Seeing that his niece looked unwell, Li Lao Er thought she was frightened and quickly comforted her.
"Don't be afraid, Fu Niu'er. Our family doesn't get involved in these things and stays out of it, so we won't have any trouble. But you, living in the palace, you must be careful in everything you do. Don't send any news home that isn't urgent, or you might get caught!"
Jiayin nodded blankly, barely managing to pull herself together, and also instructed, "Second Uncle, you must remember. No matter who recommends the Second Prince as Crown Prince, you must not interfere, just follow the Emperor's decree."
"Furthermore, given the Marquis of Dingbei's despicable behavior, once he latches onto the Emperor's coattails, he might seek revenge against our family and Mr. Wen. The family should prepare in advance and take precautions."
Both Li Lao Er and Mr. Wen nodded.
Mr. Wen further stated, "Years ago, I began to guard against him using underhanded tactics, so I have been collecting evidence of his crimes. If he remains unscathed, all will be well; but if he dares to harbor any evil intentions, I will certainly not let him have a good end."
"Besides, once a person is disloyal, they will never be trusted again. Even if he turns against the Empress Dowager's camp and joins the Emperor's side, such a disloyal and unrighteous villain will never be valued or trusted by the Emperor."
Jiayin understood this principle and could be considered somewhat relieved.
After exchanging a few more casual words, Jiayin went back to sleep.
The next morning, she got up, changed into coarse cloth clothes, and went for a walk in the fields with the village chief.
This year's drought and reduced yields are a foregone conclusion.
No one can control the will of Heaven, so all we can do is carry water to irrigate.
Fortunately, the villagers are hardworking and have hired many day laborers nearby.
Oxen and horses pulled water buckets to the edge of the field, and then people carried them into the field to pour water onto the roots of the melon vines. It was really hard work.
Jiayin instructed the village chief, "Don't be stingy with wages, and provide lunch as well."
The village chief quickly replied, "Don't worry, Princess. The wages are higher than elsewhere, and lunch is a mix of meat and vegetables, so we're not going hungry."
"The weather has been bad this year, and I'm afraid most families won't have much to harvest in the fall. They're just hoping to earn some wages to supplement their income. We all came from humble beginnings, how could we possibly mistreat them!"
Jiayin felt relieved, but when she looked up at the glaring sunlight, she was also a little worried.
"We've had good weather for so many years, why is there a drought this year!"
The village chief, however, took it in stride. He pulled his straw hat to fan himself and laughed, “It’s normal for the heavens to have good years and bad years. We’ve had so many years of favorable weather before; that’s already a blessing. We dare not be greedy.”
"Besides, the grain we harvested from the hot spring valley is enough to feed our village for three years, so there's nothing to worry about, Your Highness."
"Alright, it's good that you have a plan in mind, Grandpa Village Chief. Our family can't stay in the village permanently for the time being, so we'll have to trouble you with things both inside and outside the village." Jiayin sincerely bowed to the village chief, who quickly helped her up.
"What are you saying, Princess? This is my home, everyone's home! Who doesn't care about their own family's affairs? It's all our duty!"
The village chief's wrinkles were much deeper than before, and his complexion was tanned to a bronze color, but his smile was still as bright as ever.
Jiayin didn't stand on ceremony any longer and instructed, "I had someone brew a few jars of medicinal wine at the pharmacy. Remember to pick them up and take them home. You and Grandpa Zhao each have a jar, and drink a cup every night to relieve fatigue and pain."
“Great!” The village chief was even more delighted and laughed, “This is a good thing, thank you very much, Princess.”
The old man and the young girl chatted for a few more minutes before Jiayin went back to her old house, changed her clothes, and prepared to return to the city.
Wan'er took care of some trivial matters. Because a family in the village was getting married the next day, they asked her to stay and be a guest of honor. Therefore, she couldn't go back to the city with her sister-in-law.
So she instructed, "Sister, Father and Mr. Wen left in a hurry and forgot two boxes of things, which the Lu family entrusted to the caravan to bring back. If you are going the same way, could you deliver them to the young master Lu?"
Jiayin hesitated for a moment. None of her brothers were home, and there really was no one else who could help her.
“Okay, sister-in-law, have someone load it onto the car. I’ll stop by the Lu family’s house after I get into town.”
Soon, everything was packed, Jiayin hugged her chubby little nephew, and got into the car.
In the Lu family mansion in Xinduli, the head steward Lu Feng was talking to the heir.
"Your Highness, are we just going to let those rumors outside continue like this? Should I send someone to deal with them?"
Lu Zong shook his head and gestured for the head steward to sit down.
Although the head steward now manages the household affairs, he is actually a distant cousin from a collateral branch of the family.
"Sixth Brother, don't worry about it. I have my own plans. Just take care of things at home, and don't concern yourself with anything else." Lu Zong poured a cup of tea for the steward and casually asked, "Has anyone sent word from home yet?"
"No, Your Highness. Judging by the days, the Li family's caravan will be returning soon. Perhaps the family will entrust the Li family to deliver a letter."
Just as the steward finished speaking, a servant ran up to report, "Young Master, Princess Kangle has sent someone to inform you that she will be coming to visit in her princess carriage shortly."
A princess?!
Lu Zong suddenly stood up, took two quick steps outside, and then hurriedly turned back to call his personal servant to find him a new long gown.
When the servant brought him his clothes, he changed his mind again. "No, I don't need to change. I've been plagued by rumors these past few days, so I should look a bit disheveled. Dressing neatly would just make me look fake."
After saying that, he instructed the steward, "Quickly prepare tea and snacks. The tea should be mild, and the snacks should be our Southwest specialties..."
However, the steward seemed not to hear him and instead chased away the servants and maids.
Once only the two of them were left in the room, the steward bowed and said, "Your Highness, the person who has come is Princess Kangle, not the Third Princess! You cannot do this..."
Lu Zong stood there, stunned, the light in his eyes gradually fading.
After a long silence, he finally replied, "I understand, you may leave."
The head butler backed out, closed the door tightly, and then stood guard outside...
The Third Princess's carriage was a gift from the Emperor last year. It was drawn by two horses and the carriage was decorated very luxuriously, attracting the attention of many people as it passed by.
Jiayin sat in the carriage, occasionally stopping to listen to the lively chatter of the idle people outside, and decided not to get off.
Upon arriving at the Lu family's gate, Lu Zong came out to greet them shortly afterward.
Jiayin opened the window, waved to him, and whispered, "Brother Lu, come up and talk to me!"
Lu Zong glanced at the bystanders in the distance, guessed what was going on, then stepped down the steps and stepped forward with a smile, "What brings you here, Princess? And you're riding in the princess's carriage?"
Jiayin sighed and shrugged helplessly, "Don't mention it, it's all a story."
Lu Zong couldn't help but laugh and suggested, "Shall we go in and have a cup of tea?"
"No, Brother Lu." Jiayin pointed to the old soldier carrying boxes behind the car and said, "The convoy that took my brother to the southwest is back. Your family sent you two boxes of things. My brothers aren't home, so I had to help deliver them."
"Your convoy is really impressive! It's such a long journey, yet you've returned so quickly!" Lu Zong exclaimed in surprise, his face beaming with delight.
Two updates today!
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