The ones most concerned with grain yields, aside from those in power, were naturally the farmers whose livelihoods were directly linked to it.
The imperial court soon posted a notice, recruiting experienced farming experts to assist the Third Prince with his experimental fields. Xing Qian was put in charge of the project. The departure of a mere Jinshi did not stir much commotion in court, and Xing Qian's experiments commenced as planned.
In the blink of an eye, Situ Yan had been acting as regent for two months. Emperor Changwu still showed no signs of returning, and even detained the Crown Prince. With the court running increasingly smoothly under Situ Yan's administration, Fu Lingyun could no longer sit idle.
After much deliberation, Fu Lingyun summoned his youngest son, Fu Yu, and instructed him accordingly.
Fu Yu's eyes widened. "Father, isn't this inappropriate?"
"Those who achieve great things do not quibble over minor details. A little sacrifice is worthwhile. Go and tell your brother that if he doesn't want the Fu family's century-old foundation to be utterly destroyed, he will comply obediently."
"Will he listen?"
"Naturally, he will."
Thus, Fu Yu galloped south to Jiangnan.
Fu Lingyun sighed. He didn't want to be the villain, but what choice did he have? The army belonging to their Fu family had been dispatched to the northern border by Prince Rui, and later, the Emperor had sent Prince Yong there under the guise of training.
Although the tiger tally was still in his hand, he knew that it was only a matter of time before those soldiers recognized a new master. Without military power, the Cao State Duke's mansion was nothing.
Look at the Qi Ying Marquis's mansion. How glorious it was when Situ Jue was alive. But now, it was buffeted by winds and rain. Today an impeachment, tomorrow a complaint. If the Duke of Qi held military power, would he be in such a predicament? When the tree falls, the monkeys scatter. Although the Qi Ying Marquis's mansion had not yet fallen, Fu Lingyun could foresee its eventual fate.
As the rabbit dies, the fox grieves. If they couldn't ensure the Crown Prince's ascension and consolidate their power, the Jian family's fate today would be the Fu family's tomorrow.
However, if they could eliminate Situ Yan and put the Crown Prince on the throne, the Fu family might even ascend to greater heights.
A young eunuch in blue robes scurried into Shen Fang Palace. "Your Noble Consort, news has arrived from Prince Ning's manor. The Consort has gone into labor."
Consort Jian sat up abruptly. "Why is it so early?"
"They say the Consort accidentally fell."
"Scoundrels! How could they be so careless? Once Consort Ning gives birth, I'll flay them! Hurry, prepare to leave the palace."
A grand retinue departed the palace. The eunuch who had delivered the news rushed to the imperial study, seeking favor. Li Wang, who received him, was pleased with the young eunuch's awareness of who held power in the palace, and rewarded him out of his own pocket. "If you have any more news, feel free to pass it along. I certainly won't mistreat you."
"Thank you, Eunuch Li."
The young eunuch left contentedly, while Li Wang sought out Situ Yan. "Your Highness, Consort Ning has gone into labor. Will you go and see?"
Situ Yan doubted his hearing. His eyes widened, and he cursed, "Are you out of your mind? Consort Ning's wife? Why would I go and join the fun?"
"This might be Prince Ning's last chance to leave an heir. If you don't go and oversee, what if the Noble Consort tries to tamper with the imperial bloodline?"
After all, even a pig would know that if Consort Ning couldn't give birth to a son, Prince Ning would have to adopt an heir from his brothers. This concerned his noble title, so it couldn't be taken lightly.
Situ Yan was unconcerned. "My father, the Emperor, is wise and mighty. How could he leave such a loophole? Rest assured, Consort Jian would never dare."
"But His Majesty has gone to the temporary palace."
"Even if he's gone to the border, it doesn't prevent him from receiving news from the capital." Just the other day, I received news of my father's commendation, clearly showing his satisfaction with my focus on grain production."
Li Wang, having flattered in the wrong direction, retreated dejectedly.
And as Situ Yan predicted, Consort Jian did not dare to tamper. Not only did she not dare, but she also prevented Aishah from making any underhanded moves. Thus, Situ Jue's fourth daughter was born. Consort Jian left the palace with high hopes, only to return with a darkened face.
All daughters, looking at them was simply vexing.
Aishah was also quite depressed. But after being warned by Consort Jian, she didn't dare to act rashly for the time being. She increasingly felt like a duckweed, adrift. In this foreign land, what would her future hold?
Could it be that she would truly have to stay with her stepson and this daughter?
She wondered if the Emperor of the Great Yin would permit her to remarry.