Royal Gold Magistrate

As dusk fell, Li Yuanzhao, dressed in festive bright red attire, hurried to the entrance of the Imperial Study.

Beside him stood Guo Tianyang, looking as if he had lost his parents.

Earlier, the waste water in his belly had been a distraction.

But once it was released, before the relief could spread throughout his body, an overwhelming fear took its place.

Helping the Crown Prince forge imperial edicts was undoubtedly a capital offense! If anyone found out, being sliced to pieces would be a light punishment…

Guo Tianyang, with a bitter expression, whispered, “Your Highness, this old servant’s life is in your hands.”

Li Yuanzhao sneered, “You coward! Just act as you normally would, don’t think about anything else.”

Helpless, Guo Tianyang could only nod.

The two then entered the Imperial Study.

Seeing Guo Tianyang, Emperor Jing immediately said with concern, “Oh? Guo has come. Ah, you indeed look quite ill, your complexion is still poor.”

“How has your health been these past two days?”

Hearing the Emperor speak so, Guo Tianyang felt extremely wronged.

He almost blurted out the truth.

His Majesty truly cares for me! Decades of loyalty haven’t been in vain!

Guo Tianyang said emotionally, “Thank you for Your Majesty’s concern. This old servant… is no longer in serious condition.”

Emperor Jing replied, “Good, there’s no rush. You can rest for a few more days.”

“Crown Prince, do you have any business?”

Li Yuanzhao immediately bowed, “Nothing! I came to pay my respects to Imperial Father. If you’re busy, I’ll take my leave.”

Emperor Jing was puzzled. In the past, he would at least say a few words when paying respects. Now he’s leaving right after?

But he didn’t think much of it and waved his hand, “Alright, you may all go.”

The two retreated from the Imperial Study.

Guo Tianyang was also confused and hesitantly asked Li Yuanzhao, “Your Highness… what was the meaning of this? We came but didn’t speak with His Majesty.”

Li Yuanzhao smiled slightly, “How do you like my outfit? It’s newly made. I wanted Imperial Father to have a good look at it!”

Guo Tianyang: “………”

“Then this old servant will take his leave. Regarding the imperial edicts…”

“Don’t worry, I’ve made arrangements!”

With that, the two parted ways, and Li Yuanzhao quickly returned to the Eastern Palace.

He found his personal maid and took out a letter from his sleeve, handing it to her: “Don’t ask questions. Remember, if anyone inquires about my whereabouts, give them this letter.”

“Also, don’t clean up the papers on the table in my room! No one is allowed to enter without my permission!”

Without waiting for the maid’s response, he turned and entered his room, grabbing a bundle he had prepared earlier that morning.

Then he left, mounting a fine horse that had also been prepared in advance, and leisurely rode out of the palace.

Once outside, Li Yuanzhao looked back and, seeing that the palace gate guards were out of sight, pulled hard on the reins and galloped towards Banshan District!

The wind blew across Li Yuanzhao’s excited face. At this moment, his eyes sparkled with excitement!

Now he was like a dragon entering the sea, free and unfettered!

Imperial Father would surely learn about the forged edicts later, though it was unclear when news would return from Jianjiang.

Rather than sitting idly in the palace waiting for his doom, it was better to take the initiative and make an early escape!

Otherwise, once Imperial Father found out, he’d surely be flogged to death!

If he could find Old Fang and lay low for a while, after a few months when Imperial Father’s anger had subsided, at worst he’d get a beating. No big deal!

However… Imperial Father’s men would certainly be faster than him, so he needed to find a way to delay the pursuers.

Soon, Li Yuanzhao arrived at the Banshan Newspaper Office. It was dark, but light could still be seen from the windows as the reporters were still working diligently.

Li Yuanzhao smiled with satisfaction.

He dismounted and went upstairs, then called out loudly, “The earliest batch of reporters, come down here!”

The reporters who had been busy writing were startled by Li Yuanzhao’s voice.

Then about half of them suddenly stood up and went downstairs.

Downstairs, Li Yuanzhao scanned the crowd and said, “I need to go on a trip. Who’s willing to come with me?”

“Raise your hand if you want to join!”

Everyone raised their hands simultaneously.

Going on a trip with the Crown Prince? Who wouldn’t want such a great opportunity?

Li Yuanzhao laughed heartily, “Good! Tonight, go say goodbye to your families. I’m letting you off work early today to get some rest. Remember to make up for the missed hours when we return!”

“Tomorrow morning, before the city gates open, those who are coming should gather at the newspaper office entrance. I’ll be sleeping at the office tonight.”

Everyone responded in unison and dispersed to go home.

Seeing this, Li Yuanzhao first found a room, took off his red clothes, and changed into the coarse cloth garments he had prepared.

Then he went upstairs, found a mattress, and fell into a carefree sleep.

The next morning, Li Yuanzhao finished washing up early and stood at the entrance of the newspaper office.

The reporters had already arrived. Seeing that everyone was present, Li Yuanzhao spoke, “I have a task for you. Split into two groups! Starting from you, separate left and right!”

Li Yuanzhao pointed, and the reporters divided into two groups, about ten people on each side.

Shen Yi, standing at the front, asked curiously, “Your Highness, what do you want us to do?”

“Don’t ask, just wait for my instructions!”

Li Yuanzhao’s gaze swept through the crowd, suddenly spotting someone with a similar build to his own.

He pointed and asked, “What’s your name?”

“Your Highness, this commoner is Yu Tao.”

“Very good! Come, I’ll reward you with a set of clothes! Put them on now, and you’ll be the leader of the right team!”

He then took out the red clothes he had worn yesterday and handed them to Yu Tao.

Yu Tao held the clothes, lowered his head to examine them closely, and showed an expression of wild joy.

“I’m willing to serve Your Highness!”

Li Yuanzhao smiled, “Good! Excellent! Take the right team and head to Taoyuan County now, without fail! Set off immediately!”

Yu Tao asked, bewildered, “Your Highness… going is no problem, but how do we get to Taoyuan County?”

“Don’t worry! I’ve already prepared a map for you, it’s wrapped inside the clothes. Just follow the map!”

“Quickly change into the clothes and set off! Don’t delay!”

Hearing this, Yu Tao didn’t hesitate. He hurriedly found the map in the clothes, then clumsily put on the red outfit.

Then he led his team away.

The remaining team, led by Shen Yi, looked at each other in confusion, not knowing what to do.

Li Yuanzhao ordered, “You have half an hour. Each of you get a horse, prepare some dry rations, and get ready to depart!”

Shen Yi couldn’t help but ask, “Your Highness, where are we going?”

“To Jianjiang! To find Old Fang!”