Xin He let out a soft sigh: "Yes, it’s indeed a difficult situation either way."
Mu Houchu gave a faint smile: "Although it’s a bit troublesome, it’s not as if there’s no solution. It just gets a bit complicated. The real trouble I’m feeling now is that Duan Lan still staying within the borders of Yu State. It just feels too obstructive."
Although Yu State was his territory, and Duan Lan couldn’t cause too much of a stir here, he was still a thorn in the eye and a thorn in the flesh. If he was not removed, it could only be a daily nuisance.
Just like today’s situation, what should have been simple became more complicated due to the consideration of Duan Lan’s existence.
"Do you have any way of getting him out?" Xin He was feeling annoyed now. This man was like a ticking time bomb, constantly making people worry.
Mu Houchu casually said: "I have already instructed people in the capital to seize the opportunity to remove Duan Lan’s confidants in the Imperial Court. The open positions and real power will be snatched up by the Song Family. Even if he doesn’t want to worry, it will not be up to him."
Xin He smiled: "As expected, my husband knows how to handle things!"
Although they both knew very well that Duan Lan had a high position in the capital, it was nowhere near the level of power that Mu Houchu had previously wielded singlehandedly. The current Emperor no longer trusts any one person easily.
The only thing he trusted was the art of checks and balances. The greater the rights that Duan Lan possessed, the more privilege Son Family had. Both are evenly matched, fighting endlessly in the court. Now, by pulling out Duan Lan’s power and letting the Song Family grab it, how could Duan Lan not be anxious? If he’s not careful and ends up on the losing side, things could get really bad.
Xin He humphed: "If that’s the case, we don’t need to worry about the refugee issue for now. Let’s wait until Duan Lan rushes out in a hurry, then we can open the city gates to accept the refugees, which will also prevent him from causing trouble."
"It’s hard to say. I’m afraid the situation won’t be that simple, especially in the capital. It may not be so quick. Let’s wait a couple more days to see if there is any result."
"Hmm." Xin He nodded. Right now, all they could do was to see who could outlast the other.
"Did we send off Xiao Bei and the others for the exam today?" Mu Houchu suddenly asked.
As Xin He served some food for Mu Houchu, she casually said: "Hmm, I personally sent them to the prefecture city. I wonder if it can go smoothly this time. Xiao Bei is usually diligent and not stupid. The teacher said he might pass, but it’s all up to fate."
"And Li Nan?" 𝚏𝗿𝗲𝐞𝐰𝚎𝕓𝐧𝚘𝘃𝗲𝐥.𝐜𝚘𝕞
Xin He looked at Mu Houchu with curiosity. It was the first time he asked about the youngster.
"The youngster..ah, he is the biggest worry. I think the chance of him passing is very slim this time. The teacher said it’s unfortunate for him as his performance has been declining over the years. It’s all up to luck." Xin He said helplessly.
A sharp look flashed in Mu Houchu’s eyes, so fast that Ji Xinhe could hardly detect it.
"Let’s wait for the results." Mu Houchu’s voice cooled down a bit.
Wait for the result. Once the result comes out, the fate of Li Nan will be sealed too.
Mu Houchu felt he had exhausted his patience with Li Nan.
Xin He laughed, "Why did you suddenly ask about him?"
"No particular reason, just asking." Mu Houchu said, " By the way, I had some people bring back two individuals."
Xin He asked curiously, "Who?"
Mu Houchu made a signal to Ling Feng: "Bring them in."
Ling Feng promptly took his leave, and in a short while, brought in two humble men.
When Xin He looked at them, she found them somewhat familiar, but could not remember who they were. She squinted her eyes to examine them closely.
The two men quickly paid their respects: "Master, we are Lai Fu. I’m afraid you might not remember us."
As soon as the words "Lai Fu" were heard, Xin He immediately recognized them, her eyes lightened up: "Lai Fu? What are you doing in Yu State? Didn’t I leave you in the capital city?"
She then looked at the man next to Lai Fu, and immediately recognized him: "You are Li Saner!"
Li Saner quickly said, "Thank you, Master, for still remembering us."
Lai Fu saluted, "Li Saner and I have been in charge of the Qinghe shop and the winery business in the capital city as per your order over the years. We haven’t returned until last month when His Highness sent someone to bring us to Yu State, saying that the business in the capital is no longer very important. It would be enough to let a competent steward look after it. You were in need of people by your side, so we could help out."
Xin He looked at Mu Houchu in surprise: "So you were the one who brought them here? Why didn’t you tell me?"
Mu Houchu squeezed her hand: "Isn’t it because you’ve been working too hard lately? Without a trusted aide to help, you have to do everything yourself. Lai Fu and Li Saner are old people who have served by your side, both of them are clever and intelligent. It would be a waste to leave them in the capital looking after a small business. It’s better for them to come to Yu State to help you. They can also share your burdens."
Xin He laughed, "Where am I too busy? Usually, even if I have things to do, I let the youngster handle them."
Mu Houchu smirked, "He might also have times when he’s too busy. Lai Fu and Li Saner have been immersed in business for several years, and their experience is naturally more profound than a young lad. Having more confidants by your side won’t tire you too much."
Xin He had no complaints about this. If Mu Houchu had directly inserted his people to manage her affairs, she would definitely not be happy, as she is not fond of restrictions. Her own business should be managed by her.
However, she was happy that Mu Houchu had brought in Lai Fu and Li Saner. These two were people who had worked hard with her in the capital during past storms. They were capable and alert, earning her regard. If the Qinghe shop and winery in the capital were not yet stable at the time and had to leave two people to hold the fort, she would have not been willing to leave them behind.
It’s been six years since they last met. Naturally, Ji Xinhe was overjoyed to see them: "It’s a surprise you remember. In recent years, my business has been focused on Winding Pavilion, Flower Manor, and other estates. The Qinghe shop was handed over to my elder brother, and I almost forgot about these two."
Mu Houchu smirked, "What matter of yours do I not remember?"
Xin He smiled at Lai Fu and Li Saner: "It’s good you guys are here. From now on, you’ll be working by my side, which will save me some worry. You may step back for now, and I’ll discuss the details with you tomorrow."
Li Saner and Lai Fu promptly replied, "Thank you, Master."
With a slight deepening of the smile at the corner of his mouth, Mu Houchu’s eyes swept over the two people: "Remember to relieve some of your master’s burden."
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
