Xin He sighed softly, "Of course, it’s tiresome." She lay sideways on the soft couch, closing her eyes, and asked, "How was the situation today?"
Marquis Mu Houchu simply sat on the soft couch, placed her head on his lap, and massaged her temples, "It’s fine. After all, I’ve built such a reputation in Yu State over the years, no one dares to be too presumptuous."
"Actually, I guessed as much. These prestigious noble families need someone to rely on. The Imperial Court in the capital is too far away for them. They want their families to have a higher status, which is actually troublesome. However, the Prince Pingyang’s Mansion is different. It’s nearby, so they’ll find it more convenient for everything. Who would want to reject such a good support? Moreover, your reputation in Yu State has been growing day by day over these years." Xin He said softly, her eyes still closed.
"Hmm." While massaging her forehead, Marquis Houchu said, "The capital intends to send someone secretly to investigate matters in Yu State. Are you aware?"
Xin He suddenly opened her eyes and sat up, "Song Xi told me today."
"The person should be Duan Lan." Marquis Houchu said.
"Song Xi said that he’s become crafty and difficult to deal with. I must admit that I now understand him very little, and don’t know how to deal with him. Have you given it any thought?" Xin He asked.
Marquis Houchu squeezed her palm and smiled, "I have a plan for this matter, you don’t need to worry."
"How can I not worry? This matter of private army is serious. If it comes out, it could easily lead to a major crime of conspiracy." Xin He frowned.
"I fully understand the stakes. Don’t worry, okay?" Marquis Houchu murmured.
Only then did Xin He reluctantly nod, "Alright."
Marquis Houchu gently pushed her head back down and continued massaging her temples, "I heard that your business affairs are also very busy. You shouldn’t worry too much about these court matters, otherwise, how many things would you have to worry about every day?"
"Hmm."
Only then did Marquis Houchu allow himself a satisfied smile. Actually, he didn’t want Xin He to be involved in this matter, and there was indeed a hint of selfishness in it.
The person coming was Duan Lan.
Yes, it’s him, the one he found distasteful, who he still finds distasteful now.
Others might not know, but didn’t he know? Even if the Emperor only assigned him to secretly investigate Yu State, wouldn’t Duan Lan have some personal motivations? His ambitions are already clear to everyone!
Thinking of this, an involuntary chill spread across Marquis Houchu’s face.
——
Early the next morning.
Ji Xin He, lightly dressed, with her veil and veil hat on, headed out.
A servant named Xiaochaihuo waited outside the door. Upon seeing her, he respectfully said, "Madam, the carriage is ready. Shall we depart now?"
After giving it some thought, Xin He asked, "Where is Ah Guai?"
"The princess is probably still in bed." Xiaochaihuo’s expression didn’t betray any emotion, even as he relayed this news.
Sometimes, Ji Xin He can’t help but wonder, she hasn’t been harsh on this kid, so why has he grown up to be so dull? Take a look at Xiao Bei, who is always so joyous.
Xin He shook her head with a wry smile, "This child, she really doesn’t make things easy for anyone."
"There are no morning lessons today, so it’s okay if the princess gets up a bit late."
"Ah, that’s good." As she walked, Xin He turned to Xiaochaihuo, "I heard the teacher say that your studies have slipped lately, have you been slacking off? This year’s imperial examination, both you and Xiao Bei are to take part in it. It’s time to get serious. How about you focus on studying at the mansion during this time and put down the tasks I’ve assigned you for now?"
Xiaochaihuo paused for a moment before answering, "My recent lack of study is due to my lack of natural ability. There are some things I find difficult to comprehend. As for the imperial examination, I also believe that I should just go with the flow and not force anything. I would prefer to continue serving alongside you, Madam. You are in need of assistance now. If I were to leave, I fear you would have even more burdens to bear."
Xin He stopped in her tracks and said seriously, "Ah Nan, I know exactly what your capabilities are. You’re an extremely intelligent child. The teacher also has high hopes for you. He even said once that you’re a top scholar talent."
Xiaochaihuo bowed his head slightly, "That was a long time ago."
Xin He sighed helplessly, "You’re aware that you’ve been letting him down?"
"I’m not capable enough."
"I know exactly what you’re capable of. I’m aware that because you’ve put too much energy into the affairs of the Winding Pavilion and other industries, it may have had some impact on your studies. But I hope you understand which path is better for your future. If you continue to work by my side, even if you do very well in the future, you will still just be working for me. But if you focus on your studies and achieve a good academic standing, there will be plenty of people to work for you in the future. Do you understand?"
Very patiently, Xin He tried to persuade him. In fact, Xiaochaihuo was an extremely reliable servant. Ji Xin He had basically entrusted most of her business affairs to him. Having such a competent right-hand man was of great help to her.
But Xiaochaihuo was someone she had raised herself. She had watched him grow up and sincerely wanted what was best for him. He had been treated as a servant and abused by others since he was a child. She felt that he would certainly not want to remain subordinate to others in the future, but to forge a new path for himself. The imperial examination was the best way for him to do that.
However, he seemed to have no such ambition. Ji Xin He sometimes found it strange, but could not figure it out. All she could do was watch him lose interest day by day. Even the title of scholar, he had barely managed to secure a few years ago.
Xiaochaihuo looked at Xin He intently, moistened his lips, and said, "I know what I want and what I’m capable of. I’ve thought this through very clearly. Thank you for your concern, madam."
Xin He helplessly said, "Well, you’re grown up now, so you can make your own decisions about these things. Of course, I’d be more than happy for you to stay by my side and help with tasks. Let’s go."
"Yes."
Today, Ji Xin He was heading straight for the Winding Pavilion. Lian’an Town today is not what it used to be. The once remote small town has now almost become the most important economic hub of Yu State.
The center of this hub, Tongluo Street, is located near the Winding Pavilion and expands outward from there.
The land prices around Tongluo Street have sky-rocketed, and so many people looking back regret not buying some land there when they had the chance!
Who now owns these pieces of land? No one knows.
Only Shulan occasionally brags in front of Ji Xin He, "Our madam is amazing! She bought a large area of land centered around the Winding Pavilion at such a low price back then. The prices have now increased more than tenfold!"
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