A husband found in the village? I bought a regent for a penny!

Gu Xixi was focused on protecting the crops and didn't notice the two men's subtle actions.

She thought for a moment, then said, "I'll go."

"There's nothing much to do tomorrow. Xianguo Village will be the first to spray pesticides, and we still need to summarize our experience."

"If any problems arise, I can be on-site to keep an eye on things so I can spot them and make timely improvements."

He Jinghui said gratefully, "I knew it. Boss Gu cares about the fertile land and the people's food supply. He would definitely be willing to lend me a hand!"

Having said that, he looked at Mu Nanzhao triumphantly, "So Your Highness won't object now, will you?"

Usually, whenever Gu Xixi decides to do something, Mu Nanzhao almost never objects.

Even He Jinghui, who had known Gu Xixi for the shortest time, had already grasped this pattern.

Mu Nanzhao remained silent, only drinking his tea with his eyes lowered.

He Jinglan added sarcastically, "After all, it's no use opposing it."

She turned to Gu Xixi with a smile, "Right!"

Gu Xixi smiled gently, glanced at Mu Nanzhao, and said, "It's not that I don't listen to other people's opinions."

Just then, the waiter knocked on the door.

Ziyan opened the door a crack, whispered a few words to the person outside, and then turned around to ask if the dishes should be served now.

He Jinghui said, "Let them go."

"We don't drink alcohol, and we're in a hurry, so we'll serve cold dishes, hot dishes, staple foods, and snacks all at once."

Ziyan responded and went out to give instructions to the shopkeeper.

The freshly baked glass pigeon was just as delicious as Gu Xixi had imagined.

Seeing her eating so happily, Mu Nanzhao couldn't help but smile with satisfaction.

After the meal, everyone went their separate ways.

The dessert shop is having its windows installed today, and Gu Xixi and He Jinglan are going to inspect them.

Mu Nanzhao was on other business and could not elaborate.

He Jinghui had even more to do. He had to rush to the workshops temporarily requisitioned by the Ministry of Revenue to supervise the production of locust control pesticides, and then he had to go back to the Ministry of Revenue for a meeting to discuss the arrangements for distributing and spraying the pesticides in various counties.

The Regent's carriage was already waiting outside Juxianlou.

The two girls left first, and He Jinghui, with a smug look on his face, got into Mu Nanzhao's carriage.

"Since we're going in the same direction, could you give me a ride?"

It must be said that Mu Nanzhao's car is big and comfortable enough that you can lie down horizontally or vertically without any problem, and the layout is extremely comfortable.

Every time He Jinghui came up, he just wanted to lie down and not go anywhere or do anything.

Mu Nanzhao didn't even bother to glance at him, "Get out."

He Jinghui chuckled, "Don't be so heartless!"

“Okay, I understand. Tomorrow, Boss Gu will leave the city with me... no, with everyone from the Ministry of Revenue.”

"My He family will certainly choose the most comfortable carriage, prepare snacks and tea, and soft pillows and cushions for Boss Gu to use as she pleases." We will never let her have a bumpy and tiring journey.

"And there's Guangzhu, the maidservant beside Jinglan. She's strong and knows a bit of martial arts."

"Having her serve Mr. Gu personally will not only protect him, but also help him with physical labor when needed."

He Jinghui saw that Mu Nanzhao had no reaction, so he was clearly not very satisfied yet.

He tactfully increased his stakes, saying, "My personal bodyguards will also go, specifically to ensure Boss Gu's safety!"

Mu Nanzhao's face remained expressionless.

He simply said to the person in front of him, "Let's go."

time flies.

The following afternoon, the sky was clear and the breeze was gentle.

Mu Nanzhao was in a small manor nestled in a mountain valley west of the capital.

This is where the great scholar Ouyang lived in seclusion; it has a simple and quiet place with its thatched gate and bamboo doors.

Ouyang Daru, whose real name was Ouyang Kuan, was a learned scholar whose books were widely circulated and who was highly respected by contemporary literati. He was a true scholar.

Besides the capable minister Mu Nanzhao, the emperor also needed a highly respected civil official to gradually replace Grand Secretary Fan in the future.

