klisemfg Chapter 197 The Return of the Prince of Zhennan
Chapter 197 The Return of the Prince of Zhennan
The next day, the county lady's mansion's banners were delivered to the hands of the thirteen merchants like a spring breeze.
The housekeeper smiled as he explained the various preferential policies Yan Wanwan had prepared for them. The merchants were so grateful that tears welled up in their eyes, and they couldn't wait to transfer their household registration to Nanping Prefecture and become local citizens.
But the idea is beautiful, and the reality is cruel. Who made Yan Wanwan set such a high threshold?
Meanwhile, several previously empty shops began to bustle with activity. Workers bustled in and out, and the shopfronts were radiantly new, as if transformed overnight. Later, upon inquiry, I learned that these shops had all been acquired by out-of-town merchants and would reopen in ten days.
This news spread like a spring breeze through the streets and alleys of Nanping Prefecture. The people rejoiced and discussed the prefecture's future. Those merchants who chose to stay were impressed by Yan Wanwan's determination and the prefecture's enormous potential. They secretly rejoiced: thankfully, those short-sighted people had left. Now that they had fewer competitors, they could free themselves to expand their business.
Xiao Tao hurried back to the county lord's mansion and reported all the changes in the city to Yan Wanwan.
After hearing this, Yan Wanwan raised the corners of her lips slightly. This was just the first step in her plan. The real backup was those caravans going out for business.
She had already spread the stories of how the Jingzhao merchants exploited their power to oppress the Nanping government through the caravans. These stories would spread like seeds, gradually spreading from place to place as the caravans moved. Her goal was never to drive them out of Nanping, but to make them, and indeed their families, infamous, so that they would no longer be able to gain a foothold in the business world.
The construction of Nanping Prefecture is in full swing, however the situation far away in Jingzhao is not peaceful. The Prince of Zhennan, who has been missing for nearly half a year, suddenly returns quietly.
This news was like a huge rock thrown into a calm lake, causing a thousand waves.
Inside the imperial palace, in the magnificent hall, Prince Zhennan stood quietly in the center of the hall, his posture as straight as a pine tree.
His face was more resolute than half a year ago, but there was a hint of vicissitudes between his brows. However, his deep eyes always held a firmness that could not be ignored, and the murderous aura emanating from his body made people dare not ignore it.
He is still the dreaded Prince of Zhennan.
The emperor at the top sat upright on the dragon throne, staring at him with a sharp gaze. There was a complex and indistinguishable look in his calm eyes. If you looked closely, you could discover the hidden coldness and hatred in them.
He actually came back alive?
The hall was filled with silence, even the air seemed frozen. Eunuch Wu lowered his head, not daring to make a sound.
He knew that the return of Prince Zhennan was a good thing for the court, but not necessarily for the emperor.
Prince Zhennan raised his eyes slightly and briefly met the emperor's gaze.
His expression was calm as water, as if he didn't notice the hostility in the emperor's eyes. He just bowed respectfully and said, "Your Majesty, I pay my respects to you."
The emperor's fingers tapped lightly on the armrest of the dragon throne, making a low, muffled sound.
He spoke slowly, his voice filled with concern as he asked, "My dear, I have been very concerned about you over the past six months."
The Prince of Zhennan remained expressionless, his tone steady, "I encountered an unforeseen incident while away, and was unable to return to the capital in time to report. I beg Your Majesty's forgiveness."
The emperor chuckled, but the smile didn't reach his eyes. "I'm very lucky to have you return safely, my dear. I just don't know where you've been for the past six months."
The Prince of Zhennan lowered his eyes slightly and said in a low voice, "I encountered bandits on the way and was seriously injured. Fortunately, I was rescued by a hermit in the mountains and was able to save my life. During my recovery, due to the severity of my injuries, I was unable to send a message back to the capital in time. I hope Your Majesty will understand."
The emperor's gaze lingered on him for a moment, as if examining the truth in his words.
After a moment, he slowly nodded: "I see. Thank you for your hard work, my dear."
Prince Zhennan bowed again and said, "It is my duty to share your majesty's worries."
The emperor withdrew his gaze, his tone suddenly changing: "Since you have returned safely, my dear, then you should rest well. I grant you the Zhennan Palace. In a few days, you can bring your family to Jingzhao! I'm sure they have missed you terribly in the past six months."
Prince Zhennan looked displeased, "Your Majesty!"
The emperor immediately interrupted him, "As for other matters, we will discuss them later."
Prince Zhennan nodded slightly: "I obey your order."
After leaving the palace, he rushed to the General's Mansion without stopping.
Qin Yu had already received the news and ordered that as long as the Prince of Zhennan came, he should be invited in directly without asking for permission.
He had just finished brewing the fragrant tea in the yard when he heard hurried footsteps, followed by the sound of breaking air.
"Boom!"
Before Qin Yu could react, he was knocked flying by a punch from the King of Zhennan, with half of his body stuck in the mud.
"Ahem! Prince Zhennan is in great spirits. He's still so enthusiastic after not seeing you for a long time." Qin Yu wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth, stood up and smiled at him. "Should I call you brother now? Or should I call you father-in-law?"
The King of Zhennan's face darkened three times, and he kicked him mercilessly.
Qin Yu shouted, "Good timing!"
In an instant, the two men were entangled with each other, and the two shadows in the air were fighting hard. After a quarter of an hour, the winner had not been decided, which showed that they were evenly matched.
After a "bang", the two men stood apart, their clothes torn and in tatters, and Qin Yu's face had several bruises.
He grinned with a pained smile and said with emotion: "My father-in-law's skills are indeed as good as before."
"Shut up! Who allowed you to call me father-in-law?" The Prince of Zhennan roared in anger, "You little bastard, you dared to abduct my daughter while I was away. I will never be able to relieve the hatred in my heart unless I chop you into pieces."
Qin Yu waved his hands repeatedly in denial, saying, "Father-in-law, this matter really isn't my fault."
Prince Zhennan was so angry that he blew his beard and glared, "You're still yelling! Who else can I blame if not you?"
"I blame you!" Qin Yu explained, "If you hadn't disappeared suddenly, Wan Wan wouldn't have come all the way to Jingzhao to ask for help in finding your whereabouts. In the end, she wouldn't have found me and insisted on marrying me."
Prince Zhennan: “…”
At this moment, the seven-foot old man couldn't help but tear up. The girl was really considerate! Knowing that he was missing, the two delicate girls resolutely came to Jingzhao. I don't know how much suffering they suffered along the way. It makes me sad just thinking about it.
What the grandson said was right. It was all his fault that he had not thought it through in advance. Otherwise, he would not have made his wife and daughter so worried about his safety.
Qin Yu couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief when he saw his expression relax. If he continued to fight, even his iron body would not be able to withstand three punches from him.
"Father-in-law, I've prepared some excellent daughter's red wine. Would you like to try it?"
In an instant, the murderous intent in Prince Zhennan's eyes surged again.