"Don't worry, the imperial court has not stipulated that we cannot build a grain station in Xichang Prefecture. The Qin family is only the maternal family of a prince, not a prince himself. Moreover, there are the Crown Prince and the Emperor above the prince. They cannot control everything. Rest assured, I will find a way to rescue you."
Just as Master Zhou was about to say something, the yamen runner who had walked away suddenly returned and told them that it was time for visiting.
Before leaving, Fang Qing stuffed two thick clothes and a quilt into Master Zhou's hands.
He even bribed the jailer before leaving.
As soon as Fang Qing left the prison cell, she headed straight for the government office.
She requested an audience with the prefect of Xichang Prefecture, posing as a member of the Zhou family.
Since they want the seeds, we can give them to them, and the grain station doesn't want them anymore; we must rescue Master Zhou.
The officials at the government office told her to wait outside, but she waited from morning until afternoon and then until evening, and no one let her in. During this time, Manager Tong went over to ask, and the only answer was to keep waiting.
Just as the yamen was about to close, Fang Qing went to ask in person, only to be told irritably that the prefect was not in the yamen at all today.
After waiting all day, her legs were exhausted, and this was the result. Fang Qing was very upset.
She and Manager Tong returned to the inn, where Doumiao came out to greet them.
"Sister, where's Grandpa?"
Doumiao looked at the empty space behind Fang Qing, and the light in her eyes suddenly went out.
"Sister, how is Grandpa? Is he scared in there?"
He gently patted her head.
"Don't worry, everything will be fine."
Doumiao lay in Fang Qing's arms, wiping away her tears.
The atmosphere at the dinner table was too oppressive, and they didn't eat much.
After dinner, Fang Qing coaxed Doumiao to sleep, and then discussed matters at the government office with Manager Tong.
Judging from the attitude of the government office today, it's clear that they don't take them very seriously.
Or is it just a way to intimidate them?
Regardless of the reason, Fang Qing still needs to go to the government office tomorrow.
Fang Qing woke up before dawn, ate a quick bite, and then left the inn with Manager Tong.
As soon as the government office opened, the person who saw Fang Qing and Manager Tong recognized her.
"It's you guys again."
Will the Prefect be coming today?
"I don't know, but I still advise you not to come. We adults can't make decisions about the Zhou family. No matter how much money you offer, we won't release them."
As he was about to go inside, Fang Qing called out to him.
"Then please ask this young man to pass on a message that the person who came today is the creator of Sunny Seeds, and that I have something to discuss with the master about the seeds."
The young man glanced at Fang Qing suspiciously, but still relayed the message to the prefect when he arrived.
The prefect's surname was Zhao. He was an official from outside the capital who had been transferred to the capital. Because he was serving in the Qin family's territory, everyone tacitly agreed that he should side with the Third Prince.
He had long ago inquired about the Sunny Seeds because the people in his own jurisdiction were living a good life. Now that he heard that the creator of the Sunny Seeds was outside, he quickly had someone invite Fang Qing in.
Fang Qing met this Lord Zhao.
Judging from his appearance, he had the kind of honest and kind face. Fang Qing was unsure and even asked Xiao Dou for advice.
Don't worry, this man is a decent official. If you appeal to his emotions and reason with him, you might be able to persuade him to help.
After hearing Xiaodou's words, Fang Qing made up her mind.
"This humble woman, Fang Qing, greets Your Excellency."
Lord Zhao laughed and asked Fang Qing to sit down. Fang Qing hesitated for a moment, but eventually sat down next to him.
"You said you came here to discuss seeds with me?"
"yes."
"What do you want to talk about?" Lord Zhao asked, smiling at Fang Qing.
After all, he is an official in this position. Even if he has a kind face, he still gives people a sense of pressure.
"I want the government to release Master Zhou."
Lord Zhou raised his eyebrows.
"Who are you to the Zhou family?"
"relative."
"So, you're willing to trade the seeds for Master Zhou?"
"yes."
Whether it's several thousand kilograms or tens of thousands of kilograms of seeds, as long as it can save Master Zhou, it's all worth it.
But Lord Zhao just smiled and shook his head.
"Young lady, it seems you don't understand. What I'm asking for isn't a certain number of kilograms of grain seeds, but rather the secret recipe for the seeds."
"Sir, the seeds in my family were all cultivated by skilled workers. If anyone wants to learn how to cultivate them, we will teach them for free. There is no secret formula."
Moreover, this is hardly a secret recipe; it's just a new variety that she introduced from the system and then cultivated.
Lord Zhao calmly took a sip of tea.
"Little girl, you still don't understand what I mean."
Fang Qing stared straight at him.
She was just pretending not to understand.
Lord Zhao, or rather the Qin family behind Lord Zhao, they want to take over the ownership of Sunny Seeds and kick her out to become the real boss of Sunny Seeds.
Fang Qing pursed her lips tightly.
What's the difference between this and blatant robbery?
"I believe the Qin family isn't short of money. What do you want my signboard for?"
Lord Zhao paused in his teacup, and his gaze towards Fang Qing changed.
"Young lady, you are smart. Now that you know about the Qin family, you shouldn't resist."
His tone did have a hint of persuasion.
Fang Qing narrowed her eyes slightly.
"Since Lord Zhao is actually advising me, do you also think I should hand over the signboard to satisfy the Qin family's unknown purpose?"
Lord Zhao slammed the teacup down on the table.
"How dare you!"
He looked serious and told everyone else in the room to leave.
Once he was sure no one was outside, his expression softened.
My dear reader, there's more to this chapter! Please click the next page to continue reading—even more exciting content awaits!
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
