Springtime Farming: A Happy Wife At Home

Chapter 2215: Again

One of the courtiers suggested that the Second Prince should send troops to attack Shao Yunduan, but the Second Prince dismissed the idea. He said that the biggest enemy was the Fourth Prince’s rebellious faction in the capital. There was no need to take any other actions until the Fourth Prince’s rebels were eliminated.

Frustrated, the Second Prince declared that anyone who continued to push this matter would have to stand up and issue a military order to lead the troops to attack Huaixi province themselves. Unless they could guarantee an easy victory, they would only be benefiting the Fourth Prince’s rebels in the north by expending too many troops and resources in Huaixi province.

“If anyone thinks it’s easy to take down Huaixi province, let them go ahead!” he challenged. “As long as they can capture Huaixi province with minimal losses, they will certainly be conferred the title of marquis!”

At this, the loudest advocates fell silent.

After the Lantern Festival in Huaixi province, Qiao Xuan discussed the spring plowing for the new year with Jia Heming and Songshi.

Last year, there was a huge harvest of food and potatoes, and the official warehouses were filled to the brim.

The refugees who had been recruited were also well taken care of and properly arranged.

This year, Shao Yunduan planned to expand more wasteland for cotton and medicinal herbs cultivation, while continuing to increase the potato crop.

Potatoes had become a common food throughout Huaixi province and the surrounding areas. They were affordable and widely liked. Potato noodles had also been promoted and were very popular.

Everything in Huaixi province was flourishing.

From officials to commoners, everyone in the province had little loyalty to the Great Qin Empire. A small group of people couldn’t help but hope that Lord Shao wouldn’t align with any prince. They feared that if he joined the Great Qin Empire, their current good life might not continue.

At the beginning of February, someone arrived from the Third Prince’s side.

This time, it wasn’t an imperial envoy but two of the Third Prince’s concubines, Consort Su and Consort Fu.

Consort Fu was the youngest daughter of the magistrate of Hangzhou, who had surrendered to the Third Prince. Consort Su’s father had originally been a water bandit who gathered at Lake Tai after the world fell into chaos. He was brave and formidable but was later subdued by the Third Prince. Now, he and his brothers were among the Third Prince’s most capable generals.

Consort Su’s father and brothers had played a significant role in the Third Prince’s swift takeover of almost the entire Jiangnan region. Because of their support, Consort Su enjoyed considerable influence in the Third Prince’s harem.

Consort Fu, who joined later, had a more prestigious background, which led to ongoing friction between the two. No one knew what the Third Prince had said to them, but somehow they agreed to travel to Huaixi province together.

The two concubines had come to Huaixi province for a jaunt and to tour the country on behalf of the Emperor.

Even though Shao Yunduan hadn’t agreed to anything, the Third Prince already considered Huaixi province his territory.

Since that was the case, why shouldn’t his concubines enjoy themselves?

Shao Yunduan and Qiao Xuan had to receive them well and treat them with respect as their guests.

Consort Su and Consort Fu had come through Dao Jinhua, so Zheng Sangge let them pass without hesitation.

If they wanted to come, they could come. Why stop them? After all, Madam Shao would teach them how to behave.

There was no need to prevent their visit; it would only cause unnecessary trouble if word got out.

As for what happened within Huaixi, it wouldn’t be so easily spread.