Starting in Exile: Transmigrated as the Crown Prince's Lucky Little Wife

Chapter 68 Emperor Xiao Han personally arrives in Ningguta

Emperor Xiao Han was discussing with Empress Mu Qingling in Zhongcui Palace: "Qingling, I plan to go to Ningguta myself. Yu Bai said that some of the ministers who were exiled in Ningguta were framed by Prince Duan and Chen Qi when they were alive. Also, my daughter-in-law has asked them to plant grain. I will go to check this out myself and bring my son and the others back with me!"

Empress Mu Qingling frowned slightly, her eyes filled with worry, and said softly, "Your Majesty, Ningguta is located in an extremely cold place, and the journey is long and arduous. This trip may be very inconvenient. You are of noble birth, so please think it over carefully."

Xiao Han gently grasped Mu Qingling's hand, his eyes resolute. "Qingling, my mind is made up. I cannot allow those ministers who were falsely accused and exiled to suffer injustice. Besides, I am truly worried about my sons over there."

Seeing that the Emperor had made up his mind, Mu Qingling stopped trying to dissuade him and instead said, "Since Your Majesty insists on going, then I will prepare your luggage. Be sure to bring enough warm clothes, as the cold in Ningguta is not something that ordinary people can withstand."

Xiao Han nodded. "Thank you for your trouble, Your Majesty. This matter needs to be handled discreetly. I do not wish to make a big fuss, lest I alert the enemy. I plan to bring only a small number of elite guards with me."

"Your Majesty is wise; this arrangement is indeed appropriate. However, I am still worried about Your Majesty's safety. Please be extra careful on your journey." Tears welled up in Mu Qingling's eyes.

"I will definitely return safely," Xiao Han comforted him. "On this trip, I also want to conduct an on-site investigation of the situation in Ningguta and see how to better govern that land so that the people can live and work in peace and contentment."

Afterward, Xiao Han began selecting his accompanying guards. He chose several highly skilled and loyal confidants, instructing them to strictly guard the secret of this trip.

At the same time, Mu Qingling personally supervised the Imperial Household Department to prepare thick fur coats, hand warmers and other items to keep the Emperor warm, as well as various nourishing medicines in case the Emperor felt unwell on the road.

A few days later, everything was ready. On a dawning morning, Xiao Han, accompanied by his guards, quietly left the palace and embarked on the long journey to Ningguta. Mu Qingling stood on the palace wall, watching the emperor's figure gradually disappear into the distance, silently praying for his safe journey.

Emperor Xiao Han and his entourage rode at breakneck speed, traveling day and night. At first, the road was relatively smooth, but the further north they went, the worse the weather became. Gale-force winds, accompanied by blizzards, lashed their faces like sharp blades.

A guard looked at Xiao Han with concern, "Your Majesty, the snowstorm is too heavy, and the road ahead is covered with snow. It may be dangerous. Why don't we find a place to take shelter from the snowstorm?"

Xiao Han gazed at the swirling snowflakes, his expression grave. After a moment's thought, he said, "No, if we delay our journey, who knows what unexpected events might occur over there. We must proceed with caution."

The group had no choice but to continue their arduous journey. Suddenly, a strange noise came from the snow ahead, followed by a pack of wolves that sprang out from all sides, surrounding them. The wolves' eerie green eyes gleamed fiercely in the snowy night, howling lowly, ready to attack at any moment.

The guards quickly shielded Xiao Han, drawing their swords to confront the wolves. A large, alpha wolf launched the first attack, leaping high towards one of the guards. The guard, agile as ever, dodged to the side and swung his sword at the wolf, but it nimbly evaded the attack.

In an instant, a chaotic battle erupted between humans and wolves, creating a highly dangerous situation. Xiao Han also drew his sword and joined the fight. Although he had lived in the palace for a long time, his martial arts skills were not rusty; his sword strikes were sharp and fierce, forcing back many wolves.

After a fierce battle, the group finally drove off the wolf pack. However, everyone was exhausted, and several guards were injured. Xiao Han looked at the wounded guards, feeling guilty. "You've all worked hard. It was my oversight."

The guards all shook their heads, saying, "Your Majesty is too kind. Protecting Your Majesty is our duty."

After a short rest, they continued their journey and finally arrived in Ningguta several days later.

He had expected to see the desolate and dilapidated landscape of his memories, but what he saw before him shocked him greatly.

Xiao Jingchuan also received the notification and, along with Gu Liuli and her entourage, hurriedly greeted them: "Father!"

"Greetings, Your Majesty! Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor!"

Xiao Han said with a beaming smile, "My beloved subjects, please rise!"

Emperor Xiao Han, led by Xiao Jingchuan, expected to see the desolate and dilapidated scene from his memories, but what he saw before him shocked him greatly.

Looking up, the land that was once barren and lifeless has now undergone earth-shattering changes.

The vast fields seem to have been meticulously sculpted by nature, neatly divided into plots of farmland of the same size.

Although it is the dead of winter and most winter crops have been harvested, the traces still clearly show the orderly process of sowing and cultivation.

If you shift your gaze slightly, you can see rows of mud-brick houses arranged in a neat and orderly fashion.

These houses are a world apart from the dilapidated thatched huts of the past. The newly built mud houses not only look exceptionally sturdy, but also exude a warm and cozy feeling.

As I walked slowly along the street, bursts of noise could be heard from time to time.

Upon closer inspection, it turned out that there were many small stalls lining both sides of the road. The stall owners were enthusiastically calling out loudly, trying their best to sell all kinds of simple and practical daily necessities and fragrant and delicious food to passers-by.

The scene before us may not be particularly bustling or lively, but the vibrant energy it exudes is undeniable.

Xiao Han looked on in astonishment and hurriedly asked his son beside him, "How... how could Ningguta have undergone such a drastic change?"

Xiao Jingchuan replied with a smile, "Father, this is all thanks to Liu Lan. After she came to Ningguta, she led everyone to reclaim wasteland, taught planting methods, and organized everyone to repair houses, which is why it looks like this today."

A surge of curiosity and admiration welled up in Xiao Han's heart. "Such an extraordinary woman, she is indeed my daughter-in-law."

Gu Liuli stood to the side, and she gracefully bowed to the Emperor, saying, "Daughter-in-law Gu Liuli greets Your Majesty."

Xiao Han looked at the woman in front of him and saw that although she was dressed simply, her eyes were firm and showed intelligence and courage. He couldn't help but nod in praise, "Liuli, I have seen what you have done in Ningguta. It is a great achievement."

Gu Liuli bowed slightly, "Your Majesty flatters me. I merely couldn't bear to see everyone suffering, so I did what I could. Moreover, these changes are the result of everyone's concerted efforts."

Xiao Han then inquired in detail about the current living conditions and agricultural situation in Ningguta, to which Gu Liuli answered fluently.

During the conversation, Xiao Han learned that although Ningguta has made great progress, the people still face many difficulties, such as a lack of supplies and difficulty in communicating with the outside world.

After pondering for a moment, Xiao Han said, "Liuli, you have truly made a great contribution!"