Spring arrives and the land smiles

Since Princess Qingyan arrived in Suizhou, things have been bustling with activity, and all sorts of people and things related to weapon forging have become active. The consequence of this excessive activity is a severe shortage of iron ore.

There is only one small old mine around Suizhou, which has been mined since Qingyan's great-grandfather, Emperor Chongli. Today, the iron ore that can be obtained is very limited. Now that weapons forging is imminent, a large amount of iron ore is needed. The closest iron ore mine to Suizhou, a major town for weapons forging, is Yushan Iron Mine. Therefore, Qingyan used the excuse of escorting Lan Zhen into the country to actually go to Yushan to move iron.

The army accompanying Qingyan was mostly made up of miners in disguise. The vast procession stretched for miles, and its sheer number was obvious without needing to count them.

Qingyan sat in the carriage, biting her fingers and thinking about something. Across from her, Yunxuan was drowsy and didn't make a sound, clearly still recovering from yesterday's drunkenness.

Qingyan then realized just how strong this wine must have been!

Yesterday, Qingyan, in the name of the Crown Prince of Qi, sent a letter to Haitu, questioning why the craftsmen he sent did not know the art of blade tempering and demanding an explanation. Given this forceful approach, Haitu must be overwhelmed, still unclear about her intentions, and dare not confront her directly. This back-and-forth of letters and verbal sparring will likely take at least half a month before she turns hostile, giving her ample time to prepare for battle.

Qiu Rong has always been a worry for the emperor. If we were to wage war against Qiu Rong, the greatest threat would not actually come from Qiu Rong, but from our powerful neighbor, Nan Xia.

The three kingdoms of Daqi, Nanxia, ​​and Qiurong are adjacent, and their borders lack natural defenses. If two of them are at war, the border guards of the third kingdom could seize the opportunity to advance and reap the benefits. Therefore, for the past ten years, Daqi has dared not wage war against Qiurong unless it has absolute certainty of victory. Currently, Qiurong has suffered from snow disasters for years, and its national strength is only half of its peak. On the other hand, thanks to the diligent governance of Emperor Longqing and the immortal achievements of its predecessors, Daqi's national strength is vastly different from what it once was. With elite troops and strong generals, it has the ability to fight both Qiurong and Nanxia.

“Yunxuan, I remember that the current border guards between Daqi and Nanxia are from the Zhong family.” Qingyan tapped her head.

“Yes, the young master of the Zhong family, Zhong Chengyu, the Grand General of the State.” Yunxuan answered in a very soft voice.

Since they are from the Zhong family, they are naturally unreliable.

In the war against Qiu Rong, Lan Zhen could openly restrain Situ Huan, but he could not stop him from acting secretly. The Situ family had a special force of three thousand men who were only under Situ Huan's command. If he secretly sent troops to harass the border, how much resistance would Zhong Chengyu offer?

Moreover, the previous agreement with Lan Zhen stipulated that, aside from not actively causing trouble, he would at most outwardly comply with the orders of the Southern Xia Emperor while inwardly disobeying them. Feigned battles were unavoidable. However, Zhong Chengyu was not one of their own. If Lan Zhen feigned an attack and he feigned a defeat, Lan Zhen, to avoid arousing suspicion from the Southern Xia Emperor, would have no reason to abide by the agreement and would have no choice but to launch a full-scale attack. Afterward, Zhong Chengyu would have every reason to request reinforcements. Qing Yan could conceive of this "besieging Wei to rescue Zhao" strategy, but the Southern Xia Emperor would only be more astute and shrewd than she had imagined. In that case, he would have no choice but to recall Ningyuan to drive out the Southern Xia army, thus rendering the battle against Qiu Rong a fruitless endeavor.

Qingyan shook her head, unable to think of a solution.

Qingyan remained silent. Yunxuan slightly opened his eyes to look at her. Seeing her eyes filled with sorrow and her brows furrowed, he chuckled softly, moved to her side, and leaned on her shoulder.

"Don't worry, I have a plan."

Qingyan's eyes lit up: "What method?"

"I have my own brilliant plan, so don't ask," Yunxuan smiled and closed his eyes.

They're keeping us in suspense again.

"Yunxuan, have you had your hangover soup?"

"I drank it just before I left today."

"You...slept soundly all night?" Qingyan asked in surprise, then asked timidly, "Yunxuan...is your alcohol tolerance very low?"

“Of course, he can’t compare to Yan’er.” Yunxuan’s voice was tinged with amusement.

