Fearing being killed for his overwhelming merits, the empress decided to marry him.

The Shu King's Mansion...

"Your Highness, since the decree to convert rice paddies to mulberry fields was issued, farmers have been enthusiastic and have given their full support. Currently, 1.2 million mu of new mulberry fields have been reclaimed."

It is estimated that 1.5 million mu of mulberry fields will be successfully planted by the end of the month.

Fa Xiaozhi held a register of officials and respectfully reported to Jiang Chong.

After listening, Jiang Chong said with a cold face, "At least one thing has been put to rest. In this way, the eighty-three bolts of Shu brocade this year should be delivered on schedule."

Fa Xiaozhi replied with a smile, "Yes, based on the current silk weaving speed, I believe that we can complete the production of 400,000 bolts of silk needed by the court and the powerful families of Guanzhong before the end of the year."

However, there are still 430,000 bolts of Shu brocade ordered from the public, which require additional looms in the silk weaving workshops.

Upon hearing this, Jiang Chong frowned.

"Tell me, why did my royal sister order so much Shu brocade all at once? I know her; she's not one to indulge in extravagance."

Fa Xiaozhi laughed and said, "Your Highness is overthinking it. In my humble opinion, His Majesty's prestige is at its peak right now, so it is understandable that he wants to purchase so much silk to reward the court officials."

Besides, since it's a purchase by the imperial court, our Shu region should just focus on producing the silk they need; why worry about anything else?

Jiang Chong thought about it and agreed, saying, "Then let's add another two thousand looms and recruit more weavers and embroiderers."

"Strive to produce all 800,000 bolts of silk this year. Once we receive the payment, I will not treat you unfairly."

"Yes, sir, I will arrange it immediately."

Fa Xiaozhi respectfully withdrew from the palace.

As soon as he stepped out of the Prince's residence, his expression changed instantly.

Looking back at the Prince's residence, he thought to himself, "Converting rice paddies to mulberry fields? Your Highness, from the moment you were tempted by those immediate gains..."

You've already fallen into His Majesty's and the Duke of Zhenguo's trap, and there's no way out. Compared to His Majesty, you're far too naive.

Thinking of this, Fa Xiaozhi shook his head and walked towards the silk weaving workshop.

"Mr. Fa."

After walking a few steps, Fa Xiaozhi bumped into Ye Fan, who had come to visit the Prince's Mansion.

He immediately put on a smile and went up to him: "Young Master Ye, are you here to see the Prince again?"

Ye Fan nodded: "Yes, Mr. Fa, you just came out of the manor as well?"

Fa Xiaozhi: "The prince is inside the mansion. You may go in and see him. I have other important matters to attend to, so please excuse me."

Ye Fan: "Mr. Fa, please take care."

Watching Fa Xiaozhi leave, Ye Fan couldn't help but nod at his retreating figure.

"This Fa Xiaozhi does have some real talent and learning, but it's a pity that he is not given important positions in the Shu King's Palace. If I, Ye Fan, were in charge of Shu, I should at least give him the title of prefect. What a pity."

Ye Fan put aside his thoughts and strode into the Shu King's mansion.

"What business do you have with me?"

Jiang Chong's expression was not friendly when he saw Ye Fan's visit.

Clearly, he still harbors resentment over the failed strategy of devouring wolves and driving away tigers that he offered him back then, but he hasn't imposed any real punishment on him out of consideration for Ye Mo's feelings.

Ye Fan cupped his hands and said, "Your Highness, I have heard that the people in various parts of southern Sichuan are planting mulberry trees and are unwilling to grow grain?"

Jiang Chong looked up and said, "It's one thing for others to ask this question, but what do you mean by asking it knowingly, Young Master Ye?"

"My plan to convert rice paddies to mulberry fields began last year, so what's so surprising about its implementation now?"

Ye Fan also clearly sensed the change in Jiang Chong's attitude towards him. Although he was displeased, he still smiled and said, "Your Highness, with the whole nation switching from rice paddies to mulberry trees and no one growing grain, aren't you afraid of something going wrong?"

