“To make a person with a tragic fate happy as quickly as possible, the best way is to let them see someone who is even more miserable.”
Jiang Yan stared dumbfoundedly as his younger uncle headed towards his second uncle’s room, a smile playing on his lips. He even considerately had Yu Feng prepare ink, paper, and brush, placing them within Jiang Shen’s reach.
“Do you have to go this far?” Jiang Shen’s temples throbbed. “And come over yourself?”
Jiang Xuanjin elegantly pinched his sleeve and handed the brush to Jiang Shen. “I heard that Second Brother intends to divorce his wife, so I came to advise him.”
Jiang Shen: “…I didn’t see any intention to advise from you at all!”
The tip of the brush touched the paper, then halted. Jiang Shen pursed his lips. “Father said Jiang’s family members shouldn’t divorce easily. If I write this divorce letter, won’t it bring down his wrath?”
Jiang Xuanjin shook his head. “Second Brother, don’t worry. Father already knows that Lady Jiang Xu left of her own accord. Even if you divorce her, Father won’t blame you.”
“But won’t it damage my reputation?” Jiang Shen murmured. “I may have been a philanderer, but I never intended to abandon my lawful wife.”
“If you truly don’t want to abandon her, why not keep her?” Jiang Xuanjin glanced at him askance. “If you sincerely want her to stay, there’s no reason for Jiang Xu to leave.”
“Who knows what she’s thinking?” Jiang Shen muttered. “She used to be so easy to placate, but this time, she won’t listen no matter what I say.”
Jiang Xuanjin paused, looking down at his own hands. He murmured, “Perhaps she is truly heartbroken.”
Annoyed, Jiang Shen set down the brush. “I know what she’s upset about, and I’ve admitted my fault. She doesn’t even spare me a glance anymore. What else can I do?”
“Try to placate her a couple more times,” Jiang Xuanjin said earnestly. “Keep trying until she softens her heart.”
“Wouldn’t that be dropping my dignity?” Jiang Shen retorted impatiently. “She admired me for years, not the other way around. If she wants to leave, should I keep begging and lose my pride?”
Glancing at him, Jiang Xuanjin said expressionlessly, “Then Second Brother should write the divorce letter.”
With a stiff finger, Jiang Shen sighed wryly. “Third Brother, we’re from the same root, should we treat each other with a little more comfort?”
Jiang Xuanjin gave him a cold look. “Second Brother, don’t you remember? I am the one who was divorced and abandoned, not like you.”
Jiang Shen: “…”
The third son of the Jiang family could hold a grudge. He was indeed formidable.
“It’s getting late, Second Uncle, please hurry,” Jiang Yan urged from the side. “Yu Feng will be leaving soon.”
“It’s not that I don’t want to write,” Jiang Shen said. “But I’ve never written one before. How should I start?”
He was right. Which member of the Jiang family had ever written a divorce letter? He didn’t know, and they certainly didn’t either!
However, upon hearing this, Jiang Xuanjin took out a “Letter of Release” from his sleeve with a smirk and said, “Just copy this.”
Jiang Shen: “…”
Falling further into destitution like fellow wanderers in the world could be considered a way of becoming a person.
What had he done wrong? Why did he go and provoke the third brother?!
Half an hour later, Yu Feng set off with the divorce letter. Jiang Xuanjin stood with his hands behind his back, watching him depart. He turned to Jiang Shen and clasped his hands. “Congratulations, Second Brother, on regaining your freedom.”
Jiang Shen chuckled. “Yes, freedom. From now on, if I take a fancy to any young lady, I can marry her directly as my lawful wife.”
“And Lady Xu is also liberated,” Jiang Xuanjin said calmly. “Perhaps she’ll remarry and find someone who will love her wholeheartedly.”
“Remarry?” Jiang Shen paused for a moment, then sneered again, “Where in this world are there so many men who are wholeheartedly devoted?”
Jiang Xuanjin quietly observed him.
