Chapter 82

Chapter 82: You Did It on Purpose?

In her past life, Sheng Zhi Wan had used this very plan to push Qi Shu Xian into the position of Right Chancellor.

Back then, to save Qi Shu Xian’s pride, Sheng Zhi Wan had polished the whole plan into a written book and left it in the study, guiding Qi Shu Xian to discover it.

Qi Shu Xian had discovered it. Qi Shu Xian had also acted on the inspiration inside it.

But in the end, because Qi Shu Xian was greedy and never satisfied, the result was greatly weakened. Not only did Te Dan fail to become Sheng Kingdom’s granary, Qi Shu Xian only earned a measly thirty million taels.

Later, when Eastern Wa invaded, Te Dan still had the strength to cooperate with Eastern Wa. They attacked from both sides and forced Sheng Kingdom into a position where it almost had no power to strike back.

Yet at the time, even that thirty million taels had been enough for the entire court to praise and celebrate.

Everyone admired Qi Shu Xian’s strategy and foresight. Everyone praised Qi Shu Xian as a rare genius.

And in the emperor’s great joy, Imperial Father promoted Qi Shu Xian to Right Chancellor.

As for Sheng Zhi Wan, she had been a useless princess who only knew love and romance. To marry a man like Qi Shu Xian, people said she must have accumulated blessings beyond measure…

Sheng Zhi Wan lowered those thoughts and explained the plan step by step.

The more Shang Xing Yu listened, the brighter Shang Xing Yu’s eyes became.

For the next half hour, they went back and forth, revising and rebuilding the layout on top of the original plan. Only then did Sheng Zhi Wan realize that while her plan had no major holes, Te Dan and Sheng Kingdom had different national conditions. If they adjusted many small details, they could gain even greater benefits.

For example, Sheng Kingdom used a Merchants’ Guild system, but Te Dan used a guild system controlled by the royal house. If they could bribe people inside the guild, things would naturally become far more convenient.

Also, they did not have to stare only at the Li Lan Flower bulbs already in hand. They could trade ahead of time, selling next year’s harvest of Li Lan Flower bulbs as presale goods in one concentrated batch.

On the one hand, transportation costs could drop sharply. On the other hand, the ownership written clearly on paper could be bought and sold with ease. In a short time, it could change hands again and again, and the price would naturally climb layer by layer…

As they talked, the two of them drifted closer without noticing.

Sheng Zhi Wan lifted her eyes, and her forehead brushed something soft. Sheng Zhi Wan’s body locked.

Shang Xing Yu also froze for a moment, then asked innocently, “Princess won’t blame me for taking liberties, will you?”

Sheng Zhi Wan pressed her lips together and pulled back. “It was just an accident. Of course I won’t.”

“That’s good.” Shang Xing Yu’s gaze deepened. “Otherwise, I’d have to let Princess take advantage of me in return.”

Sheng Zhi Wan frowned.

Before Sheng Zhi Wan could speak, Shang Xing Yu coughed and turned serious. “Also, I think we can pull Ye Rong and the others into this. With them involved, everything Princess wants to do will benefit, and there will be no harm.”

Sure enough, Sheng Zhi Wan’s attention shifted. Sheng Zhi Wan thought for a moment, then nodded. “Alright.”

Once the serious matters were settled, Sheng Zhi Wan took out a porcelain bottle and set it on the table.

Shang Xing Yu recognized it at a glance. “Golden Wound Skin-Healing A Ling Dew?”

“Yes,” Sheng Zhi Wan said. “Later today, Duke Qi Residence will ask around everywhere about Golden Wound Skin-Healing A Ling Dew. Go ahead and put it up for auction at the Hall of Rare Treasures. The higher the price, the better. When the time comes, I’ll split the silver with you.”

Thinking about how Qi Shu Xian would fail at taking advantage and instead lose money, a smile rose in Sheng Zhi Wan’s eyes.

Shang Xing Yu raised a brow and tucked the bottle into his robe. “Don’t worry. I won’t let Princess lose out!”

They looked at each other and smiled.

After smiling, Sheng Zhi Wan paused. Sheng Zhi Wan only then realized that without noticing, spending time with Shang Xing Yu had started to feel relaxed.

That feeling was dangerous. It made people lower their guard.

After leaving Gathering Sages Teahouse, Sheng Zhi Wan went straight back to Duke Qi Residence.

“What did you go out for?” Sheng Zhi Wan had just reached the gate when Qi Shu Xian stepped down from a carriage as well, one hand supporting Meng Yang.

Sheng Zhi Wan’s gaze drifted over the two of them. “The palace. I went to see Grandmother.”

Qi Shu Xian’s eyes sharpened at once. “You didn’t go to complain again, did you?”

Sheng Zhi Wan smiled lightly. “I’m not that bored.”

Qi Shu Xian finally relaxed a little.

Then Sheng Zhi Wan continued, “However, Nanny Xiu by Grandmother’s side hurt her hand. Grandmother can’t do without Nanny Xiu’s care, so I thought of the Golden Wound Skin-Healing A Ling Dew Grandmother gave me before. Tomorrow morning, someone from the Imperial Palace will come to Duke Qi Residence to take the medicine.”

The expression on Qi Shu Xian’s face froze.

Huan Zhu did not know what Golden Wound Skin-Healing A Ling Dew was, but just from the name, Huan Zhu could tell it was extremely precious.

Sheng Zhi Wan lifted the hair that the wind had blown across her face and said, “I know Huan Zhu stole the Golden Wound Skin-Healing A Ling Dew and gave it to you. But it was something Grandmother gave me. Heir Apparent should return it as soon as possible.”

“Otherwise, if Grandmother learns that Huan Zhu, a mere maid, dared to take her master’s things and give them away, Grandmother will definitely have her brought in for questioning. When that happens, Heir Apparent’s matter with Huan Zhu won’t be able to stay hidden.”

Qi Shu Xian’s jaw clenched, the muscles at his temples jumping. “Sheng Zhi Wan! You did that on purpose?”

Sheng Zhi Wan did not admit it. “Heir Apparent misunderstood me. I only learned about it today. But in any case, the Golden Wound Skin-Healing A Ling Dew is still with Heir Apparent. A whole bottle. With its effects, Heir Apparent probably can’t use it all.”

Sheng Zhi Wan smiled. “I’ll be generous. Heir Apparent can just send back what’s left.”