Fortunately, they had made preparations in advance, evacuating the villagers at the foot of the mountain and the people in the county. They also used the 100,000 taels of silver she had given them to purchase temporary shelters, grain, and rice, which allowed the people to escape disaster and be temporarily settled.

Seeing that her brother was safe and sound, she breathed a sigh of relief. After thinking about it, she realized that the reconstruction of the city also needed money, so she asked Suyue to take out another 100,000 taels of silver notes to send to her brother in reply.

When she opened her uncle's letter, it was also a reply that the Su family had not interfered in any private weapon manufacturing.

Although she didn't know if it was true, she felt somewhat relieved.

Calculating the timeline, it's five or six years earlier than the previous life. Perhaps the Su family hasn't even started getting involved yet. Besides, without Jiang Mingxin, the Su family shouldn't be controlled by others so quickly.

The general in charge of the 300,000 border troops in Dingzhou is General Xiang Zuo, a former subordinate of Yun Yue.

With this relationship in place, they shouldn't be able to coerce the Su family into doing anything illegal.

Moreover, now that Su's eldest cousin's leg injury has healed, he is being groomed by his uncle to be the next generation's heir, so he can't possibly be the spoiled brat that Shi Wenxia mentioned.

To her surprise, there was also a letter tucked inside.

It was written by the old woman Huang who accompanied Shi Xing on his journey. She said that she wanted to move her precious potted plant to Taizhou, but halfway there, all the leaves fell off, so she had to throw it away.

Su Youran chuckled. This old woman was quite clever; she knew how to speak in riddles.

Even if others read this letter, they would only think it was a report of a trivial matter. In fact, it implied that Shi Xing was originally going to Dingzhou, but was tricked by Granny Huang into going towards Taizhou. She took the opportunity to fleece him halfway and left Shi Xing alone on the way!

...

At the Princess's residence, Xuan-ge'er waited for half a day, but his master didn't come. Disappointed, he ran to ask his mother, "Why hasn't Master come yet today?"

The eldest princess suppressed her anger and replied, "Perhaps she was drunk at the Yun family's house last night and hasn't sobered up yet."

How wonderful it would be if she could stay asleep forever?

Let's just pretend last night was a dream.

Xuan Ge'er said "Oh," and suddenly his eyes lit up. "Then I'll go to the clinic to ask my sister to prescribe some hangover medicine for Master!"

The eldest princess couldn't help but say sourly, "You miss your master that much? Can't you even stand not seeing him for a day?"

Xuan-ge nodded vigorously, "Master is knowledgeable, his lectures are interesting, and he is also highly skilled in martial arts. Xuan-ge likes this master very much!"

The princess couldn't help but think that if he stopped coming in the future to avoid embarrassment, wouldn't that disappoint her son?

He then asked cautiously, "Xuan-ge'er, what if... he has something to do recently and won't be able to come for a while?"

Xuan-ge'er asked in surprise, "How long is a period of time?"

"Perhaps... ten days or half a month, or perhaps... a year or two?" The princess was unsure and considered whether she should stay at a temple for ten days or half a month so that he wouldn't run into her when he came to teach Xuan-ge'er and cause unnecessary embarrassment.

Indeed, the widow he had always regarded as his sister had taken his body, which he had kept pure for decades. He must have felt ashamed to face anyone.

Xuan-ge looked disappointed. "Ah...it took so long..."

Suddenly a voice came from the doorway, "I had no idea that I would be gone for ten days, half a month, or even a year and a half?"

Xuan Ge'er's eyes lit up instantly, and he immediately ran out, bowing respectfully, "Greetings, Master!"

Wu Wang didn't go inside, but stood outside and helped Xuan Ge'er up, saying, "My disciple, get up quickly."

Xuan-ge'er grinned happily, "Master! I thought you weren't coming today!"

Why?

"My mother said you drank too much last night..."

"Yes, he ate a bit too much." Wuwang led Xuange'er by the hand and walked towards the study.

The princess inside the room breathed a sigh of relief; it was better that they didn't meet, to avoid embarrassment for both of them.

In the study, Wu Wang pressed Xiao Xuan'er down to sit and asked with a serious expression, "Xuan-ge'er, your teacher has a very important question to ask you."

Xuan-ge'er also looked nervous, "What...what's the problem?"

Wu Wang swallowed hard, seemingly even more nervous than Xuan Ge'er, and slowly asked, "If...if...I become your stepfather...what will you do?"

Xuan-ge'er's eyes widened instantly, and after a moment of silence, he asked in a clear voice, "Then... if you become Xuan-ge'er's stepfather, can you live in the mansion every day and never leave?"

“Yes,” Wuwang nodded, “Of course, if you wish, you can also come with me to stay at the Imperial Preceptor’s residence for a few days…”

However... thinking of the seven Calabash Brothers, he immediately dismissed the idea.

Forget it, I'll just stay at the Princess's residence by myself.

Xuan-ge'er immediately grabbed Wu-wang's arm with delight and looked up at him expectantly, asking, "Then... then if you become Xuan-ge'er's father, can you hug me?"

Wu Wang immediately picked him up happily, twirled him in the air, and then carried him on his shoulders before striding out.

Xuan Ge'er laughed happily. Now when he goes out to play, he will no longer be laughed at by other children for not having a father to carry him!

Hearing the laughter coming from the courtyard, the eldest princess couldn't help but go outside.

When Xuan Ge'er saw his mother appear at the door, he shouted happily, "Mother, I have a father now!"

The eldest princess's face immediately turned bright red, and she shouted, "What nonsense are you spouting?!"

Wu Wang stopped, put Xuan Ge'er down, turned around and looked at her quietly, his ear tips turning bright red.

Once we've got Xuan-ge'er sorted out, there shouldn't be any problems!

Don't think he doesn't know what she did to him last night, Yueyue.

The eldest princess was beckoning Xuan-ge'er over, preparing to give him a good scolding, when Aunt Jinxiu rushed in, "Your Highness, there is an imperial decree from the palace."

The eldest princess looked at her in surprise, "What?"

She hasn't received any imperial edicts for many years.

Aunt Jinxiu nodded firmly, "His Majesty has issued an edict, and the eunuch who will deliver the decree is already waiting in the front hall."

The princess nodded and immediately ordered a table to be set up before changing her clothes.

After a short while, the eldest princess and Xuan-ge knelt before the incense table.

The eunuch who was delivering the imperial edict unfolded it and read it aloud, "By the mandate of Heaven, the Emperor decrees..."

The gist of the decree was that the eldest princess was virtuous and kind, and the imperial advisor was of extraordinary talent and beauty; the two were a match made in heaven, and the marriage was hereby granted to ensure their eternal union and to jointly safeguard the prosperity and flourishing of the Great Zhou Dynasty.

The princess felt her head buzzing, mechanically raised her hand to accept the bright yellow imperial edict, and stared at it in disbelief.

Aunt Jinxiu slipped a large red envelope to the eunuch who was delivering the imperial decree and saw him off at the door.

Xuan Ge jumped up excitedly, "Ah, Master really has become my father! I'm going to tell Master... oh no, Father!"

When the mother and son received the imperial decree, Wuwang stayed in the study.

He ran off in a flash.