"I'm sorry, I shouldn't have mixed such a strong drink for you," Qingyan murmured.

"Did you mix the drinks?" Yunxuan looked at the girl beside him in surprise, not expecting her to have this skill.

"Okay, I'll make you something milder next time."

"it is good."

From Suizhou to Yushan, in the early years, due to the need to transport iron ore, an official road was built by opening up mountains and building bridges, so the journey was smooth and not bumpy, which reduced the discomfort of riding in a horse-drawn carriage.

To avoid attracting attention and prevent Hai Tu from knowing her intention to move iron, Qingyan made the procession move very slowly. Meanwhile, the miners, disguised as soldiers, took off their military uniforms as soon as they left Suizhou City and split into several small teams of light cavalry to head towards Yushan.

These miners were all carefully selected smelters, so the iron transported to the Suizhou Industrial Bureau was already smelted. This weapon raw material, smelted using a highly efficient crucible steelmaking method, is the same as steel in the modern sense. Therefore, the iron obtained by pouring molten pig iron onto wrought iron has extremely high hardness, making it the most ideal raw material for weapons.

With Qiu Rong's blade-tempering technique added to the mix, Hai Tu would surely be astonished by the individual combat power of Da Qi's new equipment.

After leaving Suizhou, forty li ahead lies Sui County, a county under the jurisdiction of Suizhou. Sui County is a prosperous and peaceful place, and Qingyan plans to rest there for the night. Therefore, Qingyan is not in a hurry regarding the pace of the journey. Of course, the slower they travel, the faster the post station messengers can find her.

She was waiting for news—news from her father, news from the nautical chart.

It was already late afternoon when they arrived in Sui County. The officials of Sui County had already received orders and were waiting outside the city. Qingyan got off the carriage and entered the courtyard prepared for her by the county government. She then ordered Zhuier to brew another bowl of hangover soup for Yunxuan to drink.

"You should rest for a while. I need to discuss some matters with Prince Zhao." Qingyan informed Yunxuan and then went to find Lan Zhen.

The mansion where they collapsed was an old house with five courtyards and five entrances left by a large family in Suizhou. In a small place like Suixian, it was considered a mansion.

This is a five-courtyard complex with six large courtyards and fourteen smaller courtyards. The main courtyard features a tiled roof with a gable roof. The plaque above the main hall reads: "Accessible in all seasons." "Accessible" signifies good fortune and prosperity. It is said that the head of this family was once a prominent and wealthy merchant, but by the fifth generation, the family had fallen into decline due to a rare disease and had to sell their ancestral home.

The main courtyard was naturally assigned to Qingyan and his wife by the county government, while Lan Zhen, being a prominent figure in the neighboring country, was also given a secondary main courtyard.

The old houses are connected by archways and hallways, with side wings, corridors, gates, and walls forming a cohesive whole. Qingyan walked through the halls and arrived at the main side courtyard in just a few steps.

"Princess, you only remember your drunken consort and have ignored me all day. Isn't your favoritism too obvious?" As soon as Qingyan entered the courtyard where Lan Zhen was staying, she heard him complaining in a sarcastic tone. Why is it always the same tone? Doesn't it annoy you? Qingyan rolled her eyes at him and muttered a few more words in her mind before she stopped giving him a hard time.

"I've come to see you, Zhui'er," Qingyan winked, and a rather substantial pot of fine wine was placed in front of Lan Zhen. "This is the 'Heart-Scorching Sun' wine that I prepared for the Prince Consort yesterday. I wonder if His Highness Prince Zhao would be interested in trying it?"

You dare laugh at Yunxuan for being drunk? I don't believe you can't get drunk!

This pot of scorching sun is definitely even more potent than yesterday's.

Lan Zhen was a connoisseur of fine wine. He could tell the intensity of the scorching sun with just one whiff, smiled knowingly, and tilted his head back to take a sip.

"Princess, such fine wine, why don't you join me for a few drinks?"

Qingyan declined the banquet invited by the county officials on the grounds of being tired from the journey, and had some light food prepared for Yunxuan. When she came here to find Lanzhen for dinner, she naturally wanted to keep him company.

"It would be impolite to refuse His Highness's invitation. Zhui'er, prepare the meal and fetch a jar of starry sky wine." After giving the instructions, Qingyan sat down in the guest seat in the hall.

