Springtime Farming: A Happy Wife At Home

Chapter 1346: Preparing to Go South

Editor: Henyee Translations

Shao Yunduan adamantly declined Prince Nuo Nuo’s invitation, citing his busy schedule, a lack of archery or equestrian skills, and his belief that his presence would be of little use on a hunting expedition.

Had it not been for Shao Yunduan and Qiao Xuan’s plans to spend the New Year in Jiangnan, the Crown Prince might have accepted the invitation on Shao Yunduan’s behalf. However, it was clear that their New Year’s expenses took precedence, so the Crown Prince sided with Shao Yunduan’s decision and reassured Prince Nuo Nuo.

Prince Nuo Nuo, a peculiar character, didn’t take offense at Shao Yunduan’s refusal; in fact, he admired him even more. After all, not everyone had the courage to decline his invitation, as many sought opportunities to curry favor with him.

Rather than face potential disapproval from the Crown Prince, his superiors, and others for rejecting Prince Nuo Nuo, he proactively spoke in Shao Yunduan’s favor. He offered to share a drink when time allowed, as he would be stationed in the capital for an extended period, departing only after the next spring.

Shao Yunduan found himself at a loss. He had no desire to share a drink with this man.

The group journeyed to a royal hunting ground over 200 kilometers from the capital. The officials and guards responsible for their reception in the capital breathed a collective sigh of relief as they departed.

Finally, they could enjoy some rest and respite.

The Crown Prince had already made the necessary arrangements. In the following days, Shao Yunduan would travel to the south, inspecting the canals in Jiangnan for approximately 30 days.

As soon as the official ship was ready, they would embark on their journey without any concerns.

Sun Bai and Sun Qian continued to lead more than ten guards from the Eastern Palace who accompanied them.

Before leaving the capital, Qiao Xuan ensured that all her tasks were completed.

This time, Qiao Xuan brought Lixia and Liqiu with her while leaving Qing Yan and Songshi behind in the capital.

The strawberry production had significantly decreased, prompting Qiao Xuan to inform the manager of Jinquan Restaurant that the supply would cease in approximately ten days. Anyone desiring fresh strawberries would need to wait until late March or early April of the following year.

Despite the strawberries benefiting from Qiao Xuan’s wood power, substantial variety improvements, and enhanced cold resistance, the capital still experienced a harsh winter. Without the protection of a greenhouse and proper care, safely navigating the winter remained a significant challenge for the strawberries.

Preparations for winter were essential. The strawberries had to be pruned, leaving only the roots, and then they would be covered with thick straw to encourage growth in the spring.

While the restaurant owner expressed regret, he understood that fruit growth depended on factors beyond anyone’s control. It was a matter left to nature.

He even prepared a gift for the Shao Family and requested Qiao Xuan to sign a contract with Shao Yunduan to ensure that the teahouse would continue to receive strawberry supplies the following year.

Qiao Xuan amended the contract, stipulating that she would provide a minimum of 200 catties per day when the quantity allowed.

With Shao Yunduan’s status as a court official and a popular figure, the manager didn’t dare to voice any objections. Qiao Xuan’s resolute stance left him reluctant to utter another word, fearing he might upset her.

Fortunately, their working relationship had developed over time, and he understood that Qiao Xuan and Shao Yunduan were not motivated solely by greed. Given their initial commitment to him, they had no intention of abandoning the partnership.

For him, this was already a favorable outcome. The concept of exclusivity was no longer a matter of concern!