Chapter 338: Chapter 338: Space Exposed (5)
Nangong Xiu’s mouth curled into a sly smile as he said in a soft tone, "Because in the end, only our family among the five great clans will remain." After hearing this, An Zixi was stunned for a while, finding it incredible as he looked at his master, wondering since when had his master’s ambition grown so grand?
The carriage traveled unhindered all the way to the Summer Garden. Looking at the high walls that had been built, with many people bustling to and fro, Feng Xuxu stepped inside.
Because it had rained the night before and dried for most of the day, though the ground was not very muddy, it was still soft enough to walk on.
After completing his inspection of the land, Zongzheng Zehang returned to find a crowd in the distance. On closer inspection, he realized it was Princess Mei, and in an instant, he lightly alighted on his feet in front of Feng Xuxu.
The Iron Cavalry Army guards, noticing someone approaching, swept their sharp, eagle-like gaze towards Zongzheng Zehang, watching him intently.
"Princess, what brings you here?" he asked, bowing respectfully to Feng Xuxu.
"Please rise. I was a bit worried the rain last night might have affected our progress, so I came to check on it today," she said, looking out over the expanse of land that had been turned.
Zongzheng Zehang chuckled, "Although it rained last night, Princess, the work hasn’t slowed down. With the soil still moist, turning it over is twice as easy, just look there." Pointing not far away, an ox walked ahead while an old farmer followed, plowing steadily behind it at a not insignificant speed.
"Good, then," she said with a relieved nod, realizing she had been unduly concerned.
"Princess, Beitang Xuan has already started building warm greenhouses on the turned soil. I think we can finish covering everything by the middle to end of November," he reported.
"Middle to end of November? That’s this month! The speed is indeed quite fast," she exclaimed in surprise, turning her head to look approvingly at Zongzheng Zehang.
"Thank you for the compliment, Princess," Zongzheng Zehang said with a secret sigh of relief, finally nearing the completion of the task the princess had assigned.
Feng Xuxu wandered around the perimeter before returning to the carriage to go back.
As the days drew nearer, they rushed to complete the Summer Garden, managing to finish it on the last day of November. The three had agreed to meet at Prince Mei Residence that night to share the good news with the princess, unaware that an additional person would join them.
"Prince, the princess has arrived," announced a guard. Upon hearing the call, all four people in the great hall stood up to welcome Prince Mei and Princess Mei.
"Peace to Prince Mei, may the princess be blessed," they said reverently from their knees as two figures emerged at the entrance of the great hall.
After aiding his wife to a seat, the prince then turned, lifting his robe gracefully as he moved to sit.
"Rise," came the even-tempered voice, prompting those kneeling to slowly stand and take their seats again.
Dugu Chen surveyed the group, then looked at his wife, and eventually chose not to adopt a displeased expression.
"Prince, Princess, I have good news. The Summer Garden has been completed," Jueqing reported, stepping forward to relay the news to the prince and princess amidst the somewhat awkward tension.
Dugu Chen’s gaze flickered towards Jueqing before shifting to the others, noting their nervous expressions. His lips twitched. Was he really so fearsome? He decided it was best to leave, to avoid any awkwardness.
"Ahem, my dear, I need to attend to some public duties. You all continue, but remember not to stay up too late," he said softly to her.
Feng Xuxu smiled and nodded, "I know, go ahead."
"Farewell, Prince," they said, standing up briskly as Prince Mei rose, their voices loud and clear.
Hearing them, Dugu Chen couldn’t help but feel unsettled; he hadn’t heard such loud greetings when he arrived. Why were their voices so loud now that he was leaving? With slightly furrowed brows and a displeased face, he stepped out of the great hall.
