"Beizhou has developed a type of sea salt that is as white as snow and free of odor and impurities."
Xiao Zhixing handed her a small sample bag. "Dongzhou has a long coastline, and the beaches are mostly unclaimed, making it a natural place for sea salt production."
Feng Zhen'er carefully opened the oil paper, pinched a pinch of snow-white fine salt and tasted it, her eyes like stars, "Your Highness is so generous, I have benefited from this. This matter is too big, I'm afraid I can't handle it."
Xiao Zhixing said, "All relationships in the world are based on interests. I don't like to keep things to myself. Since I'm giving them to you, I want you to use this opportunity to bring these forces in Dongzhou under your control."
Feng Zhen'er was stunned. She understood that Xiao Zhixing wanted her to give a definite answer so that he could win her over and make her work for him.
Feng Zhen'er prided herself on being as talented as anyone else. She admired Xiao Zhixing's wisdom and character and was willing to befriend her.
This friendship is based on equality; how could someone as proud as her easily submit to someone?
Once she accepts this tempting offer, she will become Xiao Zhixing's subordinate, not Feng Zhen'er, the matriarch of the Feng family.
Seeing her deep in thought, Xiao Zhixing smiled and said, "Zhen'er is the most free-spirited and open-minded woman I have ever met. She has the world in her heart, is unwilling to be mediocre, and does not want to become an appendage of the men in the harem. She and I are so like-minded."
She reached out her hand, her smile as bright as the sun. "Zhixing's lifelong wish is for a prosperous and peaceful nation, where the seas are calm and the rivers are clear, and the people live in peace and prosperity. The road to this is winding and long. Zhen'er, would you be willing to join hands with me to build the kingdom in our hearts?"
Feng Zhen'er stared at the outstretched hand.
These hands were not as flawless as a noblewoman's; they had thin calluses and small scars.
Lean and strong, with clearly visible veins.
Just like Xiao Zhixing, he is open, magnanimous, genuine, and full of boundless vitality.
Feng Zhen'er sighed deeply, reached out and grasped her large hand, and smiled with a sigh, "You are the best at winning hearts and minds, you know how to manipulate me."
Xiao Zhixing gripped her hand tightly in return, saying, "I wouldn't bother with such effort for just anyone, but only you, Feng Zhen'er, are worthy of my utmost care and attention."
The two looked at each other and laughed again, overjoyed at having found a kindred spirit.
Feng Zhen'er joked, "I have to pass this on to Xiao Xian'er and make her jealous."
Zhao Xianyin was just as proud as her, clearly wanting to get closer to Xiao Zhixing, yet she had to carefully maintain her composure.
Waiting for Xiao Zhixing to come and ask for it.
They knew better than anyone that if they wanted Xiao Zhixing to personally ask for it, they would have to prove their abilities.
The subtle tensions involved are endlessly fascinating.
Xiao Zhixing understood, of course. She smiled and said, "Xiao Yinyin is in Suzhou and is almost at her wits' end with the Feng family. Tell her that if she can't take it anymore, I don't mind playing the hero and rescuing her."
Feng Zhen'er laughed, "Are you trying to add fuel to the fire over there?"
Zhao Xianyin couldn't stand being looked down upon. Upon hearing this, she would have to fight the Feng family a few more times to prove that she didn't need anyone to save her.
After the jokes, the two got down to business.
"The matter of Haiyan is of great importance, and those who join us must be carefully selected."
Feng Zhen'er asked in surprise, "You really don't want to get involved?"
Xiao Zhixing waved his hand, "Dongzhou is your territory, I am very relieved. Ning Jin will come to Dongzhou soon to discuss the specific details of cooperation with you. With him representing me, that is enough."
Feng Zhen'er remained silent for a while before saying, "I have also gained a lot from your policies for governing the Northern State. I am now in charge of the coastal areas of the Eastern State. I hope Your Highness will not hesitate to give me your guidance on those policies that benefit the people."
