Zhang Ting's arrival on such a rainy night inevitably aroused Pei Xuan's suspicion. He was instantly displeased and wanted to send her away: "Miss Zhang Ting, if you have nothing else to do, please go back. The rain is getting heavier and heavier, and you won't be able to go back in a while."
Zhang Ting was also puzzled when she saw him; why was it Pei Xuan who opened the door?
A flicker of panic crossed her eyes, but she quickly concealed it and said coldly, "I need to find Qi Guze."
Pei Xuan's face darkened, and he immediately prepared to close the door and kick the person out.
He didn't forget to say dismissively, "He's not here."
"Please let me see him. I'm homeless now. If he can't take me in, I'll really have nowhere to go." Zhang Ting didn't believe him, but she had no other choice but to try to gain his sympathy.
Although Pei Xuan was a local official who could be soft-hearted for the sake of the people, he always felt that Zhang Ting was different from others and remained vigilant, let alone showing any soft-heartedness or sympathy.
Just then, Qi Guze suddenly appeared. Seeing Zhang Ting, who was soaked to the bone and looked like a chicken soup dish, he hesitated for a moment before saying, "Pei Xuan, let her in."
"Your Highness?" Pei Xuan wanted to say something more, but saw that Qi Guze had already turned and left, so he could only reluctantly let her in and arrange a room for her to rest.
After settling everyone in, Pei Xuan tossed and turned in bed, unable to sleep. The more he thought about it, the more suspicious Zhang Ting seemed, so he simply got up and went to find Qi Guze.
He needs an explanation.
“Your Highness, I still find Zhang Ting very suspicious.” Pei Xuan said earnestly, hoping to gain his approval. “When we were searching for your whereabouts, she clearly knew your location but pretended not to know. She even deliberately concealed it when she knew that Manager Xu and I were worried about you. I’m afraid such a person cannot stay here.”
Qi Guze naturally had his suspicions, but Zhang Ting had saved his life after all and explained what had happened earlier.
He couldn't do something like repaying kindness with enmity, so he could only advise, "Pei Xuan, you're overthinking it. This Zhang Ting saved my life before, and the people of Qipan Peak all approve of her. She must have a good heart; perhaps she just has some unavoidable difficulties."
Pei Xuan shook his head, disagreeing with what he said.
“I observed her, and her words and actions are problematic. She also seems very nervous. Didn’t you say before that her maternal family is in the capital of Mingyue? If she really has nowhere else to turn, wouldn’t it be better for her to seek help from her own relatives than for us two outsiders?” Pei Xuan’s face darkened, and the meaning behind it was self-evident.
They never expected that Zhang Ting, who was outside the door, had overheard their entire conversation.
Her expression changed slightly, and she even clenched her fists, but she didn't say anything and went back to her room.
Qi Guze and Pei Xuan soon ended their conversation.
Before leaving, Pei Xuan was still worried and spoke again: "Your Highness, even if you want to repay a debt of gratitude, you should be careful. I think Miss Zhang Ting is not an ordinary girl."
"Don't worry." Qi Guze knew what was going on.
...
The following morning, Qi Guze began to think about the barter system and prepared to support the industries of the Mingyue Kingdom. Only when the Mingyue Kingdom had something of value to offer would it be qualified to discuss the barter system.
After several days of investigation and observation, he discovered that the land of the Underworld Moon Kingdom was not suitable for growing any vegetables or fruits.
Because neither the soil nor the climate produces vegetables and fruits as sweet, delicious, and juicy as those from the Central Plains, and some of them won't even sprout.
On the contrary, the cattle and sheep of the Dark Moon Kingdom are all plump and strong, with tender and firm meat, much stronger and firmer than the cattle and sheep of the Central Plains.
After this investigation, Qi Guze felt that Mingyue Kingdom was not suitable for growing fruits and vegetables, but rather for raising animals such as cattle and sheep. If they could be used to barter for goods, it might be feasible.
Thinking of this, Qi Guze had an even bolder idea, so he quickly sought out Pei Xuan to share his thoughts with him.
"Lord Pei, I have carefully observed the planting history of the Mingyue Kingdom these past two days. There are very few vegetables and fruits that can be grown, and their taste is far inferior to those grown in the Central Plains..." Qi Guze hesitated before continuing.
Upon seeing this, Pei Xuan's eyes flickered slightly, and he immediately asked, "Yes, do you have any good ideas?"
He knew Qi Guze's character; he would never easily speak up unless he already had a plan.
Qi Guze stood up, becoming more and more excited as he spoke: "However, the cattle and sheep raised in the Mingyue Kingdom are far superior to those in the Central Plains, both in terms of size and meat quality. Therefore, I think that if the Mingyue Kingdom and the Central Plains each operate in their respective industries, they can complement each other perfectly."
Upon hearing this, Pei Xuan's eyes lit up, and he immediately clapped his hands and cheered.
"Your Highness, your idea is excellent. The breeding industry in the Underworld Moon and the vegetable cultivation in the Central Plains complement each other perfectly. Why don't you go directly to the King of the Underworld Moon and offer your advice?" He seemed to have already seen a glimmer of hope.
Once the animal husbandry industry in the Dark Moon Kingdom develops, they will be able to return to the Central Plains as soon as possible.
Qi Guze shook his head: "No, these are just speculations after all. We still need to go and investigate on-site first."
“Okay, then let’s go together tomorrow.” Pei Xuan agreed.
Meanwhile, Zhang Ting cleverly used her eyeliner to overhear everything again. With a quick thought, she made an excuse to leave and disguised herself once more.
"I want to see General Maimaiti," Zhang Ting said to the guard at the door as soon as she arrived.
Seeing the woman's imposing presence, the guards dared not offend her and quickly informed the authorities that she was indeed an important person.
“General, I overheard Qi Guze this morning saying that he wanted Mingyue and Zhongyuan to form an alliance by exchanging goods.” Zhang Ting told Maimaiti what she had heard that morning.
Sure enough, Maimaiti's eyes flickered slightly, and he asked, "Where are they at now?"
Zhang Ting thought for a moment: "Pei Xuan told him to go to the king for advice, but he refused, saying he wanted to go and investigate first."
“Great, great, once they go to investigate in person, these tasks will fall on my shoulders.”
"Alright, you can go back now. Be sure to report to me immediately if there is any further news." Maimaiti waved for someone to see Zhang Ting out.
Although I'm reluctant to admit it, I have to say that Qi Guze is indeed very clever; he was able to come up with such a brilliant plan.
General Maimaiti immediately decided to claim the idea for himself: "What a pity, whoever comes up with this great idea first naturally gets to keep it. Hahaha..."
He couldn't help but burst out laughing as he thought about it.
This time, he was determined to thwart Qi Guze's plans.
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