Chapter 208 Fiefdom
As soon as autumn arrives, the weather gets colder day by day.
It wasn't just the north that was cold; even people in the capital had put on padded jackets.
However, people in the capital noticed that this autumn, the major silk shops and fur shops in the city were doing exceptionally well.
Some whole fox pelts, clam skins, and bear skins that were rarely seen before are now available.
At first, no one understood, but after inquiring, they found out that they were all brought from the North.
Merchants from the north have now expanded their business to the Chongqing area.
Everyone was both moved and happy.
It's so good to live in a peaceful and prosperous era. In the past, when there was war every day, who would have the mind to do business?
As a result, those specialties from the north sold exceptionally well in the capital.
However, Shangguan Jin didn't join in the fun.
Their household has plenty of furs and medicinal herbs from the north.
Every time Shen Zhong returned, he would bring a large group with him.
Aside from what she used in her own residence, Shangguan Jin used the rest as gifts.
Whether it was someone from the Shangguan family or someone from another family, as long as they were giving gifts, Shangguan Jin would always include a piece or two of fur.
In addition, there were two tiger skins, which startled Shangguan Jin when she saw them.
Later, the piece was given to Madam Shen and placed on the chaise longue in her room.
Another piece was given to Lord Shangguan. According to Madam Shangguan, the old master placed it on the armchair in his study.
The old man loved it...
Shangguan Jin also remembered what Shen Huaichen said: no matter what, they had to find a way out for the Seventh Prince!
As a result, the seventh prince, who had only been at the Duke of Dingguo's mansion for less than two days, was sent back to the palace by Shangguan Jin.
The Seventh Prince knew what Shangguan Jin was thinking, and he wasn't angry. He just felt that the palace was really too boring.
Ever since his father took that Consort Die as a concubine, the Seventh Prince has not wanted to stay in the palace for even a day.
They're clearly of the same generation, yet I have to call them Butterfly Goddess...
Haha, the key point is that she actually agreed with pride.
The Seventh Prince felt it was better to avoid seeing it to avoid getting annoyed.
Although my aunt said, it's not you who's embarrassed.
Even if you feel ashamed, it's someone else who's ashamed!
Thinking about how long he had felt aggrieved last time, the Seventh Prince decided to seek some balance from the instigator.
So the seventh prince went to the Hall of Diligent Governance to find Emperor Xiao Jing.
We're planning to rummage through his private stash again.
If I hadn't come to collect them, my father would definitely have given them away to someone else...
As soon as he entered the Hall of Diligent Governance, the Seventh Prince saw his father, the Emperor, standing in front of the map, lost in thought.
"Father, what are you looking at? Is there a problem somewhere?" The seventh prince rushed over in a few steps.
When Emperor Xiao Jing saw the Seventh Prince approaching, a smile immediately appeared on his face.
He pulled the seventh prince to his side and showed him the map together.
"My seventh son is not young anymore, and it's time for him to have his own fiefdom."
I'm thinking of giving you a fiefdom. You are kind and simple-minded, just like your mother.
In the capital, I will build you a royal palace; in your fiefdom, I will also build you a royal palace.
"That way, you'll have a home on both sides, and I can rest assured," Emperor Xiao Jing said with a smile.
The Seventh Prince's heart skipped a beat, and then he tugged at Emperor Xiao Jing's sleeve and asked pitifully.
"Father, don't you want your child anymore?"
Emperor Xiao Jing was taken aback and quickly asked.
"Why would you think like that? How could your father abandon you?"
I feel sorry for you, so I'll settle your fiefdom as soon as possible.
Then send a few trustworthy officials over to help you govern.
After I'm gone, you can smoothly take over...
What's wrong? Why are your eyes red?
This is just a fiefdom; it doesn't mean you have to go there now.
Look at your third brother, the Prince of Qin. He also has a fiefdom, but he still lives in the capital, doesn't he?"
The Seventh Prince shook his head, then gently shook Emperor Xiao Jing's hand.
"Your Majesty, I don't want to think about these things. I just want to stay with you."
My aunt often says, "Your life was given to me by Father and Mother, and it is the thing you cherish most."
My mother is gone, and I don't want to be without my father...
"Father, please don't send me away, okay?" the Seventh Prince said, looking up.
Looking at his youngest son, who had grown so much, Emperor Xiao Jing suddenly felt a pang of sadness.
Many years ago, when Consort Xian had just given birth to Xiao Qi, he was truly afraid of hurting the child when he held him in his arms...
So many years have passed in the blink of an eye. Consort Xian is gone, and Little Seven has grown up so much...
Thinking of this, he suddenly patted the Seventh Prince's head.
"Little Seven, I will grow old one day, but don't worry, I will definitely arrange everything."
Come, take a look. What do you think of the fiefdom I've chosen for you?
It is close to the Jiangnan region, which is not only prosperous but also safe.
Whether it's the north or the south, if there's war going on anywhere, you can always find a way to turn things around.
"Do you like it or not?" Emperor Xiao Jing pointed to a spot on the map and smiled at the Seventh Prince.
The seventh prince looked at the map, then at Emperor Xiao Jing, and suddenly shook his head.
"Your subject does not wish to go there."
"Your Majesty, I wish to go to Sichuan to guard the southwestern gate of the Great Yu, so that the Great Yu will not be disturbed by the southwestern barbarians," the Seventh Prince said solemnly.
Upon hearing this, Emperor Xiao Jing immediately shook his head.
"That won't do. There's a lot of miasma, poisonous insects, and barbarians in the southwest. You've been pampered since you were little, and you can't endure that kind of hardship."
Furthermore, the southwest has many mountain ranges, which act as natural barriers, protecting the Greater Chongqing area!
You don't need to go there to guard Da Yu.
Seeing that Emperor Xiao Jing disagreed, the Seventh Prince pointed to the southernmost point.
"Then go here. This is the coast. Every year during the season when the fish and shrimp are plump, people from those overseas islands come to harass Chongqing."
I'll go here and guard this place for Da Yu.
Father, you can't be biased. Third Brother has already been there and won a great victory.
I want to go too.
Emperor Xiao Jing was even more troubled.
What do you mean by saying that the King of Qin has already been there?
How can that be the same? The south is the territory of the Duke of Anguo, and the army there listens to the Duke of Anguo.
If you go south, wouldn't you be like a lamb entering a tiger's den...?
Emperor Xiao Jing suddenly realized what was happening.
What good would it do to grant Xiaoqi an even more prosperous fiefdom...?
The one who ascends to the throne can easily find a pretext to reclaim Xiao Qi's fiefdom.
In the end, all Xiaoqi could face were high walls and a vast expanse of sky...
Thinking of this, Emperor Xiao Jing suddenly looked at the northern part of the map.
Although that place wasn't very wealthy, it was a vital passage connecting the northern regions and the capital...
Placing Xiaoqi's fiefdom there might be a better choice...
Those traveling north must pass through there.
Behind them lay the territory of the Weiyuan Army.
If Xiaoqi were to rely on such a place...
Even if things get chaotic in the capital in the future, as long as he stays within his fiefdom, no one can touch him...
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