“…Just because you have a pure heart doesn’t mean everyone else does,” Jiang Shen waved dismissively. “Just wait, she’ll regret it!”
If a man didn’t have several concubines in his arms, he would grow tired of facing the same face every day. Xu Chuniang was too greedy. He didn’t like greedy girls.
But… he seemed tired of Guan and Xue, and in the past few days, there was no inclination to get closer.
Should he bring in some new people? He thought about it and dragged Jiang Yan over.
“You’ve been in Yinp’ing for so long and haven’t gone out for a walk. Would you like to go with Second Uncle?”
Jiang Yan looked at him with disdain, “Does Second Uncle want to go to that place of fireworks?”
“People aren’t romantic for nothing. While you’re still young, Second Uncle wants you to experience the pleasures of the world!” Jiang Shen laughed heartily as if he didn’t care at all about the matter of the divorce letter. He pulled him to “Chunfeng Ferry” in Yinp’ing.
Yinp’ing was originally chaotic, but under Jiang Xuanjin’s military command, the county magistrate, Ning Zhendong, directly fled. Jiang Xuanjin was now directly in charge of the place. The madam who knew some things immediately recognized the surname Jiang and immediately treated them as honored guests.
“You two have come at the right time. We have many new girls here. Take a look and see if there’s one you like?”
Jiang Yan learned from his second uncle and wasn’t very interested in women, but in proper circumstances, the girls here were quite attractive and should be able to win his Second Uncle’s favor.
However, Jiang Shen sat at the main seat, staring blankly, without choosing anyone.
There were those of striking beauty, slender figures, flirtatious eyes, and watery gazes. Usually, he would be enthusiastic and would compose poems for these beauties, and then take them to the spring tent for a good time.
But now, as he looked and looked, he suddenly remembered Xu Chuniang.
If she were standing here, she would be the most mediocre and lackluster one, not speaking and not flattering. At most, after he got drunk, she would carefully help him back to his room, gently wipe his face with a handkerchief, and help him undress, ensuring he slept well.
He rarely paid attention to her. In the past, at home, he was always captivated by Guan, who was very affectionate and intimate. After the rain was over, he would go to her room and sleep well.
Xu Chuniang had never complained. He was reckless, as long as he was restrained in front of her, she would pretend not to know anything and take good care of him. There was a pleasant fragrance in her room that would always help him sleep soundly.
She was too gentle, so he took advantage of her and felt that there was no need to consider her feelings. This person would never get angry. Even if she was angry, he would coax her and be obedient.
Children who never cry have little sugar to eat, and those who do not fight for favor are rarely loved. Jiang Shen suddenly realized that he had been married to Xu Chuniang for so many years, and the number of times he had been in bed with her was very few.
Without children, it’s no wonder.
Guan and Xue were both from the world of red dust and often played games between the beds. Xu Chuniang was inexperienced and upright. Every time they were in bed, she blushed with embarrassment and waited for him to take the initiative.
At that time, he was wild and used to it, not liking her. But now that he thinks about it, he feels a little choked up.
“Which one has caught the young master’s eye?” the madam asked with a smile.
Jiang Shen came to his senses, pondered for a moment, and asked, “Are there any newcomers who don’t understand the rules of the trade?”
The madam was momentarily puzzled, her eyes flickering as she nodded, “Indeed, young master, this way please.”
Jiang Yan stood up, saying, “Second Uncle, if you intend to stay, then I’ll take my leave.”
“What’s the rush?” Jiang Shen sneered, turning to the madam. “Find him a good girl to educate him.”
“Alright!” The madam smiled suggestively, waving her handkerchief. Immediately, several girls standing by surrounded Jiang Yan tightly.
“Second Uncle!” Jiang Yan shouted in alarm.
Jiang Shen covered his ears and walked out, saying, “Can’t hear you, can’t hear you.”
In the adjacent private room, incense was already lit. The madam invited him in, and soon a plain-looking girl was brought in. She had a modest appearance and greeted him respectfully, “Greetings, young master.”
