Two days later, after Shen Mingwan sent a letter, Xu Zhi led her people, carrying several large packages, to Shen Mingwan's estate.
Seeing Xu Zhi's large packages, Shen Mingwan smiled and said, "Anyone who didn't know better would think you were moving house."
Xu Zhi said frankly, "Of course we're moving. I'm going with Sister Mingwan this time to buy a small courtyard so that we'll have a place to stay in Wuzhou in the future."
Thinking about the hardships the two of them had endured, Shen Mingwan said with heartache, "It's really heartbreaking to see you chasing after Zheng Boyuan all this time, Ajiu. You must live a good life from now on. Only by living a good life can you live up to your perseverance."
Xu Zhi laughed heartily and said, "Of course, don't worry, Sister Mingwan. I was raised by my parents and older brother. I may not have learned much else, but I've known how to make my life comfortable since I was little. Back then, we followed our father from the capital to Hexi. We endured wind and rain all the way. Hexi wasn't even as impressive as a small town back then. My father built Hexi into what it is today, bit by bit. He often told us that no matter what difficulties we encounter, we must not back down, but face them head-on. We must never give up easily. Facing difficulties head-on gives us a chance to succeed. If we give up, there will be no hope of success."
Thinking of that refined and kind middle-aged man, Shen Mingwan said with some envy, "A local official like Lord Xu is truly a blessing for the people."
Xu Zhi nodded and said, "Of course. Let me tell you, I can really learn a lot from following my father. It's just that I have too many things to do right now. If I had time, even just chatting with my father for a few minutes each day would be very rewarding."
Thinking about her recent relationship with Xu Zhi, Shen Mingwan asked softly, "Ajiu, what do you think His Majesty means? It seems like he wants to exclude us from this whole affair."
Xu Zhi understood Shen Mingwan's meaning. Recently, Chen Shifang had made some significant moves, and these moves had not yet reached Xu Zhi and Shen Mingwan. Chen Shifang was sent by Emperor Liang Cheng and represented Emperor Liang Cheng's will.
Seeing Shen Mingwan's expression, Xu Zhi smiled and whispered comfortingly, "Don't worry. No matter what happens, we'll just do our best. Mingwan, we didn't do these things for fame or fortune, right? If someone wants to take something, just let them have it. There are so many things in this world worth putting in the effort. If we do them well, we can be true to our conscience."
Upon hearing Xu Zhi's words, Shen Mingwan smiled and said, "It was I who was being stubborn. After listening to my sister's words today, I have finally seen the light."
Xu Zhi smiled and said, "Sister Mingwan isn't being stubborn; she's just worried that her younger sister will be bullied. Sister Mingwan, His Majesty is an extremely enlightened monarch. He sees what we're doing. I used to have the same thoughts as you, but my father told me that people's perspectives and visions are different. We're only seeing the immediate benefits, while His Majesty may already be planning for the benefits five or even ten years from now. Some of our original ideas may seem feasible now, but what about a few years from now? Will they still be feasible? Will they still generate the same value as they do now?"
Shen Mingwan nodded, and Xu Zhi thought for a moment and said, "My older brother also mentioned a term to me back then, something about sustainable development, which I think makes a lot of sense."
As Shen Mingwan listened to Xu Zhi talk about her family and saw the smile on Xu Zhi's face, she felt a pang of sadness. Xu Zhi and Shen Mingwan had actually faced the same situation, but their families made completely different choices. Shen Mingwan knew very well that the Feng family actually wanted Feng Wan'er to become the Third Prince's concubine. Even though Prime Minister Feng and Madam Feng objected, the eldest son of the Feng family was in favor. If Feng Zhongyi and Madam Shen hadn't acted decisively and allowed Feng Wan'er to fake her death and escape, Feng Wan'er would probably have ended up being carried into the Third Prince's residence.
And what about the Xu family? The Marquis of Yongning forced the Marquis of Pingxi to acknowledge that fictitious marriage contract, allowing Xu Zhi to marry in Ganzhou. Most importantly, all the younger members of the family went to see her off. Although the wedding was considered somewhat shabby by many, it was a way of showing some people that the Marquis of Yongning's family was not afraid of trouble. No matter what trouble you caused, they would always deal with it.
Xu Zhi stayed at the manor for one night, and the next day the group set off for Wuzhou.
Wuzhou is also a prefecture bordering another country. As they traveled, the scenery became more and more desolate. By the time they reached Wuzhou Prefecture, there was much less greenery. Xu Zhi felt that the scenery here was much worse than that of Ganzhou and Liaodong.
Feng Zhongyi and Madam Shen lived in the back office of the government office. They sent people to wait at Shili Pavilion outside the city early in the morning. When they saw Shen Mingwan and her party coming, some people greeted them, while others rode quickly to the city to report the news. When they arrived at the city gate, Madam Shen was already waiting in a carriage.
Seeing Madam Shen standing at the city gate, Shen Mingwan and Xu Zhi quickly stepped forward to pay their respects. Madam Shen, with tears in her eyes, said, "It's good that you've come, it's good that you've come. Hurry home, a meal has been prepared and is waiting for you."
Shen Mingwan's eyes were red, and she kept nodding as she held Shen Shi's hand. The group quickly got into the carriage and went to the back office.
The rear residence in Wuzhou is similar to those in Ganzhou and Liaodong, consisting of five courtyards. There is a hanging flower gate between the front and back courtyards. The front courtyard is generally where Lord Feng entertains guests and receives visitors, while the back courtyard is where the female members of the family live.
Shen Mingwan's room was in the east wing of the courtyard where Lord Feng and Madam Shen lived, while Xu Zhi was arranged to live in a very exquisite little courtyard in the back. Madam Shen's courtyard was connected to another courtyard, which was said to be where the two concubines of the family lived. However, Xu Zhi did not see the two concubines when she arrived. It is likely that Madam Shen usually did not allow the two concubines to serve her.
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