Chapter 306: Chapter 298: She Has Always Been This Remarkable

In the face of life-saving grain, their background in the brothel no longer mattered.

The city’s citizens felt that they had a share in saving these women, able to receive the grain as a reward, and were naturally pleased.

Although the city is currently without a ruler, it has an unexpected sense of harmony.

Even the impoverished people from the Residence have people enthusiastically queuing to collect grain and deliver it to them.

With Wen Yuan’s downfall, subsequent officials filled the void, ensuring the issue of grain shortages would be properly resolved.

Meanwhile, Ruan Mian intercepted the letter sent to Chen Fu during her first raid of Wen Yuan’s private stash and forwarded it to the Capital City, reaching Xie Huai’an.

His lips curled into a smile, recalling the wife who had lingered in his dreams for days; his heart warmed.

Solemnly, he folded the letter and lay gently on the chair, in the dim chamber, where only a burning candle flickered.

She had always been formidable like this.

Being able to grow grain in the harsh conditions of Wuheng and saving a life isn’t easy.

The key point is that she could obtain such a long list of purchased official names, and the letter sent also contained a very short note.

[Do not worry, I am safe, waiting peacefully.]

Xie Huai’an knew that she was someone who could protect herself; he simply needed to resolve the matters in the Capital City quickly and reunite with her back in Wuheng.

He had never considered his future life before, only feeling the fulfillment of his aspirations and his uncompromised integrity meant he hadn’t lived in vain.

But now, he even craved the mutual support and companionship of ordinary people, seeking peace alongside his beloved until old age.

While he was contemplating, a man in a red robe with dragon patterns was already standing at the chamber door.

Xie Huai’an gathered his emotions and stood to salute, "Your Majesty."

The young man stood, hands behind him, with well-defined features carrying the authority of a ruler.

His gaze towards Xie Huai’an softened slightly.

He chuckled lightly and sat across from Xie Huai’an, looking around and bringing a jug of wine.

"Brother Huai, with only the two of us here, the ceremonies between ruler and minister are unnecessary."

"Try this Jade Osmanthus I secretly brewed when I was still the Crown Prince and see how it tastes."

He personally poured a cup of wine for Xie Huai’an, casually mentioning, "I’ve already looked through the names you sent over two days ago."

"However, the issues are complex and distant from the Imperial City; some matters, even I can’t manage everything meticulously. In recent days, I must rely more on you to share the burden for me."

"Gathering evidence against the Princess’s faction isn’t easy, especially since the Princess has done significant work for the entire Da Jing. I must proceed cautiously to provide the people with proper explanation."

"I ask for your understanding, Ah Huai."

"Your Majesty is too gracious; I fully understand."

From his time as the Crown Prince, he has endured many humiliations; his foundation was already unstable, and the Fifth Princess and King Yan have both contributed significantly to the court, with substantial support from the citizens.

If not for the comprehensive setup and complete evidence of treason, he would absolutely not risk startling the snake.

When the truly right moment arrives, acting swiftly and decisively to eliminate threats is the ruler’s way.

And Xie Huai’an is currently the sharpest tool in his hand.

The man and Xie Huai’an drank two cups of wine, then mentioned another matter.

"Ah Huai, there is something troubling me that I wish to discuss and hear your opinion." Without waiting for Xie Huai’an’s response, he continued.

"Yesterday, Master opened up to me, wanting me to arrange a good marriage for his son."

Xie Huai’an looked over, calmly saying, "When Your Majesty was still the Crown Prince, Master assisted Your Majesty, who regards Master as an esteemed elder. If it’s a good match, it’s fine."

The danger is if this match turns out not to be a good thing.

Your Majesty laughed bitterly and spoke candidly, "Yes, Master is my benefactor who cared for me greatly. Now that I’ve ascended the throne, I naturally remember his kindness."

"But his requested match is with the Fifth Princess."

Xie Huai’an was slightly stunned, not expecting that Master’s son, barely reaching adulthood, and the Fifth Princess, who is several years older, would develop feelings for each other.

"The Princess has also mentioned to me her fondness for Mu Bing; it is reasonable that I should make this match to fulfill the Master’s wish."

"Others may not understand, but I trust you, Ah Huai, can understand me."

Xie Huai’an understood indeed.

His concern is that the Princess intends to form an alliance with Master.

Though Master wields no actual power, he holds high prestige in the court and is also Your Majesty’s benefactor; once he forms marital ties with the Princess, the roots entwined under royal authority will only grow rampantly.

Whether Master would become estranged is beyond Your Majesty’s control.

Yet, looking at it differently, if both Master and the Princess personally pursue marriage, refusing it puts Your Majesty in a difficult position and causes speculation about the Emperor’s intentions among court officials, leading to various consequences.

His royal authority is still fragile; the priority is to attract officials’ loyalty and achieve tangible accomplishments to earn respect and trust.

With King Yan’s rebel party closing in, having stronger chances of victory is crucial.

The path to the throne is easy, but sustaining royal authority is far from simple.

Xie Huai’an pondered for a moment and was about to speak when Your Majesty suddenly interrupted him, his gaze deepening slightly as he spoke slowly.

"I’ve made a decision."

"Ah Huai, although Master has been kind to me, should he truly intend to be assimilated by others and stand against me, I shall show no mercy."

He laughed briefly and clinked cups with Xie Huai’an, "If it’s the marriage suggested by my teacher, I will complete this favor."

The implication beyond his words was clear to Xie Huai’an.

In the future, the Mu Family wouldn’t be protected by royal authority but would become one of those watched by Your Majesty.

When necessary, Your Majesty wouldn’t hesitate.

Xie Huai’an lowered his gaze and didn’t speak further.

···

At the same time, in Runing City.

Ruan Mian and the others had been busy helping those women for several days.

The court also dispatched a new Magistrate to come.

The grain shortage has alleviated considerably, and the women from Yanli Courtyard also gained much respect from many people.

They never imagined there would be a day when they could break free from the shackles of being lowly brothel women.

They cherished the hard-earned opportunity for survival in this health preservation hall immensely.

Xu Mo’er even made promises to her aunt and Ruan Mian and the others.

"Miss Ruan, Mrs. Ruan, rest assured, I will manage this hall well with Nanny Lou. If you ever wish to come to Runing, you can always check our operation."

Due to their previous limited funds, Ruan Mian invested some Silver Coin under her aunt’s name for subsequent renovations and initial expenditures.

She signed a contract, agreeing to shares as profits.

So, in their eyes, Mrs. Ruan was considered the boss behind them.

Now Wen Yuan has fallen, her brother has been found, but Wen Qiang remained missing.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by lotustale.com