Night fell.
Imperial Study.
Emperor Feng listened to Chief Steward Hu's report.
He picked up his teacup and smiled, sipping.
"This kid, he always comes up with new tricks for Us."
"To quickly stabilize grain prices and quell public anger."
"Indeed."
Chief Steward Hu nodded in agreement.
Jingyang had already resumed production.
Every family had work, and everyone had food to eat.
The imperial court, however, had paid nothing.
Jingyang was originally Prince Ning's fiefdom.
Naturally, it should be their responsibility.
Ning Que had done very well.
"Stabilizing grain prices, offering work instead of relief."
"Dredging rivers, reclaiming fertile land."
"Repairing official roads, promoting Shu Mai (Winter Wheat)."
"…"
"These are all good deeds that benefit the country and the people."
Emperor Feng gazed into the distance, murmuring softly.
The method of offering work instead of relief was not uncommon.
Officials in other places had also used it.
However, Ning Que was fundamentally different from them.
He recruited disaster victims as laborers.
But what they did were all things that benefited the people.
Dredging rivers, composting fields.
Paying farmers to turn over their fields and plant Shu Mai (Winter Wheat).
It wasn't for personal gain, but for public welfare!
"He really is somewhat like Old Prince Ning."
"We bestowed many rewards upon him."
"Yet he used them to compensate fallen soldiers."
"What a pity…"
Emperor Feng sighed softly.
If Old Prince Ning were still alive, it would save him some effort.
"Alas!"
Chief Steward Hu also sighed.
Emperor Feng often spoke of Old Prince Ning.
To Emperor Feng, Old Prince Ning was more like a father.
He had gone to the military camp from a young age.
Old Prince Ning had always kept him by his side.
He meticulously taught him military strategies, tactics, and the art of governing.
Later, it was with Prince Ning's support that he was able to ascend to the throne.
Emperor Feng had never forgotten this achievement of supporting his rise.
The Empress Dowager also hadn't forgotten!
She had specially set up a Buddhist hall in the imperial harem.
She copied Buddhist scriptures, chanted sutras, and prayed for the deceased.
"Your Majesty, there is one more matter."
"Western Liang has dispatched envoys."
"They will arrive in Great Feng in a few days."
"They wish to negotiate a ceasefire."
"Just leave it to the Ministry of Rites."
Emperor Feng waved his hand.
Warfare was a continuation of politics.
National strength and military preparedness were the guarantees of diplomacy!
In the battle of Yumen Pass, Great Feng indeed suffered heavy casualties.
Even the commander, Prince Ning, died in that battle.
The Ning Family Army was almost completely annihilated.
However, Western Liang's main force was also exhausted.
This battle was a mutual loss; neither side gained anything.
A few days ago, Gu Yuan took the initiative to attack.
He severely wounded Western Liang again!
Finally, he forced Western Liang back to the negotiating table.
If the two countries could sign an alliance, it would benefit both sides.
Of course, an alliance was just a piece of paper.
It was an alliance when useful.
When useless, it could just be torn up.
Western Liang had done this many times.
This negotiation was probably just a pretense!
...
...
Lin Xianhong endured the discomfort and returned to the Lin Residence.
After traveling all night, she finally couldn't hold on anymore.
"Xianhong, how did it go?"
Lin Jiang rushed over.
There were several new scars on his face.
Lin Xianhong shook her head numbly.
In her eyes were disgust and indignation.
She knew this was Ning Que's revenge!
He was deliberately tormenting their Lin family!
He wanted to make their family restless!
He was using this method to force her to submit!
However, Ning Que had forgotten.
She was no longer the incompetent Lin Xianhong.
She was a third-rank Female Imperial Physician appointed personally by the Empress Dowager!
She oversaw all medical affairs in the imperial harem!
Her name was known throughout the land!
He thought he could use money to make her submit?
Impossible!
Did he really think everyone was as greedy as him?
"Ning Que is a petty, calculating man."
"He accepted the grain, but only offered fifty cash per picul."
"I had no choice but to agree."