Although she was dressed properly, there was a certain light in her eyes that wasn’t quite pure, clearly not that of an inexperienced girl.
Jiang Shen chuckled lightly, “A fox of a thousand years, why bother with sheep’s clothing?”
The girl was taken aback, evidently not expecting to be exposed so quickly. She awkwardly said, “Young master, you say such things… What’s wrong with Yuer? She’s not smart. If young master would like to try, this servant guarantees your satisfaction!”
Losing interest, Jiang Shen leaned against the window and didn’t move. He glanced at the clear and quiet weather outside and asked casually, “Can you make Eight Treasure Rabbit Cubes?”
The girl: “…”
Coming to the brothel to ask if someone can cook. Why not go directly to a restaurant?
Smacking his lips, Jiang Shen muttered to himself, “Suddenly really want to eat it.”
Unfortunately, no one was there to make it for him.
He had written the divorce letter and let her go. He had abandoned her voluntarily, without losing a shred of dignity.
But it was empty and desolate. Both around him and in his heart, it was empty and desolate to the point of being unbearable.
She was such an unremarkable person, how could she have such a deep impact on him?
As another autumn rain fell, Jiang Xuanjin stood under the eaves, watching the drizzling rain curtain outside, feeling a chill all over.
Cheng Xu beside him said, “Ning Zhendong has already escaped back to the capital. There are still remnants in the main city, and Lord Lv has received the news and is preparing to open the city gates to welcome His Majesty.”
Every city has the emperor’s people. Yinp’ing was the most formidable, with the county magistrate being the uncle of Lady Ning. Fortunately, they noticed early; otherwise, if they had gone to their arranged ambush, they might not have come out unscathed.
Li Huailin was good with calculations and meticulous in his arrangements, but he had overlooked one crucial detail: Lord Ziyang had his stationed troops, and the military command token was in his hands. No one could act against him on Ziyang’s turf.
“If he’s so eager to send him to the underworld, he must give some response in return.”
“In addition… Qingsi has already been sent to the frontline city.” Cheng Xu cautiously glanced at him and spoke softly, “According to the news from there, the Eldest Princess seems to have revealed the secret of her identity to the world.”
Jiang Xuanjin nodded. “Then send a document to be posted in every city. Let the people of Ziyang be extra cautious when heading to Danyang.”
According to rumors, their Highness and the Eldest Princess of Danyang were sworn enemies.
Cheng Xu was startled and hesitantly said, “There hasn’t been any movement in the nearby fiefdoms yet.”
Although news from outside spread quickly, its authenticity was often hard to discern. With His Highness issuing this document, it undoubtedly confirmed the Eldest Princess’s identity. In this way, wouldn’t His Highness also be drawn into this storm?
“The current Pingling Lord is timid as a mouse, and the neighboring Changlin Lord prefers peaceful days. Do you still expect them to act?” Jiang Xuanjin raised his eyes. “Do as I said.”
“…Yes.”
Raindrops fell on the bluestone, splashing tiny water droplets. He looked down and thought of the prolonged drought in the frontline city. Perhaps she wouldn’t even see autumn rain there.
Indeed, there was no sight of rain. The frontline city was shrouded in chilly winds, devoid of rain clouds.
Huaiyu sat in the prefectural government office, looking at the officials kneeling in front of him, and asked, “Any objections?”
“None.” Several well-fed officials shook their heads one after another.
Huaiyu nodded with satisfaction and said to Jiuwu beside him, “See, I told you these gentlemen are reasonable. How could they deliberately trouble the merchants who kindly sent grain? Look at their sincere attitude!”
Jiuwu silently watched the bruises on the faces of these people and thought, who dares not to be sincere? They had all been beaten into this state by him.
Huaiyu was always so overbearing and unreasonable. Who cared about the rules of officialdom with him? He just beat them when they came, and once beaten, they became obedient. Greedy? Wanted to skim off profits from the Lu family’s grain store? How much he could stuff into his belly, he could squeeze out that much for them.
