Fang Qing's eyes were firm, and Zhou Ning and Madam Zhou were both stunned.
"No, this is a matter for the Zhou family. How can we let you take the risk?"
"Why are you still talking about the Zhou and Fang families? Aren't we always been one family? Besides, Grandpa Zhou is so old, going to Qingzhou to build a grain station makes it easier to promote seeds. How can that have nothing to do with me?"
Zhou Ning wiped away the tears from the corners of her eyes.
"Fang Qing, I don't know how to thank you enough."
"Then let's save these words for when Grandpa Zhou and I get back."
Zhou Ning nodded quickly.
"Alright, I'll prepare some silver notes and manpower for you. If things get really difficult, come back quickly and don't put yourself in danger."
"I understand."
"Mother, I want to go with my sister!"
Fang Qing refused outright.
I don't know what's going on with this trip; it's not appropriate to bring a child along.
"Fang Qing, why don't you take her with you? When you were the same age as Doumiao, you were already handling things from top to bottom. It's time for her to learn how to take charge."
Fang Qing looked at the bean sprouts.
Zhou Ning was well-mannered and independent, so Fang Qing agreed to take her along.
When Fang Qing got home, she told Fang Daniu and Zhao Shi about her trip to Qingzhou. The two of them were obviously taken aback.
Let alone Fang Qing, even they had never traveled this far before.
What are you going to Qingzhou for?
"Something came up in my business, so I'm going to check on it."
"Is it such a long journey? Why don't I go with you?"
Fang Qing quickly pressed him down.
"I don't know when I'll be back from this trip. Someone has to stay at home. Don't worry, Dad. The Zhou family has arranged manpower for me. A caravan is going there."
Fang Daniu was still worried when Fang Qing went into the room to pack her things.
Time was of the essence, so Fang Qing went to the county town early the next morning.
The Zhou family's caravan has already been decorated.
Although it was called a caravan, most of the guards were hired by Zhou Ning for Fang Qing.
After bidding farewell to Zhou Ning and Madam Zhou, Fang Qing took Doumiao and boarded the carriage.
With the system in place, things won't get too bad.
The carriage slowly left the county town, and Xiao Liu and his men quietly followed.
Zhao Shi'an was in such a hurry when he left for the capital that he made all the necessary arrangements for Fang Qing.
Half of the people from Fengyulou followed Zhao Shi'an to the capital, while Xiao Liu stayed behind.
As soon as Fang Qing left An County, Xiao Liu sent a message to the capital by carrier pigeon.
The imperial examinations began in mid-February, and Fang Qing and her entourage happened to be passing through the capital at that time.
They didn't stop and quickly headed towards Qingzhou.
Firstly, the situation with Master Zhou was urgent, and it wouldn't be good for him to stay in prison indefinitely at his age.
Secondly, Fang Qing felt that Zhao Shi'an was at a crucial moment, and she couldn't disturb him.
After the imperial examination ended, Zhao Shi'an received news that Fang Qing had arrived in Qingzhou as soon as he stepped out of the examination hall.
Outside the examination hall, students were exchanging pleasantries, and people from the Imperial Academy came specifically to welcome him back.
With his talent and learning, he attracted attention after entering the Imperial Academy, and everyone assumed that his name would definitely be among the top scholars in this year's imperial examination.
Many princes and nobles in the Imperial Academy tried to win over Zhao Shi'an, including the Gao family and several princes in the palace.
Zhao Shi'an had always appeared indifferent, but now, seeing the carriages from the Imperial Academy and several princes' residences parked not far away, he frowned.
Seventeen, nominally his page but actually his subordinate, glanced around.
"Master, our men are all around us. It might be difficult for us to move."
Zhao Shi'an naturally noticed it as well.
Just then, Fang Dashu walked over carrying his book box.
"Is it urgent?"
Zhao Shi'an kept his expression calm and tacitly agreed.
Fang Dashu patted him on the shoulder.
"Leave it to me."
Zhao Shi'an looked like he had something important to do.
Although he didn't like Zhao Shi'an, he could still help with this little bit of work.
Zhao Shi'an's suspicious gaze fell on him.
"What kind of look is that? Don't get me wrong, I just want to stand up for myself."
As he spoke, he walked forward.
He was originally one of the most valued people in this cohort, and his appearance attracted a lot of attention.
Just then, two more candidates who would have been selected as top scorers in this year's imperial examinations emerged, and those who had been eyeing Zhao Shi'an now turned their attention to them.
Zhao Shi'an and Seventeen quickly squeezed into the crowd and left.
The results of the imperial examination would not be available for several days. Zhao Shi'an returned to his residence, changed his clothes, and asked Seventeen to prepare a horse for him.
"In the name of Fengyulou, let the Crown Prince know about the situation in Xichang Prefecture. If he is willing to lend a hand, Fengyulou will definitely help him ascend the throne."
He left those words behind and then took a few people with him and left the capital.
After arriving in Xichang Prefecture, Fang Qing met with Manager Tong and then settled the group of people in.
Fang Qing spoke with Manager Tong to learn more about the details.
Fang Qing then realized that Master Zhou and his group had not offended the government office, but rather the Qin family, a prominent family in Xichang Prefecture.
"Is it our business that's blocking their way?"
Manager Tong nodded.
"The Qin family controls all the grain business in Xichang Prefecture. Other merchants simply cannot gain a foothold here. At first, the master did not want to get involved, but the prefectural government took a liking to our seeds and took the initiative to talk to the master about the seeds."
"The magistrate of the prefecture wants to grow our grain in Xichang Prefecture, and he is naturally willing, but on the condition that we build a grain station here so that he can purchase the grain grown from our seeds."
"The prefectural magistrate agreed, so he led his men to start building the grain station. But as soon as it was completed, the Qin family came to cause trouble. At first, the prefectural magistrate helped to mediate, but later they listened to the Qin family and had the magistrate arrested and imprisoned."
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