asked respectfully: "Prime Minister, why did you come to Fang County?"

His eyes were full of curiosity and expectation.

Xi Yu smiled slightly, looked into the distance, and slowly said: "I just want to come to Fang County to see, and by the way, see how you govern. Now, I have seen it."

His tone was calm, but with a convincing power.

Ouyang Lian's heart warmed, and he quickly said: "Thank you for your concern, Prime Minister. I will not let you down."

Xi Yu patted Ouyang Lian on the shoulder and said: "Do a good job, the welfare of the people of Fang County depends on you."

Ouyang Lian straightened his spine and nodded solemnly: "Prime Minister, don't worry, I will do my best." A strong sense of responsibility and mission surged in his heart.

The breeze blew gently, and the clothes of the two fluttered in the wind.

Ouyang Lian's eyes were full of expectations. He leaned forward slightly and said earnestly: "Prime Minister, I beg you to go to the palace with me, so that I can show my hospitality."

Xi Yu looked at Ouyang Lian, and recalled everything today. He and Ouyang Lian really hit it off at first sight, and he also had a little more appreciation for Ouyang Lian in his heart.

So, he nodded gently, smiled and said: "Okay, then let's go to the palace to have a look."

Ouyang Lian's face suddenly showed joy, and he quickly turned sideways and made a gesture of invitation.

"Prime Minister, please." His voice was full of respect and excitement.

The two walked side by side, heading towards the palace.

Along the way, Ouyang Lian introduced the customs and practices of Fang County and some of his governance to Xi Yu from time to time.

Xi Yu listened carefully, occasionally asking some questions and suggestions.

On the other side, in a simple farmhouse, farmer Ren Dabai sat quietly at the table, holding the portrait tightly in his hand.

His eyes were a little blurred, and his thoughts seemed to drift to a distant place.

A gentle smile appeared on Ren Dabai's face, and he murmured to himself: "This must be God's gift to me, knowing that I miss my daughter." His heart was filled with longing and concern for his daughter.

He touched the portrait gently, as if he could feel his daughter's warmth through the thin paper.

The person in the portrait has a bright smile, and his eyes are full of innocence and kindness.

Ren Dabai looked at the portrait, tears gradually filling his eyes.

He remembered his daughter's appearance when she was a child, and that lively and lovely figure seemed to still be dancing in front of his eyes.

He thought of the day his daughter left home, and his heart was full of reluctance and worry.

Today, the portrait is like a tie that tightly connects him and his daughter.

Ren Dabai took a deep breath and tried to calm down his emotions.

He carefully placed the portrait on the bedside, as if this would bring him closer to his daughter.

In this silent farmhouse, Ren Dabai's thoughts were like strands of thread, entangled in his heart, unable to calm down for a long time.

After a while, his wife Shen Qinqin opened the door and saw Ren Dabai sitting there in a daze.

She frowned slightly, put down the basket in her hand, walked to Ren Dabai, and asked softly: "Dabai, what's the matter with you? Why are you so dazed?"

Ren Dabai came back to his senses, with a hint of excitement in his eyes. He handed the portrait to Shen Qinqin and said, "Qinqin, look at this."

Shen Qinqin took the portrait in confusion, and after just one glance, she was shocked.

"Isn't this our daughter? Who painted this?" Her voice trembled slightly because of surprise.

Ren Dabai shook his head and said: "I don't know who painted it. I accidentally saw it elsewhere. It shouldn't be the painting of our daughter, but it looks a bit like our daughter."

Shen Qinqin looked at the portrait carefully, her eyes full of longing.

"This is so similar, just like our daughter." Her fingers gently stroked the portrait, as if touching her daughter's face.

Ren Dabai sighed and said, "Maybe this is just a coincidence. But when I see this portrait, I can't help but think of my daughter."

Shen Qinqin's eyes were also a little moist.

"My daughter, I miss you so much." Her voice was full of grief and longing.

Seeing his wife so sad, Ren Dabai's heart was full of sadness. He walked to Shen Qinqin and said, "Don't cry, Qinqin. Anyway, this is God's comfort to us."

Shen Qinqin raised her head, looked at Ren Dabai with tearful eyes, and nodded slightly.

Xi Yu spent a peaceful night in Fangjun Palace.

The morning sun cast a soft glow over everything.

Xiyu stood up, straightened his clothes, and prepared to leave Fangjun.