Turning over the account book beside him, Huaiyu sighed, “Gentlemen, you are truly benevolent. On behalf of the people, I thank you.”
The accounts were filled with gold, silver, and grain seized from various official residences, a considerable amount. Enough to feed the people of the frontline city for a year.
The person kneeling at the forefront cried, “Your Highness, you can’t leave us no way to survive!”
The law does not blame the public, ah! These people were all officials of the frontline city. If they were driven to desperation… even if they couldn’t resist, what would happen to the frontline city? What about the rumored Eldest Princess? Didn’t she even consider it?
“A way to survive?” Li Huaiyu thought for a moment and clapped his hands. “That’s easy. The border city of Danyang still lacks the manpower to dig canals. You can all go there and earn your meals. How about that?”
“…You’re going too far!” This remark made the man unable to kneel any longer. An official stood up behind him, looking angrily at her. “Where did this bandit come from? You’re using the Eldest Princess’s name to divide us. Do you think you’re above ten thousand people and can do whatever you want?”
Huaiyu raised an eyebrow, propped his chin, and looked at him. “What can you do to me?”
“Then I’ll leave now. What can you do to me?” The official stared at her with wide eyes and rushed towards the door, exuding an aura like a desperado who didn’t care about life, relying on his own body like a giant mountain, directly pushing open the door guarded by Qingxian and Bai’ai.
Jiuwu furrowed his brow, intending to step forward and intercept, but then he heard a sharp “thud”. The plump official who had just taken half a step out the door was kicked squarely in the chest, sending him crashing back to where he had been kneeling moments before.
Huaiyu’s eyes lit up as he looked towards the person outside the door.
Qingsi entered, striding through the doorway in a dark-colored robe, composed and agile. There wasn’t a scratch on her face; instead, her figure seemed more robust. She knelt before Huaiyu and respectfully greeted, “Your Highness, I pay my respects!”
“You’ve finally come,” Huaiyu smiled as he helped her up. “I’ve been waiting for you.”
At this mention, Qingsi looked slightly annoyed, lifting her head. “I didn’t know the Princess was in the frontline city. If I had known, I wouldn’t have lingered in the capital.”
“Hmm?” Huaiyu was taken aback. “Lingered in the capital? Aren’t you supposed to be in the Ministry of Justice’s prison?”
Qingsi looked puzzled. “Who told you that? I’ve been at the Jiang residence all along.”
What? Li Huaiyu was astonished. “Weren’t you arrested for assassination?”
“I thought about using His Majesty to rescue you, but… before I could act, His Highness detected it, and I was then trapped in a secluded courtyard.”
So, what Jiang Xuanjin said about Qingsi being captured was a lie, just to scare and threaten her? Huaiyu was furious and slammed the nearby desk, saying, “We agreed not to lie, but now you’ve lied to me!”
Qingsi was puzzled. “I didn’t lie.”
“Not about you,” Huaiyu waved his hand, feeling both angry and amused.
What was Jiang Xuanjin up to? Didn’t he hate lies the most? Yet he could lie so convincingly himself. She had been fooled.
Fortunately, there were no serious consequences. He could chalk it up to a moment of playfulness.
“What rumors have you heard in the capital?” Huaiyu asked.
Glancing at the officials kneeling in front of her, Qingsi whispered in his ear, “Minister Situ Jing has been pardoned by His Majesty and now commands an additional thirty thousand Forbidden Army troops. There have been numerous changes among the court officials, and many who once supported Lord Ziyang and you have fallen from favor.”
“Shaking up the foundation, huh?” Huaiyu chuckled. “The young man has guts, but such actions will surely disrupt court order.”
Where did Li Huailin have time to consider the court order now? Releasing two tigers back to the mountains, if he didn’t quickly consolidate his power in the capital, where would he find peace to sleep?
The official knocked down by Qingsi groaned on the ground, “Oh, oh,” and Huaiyu glanced sideways. “Send these gentlemen back to the capital. They have nowhere else to go anyway.”
