Chapter 19: Discussion

On the way back, the carriage was quiet. Each person, to some extent, had gained new insights about life.

Xie Yunzhao, still riding his horse with the umbrella, couldn’t shake off the image of Shen Shurong’s sorrow from his mind.

When those in power are incompetent and seek personal gain, the world becomes like this—homes no longer feel like homes, and countries no longer feel like countries.

His heart ached; she shouldn’t have to worry about these things. She should live carefreely, beautifully, and delicately.

“I’ll have my father send people to distribute porridge,” Qiao Yue said, her eyes red.

Ye Man nodded. “My family will also distribute porridge.”

Shen Shurong didn’t stop them. The more people who helped, the more mouths could be fed.

“We’ve been living in a world full of music, chess, calligraphy, and painting since childhood, surrounded by gold, silver, and jewels. As we grew up, we only thought about what kind of person to marry and what life we would have after marriage. Even the slightest dissatisfaction would make us sad for days.”

“Seeing their lives makes me feel that nothing is more important than just being alive.”

Qiao Yue nodded. “What the Commandery Princess said is correct. I’ve been sulking over the young scholar, which I really shouldn’t. Whether he’s there or not, it doesn’t affect my life at all. But the people here are different. They would fight to the death for a bite to eat.”

Ye Man agreed. With her marriage approaching, she often worried about whether her husband would treat her well or if her mother-in-law would be harsh on her. When she thought about it, she felt it was all pointless.

……

Meanwhile, Xie Yunzheng was in his study, throwing a fit. “How could he take the Commandery Princess to such a place?” It was filthy and chaotic. What if there were riots among the refugees?

“Let’s go pick her up,” he said, grabbing his sword to leave.

Chiyu stopped him. “Young Master, that may not be appropriate…”

Xie Yunzheng was so furious he couldn’t think straight. “Just say it’s for official business. I want to see her safe before I leave.”

Chiyu followed him; there had to be a reason.

Before they could exit Zhaohui Courtyard, they were summoned by the Duke.

Xie Yunzheng signaled to Chiyu to wait and went to the main hall.

In the Duke of Lu’s council chamber, his subordinates and strategists stood up to pay their respects. “Young Master.”

“Father, what’s the urgent matter?”

“It’s about your marriage; it should be settled soon.”

“Yes, Young Master, the daughter of the Wei family has deep feelings for you and is a virtuous person.”

Xie Yunzheng hadn’t expected this matter to come up. He frowned. “I’m not in a hurry; let’s wait…”

“We can’t wait any longer. Yunzhao is about to take control of the treasury. If you marry someone from a well-off family, it will stabilize our Duke’s Mansion’s future even more.”

“What the Duke says is right. Young Master, you should finalize your marriage soon. This will put our minds at ease.”

The subordinates were keenly aware of the current situation, which was very favorable for the Duke’s Mansion. The Commandery Princess marrying in with the treasury meant that Xie Yunzhao, who had been seen as useless, would finally have some value.

The Young Master’s marriage could also be utilized; thus, the Duke’s Mansion would ensure that power would continue. Following them would not only bring stability but also greater prospects.

Seeing his son’s defiant expression, the Duke approached and whispered, “Since everyone is willing to make do, just choose someone you find agreeable.”

Xie Yunzheng closed his eyes, took a while to calm his thoughts, and finally let go of his stubbornness. “Let Father choose.” Since it wasn’t her, it was best for his father to select someone who would be advantageous for the Duke’s Mansion.

The Duke of Lu was momentarily taken aback, then broke into a smile. “Yunzheng, I didn’t misjudge you.” He was someone who could prioritize the Duke’s Mansion.

“Father, if there’s nothing else, I’ll take my leave.”

“Go on.”

Xie Yunzheng walked in a daze towards Zhaohui Courtyard and locked himself in his bedroom, bursts of manic laughter echoing from within. He had truly reached this point.

Chiyu stood guard outside, his eyes filled with concern.

Chiyu confirmed that Shen Shurong was fine before coming in. He felt helpless upon learning about the situation.

On her way back to the mansion, Shen Shurong bid farewell to her two friends and summoned the steward of the treasury with Xie Yunzhao by her side.

One command after another was issued from the Commandery Princess, and the ships that had been idle for two years were quickly being repaired. All captains and helmsmen were summoned, and she planned to hire more skilled sailors. She aimed to establish trade routes through northern and southern waterways within four months.

A sense of pride welled up in Xie Yunzhao. His little girl now commanded such authority.

Once the stewards took their leave, Shen Shurong smiled at Xie Yunzhao. “Brother Yunzhao, organizing the cargo ships isn’t difficult. The challenge lies in these counties. The disasters in recent years have been severe, and the rivers have long been occupied by water bandits.” No matter where the ships came from, even if they were royal, they would seize them without hesitation.

She took out a map and pointed to the areas around Linhuai and Anyang. “The disaster here has been particularly severe. The local magistrates seem to be doing nothing. My Imperial Uncle allocates funds every year, yet there are yearly floods.”

Xie Yunzhao pondered. Ships and manpower were secondary; the most crucial aspect lay with the local officials.

“Let’s send someone to investigate first. If the situation remains the same, I’ll go personally,” he thought about the local officials, cursing them countless times in his mind for making his Rongrong worry.

“I want to go too,” Shen Shurong insisted. She wanted to supervise personally. This time, they couldn’t be allowed to line their pockets anymore.

“Alright, we’ll go together.” Xie Yunzhao’s cheeks flushed slightly. Did she not want to be apart from him?

They each compiled a list of people they could bring along. In the afternoon, Shen Shurong went to the Grand Princess to request command over a hundred Purple Scale Guards and two officials from the Ministry of Works. Fuxi and Fushun had already gathered information and had two officials who were currently serving in the Ministry.

The Grand Princess was surprised. The previous Emperor had assigned her a hundred Purple Scale Guards, but she had only taken them with her on two occasions for inspections. Normally, they stayed in the palace, safeguarding the Emperor’s safety.

“When do you plan to return them?”

Shen Shurong smiled. “I won’t be returning them.”

The Grand Princess inhaled sharply; this girl’s courage was growing bolder.

At the Duke of Lu’s Mansion, the father and son were discussing matters with trusted aides when Xie Yunzhao arrived. “You all continue your discussion; I won’t interfere.”

The Duke glanced awkwardly at his subordinates, and Xie Yunzheng frowned. He never participated in court affairs; why was he here today?

Soon, no one paid him any mind, but Deputy Commander Pei suddenly remembered someone. “Since the Young Master doesn’t want to choose a girl from the capital, what about the daughter of the Minister of Personnel? Although she has been raised in her hometown, her grandmother was known for being gentle and virtuous. I believe the granddaughter of Lady Li will be quite good.”

Military Officer Zhang agreed. “Indeed, and marrying into the Minister of Personnel’s family would also benefit the Duke’s Mansion.”

Xie Yunzheng furrowed his brows in contemplation. The noble ladies of the capital, especially those who had previously pursued him, were not to his liking. This Miss Li wasn’t in the capital and had no conflict with him, so it could be considered…

“She’s not in the capital. How could we know if she’s good or not?” Xie Yunzhao suddenly sat up straight from his slouched position. “When choosing a wife for the Young Master, it must be someone who genuinely cares for him.”

All eyes turned towards him. “Does the Second Young Master have someone suitable in mind?”

“Of course. The Miss Wei is devoted to the Young Master; she will only marry him. She is the most sincere choice. The Third Princess shouldn’t be considered since the Young Master can’t marry into her family.”