Zhong Muyu was taken aback. When she turned around, she saw that it was the schoolteacher who had helped her earlier. His name seemed to be Chi Xuanzhu.
But why is this person still here? She didn't hear any footsteps.
Zhong Muyu said, "You're a schoolteacher, how can you do these things?"
“Xuanzhu has always lived here alone, so she is capable of doing some handicrafts. Besides, it is quite surprising that you, as a princess, can do such rough work.”
"It's just a hobby for me. If you want to help, come along."
Without further ado, Chi Xuanzhu rolled up his sleeves and actually did it quite well. His hands were very nimble, and he quickly finished treating Zhong Muyu.
The three of them had mud on their hands. Zhong Muyu said, "Thank you. You did a great job. I can replace the water pipe next time."
"It was just a small favor. I wanted to help because I was interested in the water pipes that the princess made. Judging from their construction, they should be able to bring water to the house, right?"
“You’re right. Everyone works hard carrying water, so I came up with this idea. We could have achieved water freedom, but unfortunately, it was ruined by someone.”
As she spoke, Zhong Muyu sighed.
Chi Xuanzhu said, "The princess's idea is very ingenious. I think it would be very convenient if this method could be applied to everyone."
Zhong Muyu nodded: "I have thought about that, but it would be inconvenient to use bamboo, and besides, it would be inconvenient for some families to bring water over."
"Hmm... let's experiment first. How about using ceramic for the tubes?"
"Of course, but where would we find someone to do it?"
Chi Xuanzhu smiled and said, "That's easy. There are people in the neighboring village who make pottery. I can ask them for help, but if we want to do this, we still need to consult the village chief and the others."
"Indeed, there's no time to lose. I'll go get the blueprints and head to the village chief's house right now!"
"Then Xuanzhu will go ahead and inform them."
Chi Xuanzhu bid farewell to Zhong Muyu very politely. After he left, Zaochun said, "This Mr. Chi is quite considerate of the people."
"Yes, it's all thanks to him for suggesting it, but implementing this method is actually quite difficult..."
As Zhong Muyu walked, she thought to herself that she was able to bring the water over smoothly thanks to the water pump, but if she wanted to help the whole village, it would take a lot of effort.
The two took the blueprints and headed to the village chief's house. When they arrived, Zhong Muyu saw that Chi Xuanzhu had also called the village head.
However, Chi Xuanzhu's expression seemed rather grim.
"The Princess Consort has arrived."
"Yes, I have something to discuss with you."
The village chief said, "Mr. Chi has already told us about the Princess Consort's matter. We think it's better not to do anything about it."
Zhong Muyu was very puzzled: "Why?"
“Installing various ceramic pipes on the mountain is very inconvenient for people. Besides, these things cost a lot of money, and I’m afraid the villagers won’t agree.”
At this moment, the village head also spoke up: "Moreover, Yanshan is protected by the mountain god, and the mountain god also protects our Qingshui Village. If we build these things on the mountain, I'm afraid the mountain god will be angry."
If the village chief's idea was somewhat understandable, then the head of the neighborhood committee's statement was quite perplexing.
Unexpectedly, the village chief chimed in, "That's indeed what most people in the village think."
Such feudal superstition...
Zhong Muyu really wanted to say that there was no such thing as a mountain god, but she stopped herself from saying it.
For some superstitious people, such words could easily provoke a fight. Even though she still holds the title of princess, she shouldn't be so reckless.
Zhong Muyu looked at Chi Xuanzhu, but to his surprise, he showed a helpless expression: "Xuanzhu's original intention was to make things convenient for the villagers. Since everyone has said so, let's drop the matter."
The village chief and the head of the village committee echoed, "Yes, but we still appreciate Your Highness's consideration for the villagers. We are very grateful for your kindness."
Zhong Muyu forced a helpless smile, but after leaving the village chief's house, Chi Xuanzhu caught up with him.
Zhong Muyu asked, "You knew about this all along?"
Chi Xuanzhu nodded: "The people here have been worshipping the mountain god for a long time. I have also thought about changing their mindset, but they are very devout and cannot be changed overnight."
"I know that faith is indeed a difficult thing to deal with."
Chi Xuanzhu suddenly asked tentatively, "Does the Princess Consort also have a faith?"
"I?"
Zhong Muyu thought for a moment and said, "Of course I do, but I don't believe in gods or other such ethereal things. For me, faith is a very high and distant goal, and I will strive towards that goal."
Chi Xuanzhu pondered this answer for a long time, and then, as if in agreement, he said, "I see, Xuanzhu understands."
Zhong Muyu asked, "And what about you? Will you believe in any god or religion like them?"
Chi Xuanzhu said seriously, "If we're talking about faith, then Xuanzhu only has faith in himself."
"Wow, that's very confident, but it's also quite good!"
"Thank you for your praise, Your Highness."
Zhong Muyu waved her hand: "Let's not talk about that. As for the water pipes, if they don't need them, that's fine. Do you want to get one? I'll install it for you myself as a return gift for your help!"
"Thank you, Your Highness, but Xuanzhu has always lived alone, so there's no need for such trouble. Besides, I'm just a scholar, and carrying water is good exercise for my health."
Zhong Muyu laughed at these words. Although Chi Xuanzhu claimed to be a scholar, he looked nothing like those weak scholars.
...
Outside the city, the Lingjun military camp.
Compared to the busy Zhong Muyu, Lu Ziyuan was also constantly on the go. It wasn't that he particularly enjoyed his work, but rather that there happened to be something going on at the military camp, so he had been staying there.
Lingqing is located near the northern border, and the Xirong tribes that roam the northern mountains often cause trouble, so he has to be constantly vigilant.
Lu Ziyuan was handling official business in his tent when Chengfeng entered.
"Your Highness..."
Lu Ziyuan didn't look up: "How is she? How is she doing there?"
"The princess is doing very well; every day is fulfilling."
Chengfeng recounted all the information he had gathered, including the fact that Granny Wu had been sent to the government office.
Lu Ziyuan was puzzled: "She was willing to do all those rough and tiring jobs?"
"Yes, the princess is very down-to-earth. She works with everyone every day and seems really happy. Moreover, she seems to be working on something new. The roof of the house is covered with dark boards, so even if I wanted to sneak in, I couldn't."
"As expected of her, she'd rather suffer there than be a princess!"
Lu Ziyuan complained about Zhong Muyu, but his words sounded more like he was sulking.
Chengfeng tentatively suggested, "If Your Highness is worried, why don't you go and see the Princess?"
"I'll go see her? What reason could I possibly have? She doesn't want to see me at all! Fine, fine, let her stay there for now."
Chengfeng sighed. He was helpless against his prince's dishonest behavior.
Just as Chengfeng was about to leave, Zhiyu returned.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com