The Little Lucky Girl.

After several days of visits, Su Zhiyuan, the newly appointed prefect, thoroughly understood the various aspects of life in Hongzhou Prefecture. Dressed in a blue official uniform, a black gauze hat, and official boots, his gaze firm and focused, he listened attentively to the people's demands and meticulously documented their hardships and inconveniences.

At the city's market, he saw small vendors scowling under the weight of heavy taxes. Despite their dazzling array of goods, few were interested. Su Zhiyuan acted decisively, convening local tax collectors and merchant representatives to discuss and formulate a new, more reasonable tax policy, alleviating the burden on small vendors. Suddenly, the market regained its former bustle, with the cries of hawkers filling the air and smiles gradually returning to the faces of the people.

He also visited the fields, where he witnessed farmers anxiously watching their parched land. Irrigation had become a major problem due to the disrepair of the water conservancy facilities. Su Zhiyuan immediately organized craftsmen and villagers, allocated supplies, and personally oversaw the repair of the water conservancy projects. Braving the scorching sun, he shared the hardships of the people, moving stones and digging ditches. After days and nights of painstaking work, clear water finally flowed into the farmlands, nourishing the parched soil. The farmers cheered with joy, filled with gratitude and respect for the new governor.

However, Su Zhiyuan knew this was only the beginning of his governance of Hongzhou Prefecture. He had heard that some bullies in the city were rampant, exploiting the people, leaving them in a state of rage and fear. So, he secretly sent people to investigate and gather evidence. On a dark and stormy night, Su Zhiyuan led his yamen runners in a decisive attack, bringing the bully and his gang to justice and restoring peace to the people.

With these problems resolved, Hongzhou Prefecture took on a completely new look. Streets became cleaner, commerce flourished, and the countryside became a place where people lived and worked in peace and contentment. But Su Zhiyuan wasn't content with this. Sitting in the prefectural yamen's study, by candlelight, he flipped through ancient tomes, pondering how to further develop Hongzhou Prefecture's education, enabling more children to learn to read and write, and cultivating talent for its long-term development. He knew that only education could truly enlighten the people and lead Hongzhou Prefecture to a more glorious future.

In the imperial palace of the capital, the carved beams and painted rafters shone with a majestic and luxurious presence under the sunlight. In the imperial study, Emperor Fengyuan, clad in a dragon robe, sat upright on the dragon throne. He frowned slightly and said to Eunuch Fu'an beside him, "Fu'an, you said Ye'er is already in his twenties! And he still hasn't managed to get Qing girl! What a headache! I'm already a crown prince! And Qing girl is already sixteen! If she doesn't get married soon, she'll become an old maid!" The emperor's voice was filled with helplessness and anxiety, and he tapped the armrest lightly as he spoke.

Eunuch Fu'an bent his waist, with a humble smile on his face, and quickly responded: "Your Majesty, I am also worried about Prince Zhan! Prince Zhan is handsome and brave, and Princess Ding'an is also smart and beautiful. They are a match made in heaven, but this matter..." He shook his head slightly, and hesitated to speak.

Emperor Fengyuan stood up and paced slowly. After a moment's thought, a glint of determination flashed in his eyes. "How about I grant them a marriage? This is for their own good. Ye'er is always a bit clueless when it comes to relationships, and Qing is probably shy and reluctant to bring it up. This decree will not only fulfill their wish, but also put an end to a worry on my mind."

Eunuch Fu'an quickly agreed: "Your Majesty is wise. If Prince Zhan and Miss Qing can get married, it will definitely be a wonderful story."

A few days later, Su Qing had just returned to Sujia Village. The fatigue of the journey had not yet worn off, and the village was still filled with the familiar fragrance of earth and plants. She was happily sharing her experiences with her family, and laughter echoed in the courtyard.

Suddenly, a commotion erupted from the village entrance, followed by the majestic sound of a gong, which gradually approached. Everyone looked in astonishment and saw a vast procession heading toward the Su family compound. A eunuch led the procession, holding a bright yellow imperial edict, followed by a group of attendants in official uniform, all with solemn expressions.

Su Qing's heart sank, a sense of foreboding washing over her. She and her family hurried out to greet him, kneeling at the courtyard gate. The eunuch unfolded the imperial edict and read in a shrill voice, "By the will of Heaven, the Emperor decrees: I have heard that Princess Ding'an is gentle and virtuous, with outstanding talent and beauty, and that she and Prince Zhan Ye Shang are a match made in heaven. I hereby grant you a special marriage. I hope you will choose an auspicious date for the wedding, and there will be no delay. This is my decree!"

