Protect Our Chief

This group of people are nothing but low-level Loose Cultivators. His distinguishable identity as a Great Emperor, to turn his face over such petty disputes with them, truly loses dignity.

However.

Emperor Longchang has obtained some useful information. Things like Ping’an Town turning into Wang Family’s private residence, and former commoners being relocated to Xinping Town and Xin’an Town.

These are the most prone places for corruption within the Noble Family, where problems can arise.

In the past few months, due to excessive oppression of commoners, making local people unable to make a living, several Noble Families have been dealt with by Emperor Longchang.

If it’s not too excessive, a fine followed by a mandate for correction would suffice. But if it stirs up public resentment or makes life unbearable for the citizens, Emperor Longchang would inevitably have to demonstrate the power of a Great Emperor with a thunderous fury.

According to the Emperor’s estimation, that Wang Shouzhe scoundrel is not likely to have fallen to the level of oppressing commoners, but his abstention does not mean every executor beneath him isn’t conducting backdoor operations.

Even he, a distinguished Great Emperor, cannot ensure that every official under his command is free from corruption and every clerk performs their duty diligently. Not to mention Wang Shouzhe, such a young lad?

Therefore, he does not expect to uncover any major issues, merely wants to catch Wang Shouzhe by a small braid, use the matter to make an article, and create some trouble for him.

Also to let him understand the prestige and competence of a Great Emperor, and not to always have eyes set too high, looking down on this and dismissing that...

For a moment, Emperor Longchang’s mood soared again, itching to reach the so-called Xinping Ferry to meticulously pinpoint Wang Shouzhe’s mistakes.

The "Dingjiang Ship" flowed downstream swiftly, and within just a few days, it stopped at Xinping Ferry.

Xinping Ferry is located only a few dozen miles from the estuary, and has been officially operational for over a decade. Being a newly built ferry, it is filled everywhere with the ingenious design from Wang Family, also leaving enough space for future development.

The ferry is constructed grand and luxurious, accommodating many ships at the same time, and several large docks and shipyards were even newly built beside it to accommodate ship repairs.

The warehouses at the port stretch endlessly out of sight.

Even Emperor Longchang, upon seeing this scene, couldn’t help but slightly furrow his brows, such a prosperous Xinping Ferry.

The daily coming and going ships here are likely not fewer than several hundred.

"Grandfather, look, those few ships look so peculiar, with big bellies and round waists, and strange wheels on the sides." Wu Xue Ning suddenly noticed a few ships slowly sailing from another direction, feeling utterly novel and her face was full of excitement.

"Those are Wang Family’s large paddle-wheel coastal cargo ships that can compensate for the lack of wind direction when the sail’s power is insufficient, ensuring the timeliness of maritime transport." Seeing the young girl’s curious baby-like expression, someone nearby explained with a smile, "Besides these paddle-wheel cargo ships, Wang Family also has Iron Armor stern-wheel ships, and small fast boats, each with its unique uses. It’s said to be a combination of aerodynamic power and array ships."

"That I know." Wu Xue Ning suddenly recalled, "An Ye told me before that after boiling water, steam is produced. Utilizing steam can generate strong and lasting power~"

"An Ye also mentioned that Wang Family’s research department has always been developing steam power, and he’s quite interested in it too, spending several years in that research department after graduating from the Clan Academy."

Seeing her mentioning An Ye at every turn, Emperor Longchang’s complexion became increasingly displeased, simultaneously feeling somewhat upset.

To date, there has been no precedent in the Imperial Family for two Commandery Princesses marrying the same person.

Lest a mishap occurs, providing that scoundrel Wang Shouzhe with an enormous advantage.

Half an hour later, Emperor Longchang’s face turned even more unsightly.

Because the three of them arrived on Wang Family’s territory for the first time, never having applied for Wang Family’s internal pass, naturally they were subject to various queries and interrogations by relevant personnel.

Moreover, due to Emperor Longchang’s refusal to cooperate with inquiries, and Old Yao’s stealthy attempts to bribe, the three nearly were treated as vagrant people and repatriated on the spot.

Just as Emperor Longchang was infuriated and ready to reveal his identity, preparing to admit, "I’m not playing anymore, I’m taking over, let that scoundrel Wang Shouzhe come to court," the owner of the "Dingjiang Ship" who witnessed this scene stepped forward reluctantly vouching for them.

Knowing they were unfamiliar with Changning Guard, the owner of "Dingjiang Ship" straightforwardly led them through the customs, explaining various Wang Family regulations along the way, lest they blindly cause trouble and make more mess.

Out of customs, not giving Old Yao a chance to express gratitude, the owner of Dingjiang Ship patted Emperor Longchang’s shoulder, sighed and said, "Old brother, I took a risk vouching for you. Within Wang Family’s jurisdiction, be sure not to violate the law and regulations, don’t drag me down with you."

Emperor Longchang widened his eyes.

Good heavens~ How many years has it been? How many years since anyone dared to pat his shoulder?

But before he finished being shocked, the owner of "Dingjiang Ship" earnestly advised, "Old brother, why are you glaring? You’ve all fallen from grace, you still don’t know to restrain your bad temper, you’ll suffer in the future. I just see you at such an old age still running around doing business, trying to look out for you with some kind advice. Others may not be so kind-hearted."

As he spoke, he estimated Emperor Longchang’s cultivation, and encouraged with a few words: "However, I see you are also a Spirit Platform Realm Cultivator, quite a talent. Now Wang Family is in its prosperous phase; as long as you are willing to work hard, eventually you can still prop your family up."