Linhai Prefecture
Jiang Zhixu and Xia Heng were playing chess quietly in the pavilion of the Imperial Garden. They were so focused on the game that the surrounding environment seemed exceptionally peaceful.
The tea beside the pavilion exudes a faint fragrance, adding a touch of freshness to the quiet atmosphere.
At this moment, a sound of light footsteps was heard, and Jin Shan came gracefully, followed closely by a large group of palace maids and eunuchs, making a considerable noise.
"Brother-in-law, I personally made bird's nest porridge for you." Jin Shan said softly, with a sweet smile on her face. "You must be tired after playing chess for so long. Take a break and try the porridge I made."
Jiang Zhixu slowly raised his head, and the moment his eyes met Jin Shan's, a subtle flicker of displeasure flashed across his eyes. Jin Shan's sudden appearance was clearly intended to disrupt the situation.
Seeing this, Xia Heng put down the chess piece in his hand and responded with a smile: "Thank you for your kindness, but I'm not feeling hungry at the moment."
However, Jin Shan did not give up. She said coquettishly, "Brother-in-law, I spent a lot of effort to make this. Just have a taste." After that, she ignored everyone's gaze, walked straight to Jiang Zhixu, picked up the bird's nest porridge, and was about to feed it to him personally.
Seeing this, Jiang Zhixu sneered. He stood up suddenly, kept a certain distance from Jin Shan, and asked in a deep voice:
"Sister, you are so attentive, could it be that you have other intentions? There are so many people watching in the Imperial Garden, it would be bad if it got out."
Jin Shan's expression changed, and a trace of resentment flashed in her eyes, but she quickly returned to her gentle appearance. "Brother-in-law, what are you talking about? I'm just concerned about you."
Jiang Zhixu frowned slightly:
"Okay, stop making trouble." Seeing that Jiang Zhixu was unhappy, Jin Shan didn't dare to argue with him anymore and could only put down the bird's nest porridge angrily.
"Then call me when my brother-in-law wants to eat." After saying that, he turned and left with his men. Jiang Zhixu sat down again and continued playing chess with Xia Heng.
"Your Majesty, you have already become the emperor, so you can take her in as your empress!" Xia Heng asked with a mischievous smile.
Jiang Zhixu answered seriously:
"She's Linlin's sister, and I don't have any romantic feelings for her. If I didn't like her, wouldn't it ruin her life if I messed with her? I couldn't do such a thing."
Xia Heng chuckled: "Your Majesty is a responsible person."
Jiang Zhixu nodded and continued, "Now that her sister is gone, it's my duty to take care of her, but I definitely won't take care of her in bed. I will only love Linlin in this life."
Xia Heng touched his newly grown beard and shook his head, seeming to disagree with Jiang Zhixu's words.
"Your Majesty, news has come from the south that a country called Shangjin has been established there, and the one who proclaimed himself emperor is actually a woman. Have you heard about it?" Xia Heng suddenly changed the subject.
Upon hearing this, Jiang Zhixu curled his lips slightly and said disdainfully, "These days, people are everywhere claiming to be emperors. What's so strange about that?"
Seeing this, Xia Heng put down the white chess piece in his hand and continued:
"I've done some thorough research. This Qingluan Empress is a legendary figure! I hear she's not only stunningly beautiful, captivating the whole nation, but also ruthless and terrifying. However, she does have a knack for governing the country, keeping it in perfect order."
After hearing what he said, Jiang Zhixu couldn't help but develop a strong interest in the Qingluan Empress, and quickly signaled Xia Heng to continue.
"The county under her rule is very prosperous, agriculture is very productive, and the people live and work in peace and contentment. Furthermore, I've heard that she's incredibly wealthy!"
Xia Heng hesitated as he spoke, as if hesitant about whether to continue.
Seeing this, Jiang Zhixu frowned and shot a stern look at Xia Heng like an arrow, as if questioning why he was so shy.
"I'm just speculating. Don't get too excited. Maybe my speculation is wrong."
Xia Heng was frightened by Jiang Zhixu's eyes and quickly explained.
Jiang Zhixu's patience was almost exhausted by him. He looked at him unhappily: "If you have something to say, just say it directly. Don't be so shy, like a grown-up girl!"
"It's like this. The Shangjin Kingdom has its capital in Cangwu City. There are many profitable businesses in the city, such as newspapers, paper mills, coal mines, and so on. And the owners of these businesses are actually this Qingluan Empress!"
Xia Heng finally plucked up the courage to tell this shocking news.
After hearing this, Jiang Zhixu stood up suddenly with an expression of disbelief on his face.
"These things are Linlin's way of making money. If it weren't for Linlin, the only person who knows these formulas would be Jialiu."
Xia Heng glanced awkwardly at the extremely excited emperor:
"Your Majesty, the Prime Minister of Shangjin Kingdom is named Jialiu, so this empress is most likely the deceased queen."
Jiang Zhixu's hands unconsciously clenched into fists, his eyes filled with shock and ecstasy.
"How is this possible? Linlin...hasn't she already..." He muttered to himself, his voice trembling.
Xia Heng quickly added, "Your Majesty, this is just speculation. But if it weren't for the Queen, how would anyone else know about these unique ways of making money?"
Jiang Zhixu took a deep breath and tried to calm himself down.
"No matter what, I have to find out clearly." He acted decisively and made up his mind.
Soon, Jiang Zhixu secretly arranged for his confidants to go to Cangwu City to find out the true identity of the Qingluan Empress.
He himself waited anxiously for news in the palace. Every minute and every second seemed to stretch endlessly, his heart already having flown to the distant Shang and Jin Kingdoms.
Ningzhou
Emperor Yanning, Cao Jiao, held the newspaper brought by the spy tightly in her hand. Her steps were quick and hurried, as if there was something urgent waiting for her to deal with.
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