"Jian’er, mother has heard that the matters in the Northern Lands are quite complex. After you go there, you must be cautious."
She reminds her son that, being in the capital, it is impossible not to be aware of certain things; one can always hear a bit of news, more or less.
Hearing his mother’s words, Gong Jian paused in organizing his travel gear and turned to look at Lady Gong.
"Mother, have you heard sothing?"
"This..."
Lady Gong pursed her lips, unsure of what to say.
"It’s nothing much, just that Madam of the Zhao Family ntioned her husband sent soone to the Northern Lands to collect grain, claiming to have soone’s command."
"Zhao Family? The one from the Ministry of Rites?" Gong Jian furrowed his brows.
It seems the Retired Emperor’s net is cast wide; not only in the Northern Lands, but even the capital is filled with his people.
These people openly collecting grain, do they really fear no one discovering their intentions? Or do they think that even if discovered, the Retired Emperor would protect them, and the Emperor wouldn’t dare to act against them?
"Mother, once you hear of this matter, let it be. Don’t speak of it outside. Also, regarding my trip to the Northern Lands, please don’t ntion it elsewhere either."
He instructed.
"Who do you take your mother for?"
Lady Gong gave her son a look; the fact he’s sent by the Emperor signifies trust, and as his mother, she supports him wholeheartedly. She wouldn’t hinder him at all.
Not even those concubines and illegitimate children at ho would be able to extract a single piece of information from her, alright?
"Rest assured and go. Here in the capital, mother will carefully investigate for you. But... Jian’er, the Northern Lands are suffering from drought, so this mission will surely be difficult. You must take care of yourself."
Her concern for her son is evident; every ti he goes on a mission, he returns looking thinner. He’s already lean, and going to the Northern Lands will only make him suffer more.
"I will take good care of myself."
Gong Jian casually replied and continued organizing his belongings.
"By the way, mother, you should also limit your interactions with Madam Zhao in the future." He advised.
"Mother understands."
Lady Gong already had a clear understanding and naturally wouldn’t let herself get entangled.
"Alright, focus on your preparations; I’ll go prepare so food for you." With that said, she left him, aware of the current drought in the Northern Lands, to prepare enough rations for her son to take.
Additionally, she instructed his attendants to carry them, for fear her son might give away all he had upon seeing the pitiful people there, without leaving anything for himself.
"The Zhao Family, huh?"
After Lady Gong departed, Gong Jian murmured softly.
This Zhao Family is unexpected; previously having no ties with the Retired Emperor. Not even the Emperor might have realized the Zhao Family would receive orders from the Retired Emperor to secretly collect grain in other places.
"Send soone here."
"Master, what are your orders?" The servant outside walked in, asking.
"Bring Gong Qi to see ." Gong Jian commanded.
Among his ten guards, Gong Qi was one. Initially, he planned to bring Gong Qi along, but it seems one must be left in the capital to keep an eye on the Zhao Family.
There might be more people to uncover yet.
Since the Emperor entrusted him with the Northern Lands drought and the Retired Emperor’s suspicious intentions, it doesn’t matter whether the people are in the Northern Lands or not, he must keep a watchful eye.
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