“Your Highness, this…” Wasn’t this directly challenging the Emperor?
“Huailin thinks what his old man taught him is right and good,” Li Huaiyu smirked. “Then I’ll come and tell him, Li Shan’s way can’t stabilize this country!”
If he wanted to challenge directly, then challenge directly. As the elder sister, she couldn’t let her younger brother underestimate her.
Jiuwu nodded and, along with Qingxian and others, escorted the dozen or so officials out. Anyone who resisted was simply given a good beating.
So this group of people obediently set out on the road back to the capital.
Grain distribution began throughout the frontline city, and when the people heard, they rushed over. Seeing the rice, who had the mind to queue up? Those who distributed grain were generally benevolent; even if they stole and looted, they could be persuaded with a few words. When human malice surfaces, behavior becomes extremely frenzied.
However, the first person who tried to leave with three sacks of rice was knocked down with a pole.
Expressionless, Qingsi held the long pole and said, “Put it back.”
The man on the ground looked at her incredulously for a moment, then frustratedly exclaimed, “You distribute grain but won’t let people take it away?”
“Wait in line, then you can take it,” Qingsi pointed to the people nearby with a cold smile. “Try to snatch it? Go ahead.”
The man was defiant, relying on the crowd behind him who were also trying to grab grain. He motioned to charge outward.
“Watch out!” Xu Chuniang, who was distributing the grain, exclaimed in alarm.
Qingsi remained calm and swung her long pole. Seemingly gentle, each strike landed heavily on the legs of the group, knocking them down and leaving them unable to get up for a while.
Chijin and others came over to help, their actions merciless, nothing like good people at all.
The bustling grain distribution site gradually quieted down.
“Here, take it.” Xu Chuniang handed a small bag of rice to the person in front of her very politely.
The recipient was a young girl, trembling as she looked at the beaten people nearby. With a quivering voice, she asked, “Can I take this?”
Gently patting the girl’s head, Xu Chuniang said, “Good people have nothing to fear from them. They won’t make trouble for good people.”
Although this elder sister was among those ruthless individuals, her demeanor was as gentle as a bodhisattva’s. The young girl calmed down, smiled sweetly at her, and carefully walked away with the bag of rice.
Everyone watched as the girl safely left. They obediently started queuing up, no longer daring to cause trouble.
“Who are these people?” murmured a commoner waiting in line. “They’re so fierce.”
A poor scholar in the front replied quietly, “If I’m not mistaken, they’re under Princess Danyang’s command.”
“Princess Danyang?!” Hearing this title, everyone turned pale.
No wonder they were so ruthless. Anyone under Princess Danyang’s command was known to be ruthless and vicious.
But…
The girl distributing the grain was truly gentle. She always wore a smile, didn’t mind the dirtiness of the poor, showed no impatience, gently comforted anxious children, and patiently explained to people that there would be more grain tomorrow, so there was no need to worry.
As the grain distribution came to an end, a person standing in front of Xu Chuniang directly exclaimed, “Sister Bodhisattva.”
Slightly taken aback, Xu Chuniang laughed and sighed, “You can’t call me that, it’s disrespectful to the spirits.”
Taking the bag of rice she offered, the child smiled and said, “You are Sister Bodhisattva!”
After shouting this, she ran off.
Feeling touched, Xu Chuniang said with self-reproach, “Huaiyu did a good deed, but the credit is all given to me.”
Beside her, Chijin looked at her and handed her a handkerchief. “On your face.”
Nodding, she took it and wiped her face, realizing it was covered in dust.
“I must look awful, huh?” She chuckled, “Not much of a bodhisattva in such a sorry state.”
Chijin shook his head. “A bodhisattva is revered not for appearance.”
Having traveled together for so long, they all understood Xu Chuniang. She was a girl trained exceptionally well by General Xu, compassionate and well-mannered, adept at cooking and handling people and affairs. If His Highness was a proud peony, she was a gentle orchid—perhaps not striking in appearance, but her virtue was precious.