Xiao Zhixing smiled, knowingly accepting her return favor. "Those pirates you've subdued can't protect the secrets of Haiyan. It's also a political vacuum there. My Xiao family army just wants to train a navy. Dongzhou is full of harbors, making it the perfect place."
Feng Zhen'er understood the true purpose of her trip and couldn't help but tease, "Prince Yuansheng is so wealthy and powerful, just how many troops can he support?"
How many troops must be stationed in Ningzhou, Mengzhou, Xiazhou, and Beizhou?
Feng Zhen'er's heart stirred, and she couldn't help but ask softly, "I can agree to this, but you have to tell me the truth: what do you want from all this militarism?"
Could they really be planning a rebellion?
Yes, everyone in the world is guessing that Xiao Zhixing will rebel one day, but no one knows when or how she will rebel.
Her oath in the Northern State was merely proof that she wouldn't easily rebel; it didn't actually guarantee anything.
It's a really strange thing.
Xiao Zhixing chuckled and drew a circle with his finger, "Across the Bohai Bay from Dongzhou is my Beizhou. At the narrowest point, it takes less than two days to cross by fast boat."
"Dongzhou is adjacent to Zhongzhou to the west, and Suzhou and Haizhou are further south. If I hide my troops here, I can support both the north and the south."
Feng Zhen'er chuckled, "Is that really so?"
If she continues to make these arrangements, the three sides of Zhongzhou will be surrounded by her troops.
Don't forget that Xiong Chumo and Huo Baijun in the south may seem insignificant now, but they cannot be ignored.
She even suspected that the Feng family had already begun to be targeted by her.
Xiao Zhixing nodded firmly and innocently, "That's exactly it!"
Feng Zhen'er, hehe.
Well, since she's already on her ship, I should do everything I can to help her.
She thought mysteriously, if Xiao Zhixing really succeeded in the future and became the first female emperor in history.
That's so exciting, she admits she's an adventurer too.
The two then discussed some more details.
For example, a coastal cement road will be built, which will connect the coastlines of the two states and shorten the travel time by land.
It makes marching easier.
Xiao's army will turn the Bohai Bay into a training ground for its navy and will not interfere with Dongzhou's military affairs.
Of course, Shi Erbao's side is a hidden force, a trump card, while Xiao's army is the visible navy.
Don't put all your eggs in one basket.
Feng Zhen'er decided to introduce and learn from suitable policies in Beizhou, such as land reclamation and basic medical care.
The two inspected local conditions and searched for suitable salt fields and new seaport construction sites.
She tried her best not to alert local officials, but unfortunately her giant guards were conspicuous, and as soon as she entered a town, the local officials would inevitably find out.
Perhaps frightened by Chang Shigeng's affair, they treated her like an imperial envoy.
This left her feeling helpless.
Of course, it wasn't without its advantages; I met many talented young men and women along the way.
They were all the children of these officials, who came along to accompany them.
As a result, more and more people joined her group, and they didn't disturb her and Feng Zhen'er, just watched quietly.
Xiao Zhixing did not hide anything, and occasionally he would generously offer guidance.
When they arrived at Feixian Port, they looked back and counted, and lo and behold, a whole bunch of the children of the county magistrates from Dongzhou had come.
Are they treating her like a kindergarten teacher?
Sure, might as well take advantage of this free labor.
She delegated everything to Feng Zhen'er, giving them tasks to practice on.
These little rascals were so excited; they rushed out as soon as they received the mission.
Xiao Zhixing, holding a teacup and smiling, was pulled onto the boat by her. He wondered if his elders would regret it when they found out.
It's no use going back on your word; once someone's in her hands, there's no chance of them letting go.
Feng Zhen'er gave her a thumbs up. In this way, the local officials in Dongzhou would have to think twice.
"Your Highness, don't forget Fu Enchen."
Leaving them waiting all the way is enough; Fu Shengzhi must be getting really anxious.
Alright, Fu Shengzhi is indeed an important figure; the plan to deploy troops in Dongzhou cannot avoid him.
(Thanks to @爱吃速泡银耳的金虚人 for the first donation!)
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