His eyes were full of admiration and heartache as he stepped forward and took her hand.
She said softly, "Thank you for your hard work."
Shen Qingtang shook her head, her eyes resolute, regardless of who was behind her.
She would not let their scheme succeed. After the rumors were clarified.
Shen Qingtang's reputation in the Loulan Kingdom was firmly established, and she was even more respected than before. The people witnessed her wisdom and integrity firsthand.
And we can truly feel the convenience she brings, with solar lights illuminating the streets at night.
The seed planter saved a lot of effort in farm work, and the various delicacies from the Central Plains captivated everyone's taste buds. People started mentioning Shen Qingtang's name.
Everyone gave her a thumbs up, praising her as a "distinguished guest who brings good fortune."
Elizabeth regarded Shen Qingtang as a close friend and would invite her to the palace to discuss matters every day. The two would often talk for most of the day, from business planning to people's livelihood governance, and they had a great understanding of each other.
Shen Qingtang remained uneasy. Although the rumors had been quelled, the method of using evil magic to control the vendors silently was more covert and ruthless than Lu Jiaojiao's previous tricks.
She had a vague feeling that besides Lu Jiaojiao, there must be another force secretly targeting her.
This force was deeply hidden and its strength should not be underestimated, forcing her to be even more vigilant.
Lu Jiaojiao, who was hiding in a dilapidated temple on the outskirts of the city, learned that Shen Qingtang had not only cleared his name but also...
It became even more popular, which made him so angry that he trembled all over and almost spat out a mouthful of blood.
She clutched the evil magic doll in her arms tightly, her nails twisting it out of shape, her eyes filled with a distorted venom: "Shen Qingtang! You bitch! How do you always manage to escape danger!"
But after the anger subsided, a strange sense of shock and confusion arose in her heart.
She knew very well that her evil magic could only control people's minds temporarily and was very easy to leave flaws.
But this time, the rumor spread so quickly and so widely.
Clearly, someone was pulling the strings behind the scenes, and may even have used methods more powerful than hers.
"Could it be that besides me, someone else also wants to get rid of Shen Qingtang?" Lu Jiaojiao muttered to herself, her eyes filled with disbelief. "Who exactly is this force? They are even more ruthless than me!" She was both jealous and wary, and she hoped that someone could get rid of Shen Qingtang for her.
He was also afraid that this mysterious force would eventually wipe him out as well.
For a moment, he was at a loss for what to do and could only huddle in the dilapidated temple, anxiously watching the situation unfold.
Meanwhile, Pei Nian'an and Jenny's friendship deepened day by day. The two were almost inseparable. Jenny took Pei Nian'an to see the desert oasis of Loulan Kingdom and taught him to identify the flowers and spices of the Western Regions.
Pei Nian'an then taught Jenny the origami skills that Shen Qingtang had taught him, folding paper cranes and boats, which made Jenny beam with joy.
Sometimes the two would run to the palace kitchen together and pester the chefs to teach them how to cook the other country's cuisine.
Pei Nian'an learned to make roasted mutton from the Western Regions, while Jenny learned to make glutinous rice balls from the Central Plains. Although they often got covered in flour, they enjoyed it very much.
Jenny's father was Prince Eric of the Kingdom of Loulan, and her mother was Princess Sophia.
Seeing how close the two children were, he grew even more fond of Shen Qingtang.
Prince Eric, known for his forthright personality, has repeatedly praised Shen Qingtang in public, saying, "Shen Qingtang is not only exceptionally talented, but the children she raises are also so well-behaved and sensible. It is Loulan's good fortune to be able to cooperate with Shen Qingtang!"
He also specially invited Shen Qingtang and Pei Wuwang to his residence, and served them fine wines from the Western Regions that he had treasured for many years and the finest jade.
During the meal, he kept asking Shen Qingtang for advice on doing business in the Central Plains, his words full of admiration.
Princess Sofia, gentle and dignified, showed particular concern for Shen Qingtang's clothing, appearance, and lifestyle. She learned that Shen Qingtang liked flowers and plants.
He then had the gardens of his mansion filled with Western Region flowers that were rarely seen in the Central Plains.
Knowing that Shen Qingtang had traveled a long way and had suffered a lot, he specially arranged for someone to prepare calming spices and comfortable bedding, and held Shen Qingtang's hand to ask about her well-being.
He treated her like his own younger sister: "Qingtang, feel at home in Loulan. Don't hesitate to ask if you need anything."
She also secretly told Shen Qingtang that Jenny had always been lively and rarely clung to anyone like this, which is why she was able to become good friends with Pei Nian'an.
She was genuinely happy, and if the two children were to be together in the future, she and Prince Eric would give their full support.
Shen Qingtang felt warmed by Prince Eric and Princess Sofia's sincerity and enthusiasm. She smiled and replied, "Your Highness and Princess are too kind. Your care has made me feel very warm. It is also a blessing for Nian An to become good friends with Jenny. From now on, we are family, and it is only right that we look after each other."
Pei Wuwang sat to the side, watching Shen Qingtang get along well with the Loulan nobles. His eyes were full of tenderness for his Qingtang. No matter where she went, she could win the respect and love of others with her charm, which made him both proud and at ease.
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