Chapter 621: Chapter 619: The Transmigrated Woman Who Self-Destructed 18 Times 50
It’s not that Daoist Bai Hong doesn’t want to act, but it’s truly useless.
Jiang Zhi has an amulet on him. Even though he previously drew some talismans for others to use, they couldn’t hurt anyone, and he himself suffered a minor backlash. Now he’s genuinely afraid to make another move.
Fortunately, the Fourth Prince didn’t hold it against him much, and except for looking at him as if he were a useless object, he didn’t miss out on any other treatment.
One day, he received a letter from Jiang Yuan and hurried over.
As soon as he arrived, without much ado, Jiang Yuan said, "This area under my supervision shows signs of drought. Daoist, aren’t you skilled in calling wind and rain? This time, we’re counting on you. Everyone’s responsible for some areas, and I cannot afford to lag behind. Otherwise, people will laugh at me."
After a long period without rain, Jiang Yuan was indeed worried. Suddenly, he recalled a Daoist who could summon wind and rain residing in his mansion, so he called him in.
Daoist Bai Hong was stunned for quite a while before agreeing. He then busied himself with summoning wind and rain in the area Jiang Yuan was responsible for.
Jiang Yuan also didn’t forget to create momentum for himself, and incidentally, Daoist Bai Hong gained some fame.
Overall, it went well.
Unexpectedly, Jiang Zhi’s area experienced floods, something beyond human control, and he was worried.
"Then I’ll take a trip," Ah Chen said with a smile. "The Azure Dragon appeared once; appearing again is no big deal."
The reason was simple. Among the territories Jiang Zhi was responsible for, Laining County was included.
The parents of this body’s previous owner were in Laining County. If a serious problem arose, it wouldn’t be good. Besides, she was quite willing to lend Jiang Zhi a hand.
Jiang Zhi was overjoyed and thanked her profusely.
Floods are no small matter. Even though he had made many arrangements, he couldn’t perfectly avoid disasters; there would surely be significant losses.
Within a few days, the Azure Dragon appeared again in the flood-affected area, channeling all the water to the sea, sparing the houses and crops. The people who witnessed it felt it was a miracle.
Laining County’s previous incident with the appearance of the Azure Dragon resurfaced, remembering that the Sixth Prince of the Yang Dynasty was also present then.
This time, too.
Without the need for Jiang Zhi to spread the word, news of Jiang Zhi being protected by the Azure Dragon spread from Laining County.
Even the Emperor couldn’t help but believe it when he heard it. His sixth son was indeed lucky.
Of course, the Fourth Prince did well this time, having a master by his side to help solve the drought.
As such, when the two returned to the capital after resolving their matters, they were both rewarded. Even Daoist Bai Hong was honored, feeling a mix of emotions, especially since his long-stagnant Taoist skills had made progress. His previous misguided thoughts subsided.
Perhaps, becoming a State Preceptor was not a necessity.
Other princes who performed well were praised by the Emperor, receiving various rewards.
Since then, Jiang Yuan became much more silent.
With the Azure Dragon’s protection, those monitoring Jiang Zhi naturally knew it was true.
It truly was the Azure Dragon.
He had to admit that his sixth brother was capable, and his luck indeed surpassed his own.
Another morning court session saw the Emperor officially appoint Jiang Zhi as the Crown Prince, intending to pass the throne to him. Surprisingly, the entire court was unfazed, including Jiang Yuan. This was because, after the royal banquet, the Emperor’s attitude was too obvious.
Even Jiang Yuan didn’t step forward to oppose it. Before this, his father had actually approached him, not just his father, but his sixth brother had also spoken with him.
Seeing that Jiang Yuan wasn’t contending, the other princes also lacked the desire. Their father was directly passing the throne and becoming the Supreme Emperor; how could they contest this?
Jiang Zhi’s accession to the throne went surprisingly smoothly. He was capable himself and had the full support of the Supreme Emperor, making the power transition seamless. However, it’s inevitable for some courtiers to have their little schemes.