What happened at the door of the store yesterday spread quickly throughout Fang County like a gust of wind.

On the street, the people were whispering to each other, talking about the Prime Minister's justice and decisiveness.

"The Prime Minister is such a good official. He makes decisions for our people."

"Yes, we are lucky to have such a prime minister." Everyone praised him endlessly.

When Xi Yu heard these words, his heart moved slightly.

He knew that every move he made was seen and remembered by the people.

Ouyang Lian came to see him off, his face full of respect.

"Prime Minister, the people of Fangjun are deeply moved by your just act. Don't worry, I will continue to work hard to govern Fangjun well."

Xi Yu nodded slightly and said, "Okay, I hope you will bring more prosperity to Fang County."

As Xi Yu left, his figure gradually disappeared into the distance.

Xiyu was riding a horse and was already some distance away from Fangjun.

The sound of horse hooves echoed on the empty road, and his mind was still immersed in the various experiences of this trip to Fangjun.

Suddenly, a rapid sound of horse hooves came from behind, from far to near.

Xi Yu frowned slightly, reined in the horse, and stopped moving forward.

Ouyang Lian galloped over on horseback.

With his face flushed and panting, he came to Xi Yu and shouted hurriedly: "Prime Minister, stay!"

Xi Yu looked at Ouyang Lian with confusion in his eyes and asked, "Prince Ouyang, why did you catch up?"

Ouyang Lian tried his best to calm his breathing, and said with regret on his face: "Prime Minister, I was too confused. It's hard for Prime Minister to come here, but I actually forgot the most important thing."

Xi Yu raised his chin slightly and asked, "What's going on?" There was a hint of curiosity in his eyes.

Ouyang Lian's face was full of eagerness and worry. He said: "Prime Minister, there is a remote small county in Fang County. The geographical conditions there are extremely poor and it is impossible to grow a lot of food. The people live in extreme poverty."

Xi Yu frowned slightly, thought for a moment and then said, "Let's go, take me to see it."

When Ouyang Lian heard this, he was extremely excited. He opened his eyes wide and said, "Prime Minister, I was just talking casually. I didn't expect you to take it so seriously."

Xi Yu glanced at Ouyang Lian and said, "The suffering of the people cannot be ignored. Now that I know it, I naturally have to take a look and find a way to solve it."

Ouyang nodded repeatedly, his admiration for Xi Yu even greater in his heart.

He immediately turned his horse's head and led the way, leading Xi Yu towards the remote small county town.

Along the way, Ouyang Lian was both nervous and excited. He knew that the arrival of the prime minister might bring new hope to the poor people.

The two rode horses on the winding road.

The road was bumpy and some sections were difficult to walk on. The horse's hooves stumbled on the stones from time to time, raising some dust.

Ouyang Lian said apologetically: "Prime Minister, this road is not easy to walk on. I'm sorry to have troubled you. That place is too remote. I didn't expect it to be so difficult."

Xi Yu shook his head slightly and said: "It doesn't matter. For the people, this little hardship is nothing."

Ouyang Lian was moved and continued: "The Prime Minister is so concerned about the people. It is a blessing for the people."

Xi Yu smiled and said: "Officials should put the people first. Tell me about the situation in that small county."

Ouyang Lian began to introduce the geographical environment of the small county in detail, the living conditions of the people and the difficulties they faced. Xi Yu listened carefully and asked some questions from time to time. The two rode and chatted all the way. Although the atmosphere was a bit solemn, it was also full of hope.

As night fell, the stars flickered in the sky. After a long ride, Xi Yu and Ouyang Lian finally arrived at the remote Zhuping Town.

The town seemed particularly quiet in the night, with only a few faint lights flickering.

Xiyu looked at the tired Ouyang Lian and said, "Let's find a place to rest first, and we'll talk about other things tomorrow." His voice seemed steady and powerful in the night wind.

Ouyang Lian nodded and said, "Okay, Prime Minister. Thank you for your hard work on this journey."

They led the horses and walked slowly on the streets of the town.

The air at night was a little cold, and the sound of horse hooves echoed in the quiet streets.

Finally, they found a simple inn.

The innkeeper saw the guests coming and hurriedly greeted them warmly.

Xiyu and Ouyang Lian handed the horses to the innkeeper and walked into the inn.