"Fifty cash?!"
Lin Jiang's blood pressure immediately shot up.
It was all over!
He clutched his forehead, swaying unsteadily.
He almost fainted.
"Father!"
"Don't let your mother know about this yet."
Lin Jiang's face showed bitterness.
Otherwise, he feared she would cause another scene.
"Alas, what should we do next?"
"Is Ning Que really going to divorce you?"
"He's just putting on a show."
Lin Xianhong said confidently and softly, "To force me to agree to the marriage, he deliberately framed our Lin family, and then he brought out the imperial death-exemption tablet. Now he's just using Father's debt to force me to yield."
"That's true."
"But what about this debt?"
"And there's also your sister's dowry."
Lin Xianhong looked up.
A sudden pang of pain went through her heart.
Although Ning Que was a petty man, he was undeniably good to her.
He considered her in everything.
She naturally knew all this.
But she always had Gu Yuan in her heart.
Yet, after returning to the Lin family?
Her body hadn't even fully recovered.
She had to rush around for the Lin family.
Worrying about money.
Lin Jiang made her do many things.
But he didn't show her a single word of concern.
"Father, I will find a way."
"The Empress Dowager's rewards should also arrive soon."
Lin Xianhong forced a smile.
Her biggest backer was the Empress Dowager.
And she was extremely caring towards her.
Every time she entered the palace to treat the Empress Dowager.
The Empress Dowager would send many rewards.
She was about to go out when a carriage appeared in the distance.
Looking closely, there was also the banner of Ning Royal Mansion.
"He... he... they're here again!"
Lin Jiang's face was filled with horror.
He was truly afraid now!
Ning Que really sent people to the Lin family every day.
Every time, they suffered heavy losses!
"Greetings, Master Lin."
"Second Miss Lin."
Fu Bo calmly got out of the carriage.
On both sides, passersby had already gathered to watch.
"He's here, he's here!"
"He's arrived in a carriage!"
"Ning Royal Mansion's Heir is truly ruthless…"
"He said he'd come every day, and he really does come every day!"
"The Lin family has really hit a brick wall this time."
"What do you think he's bringing as a gift this time?"
"…"
Listening to the mocking laughter, Lin Xianhong was very annoyed.
"What are you doing here again?"
"Naturally, to deliver a gift."
"You…"
Lin Jiang angrily stepped forward.
"Everyone, move aside!"
"Look, look, what are you looking at?"
"All of you, get out!"
"My Lin family will not accept your gifts."
"I'm afraid that's not up to Master Lin."
Fu Bo smiled faintly.
Just then, gongs sounded in the distance.
Fully armed elite cavalry cleared the way.
"Is that the Empress Dowager's imperial carriage?!"
"The Empress Dowager is here!"
"Good heavens, is she here to support the Lin Residence?"
"It's possible…"
The passersby all exclaimed.
The Empress Dowager's favoritism towards Lin Xianhong was well-known.
When Lin Xianhong wanted to open a pharmacy, the Empress Dowager was very supportive.
She personally inscribed a plaque and sent it to her.
From time to time, she would also summon Lin Xianhong to the palace.
Once, a noblewoman deliberately made things difficult for her.
The Empress Dowager personally stepped forward to protect her.
And she severely reprimanded that noblewoman.
Furthermore, she often sent people with rewards.
Lin Xianhong seemed to grasp at a life raft.
She looked at Fu Bo, her gaze challenging.
"Fu Bo, do you see?"
"Even without your Heir, what of it?"
"I can still stand on my own two feet with my own abilities!"
"I advise you, it's best to go back first."
"If you anger the Empress Dowager, even your Heir will be punished."
"Heh heh."
Fu Bo just smiled without speaking.
Who gave Lin Xianhong such confidence anyway?
"Yang Momo!"
Lin Jiang fawned like a house dog.
He wagged his tail and went to greet her.
Yang Momo just glanced at him coldly.
The guards on either side stopped him.
These were just like a pack of dogs!
If not for the Heir, who would bother with his Lin family?