So what if I traveled through time? I'll continue to roll in another place

Ever since Zhou Yao improved the iron ore furnace in Nantai County, the efficiency of molten iron refining has been greatly improved, and both the cast weapons and farm tools are sharper and more durable than before.

Shangshu Xu Miao was full of praise for this young man and had already reported to the emperor that he wanted to promote the new type of furnaces in iron mines across the country. He also praised Zhou Yao highly in his memorial.

Both Song Pu and Chu Yuanming thought it was a good thing. The cabinet issued an imperial decree to reward Zhou Yao with a lot of money, and specially wrote the title of "capable minister" on the approval.

From the Jiangzhou corruption case, to the autumn banquet lecture, to the current iron smelting improvements, Zhou Yao was in the limelight for a while, and more and more people wanted to make friends with him. Even Xiao Yueshan had more social interactions.

Of course, this kind of behavior of destroying other people's jobs and stealing other people's limelight has long aroused jealousy and dissatisfaction among some people. There are imperceptible undercurrents beneath the flowers and splendor.

In order to protect Lu Jiayan, Xiao Yueshan has already thought of a countermeasure. Now that iron smelting has made some progress, Qian Xing, the supervisor of the Nantai Iron Mine, has already cast the first batch of gun barrels according to the drawings left by Zhou Yao.

She also asked Zhou Yao to send a message to Zhang Baiyu in Xizhou, asking him to select a copper mine and make improvements according to his newly drawn drawings. The metal raw materials for casting cannons are already available. She can use this to talk to the Princess of Jin. If the Princess of Jin is willing to come forward, then the Chen family's marriage should be able to be cancelled.

Before she sent a letter to ask for an audience with the Princess of Jin, she received an invitation from the Prince of Jin's mansion. Xiao Yueshan quickly packed up and rushed to the banquet.

When she arrived at the Prince of Jin's mansion, Xiao Yueshan found that in addition to her, there were more than a dozen officials' wives and daughters present. Even the wives of the Duke of Dingguo and the Duke of Xin were there. Also attending the banquet was Minister Meng's wife, Chen Yaqin.

Seeing these two, Xiao Yueshan felt a little embarrassed and could only act calmly, as if there was no conflict between them. After everyone chatted for a while, the Princess of Jin finally arrived.

"You have been waiting for a long time." Princess Jin said with a smile.

Everyone stood up and saluted, and Shu Rongxue gestured for everyone to take a seat.

"I invite you all here today because I have a happy event to share with you. It's still chilly in spring, and everyone should share in the joyful atmosphere." The Princess of Jin went straight to the point.

"A few days ago, the wife of Duke Dingguo wanted to choose a good match for the young master of the Duke Dingguo family, and came to me for help. I thought the children of the adults are about the same age, so I wanted to ask your opinions. Do you have any suitable candidates?"

As soon as the words fell, the ladies began to whisper to each other. Madam Meng Chen Yaqin spoke first: "Since the princess has asked, I will recommend someone who is virtuous and not avoid relatives. My cousin from my mother's family, Miss Xin Guogong's ninth daughter Chen Yaxian, is dignified and quiet, beautiful and intelligent, and can manage the household and speak eloquently. She is a good match."

When Miss Chen heard her cousin's recommendation, a layer of shy blush instantly appeared on her fair cheeks, as tempting as a ripe apple.

She lowered her head slightly, not looking at others, only a pair of dimples appeared and disappeared. Her hands unconsciously fiddled with the tassel of the sachet she was wearing, and the nervous movements between her fingers exposed her girlish hope and shyness.

At this moment, Miss Chen is like a beautiful flower, quietly blooming her beauty and tenderness.

Xiao Yueshan looked at her along with everyone else. She was indeed a beautiful woman. But she felt a little sad. No matter how precious she was, she could not escape the fate of a blind marriage and her life was easily decided by someone else.

All the ladies present here are savvy in social circles. Their children's marriages are arranged by the two families with a common interest, and today's meeting is just a formality.

Lady Liu Zhi, the wife of the Marquis of Xuanping, said, "My master came back a few days ago and said that he had seen the third son of the Shou family at the banquet. He is really a handsome man. I wonder whose daughter will be lucky enough to marry him. Those naughty ones in my family are not worthy. Now I think he and Miss Chen are a perfect match made in heaven."

The newly appointed Guanglu Temple Minister's wife Li Zinan hurriedly covered her face and smiled, "Madam Liu, please stop being so modest. There are no outsiders here today, and I am not afraid of being laughed at by the princess and the ladies. My second son fell in love with your fifth daughter at first sight at the Lantern Festival, and he kept urging me to propose marriage.