Although the room was simple, it was clean and tidy.

Xiyu sat on the bed, closed his eyes slightly, and thought about tomorrow's itinerary.

Ouyang Lian was packing his luggage on the side, and he was also thinking about how to better introduce the situation of this town to the prime minister.

As the night deepened, the town fell into silence.

Xiyu and Ouyang Lian fell asleep in exhaustion, waiting for tomorrow to come.

The innkeeper squinted his eyes and peeked in through the small hole in the window paper.

In the room, Xiyu and Ouyang Lian were sleeping quietly, and their figures were blurred in the dim light.

A sense of greed surged in the boss's heart. He believed that these two people were extraordinary and must be rich.

He held the bamboo tube tightly in his hand and prepared to blow air into the room.

He knew that as long as the drug took effect, the property of these two rich people would belong to him.

His hands trembled slightly, nervous and excited.

He carefully brought the bamboo tube close to the small hole in the window paper and prepared to blow air.

The boss's heart beat fast.

He imagined the wealth that was about to be in his hands, and a smug smile appeared on his face.

The innkeeper was concentrating, his heart was full of excitement about his upcoming success.

However, he did not realize that the danger behind him was quietly approaching.

At this moment, a black shadow flashed like lightning, and the dark guard appeared instantly.

His movements were agile and decisive. One hand quickly covered the innkeeper's mouth, preventing him from making a possible exclamation.

With the other hand, he tightly grasped the owner's arm and twisted it hard to control him.

The innkeeper widened his eyes in horror. He struggled desperately, but his struggle seemed so powerless in front of the powerful force of the dark guard.

The dark guard had a blank expression and cold eyes. He quickly took the innkeeper out of the room to prevent him from disturbing the prime minister's rest.

The dark guard took the innkeeper to a remote corner and threw him heavily to the ground.

The owner was so scared that he trembled all over and his face was pale.

The dark guard looked down at him and said in a cold voice: "You are so brave that you dare to attack the prime minister."

The innkeeper was so scared that he almost fainted when he heard it.

He never thought that he would rob the prime minister.

He immediately knelt down and begged for mercy, kowtowed and said: "Please spare my life, sir. I have no eyes to recognize the great man. Please forgive me this time."

The morning sun shone into the room through the window. Xiyu and Ouyang Lian woke up slowly. They really didn't know that a crisis had quietly come last night.

At this time, the dark guard appeared in front of Xiyu with a serious look. He bowed his head slightly and said respectfully: "Prime Minister, the innkeeper had bad intentions last night."

Xiyu was slightly startled, and his eyes became sharp in an instant. "What's going on?"

The dark guard recounted the innkeeper's actions in detail.

After listening, Xiyu's face was gloomy.

Ouyang Lian was also full of anger on the side. He said angrily: "This boss is really bold."

Xiyu was silent for a moment, and then said: "Bring the boss here."

The dark guard took the order and left. After a while, he brought the innkeeper to Xiyu.

The boss was so scared that he trembled all over and his face was pale. He fell to his knees and kowtowed repeatedly, begging for mercy: "Prime Minister, spare my life. I was confused for a moment. Please show mercy."

Xi Yu looked at the boss kneeling on the ground with cold eyes.

"Do you know what consequences your behavior will bring?" His voice was intimidating.

The boss trembled and said, "I know I was wrong, and I will never dare to do it again. Please forgive me this time."

Xi Yu frowned slightly, thought for a moment and said, "Since you haven't succeeded yet and it's your first offense, I will forgive you this time. But if there is a next time, I will not forgive you easily."

The boss thanked him repeatedly as if he had been pardoned.

Xi Yu waved his hand and let him leave.

The innkeeper lowered his head and said with shame: "Prime Minister, our inn is really deserted and is about to close. It is because this town is too poor that I have to resort to this desperate measure. I know I was wrong."

Xi Yu frowned slightly and said to the innkeeper: "I came here to solve the poverty problem here."

When the innkeeper heard this, his eyes lit up instantly. He looked at Xi Yu in disbelief, then quickly knelt down and said excitedly: "Thank you, Prime Minister! Prime Minister is really our savior!"

Ouyang Lian watched the innkeeper's reaction from the side, and his heart was also filled with emotion.

He said to Xi Yu: "Prime Minister, it seems that the people here are really living a hard life. We must find a way to change this situation." (End of this chapter)