Fan Zehao frowned, "Didn't they say the princess was sensible and wouldn't be hasty? Why is our princess different? Could it be..." He pointed to his head, now doubting if the princess's mind was damaged.
"Our princess is an anomaly, a peculiar one." If she were a normal princess, why would she be so set on marrying a military general?
The critical point was that this military general had no backing, no strong foundation, no good looks, and no literary talent, yet he possessed a heart that was true to her.
The moment they spoke of returning to the fiefdom, her eyes lit up, showing that Pindiao longed for a life of freedom and was likely terrified of being caged in the gilded palace.
The time for the return journey was set. Zong Han, upon hearing this, immediately submitted a memorial requesting to travel with the King of Zhen, as it was on the way, and he could also escort them.
The Emperor sat in the imperial study, pondered for a long time, and then secretly summoned Xiao Ce.
Tianxiang Tower.
The private room on the fourth floor was filled with people, all familiar faces at a glance.
Zhao Jiaqi looked at the merchants who had followed her and her husband to the capital for development. In the past two years, they had fulfilled their promise and not caused them any trouble, relying solely on their own strength to establish themselves in the capital.
If their businesses could develop smoothly, it was also thanks to the title of Prince providing escort, and so far, no one had dared to cause them trouble.
"I have gathered you all here today because I have a request. It would be best if you could lend me a hand, but if not, I will not force you!"
As soon as she spoke, everyone present was surprised.
Wang Lifeng greatly valued this god-daughter, and immediately asked, "Daughter, tell us what it is, and your godfather and brother Xie will help you, even if it means going through fire and water."
Murong Sheng also hurriedly nodded, "After so many years of our relationship, do you still need to ask? Just speak your mind!"
"Indeed, just say it. You have your brother here!" Xie Kun, a rough man, patted his chest loudly and said.
The remaining Leng Xiyuan and others also meant the same thing, and everyone in the room looked at her.
Zhao Jiaqi, feeling the pressure, stated her idea: "It's like this, we will be returning to our fiefdom in early March. It is still quite desolate there and needs economic and agricultural development. Only by developing it can it prosper. However, among the people I know who are engaged in business, there are only a few of you. I want to ask you all to help me develop it. The term is three years. If there is no improvement within three years, I will compensate you for your losses."
When it came to doing business, their old profession, how could these people refuse?
Murong Sheng was the first to raise his hand to vote, "I agree. Let alone three years, even thirty years, what does it matter? Where isn't there money to be made? More importantly, it's with you. Now that I have support, I can go all out!"
"Brother Sheng is right. I, Xie Kun, will stick with you two to the end. Wherever you go, I will go!"
"Count me, Leng Xiyuan, in too."
"I, Dong Ziheng, will also go."
"Then I, Peng Shuo, can't be left out." After saying that, a rough laugh erupted.
Li Chuang and Fan Xiaofeng did not speak, but their smiles remained undiminished, and the determination in their eyes was evident.
They unanimously agreed to go to the fiefdom with them, and everyone began to prepare diligently.
The shops opened in the capital could not be easily closed. They left trusted confidants to manage them, and all other matters remained unchanged. They were simply taking their silver notes to develop in another place.
On the last day of the morning court, Fan Zehao's eyelids twitched incessantly. He rubbed them several times, but they continued to jump.
"My mother said that when your eyelids twitch, it's either about to get rich or about to face disaster. I don't know what's happening today, but it won't stop jumping!" After getting dressed, Fan Zehao muttered.
"You make it sound so mystical. If you're worried that something will happen today, then at worst, just don't listen, don't see, and don't speak during court. We're leaving tomorrow anyway."
It was better to have one less thing than one more. Self-preservation was key, and besides, there was no one in the imperial court who openly opposed him.
Fan Zehao nodded obediently and left his residence for the morning court.
After they left, Zhao Jiaqi lost the desire to take another nap. She ate a simple meal and took Qiufen out for a stroll.
While other ladies would go shopping for jewelry or clothes, their Princess Consort specifically went to seed shops. Moreover, whatever rare seeds she saw, she would buy them generously, and she would buy them all.
Qiufen saw the Princess Consort spend another two hundred taels of silver on a small bag of unknown seeds and couldn't help but ask, "Madam, what if these seeds can't be planted when you buy them back?"
Usually, she was reluctant to spend money on a few outfits, but she was willing to spend large sums of money on seeds. If anyone said the Madam was not good at managing the household, they would be blind!
"If they can't be planted, we'll plant them again. As long as you have confidence, you will definitely succeed!"
Qiufen gave a wry smile, "Madam can plant anything and it will grow. It will definitely grow!"
She prayed that they would grow. She was afraid that the Madam would truly reside in the fields when she returned to the fiefdom. Such hardship was not something a lady as fine as her should endure.
After visiting two more seed shops, she had quite a harvest. She bought some seeds from foreign lands. The farmers of Yun Country didn't recognize them, but she did, which made her happy for a long time.
Amidst the bustling street, a group of soldiers in armor appeared. Judging by their attire, they were the Imperial Guards, led by the commander of the Imperial Guards, Xiao Ce.
"Move aside, don't block the way!"
The Imperial Guards didn't see the people on the road clearly and didn't care about the people walking on the street. In the eyes of the soldiers, they were all insignificant figures.
Just as they were about to push towards Zhao Jiaqi, Qiufen blocked them, "Can't you speak properly? Why are you being so hands-on? If something happens to the Princess Consort, be careful of your own limbs."
Xiao Ce looked over at the sound of her voice and, seeing that it was Zhao Jiaqi, stepped forward and cupped his fists, "Princess Consort!"
She waved her hand, not taking the matter to heart. Instead, she looked at the long line behind him and asked, "What's going on?"
"Your subordinate is acting on the Emperor's orders to confiscate the Prime Minister's mansion. Farewell!" Xiao Ce didn't treat her as an outsider. He said softly and led his men away quickly, appearing to be in a hurry.
Upon hearing that the Prime Minister's mansion was to be confiscated, Zhao Jiaqi's expression turned serious. She quickly looked at Qiufen by her side, "Quick, take a shortcut to the Prime Minister's mansion and tell Madam Zhou!"
"But Madam..." She was leaving, who would take care of Madam!
"I'll go home myself. You hurry up, quickly!" Zhao Jiaqi urged her.
Confiscating the Prime Minister's mansion would surely incur serious charges. Telling Zhou Qiangwei now would likely enable her to make appropriate arrangements.
As she walked home, she began to worry about her husband. The term "simpleton" could no longer be used; it would be better to call him a jinx directly.
He had said such nonsensical things early in the morning, and now, the Prime Minister's mansion was in trouble!