After carefully sorting out the whole story, Su Yingxue boarded the carriage heading to the palace.
Although this fundraising effort is of great benefit to the court, it involves internal affairs.
As a man, Lu Jingze's identity presents many inconveniences, making it most appropriate for Su Yingxue to handle this matter.
Upon arriving at the palace, Su Yingxue explained the situation to the Empress in detail.
The Empress praised it highly after hearing it.
The Empress invited her to stay in the palace for a while, while she herself hurried off to report to the Emperor and seek his instructions.
Before long, the Empress returned with a smile on her face. "Yingxue, His Majesty has already given his approval. From now on, you will be in charge of handling everything!"
Unexpectedly, Su Yingxue said, "Your Majesty, I dare not take credit for this matter. The idea came from Consort Wang Xiuxiu, and I think it would be more appropriate for her to take charge."
“Yingxue, I know you are kind-hearted and generous, but you must know that no matter how intelligent that concubine is, she is just a concubine without any background or foundation. If she wants to successfully win over those shrewd and worldly merchants, or even the wives of officials in the capital, she is probably not capable enough with her status and ability.”
Su Yingxue wanted to argue further, but the Empress interrupted her again.
She then advised, "If this fundraising effort is successfully completed, neither I nor the Emperor will treat her unfairly. According to you, your concubine is a sensible woman. Why don't you go back to your residence and ask her if she is willing to merely act as a 'female strategist' behind the scenes?"
Su Yingxue tried to explain, but her explanations were all abruptly cut off.
Left with no other choice, he boarded the carriage back to the Prince's Palace with a heavy heart.
Su Yingxue was very anxious throughout the journey.
The girl trusted him completely and had no defenses against him at all.
Now that things have been accomplished, it's really outrageous that Xiuxiu is expected to hide in the back.
Su Yingxue was extremely conflicted, completely unsure how to explain the matter to Wang Xiuxiu or how to face her.
Therefore, after returning to the Prince's Mansion, she deliberately avoided Wang Xiuxiu and did not dare to meet her for several days.
Unfortunately, Wang Xiuxiu was unaware of the whole story and thought that it was her bad idea that caused Su Yingxue to be scolded. So she came to apologize with delicious food in her arms.
As a result, Su Yingxue's sense of shame intensified.
Finally, Granny Li, who was standing to the side, couldn't bear to watch any longer and recounted the whole story in detail.
Su Yingxue, like a child who had done something wrong, sat quietly to one side, occasionally stealing glances at Wang Xiuxiu out of the corner of her eye.
"Xiuxiu, you must believe your sister! I really never intended to take credit for your work!"
"It's alright. This matter isn't as simple as it seems. It involves many different people, and I simply can't handle it well. Moreover, given my status, I don't have that much influence or credibility. On the contrary, you, sister, have connections with many women in the capital, and your status as a princess is very useful. Since we all want to do good deeds for the people of Peizhou, then let the capable person take the lead. I think it would be excellent if you took the lead in the preparations, which would also save a lot of unnecessary embezzlement!"
"But this was your idea after all, and only you know best how this event will be carried out."
"It's alright. Didn't Her Majesty the Empress say that I can support you from behind? I'll give you advice and help you solve some minor problems. If we work together, no matter who gets the limelight, as long as the people of Peizhou benefit in the end, that's all that matters!"
Listening to Wang Xiuxiu's story, Su Yingxue was filled with mixed emotions.
I always thought Xiuxiu was a clever girl who loved to enjoy life, but I never imagined she would have such a broad mind.
In contrast, looking back on my previous timid and hesitant behavior of not daring to tell the truth, I was truly judging others by my own petty standards!
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