CHAPTER 196: CHAPTER 194: ALL HERS

Chun Shan glanced out the window, seeing the Cai Family’s Housekeeper emerge from the makeup shop.

Chun Shan hurriedly said to Lishu, "That Mr. Xu’s medical skills are excellent, and he’s proficient in preparing medicines. He should be assisting with the epidemic in Zhenzhou. The Commandery Princess wants to know about her affairs."

Lishu nodded, "I’ll find a way to inquire. Please tell the Commandery Princess not to worry."

Chun Shan said no more, but before leaving, she held Lishu’s hand tightly, "The Commandery Princess is just worried about you. It’s hard to see you come to the capital but can’t meet. She’s afraid Cai Rong might become suspicious of you."

On one side was the Commandery Princess; on the other, Cai Rong’s concubine. Frequently meeting privately would inevitably arouse suspicion. Lishu understood this, yet the Commandery Princess still came, sitting just a wall away.

How could Lishu not understand the Commandery Princess’s intentions?

A warmth surged within Lishu’s heart, and she grasped Chun Shan’s hand firmly, her eyes full of determination.

After Chun Shan left, Lishu leaned on the chair. Although a smile lingered on her lips, the sparkle in her eyes was gone. She smoothed the exquisite satin on her body with her hand, finding the intricate embroidery seemed like a sharp blade cutting into her flesh. Were it not to support the Commandery Princess, she couldn’t have borne such a life for even a day.

Is Mr. Xu from Chen Family Village really an old acquaintance of Prince Guangyang Mansion? Then why hasn’t she come to find the Commandery Princess?

Lishu pondered in her heart and realized she had more tasks to accomplish.

...

Princess Jiahui returned to her mansion, and the servants hurried forward to serve her.

Princess Jiahui changed into an ochre-yellow dress and turned to look at the orchid newly delivered to the warm room.

A beauty with bright eyes and dazzling teeth stepped forward with a graceful gait, gazed at the meticulously cultivated "National Fragrance," and used her slender jade fingers to snap it slightly, holding the craftsman’s months of hard work in her hands.

Princess Jiahui inhaled the faint fragrance of the orchid and tucked it into her hair.

Chun Shan dismissed the servants, brought tea forward, and discussed the letter regarding Chen Family Village and Mr. Xu with Princess Jiahui.

"Wu San, who delivered the letter to our mansion, does odd jobs on the street. Someone gave him one or two pieces of silver to make this trip. It was a woman wearing a veil who instructed Wu San; he didn’t see her face."

How could one track someone who doesn’t show their face?

Chun Shan continued, "I don’t know what intentions the person who sent us the information holds?"

Princess Jiahui sat down, her large eyes blinking lightly, "Someone wants to use my hand against Chen Family Village. I heard Chen Family Village sells medicinal materials and prepared medicine, mostly because of Mr. Xu. If I win Mr. Xu over to my side, what else does Chen Family Village have?"

Chun Shan suddenly realized, "So that’s it."

Princess Jiahui chuckled, "There might be other intentions as well. Yet, I can’t figure them out now. Nonetheless, letting Lishu inquire is definitely correct."

Moreover, even before this letter arrived, she had already noticed Chen Family Village.

Princess Jiahui said, "Did you buy the things I wanted?"

Chun Shan replied, "I bought them. In the capital, only one shop had kept woolen textiles sold from Zhenzhou, and I’ll bring them over for the Commandery Princess to see."

Moments later, Chun Shan presented the woolen textiles and medicinal materials to Princess Jiahui.

Princess Jiahui looked at the woolen hat made from the textile. Although it featured some Square Victory Pattern, it was roughly made, suggesting it was produced on an ordinary loom.

Chun Shan replied, "I specifically asked. Such items are bought by ordinary people for warmth. Chen Family Village is somewhat known in the North, but the items made are done by farmwomen, unable to reach the mainstream."

Princess Jiahui then examined the medicinal materials.

