"Yes, the clothes were stuffed with willow catkins and withered grass, which did no good at all."

Qiao Lian'er pondered. Pei Shijiu started from the border, but not from here.

It seems that he was angered because the people on the border spoke ill of her that day.

This little temper of hers—

The boy's spirit and emotions brought a knowing smile to Qiao Lian'er's face.

She has the soul of a thirty-year-old, her heart has long been settled, and many things no longer stir her emotions.

The boy's enthusiasm touched her.

A man was leading a horse past on the opposite side. She looked up and saw it was Prince Takumi again.

Compared to his confident demeanor a few days ago, Prince Takumi's face was gloomy, clearly indicating that those words had reached his ears.

Under normal circumstances, under such pressure from rumors, one would either come out to explain or suppress the rumors.

However, it won't have a very good effect.

She explained that at least most people wouldn't believe her, and it seemed more like a compromise forced by public opinion; she was still a villain who wanted to impose heavy taxes.

Suppression will only provoke greater backlash, and she will have even less chance of clearing her name and turning things around.

However, she possesses a treasure trove, effectively controlling dozens of mines in Kachin territory, with inexhaustible wealth.

Problems that can be solved with money are not problems.

Qiao Lian'er was wearing an invisibility cloak, and Prince Tuohai did not see her, passing right by her.

Around his neck, he also wore a jade pendant, its blood-red veins tinged with a faint black aura, giving it an eerie feel.

Therefore, his presence created an invisible pressure that made Qiao Lian'er feel unapproachable.

To guard against her, Mu Tai prepared such "goodies" for everyone on his side.

But she wasn't in a hurry; those who are destined to die will die eventually.

Someone came to Prince Takumi to report, and Qiao Lian'er listened using an instant translator.

"In just a few days, Princess Zhenguo's reputation has improved. The second son of the Pei Prince's Mansion is running errands for her, distributing supplies everywhere, and spreading goodwill for her. Our people wanted to stop him, but he has experts guarding him and they couldn't do anything about it."

"I will find a way," Prince Takumi said quietly. "I won't let her get away with it so easily. She is destined to die at the hands of the mob."

"Mob," Qiao Lian'er chewed on the word.

Pei Shijiu began implementing laws and policies in the southern part of Jinglang Prefecture, and now they have reached the central part.

After several days of travel and hard work, the young man's handsome face showed signs of hardship, as his skin was rough and cracked from being exposed to the cold wind.

He was delighted to see Qiao Lian'er appear and said, "While I was implementing the laws and measures, I also had people spread these messages further north. Only then did someone come to report. Even the border is praising you."

It took less than ten days; it was done in five.

Moreover, the supplies were distributed in a real and tangible way, which can be easily verified and cannot be faked.

The most important thing is that the people see real benefits: their stomachs are full and they are no longer cold in winter.

Qiao Lian'er took out face cream from her spatial storage, scooped out a little, and applied it to the boy's face.

Over the years, he has stayed by her side, working hard and suffering for her without complaint or regret.

Pei Shijiu stared blankly at the woman before him, feeling the delicate and gentle caress of her fingers. Lian'er rarely made such intimate gestures, and he wished he could hold onto this moment forever.