Chapter 82

Chapter 82: Did You Do It on Purpose?

In her past life, Sheng Zhi Wan had used this very plan to help Qi Shu Xian ascend to the position of Right Prime Minister.

At that time, to save Qi Shu Xian’s pride, she had written the entire scheme down as if by chance, leaving it in the study room to be discovered.

Qi Shu Xian did indeed find it, and he followed the guidance written there.

But because of his greed, the result was much worse than expected. Not only did Tedan fail to become Sheng Kingdom’s granary, but he also secured a mere thirty million taels of silver. Later, when Eastern Wa invaded, Tedan still had enough strength left to ally with Eastern Wa and attack Sheng Kingdom from both sides, nearly destroying it.

Yet even that thirty million taels was enough to amaze the court.

All officials praised Qi Shu Xian’s wisdom and foresight.

Everyone celebrated him as an extraordinary talent.

The Imperial Father, overjoyed, even promoted him directly to Right Prime Minister.

And she, Sheng Zhi Wan, was considered exceedingly lucky to have married such an outstanding man, despite being just a princess who knew nothing beyond romance…

Sheng Zhi Wan withdrew from her memories and calmly explained her plan.

As Shang Hang Yu listened, his eyes grew brighter and brighter.

Over the next half-hour, they exchanged ideas, improving and adjusting her original plan. Sheng Zhi Wan realized that although her earlier ideas weren’t flawed, differences between Tedan and Sheng Kingdom meant some minor adjustments could yield far greater benefits.

For example, Sheng Kingdom had Commerce Guilds, but Tedan was governed by trade guilds under direct royal control.

If they bribed key individuals within the guilds, things would be much simpler.

Also, the trade negotiations didn’t have to focus solely on existing stocks of Lilan bulbs. If they secured agreements in advance to sell next year’s harvest, transportation costs would greatly decrease. Ownership certificates could quickly pass hands several times, easily driving prices higher…

In their discussion, they unknowingly drew closer to each other.

When Sheng Zhi Wan raised her head, her forehead accidentally brushed against something soft.

She froze instantly.

Shang Hang Yu paused briefly, then innocently said, “Princess won’t accuse me of taking liberties, right?”

Sheng Zhi Wan pressed her lips together, stepping back slightly. “It was just an accident, naturally I won’t.”

“That’s good,” Shang Hang Yu’s gaze deepened. “Otherwise, I’d have no choice but to allow the Princess to take liberties in return.”

Sheng Zhi Wan frowned.

Before she could respond, Shang Hang Yu coughed lightly and spoke seriously. “Also, I think Ye Rong and his friends could be included. Their involvement would only benefit the Princess.”

As expected, Sheng Zhi Wan’s attention was diverted by his words. After some thought, she nodded, “Fine.”

Having finished business, Sheng Zhi Wan took out a porcelain bottle and placed it on the table.

Shang Hang Yu recognized it immediately. “Golden Wound Balm?”

“Mhm,” Sheng Zhi Wan nodded. “Later today, Duke Qi’s household will inquire everywhere about this balm. Just auction it at the Rare Treasure Pavilion. The higher the price, the better. Later, I’ll find you to split the silver.”

Thinking about Qi Shu Xian losing money instead of gaining it made Sheng Zhi Wan’s eyes sparkle with amusement.

Shang Hang Yu raised an eyebrow, slipping the porcelain bottle into his robe. “Rest assured, Princess—I’ll make sure you don’t lose out!”

The two exchanged smiles.

When her laughter faded, Sheng Zhi Wan was startled to realize how easy and comfortable it felt interacting with Shang Hang Yu.

Such comfort was dangerous—it made one drop their guard.

Sheng Zhi Wan quickly left the Gathering Worthies Teahouse and returned directly to Duke Qi’s estate.

“Where have you been?” she had barely reached the estate’s gate when she met Qi Shu Xian, who was helping Meng Yang down from the carriage.

Sheng Zhi Wan glanced calmly at the two of them. “The palace, visiting Grandmother.”

Qi Shu Xian immediately became wary. “You didn’t go tattling again, did you?”

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

Qi Shu Xian relaxed, but then he heard her continue: “However, Nanny Xiu, who serves Grandmother, hurt her hand. Grandmother can’t manage without her, and I remembered the Golden Wound Balm Grandmother gave me earlier. Someone from the palace will come tomorrow morning to retrieve it from Duke Qi’s estate.”

Qi Shu Xian’s expression immediately froze.

Huan Zhu didn’t know what Golden Wound Balm was, but from the name alone, she knew it must be extremely valuable.

Sheng Zhi Wan gently tucked a strand of hair blown forward by the breeze. “I know Huan Zhu stole the balm and gave it to you, but since it was a gift from Grandmother, Heir Apparent should return it quickly.”

“Otherwise, if Grandmother finds out a maid dared give her master’s belongings to someone else, she’ll certainly interrogate her. Then your little affair with her won’t stay hidden.”

“Sheng—Zhi—Wan!” Qi Shu Xian ground his teeth, the muscles in his jaw twitching. “Did you do this on purpose?”

Sheng Zhi Wan feigned innocence. “You misunderstand me, Heir Apparent. I just learned about this. Anyway, you have the Golden Wound Balm—an entire bottle. Considering its potency, you probably didn’t use it all. I’ll be generous; just return whatever’s left.”