Lan Zhen dismissed his attendants and sat down next to Qing Yan, looking at her with a shrewd smile: "Two jars of strong liquor, Princess, you came prepared, intending to keep me here for a few days?"

With her intentions clear, Qingyan made no attempt to refute them, and answered frankly, "It will take two or three days."

"Oh?" Lan Zhen smiled and narrowed his eyes. "If Xiao Yan'er comes to have a few drinks with me every day, it wouldn't be a problem if she stayed a few more days."

"It's a word."

Sui County is adjacent to Jiuyi County and, thanks to its superior water quality, is also a place that produces fine wines. Although it may not be as fragrant and elegant as the Nianhua Zui Pin from Jiuyi, it is still a rare and pure product. With such high-quality base liquor, it is not difficult to blend a fine wine that will satisfy Lan Zhen.

only……

"Why have you helped me so much?" Lan Zhen never does anything that doesn't benefit her.

“This time when I return to the capital, my father will be selecting a consort for me.” Lan Zhen did not answer directly, her voice lowering slightly.

Qingyan chuckled to himself: Now that he has a legitimate wife at home, he can no longer indulge in romantic affairs. He wonders which young lady he is so wary of.

"Has the candidate been chosen?" Qingyan asked, suppressing a laugh.

"No."

"What are you worried about?" You can easily find someone obedient, and still live a harmonious and loving life together despite your romantic escapades.

“My mother favors the youngest daughter of the Situ family, Situ Jin.”

"The Situ family? Then you're in trouble." Qingyan covered her mouth and laughed.

"Fortunately, the youngest daughter of the Situ family is known for being understanding, intelligent, and beautiful, so I suppose my life won't be too difficult," Lan Zhen said nonchalantly.

"You take advantage of someone's gentle nature so readily; be careful, or you'll regret it." Qingyan couldn't stand his playboy ways and couldn't help but say a few more words. "If you marry a virtuous wife, you should cherish her. Wildflowers and weeds are just fleeting pleasures; they can't compare to a woman's lifelong companionship. If she's a good girl, don't break her heart. We're friends, and I don't want to see your home life in turmoil and ruin your future." Aren't you vying for the throne? With the Situ family's support, you mustn't become an obstacle. Please make sure you understand what's more important.

Qingyan thought that even if Lan Zhen wasn't told, he should be able to figure out what was coming next.

“Friend?” Lan Zhen raised an eyebrow. “Little Yan’er, I am the husband you fell in love with at first sight. Now that your husband wants to take wives and concubines, how can you be so calm? Could it be that you have already lost your feelings for your husband?”

"Be serious." Qingyan was really exasperated by him. Why could he always come up with such frivolous thoughts? "Back in Daqi, I publicly supported you, so there must have been a lot of talk about you in the Southern Xia court. As a result, your father will no longer ignore you. Besides, the position of the principal wife is extremely important. If your father is interested in you, he will definitely arrange a good marriage for you."

As the two were talking, Zhui'er came to report that dinner had been prepared in the side hall and invited them to move in.

The table was laden with delicacies, but two jars of fine wine stood out. Lan Zhen sat in front of the wine jars, smiling radiantly.

Qingyan took a small breath and whispered something in Zhuier's ear, telling her to wait outside.

Only Qingyan and Lanzhen remained in the side hall.

"How about I drink with His Highness Prince Zhao until we're both drunk today?" Qingyan sat down next to Lan Zhen.

"Just these two jars?" Lan Zhen gestured with her chin. "Little Yan'er is underestimating me too much."

"You'll know once you've tasted it." Qingyan poured him a full cup.

The wine in the glass was even more mellow and intense than the scorching sun wine he had just drunk; it must have been brewed from a sky full of stars. Lan Zhen took a small sip, savored it, and then smiled as he drank it all in one gulp.

Qingyan assessed Lan Zhen's alcohol tolerance and drank more cautiously than he did.

After a few drinks, he became more casual in his speech.

"Where did Xiao Yan learn this skill?" Lan Zhen swirled the wine in his cup. "Could it be from the Wine Supervisor of your Great Qi Palace?"

"Otherwise, where else could it be?" Qingyan didn't deny it.

"Your princess life is truly carefree and unrestrained."

Lan Zhen's envy made Qing Yan feel that it was all an act.

"Is there anyone in the Southern Xia palace who would dare to make things difficult for Your Highness, Prince Zhao?" Lan Zhen's mother was the Southern Xia Emperor's favorite concubine, and her life of luxury should be even more extravagant.