From the sky-dwellers to those that roam the land, dart through forests, or swim in water, down to the crawling insects on the ground, even earthworms in the soil, scorpions hiding in shadowy corners, centipedes with their many legs, and venomous snakes were not spared.
Furthermore, the Princess Consort went to great lengths to encourage the common folk to farm these creatures. Within the inner city walls, there was virtually no animal that crawled, flew, ran, swam, or jumped that could leave intact.
Not only were they not spared, but it was also rumored that the Princess Consort had gone mad, actually raising a type of insect said to be high in protein, even the green, plump grubs that gnawed on soybean leaves.
These tales had already become incredibly exaggerated. In three years, they had spread not only to every corner of Yun Country but even to people in other nations.
Seven-year-old Yumeng had grown considerably. She learned martial arts from Fan Zehao, and her body had become quite sturdy. At home, she was the ringleader, never hesitating to bully her elder and younger siblings.
Xueyao now avoided Yumeng at the sight of her, not daring to meet her gaze. Only her cousin Tiantian didn't dislike her. These two little terrors together gave Zhao Jiaqi a considerable headache.
The only comfort was that Ren Yingjun had grown into a sensible young lady. At eleven years old, her looks had blossomed, making her a true little beauty.
On a sweltering afternoon, those taking their nap heard the boys in the courtyard shouting again. In no time, Yumeng's voice rang out, "Winter training in the coldest days, summer training in the hottest, without diligent practice, you'll become weaklings. You're all men, yet worse than me, a girl. Run!"
The whip cracked against the ground, making a *pa pa pa* sound. If Fan Yao or Fan Sen dared to fall behind, or not run properly, her little whip would mercilessly lash their four-year-old bodies.
Outside the courtyard wall, Zhao Jiaqi, carrying a stick, entered the yard and pointed at the arrogant Yumeng, "Here you are, bullying your brothers again. See if I don't teach you a lesson today!"
Yumeng feared no one, heavens or earth, but she feared her mother's hands. When her mother wanted to hit her, she would grab anything and use it.
"Father, save me! Your little darling is about to be beaten."
Yumeng dodged and shouted, while Fan Yao and Fan Sen stood by, clapping and cheering, glad that someone was finally standing up for them.
From the neighboring courtyard, Fan Zehao's voice was heard, "Little darling, figure it out yourself. Your father also fears a beating!"
Zong Han walked into the Prince's manor and almost fell over upon hearing this.
He turned to Steward Wang and gestured towards the lively courtyard, "Is your Prince now this pathetic? A lack of authority over his wife is unacceptable, it's an embarrassment to us men!"
Steward Wang bowed his head and glanced at the person speaking so casually, "His Majesty Zong likely has authority over his wife. Why don't you say what you just said to the Princess Consort? This servant believes the Princess Consort will give you a satisfactory response!"
With that, Steward Wang left, not wanting to be caught in the crossfire.
Zong Han rubbed his face. Had he been visiting this manor so often that even the servants dared to talk back?
He strode into the courtyard. The Prince of Zhen, sitting in a rocking chair, was leisurely drinking tea. While the situation next door was heating up, he remained so composed. Zong Han gave him a thumbs-up.
"The way you're being a father is truly ruthless!"
After speaking, Zong Han sat beside him and poured himself a cup of tea. He took a sip, finding the floral tea's flavor better than green tea.
Fan Zehao shrugged and spread his hands, looking innocent. "Yumeng learned her evasion skills under her mother's hand from a young age. Without my intervention, Yumeng can handle it."
He had that much confidence in his daughter, which was why he could sit back and drink tea so calmly.
A family of eccentrics, not a single normal one among them.
He placed his cup heavily on the stone table and took out several letters, handing them to him. "These times are likely to return once more!"
Fan Zehao opened the letters. The contents were quite alarming, but what did they have to do with him? After reading only one letter, he threw the rest back at him.
"I am now a leisurely Prince. These things you've given me are meaningless. I don't care and I can't control it. Let them fight if they want!"
It was just that the neighboring countries were envious of Yun Country's growing strength.
If they wanted to cause trouble for Yun Country, how could he interfere?
There was an Emperor above and generals below. Where did he fit into this?
Zong Han looked at the nonchalant Fan Zehao, who lacked the spirited fervor of years past. Had his wife indeed worn him down to a dullard?
He couldn't quite gauge the Prince of Zhen. However, one thing was good: as long as his fiefdom remained stable, his own country, Zong Sheng, would have no worries.
"If that's the case, then we shall sit back and watch the tigers fight!" Zong Han's mind was calculating rapidly.
Like Fan Zehao, he was leisurely and stayed at the Prince's manor.
In the afternoon, young Junjun was so happy to learn that little Uncle Zong had arrived that he almost wanted to spin him around twice. Zong Han also brought them gifts.
The gifts for the young princes and young masters were all precious, but young Junjun's gift was unique.
It was a portrait he had personally carved for young Junjun. He gave one every year, and this was the fifth consecutive year.
During dinner, after washing up, Fan Zehao sat on the bed, looking troubled and sighing.
"If you have something to say, then say it. You don't look like someone who can hold things in!" Zhao Jiaqi mercilessly revealed his true nature.
She really couldn't stand his half-hour-long sighing, whether to speak or not, it was truly making her uncomfortable.
Fan Zehao straightened his body and pulled up the person who had already lain down. The two faced each other.
Just as his wife was about to lose her temper, he quickly said, "Zong Han brought some not-so-good news this time. Jin Country to the west is restless. Their border is gathering troops, and it seems they are preparing for war. The possibility of conflict is over ninety percent!"
These few words stunned Zhao Jiaqi.
The general guarding the western border was both skilled in civil and military arts. His character was unknown, but he was at least a seasoned veteran.
"Huangfu Xu is a cunning old fox, and the general guarding the western frontier is a fierce warrior. If these two cooperate, with heavy troops in hand, I believe there won't be much of a problem!"
Zhao Jiaqi quickly ran through information in her mind. Over two hundred thousand soldiers, plus a brave and skillful general, and a resourceful prince. If a war broke out, it wouldn't be an issue.
Fan Zehao did not comment on this. "I am worried that if the west is breached by Jin Country, things won't be peaceful on our side either. If things go badly, and Jin Country turns directly towards us, I fear the fiefdom will suffer!"
Zhao Jiaqi fell silent. The current situation was indeed a bit tricky.
"What is your suggestion?"
Fan Zehao held her hand and said gently, "Prepare in advance. Clear the area where the fiefdom and Huangfu Xu's fiefdom meet to create a buffer zone, and have my godfather transfer troops there, just in case!"