Chapter 795: 794

When Wufu and his company set off from Changan, another group was making their way to the Shu region. This group was none other than the imperial envoy sent by the Ministry of Rites to prepare birthday gifts for the Empress Dowager of Nanyue.

In Chengdu Capital, Prefect Li, with his team, went to the post station to welcome back the imperial envoy.

“I have been waiting for a long time to greet Lord Wu,” Prefect Li said with a deep bow toward a middle-aged man in the front wearing an official hat and dark red uniform. The officials trailing behind him also bowed down, some stealing glances at the imperial envoy.

The envoy, Imperial Envoy, had fair skin and handsome features, with a small, neatly trimmed beard on his chin. Although he was middle-aged, the mature and composed demeanor he carried also fully reflected his refined and gentle nature, suggesting that in his youth, he must have been a dashing and handsome young master.

Lord Wu personally helped Prefect Li up, smiling as he said, “There is no need for such formality, Lord Li. The Empress Dowager has entrusted me to oversee the preparations for her longevity celebration. I will need your assistance in this matter.”

“Rest assured, Lord Wu,” Prefect Li said with a beaming smile, all pleasantries, “As officials and subjects, it is our duty to serve the Emperor and the Empress Dowager wholeheartedly. Knowing of the Empress Dowager’s upcoming celebration, our Capital City has also prepared numerous rare and exotic treasures to express our profound gratitude for the imperial grace. In due time, I will organize a feast and personally introduce everyone to you. Additionally, if there is anything important you need, please do not hesitate to order me to take care of it.”

The man before them was one of the imperial envoys sent to procure gifts for the birthday celebration, an official at the Ministry of Rites, Wu Lihong.

“I have confidence in your ability to manage affairs, Lord Li,” Wu Lihong chuckled, “I will surely report your loyalty afterward. Nanyue could use more loyal and good officials like you. Would everyone not agree?”

The others, despite finding this excessively flattering, could not help but nod in agreement and praised along.

Hearing this, Prefect Li’s smile grew even broader as he stepped aside and said, “Lord Wu, I have prepared a feast to welcome and refresh you and your entourage. Shall we move on to rest now? This post station is quite nice, but after all, it’s not very convenient.”

“This…” Wu Lihong hesitated for a moment before laughing, “With such generous hospitality, Lord Li, it would be rude of me to refuse. Please, lead the way.”

“After you, Lord Wu.”

As Wu Lihong walked into the Capital City, he was struck with a mix of emotions at the sight of the streets on either side.

“In a blink, over a decade has passed, and the Capital has changed significantly. It seems the past few years under Lord Li’s governance have been quite rigorous. Seeing the citizens living peacefully and happily, this is truly commendable,” Wu Lihong commented.

Lord Li felt a surge of pride but maintained a modest expression as he replied, “You are too kind, Lord Wu. By your words, have you visited the Capital before?”

A wave of nostalgia washed over Wu Lihong as he responded, “In my youth, I traveled extensively to study and once came to this side of the Shu region.”

His memories were distant. Back then, young and headstrong, believing that it was better to travel ten thousand miles than to read ten thousand books, he wandered far and wide. In a beautiful town under Chengdu Prefecture’s jurisdiction, he had met a lovely and gentle woman.

I wonder…

She must have married by now!

Recalling those days, Wu Lihong’s heart stirred with emotion.

It was an event from his youth, a beautiful experience, recording the wonderful memories he once had.

How could he not be moved upon revisiting the old place? After all, it was his youth.