As long as Si Xitong holds the line, Aqina will no longer be able to use evil magic to take away other people's lives and prolong his own.
When Bei Hu Xiongnu Aqina learned that An Shan had died at Xie Ying's hands, he realized that all his political enemies had been eliminated one by one.
The national witch calculated that the best time for the next substitute to appear would be three years later. Using the three years that Ansan had secured, Aqina believed that he still had three years to maneuver the situation.
Because he could wipe out the Central Plains in less than three years!
At the same time, Xie Ying's fate was reversed, which was also unexpected for both of them.
In May, Aqina swiftly launched an attack, and now 100,000 troops have gathered at the Red River border, ready to go to war at any time with just a command.
There were many matters to attend to in Weidu, but they were no longer within Xie Lanzhi's scope of responsibility.
She spent half a month recuperating in Weidu. Once the splints on both hands could be removed, she was able to return to Beijing.
Xie Ying followed her back to Beijing.
However, upon arriving in Tianjing, the two discovered that only two months had passed since their departure. The new Tianjing had expanded considerably, even widening the city gates. Two-lane roads had become three-lane. Some of the gatekeepers were now armed with firearms. Judging from the weapon's fuse and trigger, it appeared to be a design originally conceived by the Ministry of Works. At the time, she felt its power was insufficient, and the flintlock musket was too expensive to be widely adopted by the entire army. Therefore, she hadn't chosen this weapon.
The fact that it can be worn now indicates that the cost has been reduced, and its power can also deter some scoundrels.
Xie Lanzhi glanced at the gunner. The gunner's gaze sharpened instantly, and he gripped his weapon tightly, staring intently at her. If it weren't for the fact that the gatekeeper was from the Xie family, and the gunner hadn't been reminded by the Xie family official to lower his weapon, the other woman might have already opened fire.
Xie Lanzhi was both amused and exasperated.
Xie Ying also stared at the firearms with a longing look.
The city official from the Xie family hurried over and bowed to Xie Lanzhi, saying, "Welcome back to Tianjing, Marshal."
Xie Lanzhi felt it was necessary to understand the changes in the new Tianjing. She discovered that not only were the roads wider, but the street vendors nearby were also much more organized, and new shops had opened up.
And then there are the original residents of Tianjing, many of whom were originally commoners, but how did they suddenly become so wealthy, dressed in fine silks and satins? Especially the one who sells steamed buns; before, she could hear him shouting "One copper coin a bun, or your money back!" whenever she went into town. Now, in the blink of an eye, he has opened a steamed bun shop, and it's packed with customers.
"Recently, Tianjing seems to have become much more prosperous."
Upon hearing this, Xie, the city official, replied, "Marshal, the city plan has been issued from above for the past two months. People below have been working tirelessly to achieve the current state of affairs."
"Moreover, a new road can be seen every day in the newly expanded urban area. The mountains outside are also under development. I heard that His Highness has allocated the barren mountain at the South Gate to newly moved merchants for mining."
"Those merchants are all wealthy people from various countries, some of whom are even royalty and nobility. They are constantly investing large sums of money to live in the city of Tianjing, hiring people to develop roads and build new buildings. Now the area around the South Gate is full of people. It is even more prosperous than many bustling areas in Tianjing."
A note from the author:
Thank you to all the little angels who voted for me or watered my plants with nutrient solution between 20:05:00 on February 6, 2022 and 20:15:43 on February 7, 2022!
Thank you to the little angels who watered the nutrient solution: Changren and Minghuangyu (20 bottles each); Aoyou~Xingkong (4 bottles each);
Thank you so much for your support! I will continue to work hard!
Chapter 194 You are the Emperor, I am the Empress
The South Gate had been washed away by a great flood, forming a triangular flat area. Furthermore, Si Xitong constructed numerous canals nearby, making the South Gate the area with the best water conservancy since Tianjing.
That area also became a golden triangle where many merchants gathered.
Xie Lanzhi was astonished. Her little phoenix had secretly done countless things that benefited people's livelihoods and economic development.
The city official, Xie, said with a smug look on his face, "According to the announcements from the agricultural officials, this year will be another good harvest. In addition, pigs raised in Bingzhou are being sent to the city, which has reduced the price of meat considerably."
"His Highness also ordered everyone to buy meat as soon as possible and use up the existing stock."
His family wholesaled a hundred pigs to sell in other places, making a considerable profit. And now, no one dares to laugh at the Fourth Prince and Xie Shangguang, or laugh at them for being stinking pig farmers.
Pork is currently cheap in Tianjing, but it can cost at least ten times more elsewhere.
The fourth prince of Bingzhou, Marquis Shi'an Si Xinian, and Xie Shangguang, the young general of the Xie family, have seen their wealth increase dramatically due to pig farming. They are now second only to the female merchants of the Shi Kingdom in terms of wealth.
Xie Lanzhi learned about the recent developments. Xie Ying saw a peddler pushing a cart full of supplies to the countryside. Before she could speak, she was seized by passing officials.
"Xie Ying, you've been on evasion for two months. Now that you're back, why aren't you going to work?"
"If it weren't for your meritorious service in Weidu, the magistrate would have sent men to arrest you long ago!"
Xie Ying immediately called out to Xie Lanzhi, "Marshal, it's me!"
Xie Lanzhi gestured for her to go to the labor camp first, saying she would handle the rest. Xie Ying had no choice but to reluctantly leave with the officials.
News of her return reached Jianzhang Palace.
Si Xitong was discussing official business with her ministers when she sent Xie Changwang to handle Xie family affairs. Upon receiving Xie Lanzhi's message, she simply nodded, completely calm. So calmly, as if it were an ordinary matter.
