TPITWOHEF

Chapter 78

In just two or three days, the imperial decree inviting old officials back into service had arrived in the hands of many retired officials.

Some were delighted, while others were distressed.

"The Emperor still remembers you, Lord Tong. Congratulations, congratulations."

The former Prime Minister, the Empress' father, Tong Zhiqiu, with his rosy face, received the imperial decree with a feigned smile.

Turning to the accompanying Imperial physician Xu, Tong Zhiqiu flatly declined, "As long as the Emperor needs me, I will spare no effort. There are many refugees around Hangzhou, if Imperial physician Xu is free, he could attend to their medical needs."

"I am still quite robust, there's no need to trouble Imperial physician Xu."

Saying this, Tong Zhiqiu, tearful, knelt down facing the north direction of the palace and kowtowed three times, "I will set off immediately."

"It's my fortune to serve the people!"

"I am willing to stand for the people until the end!"

His voice resounded like a great bell.

The people who had gathered around to watch the excitement brought by the arrival of the imperial decree in Hangzhou, could not help but line up spontaneously, seeing him off.

Tong Zhiqiu did not delay. Upon receiving the imperial decree, he immediately boarded the carriage heading for the capital.

"Wow, the Empress' father is setting off!"

Xiao Chuchu, who was concerned about her pig-raising business and also keeping an eye on whether the Empress was up to no good, tuned into the live broadcast of the Tong Family early in the morning.

While drinking her porridge in Xiao Yunzhou's arms, she licked her little mouth like a kitten and watched the drama unfold in her mind.

"It's only been the time it takes to drink a cup of tea since he received the imperial decree, and old man Tong has already set off~ None of the other retired officials are as quick in their actions as him!"

"This performance is indeed worthy of a former Prime Minister!"

Xiao Yunzhou gently wiped the porridge from his daughter's mouth, but his expression gradually turned icy.

Hangzhou is a few days' journey from the capital even for a fast horse.

Did Lord Tong set off without even packing his personal belongings? He had the carriage ready for a long journey within the span of a tea break?

What does this suggest?

Xiao Yunzhou closed his eyes, picturing the lean old man who had always been impeccably dressed and groomed when teaching him as the Crown Prince.

That old man Tong was a clean freak.

He would be anxious if he didn't change his clothes.

But now, he got straight into the carriage as soon as the imperial decree arrived, without even taking the time to pack a change of clothes... What does this imply?

It implies that the Tong Family had been prepared, they had received the news of his recall to the capital well in advance!

The news of the imperial decree reaching Hangzhou was slower than the Tong Family's information network!

"Oh dear, the people are moved by Lord Tong's dedication and his words about burning until the end. His leaving-the-city carriage is surrounded by people, making it impassable."