Helian Jue embarked on his journey home, while Xie Yuan continued building the bridge.
More than a month has passed, and the project has progressed by one-third.
This is the most difficult part of laying the bridge foundation. Once this step is completed, the rest of the work will go much more smoothly.
Fortunately, this cross-sea bridge is not very long, only a few kilometers at most.
If it were any longer, it would be really difficult to achieve with the current level of engineering.
Oysters are indeed amazing, but their main function is to stabilize the bridge foundation and prevent the foundation stones from being eroded by seawater.
The basic principles and procedures must still be followed in every step and project of bridge construction.
Having oysters doesn't mean everything will be fine!
Over the past period, Xie Yuan's main focus has been supervising the construction of the bridge!
She was too preoccupied with the trivial matters of the Prince's Mansion and the affairs of the new town in He County.
"Your Majesty, people have arrived from the new town of Hexian!"
That day, Xie Yuan was guarding the construction site again when Zheng Yurong rushed over.
Who is it?
Xie Yuan knew that if it was an unimportant nobody, Zheng Yurong would help her get rid of them.
But she came specifically to report to me now, which means she is someone that even I, the head housekeeper, cannot easily dismiss.
"..."
Zheng Yurong, who is usually shrewd and capable, rarely showed a hesitant expression.
Xie Yuan caught a glimpse of Zheng Yurong out of the corner of his eye, and after a moment's thought, guessed a few candidates.
The first question is, "Could it be someone from the Xie family?"
The imperial messenger from the capital had already left, but the decree for the marriage was still kept at the Prince of Yue's residence.
According to the rules, there should be two copies of such an imperial edict.
Since it's an "arranged marriage," both the man and woman need to be notified.
The Yue Wang Mansion represents the groom's side, while Xie Ze represents the bride's side.
Although Xie Yuan didn't pay much attention to this matter, Helian Jue also sent someone to tell her, "Don't worry about it, just wait for me to come back!"
Therefore, Xie Yuan didn't care at all how Xie Ze reacted.
However, while Xie Yuan may ignore it, Xie Ze's family will not disregard it.
"Your Majesty, you are unaware of the truth."
Upon hearing Xie Yuan mention the Xie family, Zheng Yurong's embarrassment vanished instantly.
She said somewhat indignantly, "Ever since the angel went to the Xie family to read the imperial edict, the Xie family seems to have received some kind of get-out-of-jail-free card."
"They're making a big fuss about it everywhere, and they're hosting a huge banquet for guests."
"And those remaining officials and powerful families in He County, like dogs seeing a bone, all rushed to the Xie family to lick their boots!"
Zheng Yurong was clearly furious, and when she reported back, she couldn't help but blurt out.
It's no wonder she was angry; those people's opportunistic behavior was utterly shameless.
After the prince publicly executed Cui Boyong, all the officials and powerful families were terrified and remained silent.
Each and every one of them is as well-behaved as could be.
The princess said she wanted to build a new crescent-shaped city and renovate the old town of Hexian.
Even if those officials and powerful families were unwilling, they still cooperated eagerly.
But now, an imperial edict has arrived from the capital, bestowing Xie Rou, the daughter of Magistrate Xie Ze, upon the Prince of Yue as his concubine.
Those people seemed to see a glimmer of hope again and began to place bets and invest.
What do they mean?
Do you really think Xie Rou can compete with his own princess for the emperor's favor?
Pooh!
Shameless! You despicable person!
Zheng Yurong was loyal to the Yue Prince's Mansion, and even more loyal to Xie Yuan, the princess consort.
Xie Rou's identity destined her to become Xie Yuan's enemy.
Although she hasn't entered the house yet and there hasn't been any direct confrontation, Zheng Yurong already dislikes Xie Rou and the Xie family.
Those officials and powerful families who took the opportunity to flatter and fawn over Zheng Yurong further irritated her.
How could she not be angry?
Xie Yuan, however, did not care.
Are you kidding me?
Given Xie Rou's past grievances with Helian Jue, how could she possibly expect to gain Helian Jue's favor?
Xie Yuan knew better than anyone how vengeful Helian Jue was.
Yes! The Sage can issue an edict to forcibly give Xie Rou to Helian Jue.
But in the royal palace, without the favor of a man, even a princess would probably live a very stifling life.
Not to mention a concubine.
Xie Ze might have thought of these things, but people tend to have wishful thinking and always feel that they might be the exception.
Xie Rou was an extremely self-important woman who always thought of herself as a noblewoman from a prominent family, and that the royal family should give her enough respect.
Such an arrogant and narcissistic person, once she enters the Prince's mansion, doesn't even need Xie Yuan to lift a finger; Helian Jue can make her wish she were dead.
Therefore, Xie Yuan never regarded Xie Rou as a threat.
The more high-profile Xie Rou and her family act now, the more miserable they will become in the future.
"They're throwing a big banquet at home, just doing their thing. Why are they coming to the Prince's mansion again?"
Xie Yuan didn't take Xie Rou seriously, but he didn't want to be disgusted by her all the time.
The problem is, this family is so annoying. If you ignore them, they always pop up to make their presence known.
"They're here to measure the house."
At this point, Zheng Yurong's face turned angry again.
"Your Majesty, they are ridiculous. She is just a concubine, yet she really thinks she has a mission."
"Measuring the house? Does she really think she's a princess who was married in a proper ceremony? If it weren't for the emperor's decree, she would have been carried in by a sedan chair."
Zheng Yurong said indignantly, "They are now searching the world for good things to make a dowry for Xie Rou."
"Hmph, those opportunistic lackeys are disgusting; they're actually willing to cooperate."
"Several powerful families who couldn't curry favor with you have gone to help Xie Rou."
"Some brought out the best wood and fabric they had saved for their daughters."
Zheng Yurong looked disdainful.
She looked down on women like Xie Rou who were forced into becoming concubines, and she also despised those opportunistic people who tried to profit from the situation.
"Measuring the house? Bah! She doesn't deserve it!"
"The prince hasn't returned yet, and he hasn't said where she should stay. Perhaps he'll just give her a small, run-down courtyard to stay in."
Zheng Yurong was truly furious; her words were laced with sullen anger.
Xie Yuan: ...Hey, although it was said in anger, given Helian Jue's petty nature and tendency to hold grudges, it's actually quite possible.
When Xie Rou broke off the engagement, it was like another blow to Helian Jue, who was already in dire straits.
Such humiliation would be unbearable even for an ordinary man, let alone someone as vindictive as Helian Jue.
“I have no patience to see the Xie family. Go tell them that the Prince has gone hunting and will probably not be back for some time.”
"We'll discuss the bridal chamber and wedding ceremony when His Highness returns."
Xie Yuantai was confident and didn't consider Xie Rou a threat at all.
Xie Yuan didn't care at all about Sister Xie's provocative behavior of coming to his door.
Xie Yuan's indifference was perceived as "jealousy" by Xie Rou and Cui Shi.
"I told you so, no matter how capable Xie Yuan is, she's still a woman."
"And every woman gets jealous and envious..."
Madam Cui smiled smugly, "This is just the beginning. As the legal wife, I'll have a lot more to do in the future, helping my husband take concubines."
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