Ouyang Xiuqi had expected Yi Shuihan to say something like "he has a high alcohol tolerance" or "he is a womanizer".

Unexpectedly, Yi Shuihan replied, "You are serious about your work."

He was completely dumbfounded.

"What kind of strength is that?"

Yi Shuihan laughed and said, "Qingyin told me that people who are serious about their work are the most charming. You've been away from the capital for several months now, do you still remember that you were the Vice Minister of the Court of State Ceremonial?"

Ouyang Xiuqi: "..."

I honestly don't remember.

He took a long leave when he accompanied Ji Yunhua back to the southwest.

I thought I could go back in a month or two, but it's been almost half a year and he's still wandering around outside.

The Minister of the Court of State Ceremonies did not send a letter urging him to return; he had long forgotten that he still held an official position.

“As an official, your official duties are your primary responsibility,” Yi Shuihan continued, “but if you neglect your duties and spend all your time by Ji Yunhua’s side without any sense of distance, how can you expect her to look at you differently?”

Ouyang Xiuqi was dumbfounded: "What's the point of maintaining a sense of distance?"

He felt that he and Yunhua were too far apart, and he wished he could get closer to her.

"Distance creates space for imagination."

Yi Shuihan replied.

This is what Xiao Qingyin told him.

"Ji Yunhua refused to marry Zhao Ziqian because the two of them grew up together and were very close, with no mystery between them, making it impossible for them to develop feelings beyond friendship."

is that so?

Ouyang Xiuqi was skeptical.

He felt that Yunhua and Zhao Ziqian had great chemistry, got along very well, and had a very good relationship.

However, Yunhua did say that Zhao Xiaopang was too familiar with her. When they went to a restaurant, she didn't even need to order; he knew what she wanted to eat.

When Ouyang Xiuqi heard this, he felt a pang of jealousy.

He felt that the two of them were like an old married couple, and that he was completely superfluous.

I tossed and turned all night, unable to sleep.

I don't know how I, who has only known Ji Yunhua for less than a year, can surpass Zhao Xiaopang, who has been with her for more than ten years.

Yi Shuihan's words gave him a glimmer of hope.

Knowing someone for too long and becoming too familiar with them might also be a disadvantage.

Does he still have an advantage?

but--

"You mean, you want me to return to Beijing to take up a post?"

Ouyang Xiuqi asked in confusion.

But Yunhua is going to open Baibaozhai in Nandan. Wouldn't he be unable to see her when he returns to the capital?

If you can't even see the person, what's the point of chasing them?

Yi Shuihan shook his head.

“If you go back to Beijing to take up your post, she won’t see how hard you work. It would be better for you to stay in Nandan and take up your post. Nandan is in dire need of people right now.”

Ouyang Xiuqi: "..."

He looked at Yi Shuihan with annoyance: "After all that beating around the bush, you just want me to be your laborer!"

He almost believed it!

What are the strengths of being meticulous in doing things?

Pooh!

It's just a way of trying to trick him into doing things like a beast of burden.

"It's true that I'm hiring, and it's also true that I'm helping you," Yi Shuihan chuckled. "Ji Yunhua has things to do, you can't just sit around doing nothing, can you?"

Ouyang Xiuqi rolled his eyes.

"Have you forgotten that this is Nandan, not Daxi? I ​​am the Vice Minister of the Court of State Ceremonial of Daxi. How can I serve as an official in Nandan?"

If His Majesty finds out, it would be strange if he didn't consider him a traitor.

His mother is still in Da Xi. If he is really convicted of treason and his family is wiped out, where will he go to cry?

Thinking of this, he asked doubtfully, "What are your plans? Are you going to become the local tyrant of Nandan from now on, instead of returning to Daxi to be your regent and general? And you don't want the Yong'an Marquis's mansion anymore?"

Although Nandan has a large land area, most of its people are uncivilized barbarians.

In the eyes of the Da Xi people, this place was a complete wasteland.

Yi Shuihan has already become the regent, just one step away from the position. If he wanted to, he could easily become emperor.

It would be such a waste to give up like this.

But Yi Shuihan nodded: "Yes, I don't want Da Xi's fame and fortune."

Why do you have to do this?

Ouyang Xiuqi advised.

"Why not incorporate Nandan into Da Xi, making it a special prefecture, and you can still be your regent?"

Yi Shuihan shook his head: "Nandan will become a completely different entity from Da Xi and even the surrounding countries. I need it to maintain its complete independence."

“Isn’t it unique by nature?” Ouyang Xiuqi blurted out, “Only it is a theocracy.”

"I have eradicated the Holy Church."

Yi Shuihan smiled.

"As for what the differences will be, you'll find out once you stay and take up the position."

Ouyang Xiuqi was a little curious, but did not immediately agree.

"I need to think about it."

He wanted to ask Yunhua about her plans first.

Yi Shuihan was not in a hurry.

"No problem, take your time to think it over."

Ouyang Xiuqi then went to find Ji Yunhua.

At that time, Ji Yunhua was having tea with Zhao Ziqian in a teahouse. Upon hearing his words, he replied without hesitation, "Of course I will stay here."

"Qingyin told me that Nandan does not classify people into different social classes based on their status as scholars, farmers, artisans, and merchants. All professions are equal. I want to make a name for myself here and become the richest man in the country."

Ouyang Xiuqi was dumbfounded.

So Yunhua's dream was to become the richest man?

Zhao Ziqian had originally come to Nandan with Ji Yunhua, but upon hearing her words, he realized that she intended to stay and do business.

I was quite surprised: "You're not going back to Da Xi?"

“Go back. I’m doing business here, it’s not like I’m giving up my life as a Da Xi citizen.”

Ji Yunhua replied.

"Qingyin said she would issue me a permanent residence permit, so that even if I am the Princess of Daxi, I can still enjoy the benefits of Nandan people, and the tax rate will be the same."

Ouyang Xiuqi and Zhao Ziqian exchanged a glance, both somewhat surprised.

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