Song Zhiyu and Shen Feng returned to the Marquis's residence one after the other. Their expressions were completely different; one was calm and composed, while the other was as gloomy as ink. Anyone with eyes could feel the tense atmosphere between them.
"I really underestimated you." Shen Feng stared fiercely at Song Zhiyu's back, feeling resentful.
But now that the die is cast, he has to go to Liangzhou and ensure the safe arrival of that batch of herbs.
"Not even a fraction as capable as Lord Marquis." Song Zhiyu stopped in his tracks, a mocking expression on his face, clearly referring to the matter of Liangzhou.
Shen Feng was speechless. Under Song Zhiyu's clear and cold gaze, he felt completely exposed, as if she had seen right through him.
"I'm giving you a chance to make a name for yourself. If you can resolve this plague in Liangzhou, it will greatly benefit your marriage into the Eastern Palace in the future." Shen Feng looked pained and remorseful, his ability to lie through his teeth becoming increasingly impressive.
To an outsider who didn't know the situation, he would really seem like a good father who cared about his daughter.
Song Zhiyu chuckled, her eyes full of mockery.
"No need for you to worry about me, Marquis. We will be setting off tomorrow. The transport of the herbs is of utmost importance and cannot be taken lightly. With your time, Marquis, you should make preparations as soon as possible to ensure that the herbs arrive in Liangzhou safely."
Having said that, Song Zhiyu was too lazy to waste any more words with him, as there was still a tough battle to fight tomorrow.
Once everyone had completely gone, Shen Rushan withdrew his sinister gaze. "Father, Song Zhiyu's move was truly ruthless; she didn't care about your safety at all."
The people of the North, upon receiving this news, will certainly try every means to intercept the herbs. And what about the Prince…”
As expected, the more Shen Rushan spoke, the darker Shen Feng's face became.
This rebellious daughter is truly intolerant of even the slightest loss.
Despite his rage, Shen Feng still retained a sliver of reason. Song Zhiyu asked His Majesty to issue an edict allowing him to transport herbs to Liangzhou, partly to retaliate against his schemes, and partly to use him to restrain Prince Li.
The Marquis of Chengen's mansion and the Prince of Li's mansion have long been in cahoots, their interests deeply intertwined. His misfortune would not benefit the Prince of Li.
Given this relationship, even if Li Wang were to take action, he would have to think twice before doing so, lest he cut off his own arm and suffer a loss that outweighs the gain.
The King of Li is unlikely to take action, but the Northern people are another matter entirely.
Shen Feng's vision went black. He was neither a military general nor particularly skilled. If he were to encounter someone from the Northern Kingdom, he would only suffer a loss.
Seeing Shen Feng sighing repeatedly, Shen Rushan's eyes lit up. "Father, there's no need to worry too much. I have a brilliant plan that can solve the Prince's urgent problem and also save him from His Majesty's punishment."
In private, Shen Rushan used a different name.
Why is it that, despite being of the same bloodline as a marquis, he has to act secretly and can't even call him "father"?
Shen Feng didn't correct him. Everyone around knew that Ru Shan was now the adopted son of the Marquis's mansion, so it was perfectly normal for him to change his address.
"What do you mean by that?" Shen Feng asked, a glint of light flashing in his eyes.
He's really worried about this.
"Father, do you know the value and medicinal effects of the Star Grass?" Shen Rushan kept everyone in suspense.
Shen Feng frowned. "Isn't it for treating the plague?"
Shen Rushan shook his head. "Father was only half right. Tianxing grass not only has the effect of treating fever, but it is also a great tool for stopping bleeding. It is extremely valuable. It is a real pity to use such a good herb on the people of Liangzhou."
"Stop the bleeding..." Shen Feng murmured a couple of times, then suddenly understood what Shen Rushan meant.
Besides their daily rations, the large number of private soldiers His Highness keeps need various hemostatic herbs.
If this batch of Heavenly Star Grass can be used by Your Highness, it will not only make Rushan more valued in Your Highness's eyes, but also allow Shu'er's marriage to be put on the agenda as soon as possible.
But he quickly abandoned the idea. This batch of herbs was personally ordered by His Majesty to be transported to Liangzhou, and no mistakes were allowed. How could he possibly keep it for himself?
"No, no, this method won't work." Shen Feng waved his hand. Although he was eager to finalize the marriage between Shu'er and Prince Li, he hadn't completely lost his mind.
"Father, please let me finish. Although Tianxing grass is difficult to cultivate and scarce, its extremely high value makes it a target for countless medicine dealers. In order to make huge profits, it is common for them to pass off fakes and inferior products as superior ones."
Shen Rushan paused, looking at Shen Feng's increasingly bright eyes, and his tightly pursed thin lips curved slightly.
"The difference between Tianxingcao and Shuangxingcao is only one character, but their appearance is extremely similar. Both have the effects of treating fever and stopping bleeding, making them difficult to distinguish. However, as for medicinal efficacy, you get what you pay for, so the price is naturally much lower."
After a moment of contemplation, Shen Feng made a firm decision: "Do you have a way to obtain this Froststar Grass?"
"Father has made up his mind." Shen Rushan revealed a confident smile. He knew that Shen Feng would be tempted by such a huge benefit.
As expected, Shen Feng gazed intently towards the direction of the Prince Li's residence in the distance, having already made up his mind. "I'm going to the Prince Li's residence. I'll leave the rest to you."
*
Night falls at Songxi Courtyard.
"Miss, why don't you take me with you?" Lu Bai said, reluctantly packing Song Zhiyu's bags while gazing intently at her with her watery eyes.
Song Zhiyu patted the hair bun on her graying head and said with a smile, "The plague is raging in Liangzhou, and there is a risk of infection at any time. Besides, you still need to stay in the capital to help me deal with Chen the wet nurse's matter."
"Alright, then Miss, please be careful. I'll be waiting for you to return safely in the capital." Lu Bai knew that if she went to Liangzhou, she would probably only cause trouble and wouldn't be of any use. Instead, she would only distract her mistress from taking care of her, so she could only reluctantly agree.
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