He shrugged and spread his hands, feigning indifference. "Whatever. He wasn't impeached this time, so I imagine he'll be quiet for a while. If he starts trouble again, I'll find him something to do!"
Zhao Jiaqi sighed. The Fan Fu family was more disgusting than cockroaches, a truly resilient 'superbug' that didn't bite but always bothered people.
She had to admire Fan Shurong for secretly accomplishing so much while they were away at their fiefdom.
Within a few days, Fan Zehao used special channels to leak the evidence Bai Lu had regarding her father's innocence.
Upon receiving this information and verifying its authenticity, Huangfu Xian was overjoyed. He had finally found a handle on Huangfu Xu. Without consulting his strategist, he directly presented it to the Emperor.
Huangfu Yifan had intended to keep Huangfu Xian busy and didn't expect him to solve the case. To his surprise, this idiot had genuinely found loopholes in the letter.
Not only that, but he had also presented it. Now, if Huangfu Yifan refused it, it would be wrong, but if he accepted it, he couldn't do anything substantial!
Because of this, Huangfu Yifan flew into a rage in the imperial study, scolding Huangfu Xian severely!
"This is a case judged by Father Emperor; do you really think it's something to be reinvestigated? Even if Bai Kun was wronged, are you going to overturn his case? Or do you want Father Emperor to bear the title of an incompetent ruler after his death?"
Huangfu Xian hadn't considered these implications. His mind went blank, and he knelt on the ground, his eyes full of grievance!
"Your subject... I was investigating for His Majesty. Now that it's clear, you're blaming me... this..." Being a prince was too difficult!
Huangfu Yifan couldn't be bothered to look at him and waved him away. "This matter ends here. Do not mention it to anyone! You may withdraw."
Huangfu Xian knew he was in the wrong and muttered dejectedly, "Your subject understands! Your subject takes his leave!"
Since Huangfu Xian had reported the matter and Prince Zhen had ordered Prince Xian to investigate, now that it was investigated, Fan Zehao had to be given an answer. Otherwise, if this man became stubborn, no one could handle him.
Two days later, he summoned Bai Lu to the palace. What was said is unclear, but afterward, Bai Lu was granted the status of a free citizen.
Bai Kun and his family were no longer considered criminals. At this very moment, they were on their way home with their son.
Everything proceeded as Zhao Jiaqi had predicted.
"This is good news. Now that you are a free citizen and no longer a servant of the prince's manor, you should return to your parents and live a peaceful life for a while. Then, find someone to marry and settle down!"
Bai Lu showed a rare blush. "I had my family move to the fiefdom. The customs and scenery there are very pleasant, a pure land compared to this dirty capital. I will stay behind to continue serving the princess, to repay her kindness as a servant."
Zhao Jiaqi smiled faintly. There are no eternal feasts in the world. When fate dictates, one must let go.
"We were once mistress and servant, and our bond remains. This princess does not need your repayment; I would be content if you all simply live well!"
However, Zhao Jiaqi was baffled by Bai Lu's decision.
No matter how Zhao Jiaqi reasoned with her, Bai Lu refused to leave, determined to stay by Zhao Jiaqi's side, even if it meant remaining unmarried for life.
She spoke until her saliva ran dry, but Bai Lu's mind was unwavering. Fine, she sighed softly, "As you wish!"
Upon hearing that the princess was willing to keep her, Bai Lu's face lit up with joy. Immediately, she demonstrated her skills to Zhao Jiaqi, handing over the deed to a shop. "This is a barbecue restaurant; it's already decorated and ready for opening!"
Before Zhao Jiaqi could recover from her surprise, Bai Lu presented another deed. "This is a wine shop. It's also fully decorated. However, the specialty wine is sold by the cup, not by the jar. The tavern will offer complimentary small dishes, but the wine itself is quite expensive!"
This business model was brilliant!
Zhao Jiaqi gave her a thumbs-up. "You truly are my confidante!"
A doer and an action-oriented doer at that!
"To think what the princess thinks, and to do what the princess wishes to do, is my lifelong ambition!"
Zhao Jiaqi was extremely pleased to have found such a talented person. "Stop calling yourself a servant. You are now a free citizen. From now on, you will be my female steward by my side, and I will be much more relaxed!"
"Of course, I won't let you be a steward for nothing. Previously, you received a ten percent profit share from the trading city; this time, it will be twenty percent. Go ahead and do your best!"
Bai Lu immediately pledged, "With the princess's words, I will definitely expand the princess's businesses to every corner of the Yun Kingdom!"
Zhao Jiaqi grinned from ear to ear. Having such a talent brought her more joy than earning money.
She handed over all the shops in the capital to Bai Lu, allowing her to showcase her abilities. Zhao Jiaqi became a hands-off proprietor. Occasionally, Bai Lu would seek her advice, and with Zhao Jiaqi's guidance, she proved to be very quick-witted.
Casinos, teahouses, brothels – she engaged in whatever business brought in money.
Even the stories of the Four Great Classical Novels that she had previously recounted were adapted into a play.
It became a sensation in the capital, performed daily in teahouses. The actors performed with exceptional skill, and the audiences were captivated.
Money poured into her coffers daily. The happier the princess was, the happier Bai Lu was.
By the end of September, the annual autumn hunt was scheduled. This year was no exception. Moreover, with the new Emperor ascending the throne, this was his first time participating in the event, so the scale was bound to be considerable.
This was Zhao Jiaqi's first autumn hunt. Her carriage followed the Grand Consort's, heading towards the forest outside the imperial camp.
After Da Lang died, her husband had released Er Lang back into the mountains. She wondered if she would see Er Lang again during this hunt.
Perhaps by now, it had a mate. Perhaps it even had cubs!
Perhaps... it wouldn't remember her anymore!
Upon entering the camp and setting up the tents, it was already late afternoon.
The actual hunt would begin the next morning.
In the afternoon, Pingting tugged Zhao Jiaqi towards a stream at the edge of the camp. The two of them picked wildflowers and made flower crowns, playing happily together until they heard a sarcastic voice from behind.
"The princess still can't shake off her country bumpkin habits, always liking to wear wildflowers on her head. It's embarrassing enough for the Prince!"
It had been a long time since she had heard such a sharp and venomous remark. The two of them stood up and looked towards the speaker.
Heh heh....
"Talk about fate! We've run into an old acquaintance!" Zhao Jiaqi found it hard not to recognize her.
Her nemesis, Fan Mingyue!
Pingting didn't know Fan Mingyue and had never heard her elder sister-in-law mention her.
She asked, linking her arm with Zhao Jiaqi's, "Sister-in-law, who is this person? Why does she speak with such a foul odor, as if she hasn't brushed her teeth?"
Fan Mingyue didn't recognize Pingting either.
When Pingting and Fan Xudong were married, she wasn't yet Huangfu Xian's concubine. Although she attended the wedding at the General's manor, she hadn't gone to the bridal chamber and thus didn't know her.
Hearing the woman call Zhao Jiaqi "Sister-in-law," and seeing her less ornate attire, she didn't take her seriously, mistakenly assuming she was the wife of some minor official.
"How dare you insult this princess! Do you wish to die?" Fan Mingyue adopted a regal demeanor and reprimanded Pingting.