No longer with the fanfare of before, or setting aside official duties to wait for Marshal Xie's return. This made many ministers feel that His Highness had matured considerably. In a few months, His Highness will turn twenty. It's time for his coming-of-age ceremony.
Given that Her Highness is one of the most unique monarchs in history, having risen to power through the Xie family, and now that she has gained power, she has not treated the Xie family unfairly. This has earned the deep gratitude of many veteran officials.
However, Si Xitong's way of caring for her officials differed from that of previous emperors. She arranged suitable positions for them to work in. Even if they didn't become officials, they could still earn a living through their labor.
This will prevent the breeding of many rice weevils and also contribute to every industry.
Si Xitong spent half an hour finishing up the official business. Afterwards, she had some free time, and Xie Lanzhi had already arrived at Lanzhang Palace.
She changed into a dark-colored casual outfit and noticed that a peony flower had appeared on her clothes. She rarely wore such eye-catching clothes, but now that she was wearing them, she looked in the mirror and found that they actually looked quite nice.
It must have been prepared by Little Phoenix.
After Xie Lanzhi changed her clothes, Xiao Xiu reminded her from the side, "Recently, His Highness has often been so busy that he doesn't return until evening. Would you like to have your meal first?"
“She will be back soon,” Xie Lanzhi said.
Because she knew that Little Phoenix would always return to Lanzhang Palace, no matter how busy she was. Xiao Xiu went to prepare the meal.
Si Xitong returned shortly after. As before, she stared at Xie Lanzhi as soon as she came in, first sizing her up before walking over and hugging her waist.
Today, Xie Lanzhi specially changed to a floral scent when she took a bath. When Si Xitong hugged her, he could smell a faint, refreshing fragrance on her. It smelled a bit like jasmine and a bit like other fragrant flowers. In short, it smelled wonderful.
"You've worked hard." Xie Lanzhi gently hid her right hand behind her back.
Si Xitong placed her hands on her right arm and gently massaged it, as if to tell her that she was aware of her injury.
Xie Lanzhi no longer hid anything: "Even if I don't tell you, you definitely already know. But you definitely only want to hear me tell you myself."
Si Xitong turned her head and gently kissed Xie Lanzhi's cheek. It was a reward for Xie Lanzhi's honesty.
Having received the hint, Xie Lanzhi had no choice but to say, "The doctor said I no longer need to fight with my right hand."
"It's alright, you shouldn't have to shoulder the burden of the battles to come alone." Si Xitong knew that no matter how many people congratulated her and cheered for her after every victory, she would never be truly happy.
Because it was a victory won by her husband at the risk of his life. A victory that came at the cost of her husband's life.
How could she be like everyone else, not appreciating her efforts and hardships?
She even thought that it would be great if she could take Lanzhi's place. That way, Lanzhi wouldn't have to travel outside every day and face all sorts of dangers.
"Lanzhi, all I can do is develop as quickly as possible." Si Xitong's voice became a little muffled as he said, "As long as the rear is stable, we can send more supplies from the rear to the front."
"If possible, I think you should never go to the battlefield again."
Don't get hurt again. Don't force yourself to stay strong for her anymore.
Xie Lanzhi gently stroked the hair on the back of her jade-like back with her left hand; it was smooth and exuded a faint fragrance. There was also the scent of ambergris on her body.
"But you don't need to worry anymore, I'll be done soon." Si Xitong's voice was full of affection for her.
Xie Lanzhi didn't know to what extent she meant by "quickly resolved".
Since she returned to Tianjing, she has witnessed tremendous changes that have taken place in the city in just two months.
She was very surprised.
Little Phoenix had unknowingly become an emperor whom she had to respect.
Although she still refers to herself as Your Highness, many people now privately regard her as an emperor.
If there were people who opposed Si Xitong and supported Si Xinian before, now that the officials have seen Si Xitong's political abilities, they have long forgotten about the prince's existence.
She thought it wasn't just herself who was amazed by Xiao Fenghuang's administrative talent.
Now the ministers must also be impressed by Little Phoenix's talent.
"Little Phoenix, I am so proud of you." Xie Lanzhi was genuinely proud of his wife.
She thought there was no one in the world who had done better than her. This was something that everyone in the world could see.
The people will only support and admire her.
This is no longer a privilege reserved for male heirs.
This ignorant world will begin to change starting with Si Xitong.
Si Xitong buried her face in her chest, and she was equally happy about Lan Zhi's praise.
She held her hand gently and didn't let go.
"There is still more I can do."
Xie Lanzhi was afraid that she would be impatient. She said, "Take it slow. As long as it's good, even if people can't accept it now, someone will accept it sooner or later."
Truth is eternal and unchanging. Even if it is obscured for a time, its brilliance will eventually be discovered.
"Lanzhi, I have so much to say to you." Si Xitong was clearly preoccupied.
Xie Lanzhi couldn't help but feel a pang of anxiety, but she didn't ask her directly.
I know she'll answer if I ask.
After all, she's reached the age where she has her own little secrets.
Twenty years old? She's six years older than her. Twenty-six this year.
It was her third year since she transmigrated to this world.
“Aqina is not a threat for now,” Xie Lanzhi reminded him. “His double is dead, but I am unharmed, which means that the other party can no longer get anything out of me.”
"His main target next won't be me, but you."
Because you are the protagonist of this world.
And Achina wants to replace you.
It wasn't just the will of Heaven that forbade it. She also wouldn't allow a ruthless killer to replace her little phoenix.
Si Xitong said, "After saying so much, have you considered our future?"
In the future, Xie Lanzhi reacted a beat too slowly.