Chun Shan said, "The medicinal materials are considerably better. There are plenty of herbs around Zhenzhou, and Chen Family Village knows how to prepare them. If the letter is accurate, it’s all thanks to Mr. Xu."

Princess Jiahui’s expression remained unchanged, as if she was lost in thought, "So was this coincidental or intentional? Does Song Xian know Mr. Xu is an old acquaintance of Prince Guangyang Mansion? Song Xian will never be satisfied with only Zhenzhou and Zhaozhou; he still covets the territory of Prince Guangyang."

Chun Shan carefully considered Princess Jiahui’s words, "Are you saying Song Xian wants to use Prince Guangyang’s reputation to boost his own? Given time, he might rally some popular support if he attacks the Northwest."

Princess Jiahui couldn’t fully grasp Song Xian’s intentions, "Song Xian has his reasons for supporting Chen Family Village. Don’t forget what my father said, those solely interested in power have deep motives behind every action.

Even Prince Guangyang is the same; outwardly kind, but with hidden agendas."

Suddenly, Princess Jiahui recalled her father’s voice, "Prince Guangyang said I was a deceitful villain. I merely borrowed grain from the storeroom, and he broke my leg publicly for it, using me to establish authority and win support among his followers. That was when I swore, one day his belongings would all be mine."

Princess Jiahui looked around the room. Wasn’t it true? These things belonged to her now.

The Emperor had bestowed upon her many of Prince Guangyang’s possessions. Whether she liked them or not, she had to hold onto them, as they constantly reminded her that nothing today came easily, and all must be clutched tightly in her hands.

As for those unwilling to listen, like the Old General Zhang, whom she invited a few times but refused to come to her side.

They would become pawns, paving her way for the future, utilizing every resource effectively.

"Send more people to Zhenzhou to investigate. I want to know everything about Chen Family Village," said Princess Jiahui.

Even before the people sent by Princess Jiahui to gather information returned, news from Zhenzhou had already reached the capital.

Jia Si’s second secret letter mentioned Chen Family Village, stating Song Xian ordered the Official Medicine Bureau to make medicine according to the prescription of two women from Chen Family Village.

What is finished medicine? It’s the process of preparing herbs into fine powder, brewing those unsuitable for grinding into medicine liquid, and finally refining them into honey pills.

Though the previous dynasty’s medical books did contain such methods, mass production for epidemic treatment was a first.

Currently, the Zhenzhou epidemic had been halted, and Song Xian prepared the medicine to aid Yingzhou.

Cai Rong stood in the court with a troubled expression, knowing the Yingzhou epidemic was worsening and assuming Zhenzhou must be even more severe. Yet, Song Xian’s documents sent to the capital stated the Zhenzhou epidemic was quelled?

How could this be possible? Cai Rong couldn’t believe it, sensing there must be more to it.

The Emperor held the honey pills made by the Official Medicine Bureau. The people of Chen Family Village not only helped produce them but also offered the formulation and method of refining the pills to the court, showing no intention of withholding.

If there’s another epidemic, it won’t be necessary to transport raw materials across vast distances, only the finished medicine.

In front of civil and military officials, the Emperor placed the pills back into the box, "If the medicine proves effective, Song Xian indeed does a great service for the people of Daqi."

Afterward, the Emperor instructed the Minister of Revenue, "Send someone with the Imperial Hospital physicians to Yingzhou."

Upon finishing, the Emperor looked at Cai Rong, "Yingzhou is your defense territory. Return there to oversee the situation, and report back to the capital once things are settled."

After the court session, Cai Rong hurriedly walked out. If the medicine truly worked, Song Xian would secure great merit.

...

Zhenzhou, Chen Family Village.

Old Mrs. Chen and Chen Yongsheng stood at the entrance of the village, eagerly anticipating.

Finally, the figures of Xie Liangchen, Xu Tingzhen, and Chen Zigeng appeared in everyone’s sight.

The entire Chen Family Village burst into joy.

"Sister is back."