"Princess, try this sizzling tofu."

"The donkey meat huoshao I make is also delicious."

"And this bowl of dumplings stuffed with chives and eggs."

"Princess, would you like to try it?"

Shen Qinghe looked at them with helplessness on his face.

After all, she really doesn't know how to refuse other people's kindness.

Especially these people whose faces are full of expectations.

"Put it all here."

"I will try it too."

Ning Que knew Shen Qinghe's appetite.

Even though she was pregnant, it wasn't that big.

I really can’t eat so many snacks.

“This teppanyaki tofu tastes pretty good.”

"Remember to add more onions and garlic after serving."

"As for your donkey meat hot pot...is your donkey meat authentic?"

"Ahem, donkey meat is too expensive, so I'll just mix pork and dog meat together."

Ning Que could only nod helplessly, "It tastes okay. It's grilled until crispy, and the meat filling is generous. I'll sell it for fifteen copper coins, and I'm sure a lot of people will buy it."

"As long as the prince is satisfied!"

The lame strong man nodded repeatedly.

Ning Que tried other food as usual.

The taste is actually very good.

"You all have good skills."

"Now I can be considered as a disciple."

"In a few days, Uncle Fu will prepare some travel expenses and startup capital for you. Then you can set up stalls in various counties and sell these snacks. County Magistrate Ouyang will approve your business, and no one will make things difficult for you. It's not easy for you all, so make some money and live a good life."

"Your Majesty..."

"All of you go." Ning Que looked at them. "During the Linzi War, many refugees were displaced. You have the start-up capital and now you have a skill. You will be able to make a living in the county town. You also need to give others a chance and not always occupy the position."

"We understand..."

Only then did they nod and disperse.

Ning Que then sat down.

Shen Qinghe held her cheek and just stared at him.

"Why do you look at me like that, Madam?"

"You feel much better when you're with the people. When dealing with officials, you always have a cold face and scold them harshly. Even those generals with blood on their hands can tremble with fear at your scolding."

"It's definitely different." Ning Que held Shen Qinghe's hand. "The people are the foundation of the country. They cultivate the crops and bear the heaviest corvee labor. And these officials are responsible for governing the people. Their every move is involved in many things, so the expectations of them are naturally higher. Therefore, Dafeng also has laws and regulations, that is, officials who break the law will be punished more severely!"

Ning Que ate the iron plate tofu slowly and leisurely.

Feel the taste of it.

“These people are basically refugees.”

"Some were wounded and disabled, and some died in battle."

"Take Wang's wife for example. She's actually from Anping. Her husband died in battle, and she has two children at home. I asked the chef to teach her how to make some snacks, so she can have a way to make a living when she returns."

"And there's Old Wang from earlier. While defending Linzi, both of his sons died in battle. He was helping to carry rocks, but was hit in the right leg by an enemy rock, leaving him limping..."

"It's better to teach a man to fish than to give him a fish. This is the only way I can think of to help them live with dignity. At the very least, they'll have enough food and clothing and won't starve to death. Of course, they shouldn't be left without what they deserve."

“It’s really not easy for them.”

Shen Qinghe nodded in agreement. "Then I'll give them some extra money from my expenses. They were injured and sacrificed, partly because of me."

"OK."

Ning Que also smiled.

"Qinghe, I'll take you out for a walk."

"Uncle Chang said that you are in good health now."

"Walking more will do you good too."

"Um."

Shen Qinghe stood up as well.

She is also full now.

It’s a good opportunity to go out and take a walk.

…

After leaving the palace, they walked on the street.

Following behind him were Tie Niu and other personal guards.

Today, Linzi has regained its prosperity.

There are many shops on both sides of the street.

There are also some street vendors setting up stalls.

They basically sell mountain products.

For example, fresh winter bamboo shoots and hunted wild boars.

There are also bamboo strips and bamboo baskets made at home.

There are also people selling fishing nets and fish baskets.

Ning Que walked and stopped, observing them.

He was also happy to see the smiles on their faces.

"Qinghe, let me test you."

"Do you know why I've been doing this lately?"

"For the people." Shen Qinghe lowered his voice and whispered, "My father once said that only those who win the hearts of the people can win the world. Since you came to Linzi, how you behave has been seen by the people."

"When the Tian family usurped the throne of Qi, they used the method of small gains and large losses. They also gained a good reputation by winning people's hearts. The people only knew the Tian family, not the King of Qi. They prepared for three generations and finally usurped the Qi throne in one fell swoop. There was no opposition from the people, and many people even assisted the Tian family."

"So, you want to go this way too?"

"Not entirely." Ning Que walked slowly, occasionally raising his hand to greet people. He continued with a smile, "Actually, this is also the tradition of the Ning Palace. Now I can understand why successive emperors were so wary of the Ning Prince. The things the Ning Palace has done are probably seen as signs of treason in their eyes."

"Be considerate of the people and cherish their strength."

"This is the family rule of Prince Ning's Mansion."

"All the Ning kings of previous dynasties have done the same."

"Speaking of which, I can be considered to have benefited from it."

Ning Que sat down in the teahouse and said with a smile, "Just like you said, whoever wins the hearts of the people wins the world. With the reputation of the Ning Palace, there will be no shortage of supporters. You can look at these Linzi people. As long as I raise the banner of rebellion now, I think they will all support me."

"I think it's not just Linzi..." Shen Qinghe lowered her voice, "Even in Chang'an, you have plenty of supporters. My husband's charm is much stronger than that hypocritical Emperor Feng. As long as you are willing, most people will stand on your side."

"Um."

Ning Que smiled and nodded.

While he had no intention of rebellion, the Ning Palace's family traditions assisted him. Thanks to the Ning Palace's accumulated public support, he already had many supporters. Furthermore, his outreach over the years had made him well-known to the people everywhere. As long as Ning Que was willing, he would have many supporters. With the support of the people, many things could be smoothly implemented.

"The Emperor doesn't understand these things."

"He always believed that governing a country did not require winning the support of the people."

"Because the wisdom of the people is like that of infants, it is unacceptable."

"The people only see immediate benefits, not long-term perspectives. Take taxes and corvée labor, for example. The people certainly believe that nothing is best. But without taxes and corvée labor, the state cannot function properly. He believes he has a long-term vision, and everything he does is in preparation for the long-term development of Dafeng. Even if it offends some people, it's worth it."

"So, he will definitely lose."

Shen Qinghe looked at Ning Que and spoke firmly.