Chapter 2169: The Second Prince’s Anger

How many individuals worldwide could easily resist such a temptation?

Old Lady Fan’s smile turned cold. “There’s no better alternative. We must proceed with what has been set in motion.”

What had been done was undeniable, and the Shao Family could not refute it!

“It’s just unfortunate for Ruirui!”

Old Lady Fan sighed, genuine affection for her granddaughter evident in her expression.

Fan Ruyin, however, embraced the idea enthusiastically. Her eyes sparkled as she spoke, “Mother’s plan is impeccable! Why second-guess it? When Ruirui ascends to the position of Princess Consort, who wouldn’t honor her and our esteemed Fan family?”

In Fan Ruyin’s confident assessment, no village girl could rival her exceptional daughter. She believed that Bai Ruirui merely lacked the opportunity.

Once granted the chance to fulfill her rightful role as a wife, Ruirui possessed myriad means to captivate her husband and diminish that rustic interloper.

Contemplating the future where her granddaughter would reign as a princess consort, Old Lady Fan felt a warmth wash over her. Any lingering guilt or anguish dissipated as she nodded in agreement. “You’re absolutely right! Let’s refrain from acting hastily. Patience is key. We must strategize meticulously and await the opportune moment.”

“Very well, I will heed your counsel…” Fan Ruyin admitted to feeling a sense of urgency. She sensed that Shao Yunduan’s influence would only grow stronger, making it increasingly challenging to undermine him in the future.

Yet, they were also aware of the adage: haste makes waste. Their previous failures in the province were attributed to hasty decisions borne out of panic.

This time, they resolved to proceed with caution.

Meanwhile, in Huaixi Province, Qiao Xuan achieved a modest success in land development.

A fungus farm had been established in the outskirts, where they commenced cultivation of silver fungus, mushrooms, tea tree mushrooms, wood fungus, small mushrooms, and various other fungi.

These fungi could be processed into dried forms, facilitating convenient local or external trade.

Over 500 mu of land had been dedicated to cotton cultivation during the season. With Qiao Xuan’s exceptional abilities, they anticipated a harvest before winter’s arrival.

The yield from over 500 mu of cotton would be transformed into cotton clothing and blankets, representing a significant accumulation of resources.

In Huaixi Province, progress unfolded in a positive trajectory.

Meanwhile, in the Central Plains, the Second Prince and the Fourth Prince engaged in a series of grueling battles, rendering the battlefield a scene of unparalleled intensity and tragedy.

Both factions endured losses and victories, yet neither gained a significant advantage over the other. Instead, they depleted substantial resources and manpower.

Recognizing the futility of prolonged conflict, both sides reluctantly agreed to a temporary ceasefire.

The cost of continued warfare was simply unsustainable.

Moreover, with temperatures rising steadily, the risk of casualties escalated. The onset of heat provided ideal breeding conditions for mosquitoes and germs, heightening the potential for a devastating outbreak of disease.

Such a scenario was untenable.

Amidst this precarious situation, the Second Prince received news concerning Shao Yunduan’s activities in Huaixi Province.

After meticulously scrutinizing the aide’s intermediate report, the Second Prince was virtually incensed to the point of exasperation!

He promptly dispatched a summons for his uncle, intending to confront him with the egregious actions of his son and nephew.

Witnessing the Emperor’s visceral reaction, General Sun’s apprehension peaked. He surmised that a significant incident had transpired at the old encampment, prompting him to swiftly peruse the contents of the missive.

To his utter astonishment, the contents of the report left him dumbfounded!

This… it defies comprehension!

With a resounding thud, General Sun slammed the memorial shut, his countenance contorted with fury. “Who does this Shao individual believe himself to be? How dare he!”

The implications of Shao’s audacious actions undoubtedly stirred General Sun’s ire. Shao’s presumptuousness and disregard for protocol had undoubtedly rattled the delicate balance of power within the realm.