Jiang Er Gongzi did not appreciate such a person; he might as well have been blind.
“Miss Xu.” Jiu Wu approached from outside, holding something with a complex expression. “There’s a letter for you.”
A letter? Xu Chuniang’s body stiffened.
The only person who would send her a letter was Jiang Shen. They hadn’t seen each other for over half a month, so why would Jiang Shen suddenly write to her?
After wiping her hands on her skirt, Xu Chuniang let Chi Jin take her place and went to open the letter.
People in line for rations glanced over as they saw the kind-hearted girl tremble, slowly crouching down.
“Sister Bodhisattva, why are you crying?” A child couldn’t resist and left the queue to gather around her, asking anxiously, “What’s wrong, sister?”
“It’s nothing,” Xu Chuniang said hoarsely. “I’m just happy to receive something I’ve always wanted.”
“Liar!” The child frowned. “My dad said people smile when they’re happy; they only cry when they’re sad.”
Taking a deep breath, Xu Chuniang lifted her head and smiled at them. “See? I’m smiling.”
They saw her smile, but it was a smile that made their hearts ache.
Jiu Wu shook his head. “Miss Xu, it’s not worth it.”
“I know, I know,” Xu Chuniang nodded. “I asked him for this thing; I was prepared for it long ago.”
But after all, they were a couple who had been married for many years, so they were bound to feel a bit sad.
Jiu Wu was at a loss and hurried to take Chi Jin’s place, muttering, “I’ll think of something.”
Chi Jin looked bewildered. What could he do? They had learned everything in Feiyun Palace, except how to comfort a woman, especially since the Eldest Princess didn’t need them to comfort her.
After a moment of silence, Chi Jin asked, “Do you want to eat something? I’ll make it for you.”
Xu Chuniang stared at him, her eyes slightly red and teary, yet clear.
Chi Jin felt a bit awkward and looked away. “How about Eight Treasure Rabbit Cubes? You seemed interested in that dish.”
Xu Chuniang looked at him in confusion. “You… would cook for me?”
“Yes,” Chi Jin nodded. “You saved us out of the capital, and I haven’t repaid you yet.”
Usually, she would ask Jiang Shen this question and get an answer from him, then happily busy herself in the kitchen for an hour. No one had ever asked her what she wanted to eat.
Her nose felt a bit sour. “I don’t like Eight Treasure Rabbit Cubes. I want something sweet.”
“Alright,” Chi Jin nodded. “Come with me.”
Huaiyu was reviewing documents in the prefectural governor’s residence when suddenly, Lujingxing’s voice echoed at the door, “Come out and see the commotion!”
Startled, she glared, “You, the esteemed Manager Lu. Why do you act like a bystander on the street, eager for a spectacle?”
Leaning against the doorframe, half of his face hidden behind a fan, Lujingxing smirked, “Don’t you want to see the fuss between Xu Chuniang and Chijin?”
Her eyes lit up, and Huaiyu lifted her skirt and rushed to the door, “Where are they?”
With an impatient sigh, he led her outside, teasing, “As the esteemed Eldest Princess, how can you be so eager for gossip, like a commoner?”
“It’s different this time. I’ve been thinking about how to help Chuniang regain her pride these past few days, and now the opportunity presents itself.” Huaiyu smiled mysteriously. “Aren’t you also upset for Chuniang? She’s such a fine girl, yet she encountered someone like Jiang Shen.”
“Has fate ever been fair?” Lujingxing sighed. “I, a fine person myself, also encountered someone like you, a scoundrel.”
Huaiyu retorted, “I hope, Manager Lu, that you won’t casually discard your dignity.”
If anyone was a scoundrel, she was a “scoundrel,” and he was a “type.” They were both just a bunch of coal lumps, how could they rub themselves white?
Lujingxing chuckled and led her to the kitchen, gesturing with his fan.
Huaiyu looked over and saw Xu Chuniang sitting neatly at the door, watching Chijin making pastries inside.