Now that Jiang Zhi was Emperor, he no longer needed to hold back, unleashing his full potential.
He not only vigorously developed agriculture but also researched weapons, feeling that the Yang Dynasty was still too small, lacking room for expansion. Those small countries that harassed the Yang Dynasty would receive a stern lesson when they acted up.
The Supreme Emperor, seeing Jiang Zhi quickly stabilizing the court, refrained from interfering much, taking several concubines to a retirement garden, where he consumed the grains and vegetables provided by Jiang Zhi, improving his health remarkably.
Everyone was so busy they resembled spinning tops, causing most courtiers to forget about the vacancy in Jiang Zhi’s harem for a time.
However, some keen-minded courtiers noticed and proposed selecting a queen. Jiang Zhi, finding them too idle and unfitting for their positions, demoted them to remote places for work.
He wasn’t opposed to selecting a queen, but he was currently too busy.
Furthermore, he wasn’t passionate about the fairer sex. He would consider such matters when he was less busy. Hastily selecting people to fill the harem just to produce an heir felt like he was being reduced to a breeding pig.
The thought alone was distasteful.
Having witnessed Shen Zheng’an and Miss Chu’s relationship, he envied their feelings but understood that, as an Emperor, it was hard to achieve such a bond. For the future Empress, he didn’t seek a passionate love but hoped they could support each other throughout their lives.
On the day of Zuo Lanshuang’s wedding, Ah Chen attended, presenting a pair of Mandarin Duck Jade Pendants inlaid with gems. It was clearly not an ordinary gift.
Ah Chen had heard Zuo Lanshuang mention her fiancé, who was said to be a good person, clearly showing that Zuo Lanshuang wasn’t being coerced.
A month later, Zuo Lanshuang and her husband visited Ah Chen to express their gratitude.
"Fortunately, you gifted us those pendants; otherwise, we would have fallen into someone’s trap."
This was because Ah Chen had suggested that if they liked the pendants, it was best to wear them at all times, as they could serve as amulets.
Zuo Lanshuang had deep trust in Ah Chen’s words, so the couple never parted from their pendants, not even while bathing.
Unexpectedly, someone had indeed plotted against them, and it was only because of the pendants they escaped the scheme, which originated from her husband’s side. This disaster turned into a blessing, eliminating all their threats.
Zuo Lanshuang knew Ah Chen was capable but didn’t wish to trouble her further. She dared not disclose such matters publicly and only brought her husband to express their gratitude.
"Our meeting was destined; I’m glad you’re okay," Ah Chen said.
As they left, Zuo Lanshuang, knowing that Shen Zheng’an was about to take an exam, offered her blessings.
The imperial examination finally arrived, and Ah Chen prepared many things for Shen Zheng’an, sending him off.
"After the palace examination, we’ll marry!" Shen Zheng’an was more anxious about the marriage than the exam, presenting a fresh flower to Ah Chen.
Ah Chen accepted it. "Alright, I’ll wait for you."
Back at the estate, Ah Chen received an invitation from the Marquis Mansion, saying Old Madam Shen wished to see her.
"She wants to see me, and I have to go? Send a message back; if she has something to discuss, she can come here herself."
Old Madam Shen was furious upon hearing this.
Yet, she was set on reclaiming Shen Zheng’an, knowing he was her true grandson, so exceptional, and now belonging to another family; she couldn’t bear it. Previously, she had sought out Shen Zheng’an, but he refused to open his doors, claiming he had nothing to do with her, leaving her helpless.
Because Shen Zheng’an valued Chu Chen highly, Old Madam Shen attempted to approach through her, only to be met with resistance. She had no authority over her.
Her own son, Shen Jun, had barely survived but remained frail and had only a few years left.
Gritting her teeth, Old Madam Shen decided to visit personally, only to be refused entry at the doorstep.