It is true that a grown-up son is no longer under the control of his mother. Today, as the two dukes are celebrating their wedding, I will also seek good luck from the princess and act as a matchmaker for her."

The young lady of the Marquis Xuanping family had a well-behaved baby face. When she heard that a young man fell in love with her at first sight, she covered her face with a handkerchief in embarrassment.

Several ladies were talking at once, as if every household had single men and women who were suitable for marriage.

Xiao Yueshan finally understood that the people present today were all the ministers and their families who supported the Jin Prince Chu Yuanming. On the surface, it was a marriage of children, but in reality it was a political marriage and a collective surrender.

I just don't know why they invited me? She is of a different generation from these ladies, and she doesn't have any daughters or sons who need blind dates.

Xiao Yueshan was just wondering when she heard the Princess of Jin say with a smile, "Madam Xiao hasn't said anything yet. The Zhou family has a young lady of the right age. She is beautiful and talented. Even I have never forgotten her after meeting her once."

Suddenly, everyone's eyes were focused on Xiao Yueshan, who was coming for Lu Jiayan. She had originally wanted to ask for this matter, but how could she put forward conditions in front of so many people?

Xiao Yueshan stood up and replied with a smile: "Thank you for your kindness, Princess, but my sister from the Lu family is still young and would like to stay for two more years."

The Princess of Jin did not force it and nodded with a smile.

At this time, Chen Yaqin suddenly said: "I think Miss Lu is gentle and lovely, and she complements my cousin."

Xiao Yueshan looked at Chen Yaqin, "Are you determined to bring Lu Jiayan and Chen Peisheng together?" she hated in her heart.

Just as he was about to refuse, he heard the Princess of Jin say, "You all have a point. But marriage is a big deal, so we should listen to the children's opinions. Why don't I hold a banquet another day and invite all the young ladies to get together and let them get along with each other. It would be a great thing if it can really work out."

All the ladies agreed and could only sigh at the princess's reputation for virtue.

Xiao Yueshan finally waited until the blind date corner party was over. She was already on pins and needles. She endured it until the very end before asking for her resignation from the princess.

"Your Highness, I came here today to report to you the latest progress of smelting..." She was finally able to speak.

The Princess of Jin looked at Xiao Yueshan and interrupted her directly: "I already know what you want to say. Madam Xiao, I invited you here today because I have something to discuss with you."

Xiao Yueshan was both happy and worried. She was happy that as long as the Princess of Jin needed her to do something, they could have a good talk. She was worried that she didn't know what difficult task she would have to complete. She said quickly, "I don't know what it is. Please tell me clearly, Princess."

The Princess of Jin smiled and said, "I heard that Lord Zhou improved the furnace, making ironware sharper and more durable. This is a great achievement. I intend to set up a foundry in the capital, and let Madam Xiao be in charge, to secretly help me forge weapons. What do you think, Madam Xiao?"

"Thank you for your trust, Princess. This matter is of great importance and I am afraid I am not up to the task." Xiao Yueshan pretended to decline.

"Mrs. Xiao, don't be too modest. With your ability, it's no problem. Besides, I can only trust you with this matter." Princess Jin waved her hand and motioned Xiao Yueshan to sit down. "In the future, I will arrange the money and manpower needed for the foundry. I have already chosen the location. You and your wife just need to help me manage it."

Xiao Yueshan secretly calculated that if she accepted the appointment as the Princess of Jin, Lu Jiayan's crisis would be resolved.

"In that case, I am willing to serve the princess." Xiao Yueshan kowtowed to express her gratitude, "But I still have one favor to ask, I hope the princess will show mercy."

"You want to talk about Miss Lu's marriage, right? I know that she has a crush on the third son of the Shou family, but she comes from a rather low family. How about I act as a matchmaker and bring her to the Shou mansion as a concubine?" The Princess of Jin said, with an expression that showed she knew everything.

I don’t know why these nobles are so well-informed and know everything.

"That's not the case. I would like to ask the princess to protect my younger sister. The Zhou family is not of high status, and the Lu family is a white family. I hope that our younger sister will not be involved in the disputes among the aristocratic families." Xiao Yueshan kowtowed again.

"That's not difficult. I'll prepare a banquet in a few days and say that Miss Lu is ill and bedridden, so the arranged marriage will be cancelled." The Princess of Jin said easily.

"Thank you, Princess. I will definitely serve you." Xiao Yueshan risked his life.

"Very good. I'll leave it to Madam Xiao then." The Princess of Jin nodded with satisfaction.