Royal Gold Medal County Magistrate

As dusk approached, Li Yuanzhao, dressed in festive red attire, arrived at the entrance of the Imperial Study.

Standing beside him was a grief-stricken Guo Tianyang.

Previously, the wastewater swelling in his belly had been able to distract him.

But as soon as the water was released, before the relief could spread throughout his body, immense fear took over.

Helping the Crown Prince forge an edict was a capital offense! If anyone found out, he would be sliced into pieces...

Guo Tianyang, wearing a bitter face, whispered, "Your Highness, this old servant's life is in your hands."

Li Yuanzhao scoffed, "Timid as a mouse! Just act as you normally do, don't think about anything else."

Helpless, Guo Tianyang could only nod.

Subsequently, the two entered the Imperial Study.

Upon seeing Guo Tianyang, Emperor Jing immediately inquired with concern, "Hmm? Eunuch Guo is here. Alas, it seems your illness is indeed severe; your complexion is still not good."

"How has your health been these past two days?"

Hearing Emperor Jing's words, Guo Tianyang felt extremely aggrieved.

He almost blurted out the truth.

His Majesty is still good to me! Decades of relationship are not in vain!

Guo Tianyang said, deeply moved, "Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty. This old servant... is mostly recovered."

Emperor Jing said, "Well, don't rush; you can rest for a few more days."

"Does the Crown Prince have something to report?"

Li Yuanzhao immediately performed a bow: "Nothing! Just here to pay my respects to Father Emperor. If Father Emperor is busy, I will take my leave."

Emperor Jing was utterly bewildered. In the past, when paying respects, he would at least say a few words. Now, he leaves immediately after paying respects?

However, he didn't overthink it and waved his hand: "Alright, go then, all of you."

The two withdrew from the Imperial Study.

Guo Tianyang was also perplexed and hesitantly said to Li Yuanzhao, "Your Highness... what does this mean? You came but didn't speak with His Majesty."

Li Yuanzhao smiled slightly: "Do you think this outfit of mine looks good? It's newly made; I wanted Father Emperor to take a good look!"

Guo Tianyang: "........."

"Then this old servant shall return first. Regarding the imperial edict..."

"Rest assured, I have already made arrangements!"

After speaking, the two parted ways. Li Yuanzhao quickly returned to the East Palace.

Inside the East Palace, he found a personal maid and handed her a letter from his sleeve: "Don't ask questions. Remember, if anyone inquires about my whereabouts, give them this letter."

"Also, absolutely do not tidy up the papers on the desk in my room! No one is allowed to enter the room without my permission!"

After speaking, without waiting for the maid to reply, he turned and entered the room, picking up the prepared bundle from earlier that morning.

Then, he went outside, mounted the steed that had also been prepared in advance, and leisurely rode out of the palace.

Upon reaching outside the palace, Li Yuanzhao looked back and found that he could no longer see the figures of the palace gate guards.

He then forcefully tugged on the reins, urging the horse to gallop towards Banshan Ward!

The wind constantly blew across Li Yuanzhao's excited face. At this moment, his eyes sparkled with brilliance!

Now, he was a dragon entering the sea, carefree and unrestrained!

His Father Emperor would definitely find out about his forging of the edict later, but he didn't know when the news from Jianjiang would arrive.

Instead of foolishly waiting for death in the palace, he might as well take the initiative and run away as soon as possible!

Otherwise, if his Father Emperor found out, he would definitely be whipped to death!

He should go out and find Old Fang to avoid the storm for a few months. When his Father Emperor's anger subsided, he could take a beating at worst, no problem!

However... his Father Emperor's men would definitely be faster than him. He still needed to find a way to delay the pursuers.

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

Li Yuanzhao smiled with satisfaction.

Then, he jumped off his horse, turned, and went upstairs. Upon reaching the upper floor, he shouted loudly: "The earliest batch of reporters, all of you come down here!"

The reporters, who had been buried in writing, suddenly paused upon hearing Li Yuanzhao's voice.

Then, about half of them suddenly stood up and walked downstairs.

Upon reaching the bottom of the stairs, Li Yuanzhao scanned the crowd and said, "I need to go out. Who among you is willing to go with me?"

"Raise your hands if you want to go with me!"

Everyone raised their hands at the same time.

Going out with the Crown Prince, such a good opportunity! Who wouldn't want to go?

Li Yuanzhao laughed heartily: "Good! Very good! Tonight, all of you go and say goodbye to your families. I will let you off work early today so you can rest. Remember to make up for the owed work hours when you return!"

"Before the city gates open tomorrow morning, those who are coming, gather at the entrance of the newspaper office! I will sleep at the newspaper office tonight."

The crowd responded in unison and dispersed to return home.

Seeing this, Li Yuanzhao first found a room, took off his red robes, and changed into the prepared coarse clothing.

Afterwards, he went upstairs, found a mattress, and fell asleep without a care in the world.

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

The reporters had already arrived. Seeing that everyone was present, Li Yuanzhao said, "I need to arrange something for you to do. Divide the people here into two groups! Starting from you, split left and right!"

Li Yuanzhao pointed his finger, and the reporters split into two piles, about ten people on each side.

Shen Yi, standing at the head of the line, curiously asked, "Your Highness, what do you want us to do?"

"Don't ask questions, just wait for my arrangements!"

Li Yuanzhao's gaze constantly swept across the crowd, and suddenly he saw someone with a build similar to his own.

He pointed his finger and said, "What's your name?"

"Replying to Your Highness, this commoner is Yu Tao."

"Very good! Come, I'll reward you with a piece of clothing! Put it on now, and you'll be the captain of the right team!"

After speaking, he took out the red robes he wore yesterday from behind him and handed them to Yu Tao.

Yu Tao held the clothes, carefully examining them, revealing a look of ecstatic joy.

"I am willing to serve Your Highness!"

Li Yuanzhao smiled and said, "Good! Very good! You lead the right team to Taoyuan County now, without fail! Depart immediately!"

Yu Tao said, dumbfounded, "Your Highness... going is no problem, but how do we get to Taoyuan County?"

"Don't be afraid! I have already prepared a map for you, it's wrapped in the clothes. Just follow the map!"

"Hurry up and change into the clothes and depart! Don't delay!"

Hearing this, Yu Tao didn't hesitate, quickly rummaged through the clothes for the map, and then frantically put on the red robes.

Then, he led the team away.

The remaining team, led by Shen Yi, stared at each other, unsure of what to do.

Li Yuanzhao ordered, "I'll give you half an hour. Each of you get a horse, prepare 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!"