After returning to the capital to farm, the abandoned concubine made a comeback.

The emperor's request caught Lin Qin off guard: three days?

The Imperial Garden is so big, how could that be?

But she didn't show it on her face, and only respectfully replied, "Your Majesty, I will do my utmost."

As they left the imperial study, Zhu Ling grasped Lin Qin's hand, his brow furrowed with worry: "Qin'er, this..."

Lin Qin squeezed his hand back and gave him a reassuring look: "Don't worry, I know what I'm doing." It's just planting flowers, isn't it?

She's a woman with a system!

Upon returning to the Prince's residence, Lin Qin immediately summoned everyone, and a tense atmosphere enveloped the entire residence.

The system popped up at the opportune moment and issued a task: persuade at least half of the nobles to support the rural revitalization plan.

"Half nobles? That's harder than climbing to heaven!" Foreman Lin frowned. Those nobles were all arrogant and haughty; how could they possibly be interested in pastoral life?

Lin Qin, however, was confident: "There's always a way." She decided to start by changing the nobles' preconceived notions.

She had the courtyard in the palace transformed into a model rural landscape that blends courtly and country styles.

Small bridges over flowing water, pavilions and towers, and clusters of flowers create a breathtakingly beautiful scene.

Three days later, Lin Qin invited all the nobles to come and visit.

Grand Tutor Chen was the first to jump out and mock, "What can a discarded concubine possibly accomplish?" The other nobles echoed him, their contemptuous gazes piercing Lin Qin like needles.

A sense of resentment welled up in Lin Qin's heart. She took a deep breath and called out, "My lords, please follow me."

Lin Qin led the group through the courtyard, and along the way, the meticulously designed landscapes caught the eye of many nobles.

The small bridges and flowing water are no longer just monotonous artificial hills and ponds, but are surrounded by lush green vegetables, with bright red tomatoes dotting the landscape like jewels.

The pavilions and towers are no longer cold stone pillars and tiles, but are decorated with climbing vines and blooming flowers, possessing both the refinement of royal gardens and the freshness of the countryside.

"Is this...is this really a pastoral scene?" A noble lady couldn't help but exclaim. She had never seen such a unique view before. The rustic crops that she used to see seemed particularly pleasing to the eye here.

"These flowers and these vegetables, how can they be paired like this!" An elderly nobleman stroked his beard and exclaimed in amazement. "In all my years, this is the first time I've ever seen anything like this."

Grand Tutor Chen's face turned ashen upon seeing this. He hadn't expected that Lin Qin, this abandoned concubine, would actually be able to make a name for herself.

He snorted and tried to find fault again: "They're just some flowers and plants, can they be eaten? They're just trinkets, ultimately not worthy of being served."

Lin Qin smiled slightly, having expected him to say that.

She directed her servants to bring out plate after plate of exquisite dishes, including cucumber salad, stir-fried seasonal vegetables, and pastries made with pumpkin.

"My lords, these are all made with ingredients grown in the fields. Please feel free to try them."

The nobles tasted it and were immediately captivated by its delicious flavors.

The fresh vegetables, with their earthy aroma and crisp, refreshing taste, are even more delicious than the delicacies we usually eat.

"This cucumber is so crisp and refreshing!"

"This pastry is sweet but not cloying, and it melts in your mouth!"

Praises rose and fell, and the nobles' attitudes began to change. They no longer looked down on them, but were filled with surprise and admiration, as if they had discovered a new continent, and their impression of the countryside was greatly changed.

Zhu Ling stood to the side, a slight smile playing on his lips, his gaze tender as he looked at Lin Qin. His eyes were filled with love and pride; this little woman always brought him surprises.

Lin Qin felt Zhu Ling's gaze, turned her head, and the two looked at each other, the air filled with a sweet and ambiguous atmosphere.

However, just as everyone was praising it, a discordant voice rang out.

Miss Su walked to the center of the crowd unwillingly, her sharp voice shattering the pleasant atmosphere, "Hmph, it's just some trivial tricks, what's so great about it..." Before she could finish speaking, she was interrupted by the voice of another noble lady.

"Miss Su, you're wrong. The Princess Consort has put in so much effort, and you're being sarcastic and uncouth. That's incredibly rude of you."

Miss Su's face stiffened, and she glared resentfully at the meddlesome noblewoman.

At this moment, Lin Qin had already walked up to her, a playful smile on her face. "Miss Su, I have some fresh vegetables here. Would you like to try some?"

Miss Su flicked her sleeve, snorted coldly, and then turned and left.

As she walked, she muttered to herself, "I don't believe she can really turn this run-down countryside into anything!"

Miss Su stormed out of the Prince's mansion and returned home, still indignant.

She couldn't swallow this insult. Why should a discarded concubine be favored by the prince and praised by so many nobles?

