Rui'er saw this and hurried forward to gently stroke Jiang Shuxiu's back, and asked with concern: "Miss, what's wrong with you? Are you feeling unwell?"

Jiang Shuxiu waved her hands, indicating she was fine, but the nausea still lingered. She took a deep breath and tried to calm herself.

"I'm fine, I just suddenly feel a little uncomfortable." Jiang Shuxiu said softly. Her face was a little pale, but her eyes were firm and decisive. "Zhao Bai, your report tonight is very important. I will record your contribution and will reward you handsomely in the future."

Zhao Bai was delighted when he heard this and quickly kowtowed to express his gratitude: "Thank you, Young Madam. I will do my best to serve you, Old Madam and Young Madam."

After Zhao Bai respectfully retreated, Jiang Shuxiu still sat in the chair, her thoughts in a mess, unable to calm down for a while.

Rui'er stood aside, her eyes full of worry: "Miss, are you really okay? Why don't you go outside the house and ask a doctor to come and take a look?"

Jiang Shuxiu shook her head slightly, her voice a little lost: "No need", then she stood up, slowly walked to the window, pushed open the window frame, and let the cool night breeze blow in.

The wind seemed to be able to blow away the heavy pressure in her heart and bring a sense of clarity.

"Rui'er, I always thought I knew my husband very well, but now it seems that I have never really entered his heart." Jiang Shuxiu's tone revealed a hint of helplessness and sadness.

Rui'er softly consoled her, "Miss, there are always some unspeakable things between husband and wife. The prince may just be playing around, and those actors and actresses are just there to keep him company and entertain him. They can't be taken seriously. You don't have to worry too much."

Jiang Shuxiu did not respond. She just stared quietly at the night sky outside the window, and the uneasiness in her heart never dissipated.

…

At this moment, the prosperous Chang'anfang Street in the capital is still bustling with people, and the Quyuan and Hualou are crowded with people, showing the prosperity and hustle and bustle of the capital.

However, in a quiet alley courtyard, Xue Yuanchu and Feng Shaoying were enjoying themselves, drinking from their glasses and enjoying the tranquility and comfort.

"Come! Xiaochan, toast the prince." Feng Shaoying picked up an exquisite glass wine glass, drank it all, and then shouted generously.

As soon as he finished speaking, a woman came over gracefully, her eyes full of affection, her movements revealing infinite charm. She had a plump and graceful figure, and was wearing an apricot-yellow flowered skirt, which further highlighted her charming and attractive appearance.

This person is Feng Shaoying's maid Xiaochan.

Previously, because Feng Shaoying's wife was pregnant, she was sent to the farm and married to a rough farmer.

Xiaochan was a very smart and clever person. She followed the mistress's arrangements all the way without crying or making a fuss.

On the day of the wedding consummation, she took out a gilded pearl enamel bracelet that she had hidden close to her body. The bracelet was shining with gold and the pearls sparkled, and it was obvious at a glance that it was of great value.

Xiaochan told the man that as long as he was willing to let her go and not touch her, when her brother-in-law Feng Shaoying came, not only would the bracelet be his, but he would also be given a generous reward.

But if he dared to take her by force, she would fight to the death.

At this point, Xiaochan actually took out a pair of scissors and pressed them tightly against her neck to prove that what she said was true.

Although the farmer was rough, he was an honest and decent man.

I had no idea what "dying under the peony flowers means being a romantic ghost" meant, and I was terrified at the time.

Therefore, he listened to Xiaochan's words and treated her as a living Buddha at home.

Not only did they not dare let her do any heavy work, they even forbade Xiaochan from doing trivial things like fetching water and cooking.

She agreed to everything meekly, hoping that her brother-in-law Feng Shaoying would come soon and end these frightening days.

As a result, Feng Shaoying sent his confidant to the farm yesterday to pick up Xiaochan and rewarded the man with fifty taels of silver.

Xue Yuanchu felt nothing when faced with such a beautiful maid.

He took the wine glass, drank it in one gulp, and then turned his gaze to Feng Shaoying.

"I admire your ability to find such a house. It's hidden in the bustling city, a true retreat. Look at the furnishings in this courtyard, they are all arranged according to your preferences. I guess you spent a lot of money, didn't you?"

Feng Shaoying smiled upon hearing this and said, "This is all thanks to you, Brother Yuanchu. The three barracks are stockpiling old rice and bran, and we have nowhere to dispose of them. It would be a shame to use them to feed the horses. It's really you who came up with this clever trick that allowed me to make an unexpected profit. Otherwise, I'm afraid I wouldn't be able to buy this small courtyard for a while."

Although Feng Shaoying's wife gave him a generous dowry, ensuring that he had enough food and clothing, and even covering the expenses of his social activities, she never gave Feng Shaoying any extra pocket money.

Xue Yuanchu smiled, said nothing, and just leaned back in his chair leisurely.

Feng Shaoying made a slight gesture to Xiaochan, who immediately understood and walked forward, gently massaging Xue Yuanchu's shoulders, which made him feel much more comfortable.

"Speaking of that border orphanage, I've long planned to close it. Back when my father was still alive, he actually insisted on taking over this hot potato from Your Majesty."

"Even today, I still have to spend three or four thousand taels of silver every year. It's not worth it when I think about it." Xue Yuanchu expressed his annoyance, frowning slightly, revealing a bit of contemplation.

Upon hearing this, Feng Shaoying immediately complimented him, "That's because of your brilliant idea, Brother Yuanchu. You've transported the aged rice bran from the three camps to the orphanage. This way, your mansion's farmland will save thousands of dan of grain. This is a brilliant plan, and I admire it."

Xue Yuanchu smiled slightly, his eyes revealing a bit of cunning: "Although my idea is good, if it weren't for the help of you, the lieutenant general in charge of the inspection, I'm afraid it would have been discovered long ago. I will naturally remember your contribution."

"Brother Yuanchu, you're too kind. It was just a small favor from me, not worth mentioning." Feng Shaoying waved his hand and smiled. "But you sold the grain and generously gave me 30% of the profit, allowing me to easily purchase this small courtyard. That's true generosity."

As he spoke, Feng Shaoying spread out his hands, motioning Xue Yuanchu to look at the porcelain ornaments in the room, with a smug smile on his face.

Xue Yuanchu looked around and nodded in praise: "This courtyard is indeed well decorated. It shows that you put a lot of thought into it."

He took a bite of the steamed shad on the table, and the delicious taste made him nod with satisfaction. "By the way, how is business at your Dacheng Rice Shop? There's a warehouse full of new rice at the farm west of the city. You need to sell it quickly to avoid unnecessary trouble."

In response to Xue Yuanchu's advice, Feng Shaoying confidently said, "The spring harvest has just passed, and the wealthy families in the capital are not in a hurry to buy new rice. After all, they all have harvests on their farms. It is the common people in the capital who are buying new rice to try it out."

"But I've come up with a plan. Don't worry, even if the price of rice drops a bit, I guarantee I'll be able to supply all of your new rice this month."

Hearing Feng Shaoying's solemn assurance, Xue Yuanchu no longer worried too much. He raised his glass and said sincerely, "As long as this matter is successfully completed, I will naturally not forget your contribution, Brother Shaoying, and you will also have a share of the benefits."