Su Qing felt her head buzz, and she was completely stunned. The color drained from her face, and her lips trembled slightly. The Su family members beside her were also shocked, happy, and worried. They were happy that Guaibao would marry Prince Zhan, an honor that the entire Su family was extremely proud of. They were also worried that this arranged marriage came too suddenly. They were unsure whether Guaibao was willing, and they didn't know what kind of situation Guaibao would face in the future in the deep palace.

Su Qing knelt on the ground, her heart churning. Although she and Murong Ye had a certain affection for each other, this sudden arranged marriage made her feel like her fate was a chess piece being manipulated at will. She wanted to struggle, but faced with the supreme power of the emperor, she felt utterly powerless.

After the decree-announcing team departed, Su Qing slowly stood up, her eyes gleaming with a mixture of confusion and determination. She knew she couldn't change this, so she could only accept it silently. In the days that followed, the Su family busied themselves with wedding preparations. Su Qing, too, put aside her distracting thoughts, spending her days in her boudoir studying court etiquette and embroidering her exquisite wedding gown. Since fate had ordained this, she told herself, she must strive to safeguard her own happiness in this new journey, even if the road ahead was fraught with obstacles.

Ever since receiving the imperial decree granting him marriage, War Prince Murong Ye has been transformed. His once-constantly furrowed brow is now completely relaxed, his deep eyes often gleaming with irrepressible joy. His stern face seems to have melted away like a spring breeze, and the corners of his mouth unconsciously lift in a faint smile. He no longer has the icy expression he once wore. The War Prince's Mansion is also filled with joy, as everyone busily prepares to welcome the mistress of the mansion!

Murong Ye paced the palace courtyard, his steps much more brisk than usual. He paused from time to time, looking up at the horizon, his thoughts drifting to his future life with Su Qing. He instructed his servants to meticulously decorate the palace, filling every corner with festive decorations in anticipation of the upcoming wedding.

Murong Ye personally selected the betrothal gifts for Su Qing, meticulously selecting each item to ensure perfection. Precious jewels, jades, and silks were of little importance to him; he cared more about whether these gifts would please Su Qing and make her feel his deep affection.

He even began to imagine the scene of their wedding day. Su Qing, adorned with a phoenix coronet and a gorgeous robe, would be so stunningly beautiful that the entire palace would pale in comparison. He would hold her hand, and with everyone's blessings, they would worship heaven and earth together and tie the knot. The thought of this filled his heart with sweet anticipation, as if all worldly worries had faded away, and only this impending marriage was the most important thing in his life.

As the wedding date approached, Murong Ye grew increasingly excited. He gathered everyone in the palace and meticulously arranged every detail of the wedding, from the banquet menu to the reception of the guests, from the bridal chamber decor to the ceremony procedures. He personally oversaw everything. He wanted to welcome the love of his life with a grand and perfect wedding, and begin their own chapter of happiness.

Su Qing stayed in Sujia Village for some time, hoping to find inner peace amidst the familiar countryside. However, the imperial decree granting her marriage followed her like a shadow, weighing heavily on her mind. In desperation, she returned to the provincial capital.

Su Zhiyuan had been waiting anxiously in the mansion. Seeing his daughter return, he hurried forward to greet her. Su Qing's face was haggard, her eyes filled with melancholy, her former lively radiance gone. Su Zhiyuan's heart ached, and he pulled his daughter to sit beside him.

"My daughter, if you don't like this arranged marriage, daddy will risk his life to ask the emperor to revoke it!" Su Zhiyuan held his daughter's hand tightly, his eyes firm and resolute. His voice trembled slightly, with unquestionable determination.

Su Qing looked up at her father's concerned face, her eyes reddening with tears. "Father, this is the Emperor's will. How can we disobey? Besides, His Highness the War Prince isn't someone I dislike. It's just that this arranged marriage came so suddenly. I feel like my fate is being controlled by someone else, and I can't help but feel a little lost."

Su Zhiyuan gently wiped away his daughter's tears and sighed, "Qing'er, your father knows the grievances in your heart. Although the War Prince is excellent, marriage should be based on your wishes. As long as you don't want to, I will find a way to plead with the emperor."

Su Qing shook his head: "Father, there is no need. Now that the matter is done, I don't want you to offend the emperor for me and fall into danger. I will try to accept this marriage. Perhaps when I get along with King Zhan in the future, I will discover more good things about him."

Watching his daughter feigning strength, Su Zhiyuan felt even more pity for her. He vowed to make every possible arrangement for her before her wedding, ensuring she would have adequate support and security within the palace. Over the following days, Su Zhiyuan taught his daughter the principles of life and how to navigate the complexities of the palace, while actively preparing a generous dowry. He hoped his daughter would enter the Zhan Palace filled with love and support, embarking on a new journey in life, confident enough to face any bumpy road ahead.