The more she thought about it, the more unwilling she became, and a wicked plan gradually took shape in her mind.

Inside the Prince's mansion, everything appeared calm on the surface, but Lin Qin keenly sensed a hint of unease in the atmosphere.

She knew that Miss Su wouldn't give up so easily and would definitely continue to cause trouble.

Rather than waiting passively, it is better to take the initiative.

The next day, Lin Qin once again invited all the nobles to the palace.

This time, she didn't prepare any exquisite dishes or showcase any novel landscapes. Instead, she directly stated her plan: "My lords, I have a bold idea. I want to transform the countryside in the capital and create a brand-new rural landscape to make the capital more beautiful and more livable."

The nobles were abuzz with discussion, some expressing their support while others remained undecided.

Grand Tutor Chen snorted coldly and said sarcastically, "Your Highness, you have quite the nerve. Transforming the countryside of the capital is no small matter. Do you think you can accomplish it all by yourself?"

Lin Qin smiled slightly and said calmly, "Of course, it's not something I can do alone. I hope that all of you can work with me to complete this plan."

The nobles looked at each other in surprise, not expecting Lin Qin to invite them to participate.

Miss Su was stunned. She had thought Lin Qin would continue to show off her farm, but she never expected her to propose such a bold plan.

Just as everyone was puzzled, Lin Qin suddenly turned to Miss Su and said sincerely, "Miss Su, I know you have concerns about my plan."

Miss Su was stunned; she hadn't expected Lin Qin to take the initiative to invite her to join.

She opened her mouth, but didn't know what to say.

The atmosphere at the scene became subtle, and everyone looked at Miss Su, waiting for her answer.

Miss Su's eyes flickered uncertainly, her heart filled with turmoil.

She wanted to refuse, but she was also somewhat unwilling to give up.

Just as she was hesitating, Lin Qin spoke again: "Miss Su, I know you have feelings for the Prince..." Lin Qin paused deliberately, then gave Zhu Ling a meaningful look.

Miss Su's expression changed. She gritted her teeth and finally nodded: "Okay, I'll join."

Lin Qin's lips curled up slightly, revealing a barely perceptible smile.

She knew that Miss Su's involvement would be an important piece in her plan.

“Since Miss Su has also agreed to join, then…” Lin Qin’s gaze swept over everyone, and she said firmly, “Our rural transformation plan shall officially begin!”

Lin Qin's actions were swift and decisive, successfully winning over Miss Su and impressing the nobles present.

This strategic retreat is a clear demonstration of the adage "all's fair in war"!

Seeing that Miss Su, this "pig teammate," had taken the bait, the other nobles also expressed their support.

After all, nobody wants to be the next person to be publicly executed.

Although Grand Tutor Chen was dissatisfied, he was powerless to reverse the situation and could only watch helplessly as Lin Qin's plan gained the support of most nobles.

Lin Qin stood in the center of the Prince's Mansion, receiving congratulations from everyone; her sense of honor practically overflowed the screen!

She could almost see the golden waves of wheat and smell the fragrance of fruits. This prosperous era was exactly as she had wished!

The Prince's mansion was filled with joy; anyone who didn't know better would think it was a banquet.

Foreman Lin and Merchant Du, who had previously looked worried, were now all smiles.

Foreman Lin patted his chest and guaranteed that the quality of the project would be absolutely top-notch!

Merchant Du went even further, saying that all materials were sold at cost price, and that Her Highness could rest assured!

Even Old Farmer Tian, ​​who was previously disliked by everyone, has now become a hot commodity.

The nobles surrounded him, humbly asking for his experience in rural land reclamation. The scene was so grand that anyone who didn't know better would have thought Old Farmer Tian was some kind of reclusive master!

"Your Highness is truly amazing!"

"The Princess Consort is simply a divine being!"

"If you work for the Princess Consort, you're guaranteed to have good food!"

The flattery was so loud it was deafening, but Lin Qin's inner monologue was: Keep it low-key, keep it low-key, basic stuff, don't give it a thumbs up.

However, Lin Qin knew in her heart that this was only the first step in a long journey.

Although he had the support of most nobles, there were still some die-hards in the capital, such as Grand Tutor Chen, who would certainly not give up so easily.

In the stillness of the night, Lin Qin stood by the window, gazing at the myriad lights of distant homes, her mind filled with countless thoughts.

At this moment, Zhu Ling walked over and gently hugged her from behind: "Qin'er, what are you thinking about?"

Lin Qin turned around and rested her head on his chest: "I was thinking, we still have a long way to go..."

Zhu Ling gently stroked her hair: "Don't worry, I'll always be with you."

Lin Qin smiled slightly: "I believe you."

Suddenly, a series of urgent knocks shattered the tranquility of the night...