This person must not only be capable, but also possess virtue that commands respect.

They must also be of high moral character, impartiality, and unyielding integrity. They must disdain political parties and government, refuse to be courted, and remain loyal solely to the Great Cause Dynasty.

Mu Nanzhao then recommended Ouyang Kuan.

His trip was ordered by the emperor to invite the great scholar Ouyang to leave his seclusion and serve as an official in the court.

The manor incorporates mountain spring water, which is then gathered into a pond.

Mu Nanzhao picked up the fish food from the beechwood bowl, and with a mere feint, he waved his hand on the water's surface, attracting a swarm of koi carp that stretched their mouths out of the water and eagerly sipped.

Mu Nanzhao said with a smile, "These fish and pigs have all been raised with a kind of spirit by Mr. Ouyang."

Ouyang Kuan smiled and said, "All things have a spirit, and Xishan is a place where spiritual energy gathers."

He gazed at the distant green mountains, a smile of great ease on his face. "The Regent dismounted and walked for an hour to come to this humble abode of mine. Surely he didn't just want to bait these koi."

Mu Nanzhao scattered the fish food from his fingertips, and the koi, having finally eaten what they had been longing for, crowded together.

"Mr. Ouyang is a man of straightforward character, so I will not beat around the bush."

Mu Nanzhao made his purpose clear.

Ouyang Kuan's smile remained unchanged, but his words were sharp: "Is Your Highness here because of the mission His Majesty gave you, or is Your Highness trying to push me out of office and eliminate your political opponents in court?"

Mu Nanzhao said calmly, "The former accounts for half, the latter..."

"When the late emperor was alive, you must have heard of my bad reputation."

"I never need to rely on others to find someone I don't like."

"Mr. Ouyang, you can rest assured about that."

Ouyang Kuan laughed loudly, "The Regent's true nature is even more evident than the rumors suggest."

Mu Nanzhao said, "To be honest, it was I who recommended you to His Majesty."

"As your subject, I dare not presume to know Your Majesty's considerations."

"But there's nothing I can't say about my intentions."

"His Majesty needs a force like yours, independent of any faction, to eradicate the deep-seated problems in the court. Your abilities, talents, and virtues are widely praised, and no one is more suitable for this position than you."

"But I am very tired now and I hope someone can share the hard work."

"Ideally, within two or three years, the court of the Great Cause can be brought under control and the world can be at peace."

Ouyang Kuan suddenly became alert, turning his head to stare at Mu Nanzhao, "The Regent has set a two- or three-year deadline. Could it be that he plans to abandon his post after completing the task and find a place to live in seclusion like this old man?"

Mu Nanzhao's eyes were sincere, as clear as a gentle breeze and the bright moon. "How could that be?"

"As the head of all ministers in this great undertaking, I, the king, will naturally devote myself to the cause until my dying breath."

No commoners are allowed to enter or leave the small manor.

Ouyang Kuan had been living in seclusion for several years, and those who came to visit him and were invited in were mostly good people.

After hearing Mu Nanzhao's generous and moving words, Ouyang Kuan honestly dispelled his doubts.

"It's just that I've lived in seclusion for many years, detached from worldly affairs, and I'm afraid I'm no longer fit to shoulder such a heavy responsibility."

Mu Nanzhao smiled, "Sir, your indifference to worldly affairs does not mean you are ignorant of them. Why be so modest?"

Ouyang Kuan remained silent, still hesitating.

Mu Nanzhao didn't expect a result today, and said, "Then please consider it carefully, sir."

He bowed in farewell, a hint of cunning hidden in his lowered eyes.

Living in seclusion in a remote mountain valley like Ouyang Kuan must be incredibly boring.

Based on Gu Xixi's future aspirations...

The village of Huachidu has the everyday charm and warmth of a typical village.

Travel to Sichuan, Lingnan, and Jiangnan...

Which place isn't much more interesting than this one?

As Ouyang Kuan escorted Mu Nanzhao out of the manor, a waiting servant hurriedly stepped forward.

"Your Highness, something has happened."