Remarrying Chun Yuan

Emperor Qi Xiao did not answer immediately, which clearly indicated his tacit approval of the operation, but he had not yet decided who should step forward to offend someone.

“Actually, if it’s the Duke of Baoguo’s idea, why not ask him to help handle things? Besides, the Liu family is in business, so those mansions can be taken over by the Liu family at a lower price.”

"In this way, the urgent need for silver is resolved, and the Liu family will no longer complain about having to bleed money to help each time."

After all, the Liu family was known by the people as the Ministry of Revenue's treasury, which didn't have a very good reputation.

The matter was proposed by Vice Minister Fang, which was exactly what Emperor Qi Xiao wanted to do.

But Emperor Qi Xiao did not immediately agree. Instead, he changed the subject and spoke of Fang Ziqing, saying, "Originally, I loved her, which is why I chose her for the Crown Prince. But who knew that the Crown Prince was no match for me? I feel sorry for you when I think about this."

Fang Shilang was startled, not expecting that Emperor Qi Xiao would bring up his daughter!

"Your Majesty dotes on Qing'er. She is already blessed with the Empress's protection and care in the palace. What more could she ask for?"

"She is a good girl, and she gave me a wonderful granddaughter. I like her very much."

"I am grateful for Your Majesty's great grace and blessing upon our son." Vice Minister Fang dared not engage in any further pleasantries and knelt directly on the ground to express his gratitude.

"I originally intended to grant her the title of princess when she turned one year old, but now it seems that some things need not be delayed any longer." Emperor Qi Xiao had no choice but to win over the old ministers.

"Your Majesty, I thank you so much..." Vice Minister Fang once again expressed his gratitude and boundless kindness.

Cheng Hai quickly summoned the imperial messenger to draft the decree and instructed the Imperial Household Department to prepare the little princess's attire, awaiting the formal bestowal of the title.

Everything seemed joyful and harmonious.

When Vice Minister Fang left, he was covered in cold sweat.

He understood, of course, that this was Emperor Qi Xiao sending him to challenge Yuan Cuo, using him as a tool to test Yuan Cuo's abilities.

But in Fang Shilang's eyes, the title of peerage was utterly laughable.

Even the Crown Prince could be played like a monkey by Emperor Qi Xiao, let alone his granddaughter who was not even a year old.

But now that things had come to this, he had no way out. He could only beg to see his daughter, say a few words of comfort and reassurance, and after talking for less than an hour, he left the palace to run errands.

Liu Yuechu heard from Huang Wanwan that the mansion of a duke with a sinecure was going to be sold.

It was Fang Ziqing who specially invited her to the palace, and the two of them had a private conversation.

"Ziqing said that her father is in charge of this matter and can sell some to us at a low price, so she summoned me to ask for my opinion. If we need it, we can keep it quiet and let our family take it directly."

Huang Wanwan was indeed somewhat tempted, because those were the residences of princes, dukes, and marquises left over from the previous emperor's dynasty and the dynasty before that.

With the changing dynasties, some families had lost their former glory. Their descendants were not brave or outstanding enough, leaving them only with a facade of strength, unable to bear the burden of their mansions, and wishing they could sell the mansions bestowed by the emperor as soon as possible.

But it was, after all, a symbol of nobility, and no one dared to sell it without His Majesty's permission.

The Zhenning Marquis's mansion owned by Wei Gongming is a case in point; it's only preserved for now because he, the heir apparent, is still alive. Once he passes away and loses his eligibility to inherit the title, the mansion will not only be sold, but will also be taken back by the palace.

Liu Yuechu's thoughts drifted a little further away.

She didn't rush to answer, but instead asked Huang Wanwan which families' mansions were involved. "...This matter seems profitable, but it's easy to offend people. We must know why these mansions were taken back and why these families declined."

"The most important thing is that this matter cannot be done in secret; it must be done openly. Otherwise, if trouble really arises, outsiders will say that our family deliberately took advantage of us, and naturally, there will be a lot of criticism."

"Moreover, I feel that something is amiss. Vice Minister Fang has been worried about money lately, and Yuan Cuo suggested selling the royal residences and gardens. Why is he suddenly going to sell the abandoned mansions of dukes and viscounts?"

"Moreover, even if the money were to be transferred in this way, Yuan Cuo should have known about it much earlier, rather than Fang Ziqing telling you first."

……

Huang Wanwan's expression changed, and she looked quite displeased. "Are you saying that Ziqing deliberately set a trap?"

"She's not that kind of person, I can assure you of that."

“I didn’t say she deliberately set a trap, it’s just that it’s not easy to manipulate official matters privately, after all, there are many eyes watching us.” Liu Yuechu also noticed that she was a little unhappy, after all, it involved her best friend, and Huang Wanwan was very loyal.

“I know you’re cautious and don’t like to be in the spotlight, so if you agree, I’ll handle this. Even if something goes wrong, it won’t involve the Liu family.” Huang Wanwan was indeed somewhat dissatisfied.

Liu Yuechu looked at her quietly. "You are the eldest daughter-in-law of the Liu family. How could you not be involved with the Liu family? I know you are unhappy with what I just said. If you feel hurt, I apologize to you."

"I just hope you'll think about it carefully and consider it further."

Huang Wanwan held back and stopped talking.

Seeing that the atmosphere between the two was not good, Huajiao immediately brought over some fine fruits and snacks, and also brought over two little darlings, Xiaotuanzi and Xiaobaozi, to deliberately change the subject.

Although the two had already been given names by Emperor Qi Xiao, Yuan Cuo still refused to change his childhood names and continued to call him Tuanzi and Baozi.

For some reason, the two children couldn't stop laughing and were very happy when they heard the name.

After chatting casually for a while, Huang Wanwan left first.

This was the first time she hadn't stayed at Liu Yuechu's place for a meal before leaving, clearly still holding a grudge about what had happened before.

Granny Fang personally escorted her to the door. "...Madam, please don't take Madam's words to heart. She speaks her mind directly, focusing on the issue rather than the person. She can be a bit rigid in her speech, but it's not intentional."

Huang Wanwan forced a smile. "She has always been decisive, how could I mind? It was indeed my recklessness that led me to speak without investigating the matter properly."

"You're all close sisters, so please don't hold grudges. Just talk things out," Granny Fang advised.

"Don't worry, Granny, I won't hold a grudge against her. By the way, I've already been to the palace today, so I won't accompany her tomorrow." Huang Wanwan left these words and got into the carriage.

As the carriage disappeared into the distance, Granny Fang couldn't help but let out a long sigh.

I am really afraid of what will happen.

"What you just said was indeed a bit harsh; the lady must be feeling quite upset."

Granny Fang comforted Liu Yuechu, "Madam was just a merchant's daughter before, so outsiders wouldn't mind. But now you are the Duchess of the State, and you bear the heavy responsibility of being an official, a merchant, and a foreigner. You should speak more gently to avoid making people feel like you've hit a brick wall and that they will feel uncomfortable."

Liu Yuechu pouted, "I've always been this way. It's their feelings that have changed, but they want me to change? Why should I?"