Tang Qiqi's petite body was thus held captive in Lan Yu's arms. Due to the height difference, Tang Qiqi's line of sight was just level with Lan Yu's Adam's apple.

The pleasant pine scent emanating from Lan Yu and the uncontrollable movement of his Adam's apple made Tang Qiqi's heart flutter.

Being held in the arms of a handsome and charming puppy is a famous scene from idol dramas. Lan Yu's heart was pounding, and his hands were tightly wrapped around Tang Qiqi's slender waist. The atmosphere was ambiguous and awkward!

Tang Qiqi tried to tilt her head back, but met Lan Yu's captivating peach blossom eyes. Tang Qiqi was instantly captivated, and she couldn't remember a single word of the words she had just prepared. She just stared blankly at Lan Yu.

"Girl, look, don't I look pretty too? Am I prettier than them?"

Lan Yu spoke with a straight face, while Tang Qiqi listened in bewilderment. He had already become the city lord, so why was he still so arrogant? Even his appearance had to be compared with others. "Brother Lan Yu is not only handsome, but also exudes nobility. They can't compare to you. If only his temper were a little better, he would be perfect!" Tang Qiqi spoke off the cuff, and she was really going all out for this young man's self-esteem.

Lan Yu was still not happy after hearing this. This girl was really too demanding. She wanted someone who was good-looking and had a good temper.

Geng Rui has a bad temper, even worse than himself. Fang Wenyuan has a good temper, but he's a playboy. Compared to Lan Yu, he thinks he's the best, and that puts his mind at ease.

He lowered his head, his warm breath brushing against Tang Qiqi's ear, and said in a deep and magnetic voice, "Qiqi, you are a girl, you should be more reserved. As the regent, you should be more composed. You can't stare at men so recklessly outside, understand?"

It was clearly a lecture, but it was delivered in such an ambiguous posture and with such a seductive tone that Tang Qiqi didn't even have time to get angry. She just felt her ears burning, and even the old auntie's girlish heart was stirred up!

The proud and arrogant Tang Qiqi couldn't let Lan Yu see that she was completely infatuated. She wouldn't lose face, and since she was only thirteen, she could pretend to be stupid.

Tang Qiqi gently pushed Lan Yu away with her delicate hand, and said innocently, "Then Qiqi should be more reserved. It's not appropriate for Brother Lan Yu to be standing so close to me!"

She tried to break free from Lan Yu's embrace; she couldn't let this continue. This little puppy was both innocent and seductive, and this old auntie's heart couldn't take it.

Lan Yu tightened his grip, holding Tang Qiqi even closer, his voice still low and affectionate: "I'm different from them, Qiqi. Remember, always prioritize what comes first. I've known you since you were four, and you've always called me 'brother.' You can be your truest self in front of me!"

Tang Qiqi belatedly realized that Lan Yu might be jealous. Later, Tang Qiqi dismissed the idea herself. In Lan Yu's eyes, she was a thirteen-year-old child. Although she was smart, she was not mature. He must be afraid that she would be deceived by others.

This is Tang Qiqi's second life, but she is still a love idiot. Apart from having a crush on that dazzling person back then, her love life is a blank.

With the mindset of coaxing a child, Tang Qiqi obediently said, "I understand, Brother Lan Yu, but can you let go of me? It hurts so much!"

Lan Yu reluctantly let go of his hand.

"It's getting late, you should go to sleep!" Lan Yu said, smoothing the stray hairs from Tang Qiqi's forehead with eyes full of affection.

Tang Qiqi nodded obediently, and Lan Yu then quietly left through the window!

Actually, Tang Qiqi wanted to say that since there was no one around, going through the door was also an option.

She slept soundly through the night. For the next few days, Tang Qiqi studied the Ministry of Revenue's plan and discussed and finalized the details with Geng Rui before showing it to Lan Yu.

To ignite the enthusiasm of the people, good policies are naturally needed. In view of the current situation in Lanling, Tang Qiqi proposed that the government should first fund the establishment of technician training classes.

In addition to Tangji's spinning, weaving, and oil pressing, the training programs also include porcelain making, embroidery, tailoring, and cooking!

Conservative officials immediately objected. First, the national treasury was empty, and raising officials' salaries had already cost a fortune. A lot of money had also been spent on building irrigation ditches and providing farmers with farm tools. Now, offering free training courses or fancy classes sounded like empty boasting, and more importantly, it would cost money to provide them.

Minister of the Trade Unions Xie Yunqishan said, "Lord City, this is absolutely unacceptable. Recently, the national treasury's money has been flowing out like water. Now that taxes have been reduced, there is simply no income to replenish the national treasury. The roads in the south of the city are flooded every time it rains. I have petitioned the Lord City many times, but he has never agreed! Our Lord City is wise and mighty, how could he agree to such an absurd proposal!"

The Minister of Rites echoed, "Lord Xie is absolutely right. How can one subsidize the people in every little thing? Wouldn't that just encourage them to be lazy and gluttonous?"

Minister of War Tie spoke in a booming voice: "Lord of the City, Lin'an and Yangcheng are eyeing us covetously, and the surrounding city-states are also restless. Our military preparedness cannot be neglected. Minister Geng is usually cautious in his words and actions; how could he possibly propose such a ridiculous suggestion with the young regent? Truly, one is influenced by one's company!"

As soon as these words were spoken, whispers broke out in the court, with everyone pointing the finger at Tang Qiqi, making her the target of everyone's criticism!