Chijin handled the task of smoking and cooking without any sign of clumsiness, appearing clean and efficient as he kneaded dough and added sugar in one go.
Xu Chuniang admired, “Your technique is truly skilled.”
“For someone trained in martial arts, enough strength is essential,” Chijin replied modestly. “I’ve only studied cooking for a few years.”
“Is that so?” Xu Chuniang felt ashamed. “With just a few years of practice, you’re more proficient than me, who has studied for ten years.”
“After all, I learned from the palace chefs,” Chijin, who was usually taciturn, seemed to open up. “Originally, I didn’t need to cook in Feiyun Palace. But later, there was an attempt on His Highness’s life through food. So, Jiawu and the others discussed it and decided it would be safer if His Highness’s meals were handled by insiders.”
“Why is it only you who can cook?” Xu Chuniang asked curiously. “It seems Jiawu and the others don’t come near the kitchen.”
Speaking of this, Chijin clenched his teeth. “At that time, I was young and naive, unaware of human malice. They used age as a criterion and sent the youngest to learn, claiming that being young made learning easier.”
Ghost was the youngest, and when they entered the palace, they knew each other’s age. Jiawu made it clear that they were fooling him, and he stupidly fell for it.
Xu Chuniang finally smiled, covering her mouth with her sleeve, her eyes shining.
Huaiyu sighed contentedly, “It’s so pleasing to see. A girl like Chuniang deserves someone by her side who can take care of her and understand her.”
Lujingxing glanced at her sideways, “Thinking of arranging a marriage?”
“Where did you get that idea? She still has someone in her heart. How could she remarry so easily?” Huaiyu rolled her eyes at him, then smiled again. “I’m just happy she doesn’t have to wear a troubled face every day.”
Lujingxing was puzzled now, pulling her aside, “I thought you had already planned for her to remarry, arranging for her to gain goodwill in advance.”
“If she’s not in a hurry to remarry, why heap all the good deeds onto Xu Chuniang?” Huaiyu smirked. “Is gaining a good reputation contingent on remarriage? You’re such a cold-blooded businessman.”
Lujingxing looked at her seriously, and Huaiyu made a couple of silly faces before becoming serious herself.
“It’s not just Xu Chuniang; there’s also Jiawu, Qingxian, Bai’ai, Chijin… and you.” She looked at him earnestly. “Because of me, you’ve all borne undeserved stigma. I must clear your names. None of you have done anything wrong; you’re all upright people.”
“Sooner or later, I’ll make the Jiang family apologize for the things they’ve said.”
Lujingxing was taken aback.
That day, he wasn’t at the Prefectural Governor’s residence in YinpÃng. Unaware of the exact details, upon his return, he heard people talking about it, dismissing it as a squabble.
He didn’t expect she took it to heart and was genuinely planning something.
Yixian City was a place where she could act with impunity, though it wasn’t within Danyang’s territory. However, she pressured the officials to sell grain cheaply, assigned a group of unfamiliar faces to various roles in Yixian City’s government, and ensured Xu Chuniang was praised by the city’s people. With each move, she laid the groundwork before them.
With the unreserved Eldest Princess no longer shielding the Emperor from hidden threats, she could lead them to do honorable deeds.
Feeling a sudden surge of blood, Lujingxing reached out to her with a smile. “Fight back?”
“Fight back!” Huaiyu slapped his hand confidently.
The citizens of Yixian City were initially apprehensive when many unfamiliar officials arrived, each appearing formidable and not easily approached. However, the merchants soon discovered that these new officials didn’t accept bribes and weren’t intentionally troublesome. They seemed stern but were highly reasonable.
Their methods were firm; they swiftly dealt with merchants who maliciously inflated prices, serving notices and confronting them directly. Those conducting honest business hung peculiarly crafted red silk flowers at their shop entrances.
Legend has it that these red silk flowers were made by the hands of the Eldest Princess herself. In time, they became a symbol of integrity among the conscientious merchants of Yixian City.