Jiang Chong chuckled lightly: "Young Master Ye, you are overthinking it. The decree to convert rice paddies to mulberry fields has only been issued to the southern part of Sichuan. Other regions continue to grow grain, so your concerns are unfounded."

Ye Fan reminded him, "But Your Highness, if the Shu region suffers a disaster that leads to a poor harvest, aren't you afraid it will trigger an even greater civil unrest?"

These words immediately provoked Jiang Chong: "What do you mean by that? Are you cursing my Shu region to never have peace?"

Ye Fan hurriedly said, "Your Highness is overthinking it. That's not what I meant. I was just being prepared and reminding Your Highness that silk can't be eaten."

"Ye Fan! You're getting more and more outrageous!"

Jiang Chong slammed the teacup he had just picked up onto the table, splashing tea leaves and water all over the table.

"What do you mean by that? Are you questioning my decision?"

"I……"

"Stop talking. The plan to convert rice paddies to mulberry fields was finalized last year. If you have any objections, why didn't you raise them when it was being formulated last year? Why are you raising them now?"

Ye Fan was dumbfounded by Jiang Chong's scolding.

His expression turned cold, and a murderous intent flashed in his eyes.

"Ye Fan, I value you not because of who you are, but because of your father!"

"If it weren't for your father, do you think you could have gotten this close to me?"

"Do you know why I'm treating you like this now? Because I know that your father has abandoned you."

"Does a pawn abandoned by the family head really think he has any ability?"

"To be honest, if it weren't for the fact that I find you somewhat pleasing to the eye, you wouldn't even be able to get through the gates of this palace."

Hearing Jiang Chong's words of belittling himself without hesitation, Ye Fan's self-esteem was greatly insulted.

Just as Jiang Chong was still nagging and criticizing himself, Ye Fan finally lost his temper and roared.

"Enough! You piece of trash!"

Jiang Chong was taken aback. Looking at Ye Fan, whose face was full of murderous intent, he involuntarily shrank his neck.

Before he could react, Ye Fan immediately stepped forward, grabbed his neck, and lifted him up.

Seeing Jiang Chong struggling in pain in front of him, Ye Fan finally smiled.

"You piece of trash, where do you get the nerve to belittle me like that!"

"I, Ye Fan, am the rightful ruler of the world, and you are nothing but a dog. What right do you have to yell at me like that!"

"I was going to spare your life, but now it seems unnecessary. Die!"

After speaking, Ye Fan suddenly unleashed his Yuan Power.

Jiang Chong's body suddenly swelled up like a balloon.

"Ah~"

Finally, Jiang Chong screamed and exploded, dying instantly.

"Hahaha."

Feeling the blood and flesh splattered on his face, and the warmth sliding down his skin, Ye Fan felt an immense sense of pleasure and couldn't help but laugh loudly...

"I'm talking to you, did you hear me clearly? What kind of expression is that?!"

Suddenly, Jiang Chong's words pulled Ye Fan's wandering consciousness back to reality.

It turned out that everything just now was a fantasy in Ye Fan's mind.

He bowed and clasped his hands, saying, "Your Highness's teachings will always be etched in my heart."

Jiang Chong's attitude softened somewhat: "Alright, I've been exhausted these past few days dealing with the conversion of rice paddies to mulberry fields. What I said earlier wasn't directed at you, so please don't take it to heart."

Your arrival is timely. I have received word that Shen Lang will soon return to Shu to inspect the progress of Shu brocade production.

Prepare a Shu brocade ledger for me to temporarily cover things up. At this time, I don't want the court to discover my motives.

"Please rest assured, Your Highness, this is simply my duty."

"Well, with you taking care of things, I can rest assured. Go back and get back to work."

"Yes."

Ye Fan turned and left.

"We can't stay in Shu any longer. It's time to carry out the tasks assigned by the system. The most urgent thing is to return to Jinling."

"Getting rid of Ye Mo to increase our own luck is the most important thing. As for that good-for-nothing Jiang Chong, someone else will take care of him."

Thinking of this, Ye Fan's restless mood finally calmed down.

Watching Ye Fan's departing figure, Jiang Chong's face was filled with a cold smile.

"You are far inferior to your father. You are completely useless. As expected, those who hang out with those gangsters all day long are unreliable."