Everyone burst into laughter, but Fu Zhun couldn't bear to see Su An's predicament any longer and asked what had happened while he was unconscious.
From her confrontation with Xia Yuandao, to how she took meticulous care of herself, to working with the Marquis to advance the South-to-North Water Diversion Project.
Fu Zhun listened quietly, his dark eyes filled with growing surprise and admiration. "Courageous and intelligent, Su An, you have truly broadened my horizons."
She broke the shackles that bound women, governed Jizhou in an orderly manner, and was no less capable than any man.
Just as Su An had calmed down, she suddenly met Fu Zhunsheng's astonished eyes. She was so embarrassed that she scratched her toes on the ground and felt like crying.
"How can I not be amazed? Even the oxen that plow the fields aren't as tired as me. I'm always being bossed around!"
She complained bitterly as if she had found an outlet, which made the group laugh and joke again.
But what made Su An happiest was that Fu Zhun woke up, and she could finally go back to being a hands-off manager!
After recovering somewhat, Fu Zhun took over the task of disaster relief and drought mitigation.
He organized the people to dig canals to divert water, re-irrigate farmland and restore dry land, and ordered the construction of reservoirs to store rainwater for unforeseen needs.
He ordered his troops to transport grain from other areas to ensure that the people in the disaster area had basic food for a short period of time.
The Prince of Zhenbei's appeal and deterrent power were extraordinary. Things that Su An would have had difficulty pushing forward were now running at lightning speed with just one order from him.
In just half a month, the newly pacified Ji Province was restored to peace!
The people saw it all and remembered it, and the name of the King of Zhenbei spread throughout the streets and alleys.
"We never imagined in our lives that we would see these fields come back to life! Thanks to the Prince, otherwise we really wouldn't be able to make a living!"
"We will never forget their contributions. They brought the disaster-stricken areas back to life—a truly great deed!"
The market and teahouses were bustling with lively discussions, and everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves immensely.
However, as the days went by, Zhou Li's expression grew increasingly grave and anxious.
"Your Highness, has my elder brother still not been found? It's been so long..."
Zhou Li, who is usually the most enthusiastic about eating, now has no appetite at the dinner table and looks listless.
Su An fell silent slightly; she had also learned about Zhou Li's elder brother, Zhou Chen, during this time.
They came to Jizhou for disaster relief but disappeared due to riots and there has been no news of them since.
Fu Zhun frowned slightly, and gave Zhou Li a rare reassuring look, "Now that Ji Province has been pacified, we can recall some people. I will send them to intensify the search for Zhou Chen, so don't worry."
"Yes, no news is good news. Maybe your older brother is having a good time somewhere." Xie Qingfeng nudged him reassuringly.
"This divine doctor will also help you find it... Alright, alright, look at your listless and pathetic appearance."
Su An couldn't help with this, so he could only make two extra roasted chicken legs for Zhou Li as a consolation, saying, "If you're full, you'll find it quickly!"
Zhou Li immediately put on an exaggerated teary-eyed look, his eyes genuinely red, a mixture of emotion and worry.
Unfortunately, about half a month passed quietly, and Zhou Chen's whereabouts were still unknown.
The weather is gradually turning cooler in autumn, and tomorrow is the Mid-Autumn Festival.
To boost morale, Su An led everyone in making mooncakes, which also served to ward off bad luck.
Although the steps of kneading dough, making fillings, and baking cakes were tedious, many soldiers helped in the kitchen, making it relatively easy and enjoyable.
Su An specially commissioned a carpenter to carve a mold depicting Chang'e flying to the moon. He placed the filled sphere into the mold, pressed it gently, and a round and plump mooncake was formed.
The first batch of baked mooncakes came out of the oven, resembling exquisite works of art. They were golden in color, with a crispy crust and lifelike patterns of moons flying around them, making them extremely delicate and beautiful.
"This is the first time I've ever seen mooncakes! And these are handmade, they smell so good!" A soldier picked one up and couldn't wait to take a bite, his eyes immediately shining with excitement.
The mooncakes were made in four flavors: nuts, dried fruit, red bean paste, and egg yolk. The soldiers helping in the kitchen each chose their favorite, and for a moment they were all immersed in a wonderful and happy feeling.
"Damn it! Eating this is worth it for my whole life!"
The soldiers shouted and yelled, their words crude and unrestrained, but they were all expressing their love and enthusiasm for mooncakes. They looked at Su An with the same adoration as if he were a god descending to earth.
Feeling embarrassed by their stares, Su An could only hand over the kitchen to them and cook whatever she wanted, while she herself went to Fu Zhun's courtyard under the moonlight.
Happy Mid-Autumn Festival, everyone! These are freshly baked mooncakes; if you miss them this year, you'll have to wait until next year!
Su An smiled and put down the food box. Zhou Li and Xie Qingfeng, who had just finished their work, immediately grabbed a stack of food each.
"I knew the young boss would head straight for the prince's courtyard and completely forget about us! Luckily, I was quick-witted!"
Upon hearing this, Fu Zhun glanced at him with a half-smile, "Not happy? Then put it down."
"Tch." Zhou Li muttered resentfully, then immediately took a bite.
The crispy outer crust and the delicate, soft filling create a rich and delightful taste that unfolds on the tongue, sweet but not cloying, fragrant but not overpowering.
It's so beautiful it almost made me cry!
"Alright, go enjoy the moon and eat your own food. This prince is protective of his wife!" Xie Qingfeng noticed Fu Zhun's disdain and grabbed Zhou Li, pulling him away.
Su An: "Pfft."
She shook her head and chuckled, then took out another box of flower mooncakes and placed it on the stone table. "Besides the regular flavors, these are flower-filled mooncakes that I made especially for you. No one else has ever tasted them."
Fu Zhun took it and looked at the rabbit pattern on it, then took a small bite, tempted by the sight.
A smooth, silky texture, with floral fragrance lingering on the lips and teeth, like a gentle spring breeze.
"The taste is quite refreshing and unique." Fu Zhun swallowed hard, raised his dark eyes and looked directly at Su An, raising an eyebrow and asking with a smirk, "Is my portion special?"
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