Chapter 216: Make Her Belong To Him
Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation
“How could it be? Am I so bloodthirsty?”
Old Master Wang thought, “Nonsense! If you aren’t responsible for the lives beside the water pits, I’ll eat this plate.”
“How did you resolve it?”
“I used a drug.”
“But using a drug is essentially killing.”
“I never said it was poison!”
As they interrogated her, Qiao Mai continued to eat.
“Then what did you use?”
“It’s something called ‘Forget Dust Pill.’ When you take it, you forget the whole thing. However, this medicine also has a time limit. In five or six years, the memory comes back. By then, even if she mentioned something, nobody would believe her. They’d all think she’s crazy. Moreover, she’ll be married, and this matter will be forgotten. She’ll only suffer silently if she tries to bring it up.”
“Aren’t you afraid she’ll seek revenge in secret?”
“Revenge?”
Qiao Mai scoffed. “Forget about me not being afraid of her right now. In five or six years, I’ll have grown stronger. It’s them who should be afraid of me. I won’t kill her because I don’t want to cause trouble for my family. Her continued existence is entirely for my family’s reputation.”
She spoke so casually that it sent shivers down Old Master and Mistress Wang’s spines.
“Are your martial arts invincible?”
Qiao Mai glanced at the two astonished elders and suddenly realized she had been too straightforward.
“Hehe, it’s probably because my body is suitable for martial arts training. Eat, eat. Just remember that I can protect you.”
The old couple swallowed hard and didn’t ask any more questions. After finishing the meal, Qiao Mai left.
Meanwhile, on the official road, a horse-drawn carriage traveled from north to south leisurely. A noble lady rested her chin on her hand, gazing into the distance.
“Nanny, I feel like I’ve forgotten a lot of things. No matter how hard I try, I can’t remember.”
The nanny looked at two other maids and said, “Princess, this old servant feels the same way.” “Me too!”
“Did you also forget?”
“Yes, I keep hearing a voice, telling me to bring the princess back to the capital.”
“I feel the same way. The voice is neither male nor female, urging me to return to the capital.”
“Princess, if you can’t remember, don’t think about it. As long as you’re safe, that’s all that matters.”
This was Princess Heyi and her entourage, but they had all forgotten something important. They could only follow the voice in their hearts toward the direction of the capital.
In the Imperial Study, the Emperor was busy reviewing memorials. He was aware of Princess Heyi’s departure from the capital.
He didn’t stop her or order her to return. He hoped she would see Yuan Jiaqi and get a definite answer so her heart could be at ease.
Although the Emperor was somewhat annoyed, he appreciated Yuan Jiaqi’s integrity. He didn’t bow for wealth, bend for power, or forsake the woman he loved because of her beauty. That was a real man!
The Emperor was curious about the kind of woman who could make a man like Yuan Jiaqi wholeheartedly devoted.
When Yuan Jiaqi obtained a higher official position, the Emperor planned to summon him to the palace to have a closer look.
As he was contemplating this, there was a knock at the door. “Your Majesty, there’s news about Princess Heyi.”
“Come in.”
A figure dressed in black walked in, half kneeling before the Emperor.
“Princess Heyi is on her way back to the capital.”
“She was rejected?”
“Yes.”
“Very well. If she’s given up, I must find a suitable husband for her. You may leave.”
With the Emperor’s words, this chapter of Princess Heyi’s journey came to a close.
In Lucky Garden, life returned to normal. Tian Sanzhuang had settled down in the county. On their wedding day, he invited his extended family and some colleagues.
Initially, they intended to invite the county governor, but unfortunately, the governor of Yi County didn’t allow anyone to flatter him. As soon as he heard about it, he promptly declined the invitation.
The county deputy governor, however, came and visited Tian Sanzhuang’s house. Although Tian Sanzhuang was not pleased, he didn’t dare to show it.
The wedding went smoothly, but his parents insisted on staying at his house.
They stubbornly refused to leave. He would have kicked them out if it weren’t
for the other guests.
Thinking about the tea ceremony the next morning, he reluctantly allowed them to stay one more night.
The new bride served tea the next day, but the old couple put on airs. A stern look from Tian Sanzhuang made them reconsider.
After the tea ceremony and breakfast, Tian Sanzhuang asked his colleagues to help him forcefully send his parents back to Peach Blossom Village.
This incident became a talking point in Tianshui Town. During this time, the Tian couple wouldn’t have dared to show their faces, fearing the townsfolk’s ridicule.
The weather was hot and dry. After Yuan Jiaqi returned to She County, he immediately started planning. Based on the suggestions from his wife and the current situation in She County, he used the money she provided to purchase all the barren land.
He then publicly recruited labor from the county, hiring specialized tree-planting workers who were paid daily wages. Payments were made immediately.
Many people signed up for work. The line outside the government office stretched beyond the city gates. While it was a slight exaggeration, many people were interested.
Ten days later, Yuan Jiaqi returned home with the workers. By then, Qiao Mai had prepared the saplings for him.
Qiao Mai gave him a large bucket of nutrient solution, essentially water infused with spiritual energy. She was worried the workers would sneakily drink it, so she added some coloring.
“Wife, do you have any books on planting trees? I’d like to read one.”
“Yes!”
Qiao Mai brought him a book and asked, “Are you staying?
Yuan Jiaqi blushed. “I won’t stay. I need to plant the saplings quickly for my peace of mind. But can you send me a thousand saplings every ten days?”
“No, I’m used to living at home. I can’t stay elsewhere.”
“Alright, I’ll finish the work as soon as possible and come home.”
“Yes, remember to plant the trees with a ten-meter spacing. After planting each tree, water it with a small bowl of the colored water I gave you. You must water them as this helps their roots grow well.”
“I understand. I’m going now.”
As Yuan Jiaqi was about to leave, Qiao Mai had the staff pack some food and dishes she had made, loading it onto a wagon for him.
She also saw him off on the main road. Yuan Jiaqi kept turning back to look at her, reluctant to leave.
But there would be more opportunities in the future. When winter came in the north, there would be no more planting. At that time, he would return home to stay, and by then, he must make her his so he wouldn’t be tormented by uncertainty.
Every ten days, he returned to take a thousand saplings Qiao Mai had prepared for him.
Old Master and Mistress Wang, in an attempt to bring the couple closer together, insisted on dragging Qiao Mai to She County, saying her husband had taken up this post and they had to visit. It was improper not to.
Qiao Mai was forcefully brought along. The entire family traveled to She County with her.
Yuan Jiaqi was ecstatic and immediately had the steward prepare various supplies. He also booked a large feast at a restaurant.
“I can’t believe you came.”
“It was me and the old man who dragged her here.”
Yuan Jiaqi expressed gratitude towards the old couple with a warm look, and the family gathered around the table, eating and chatting.
“It’s August already, but it’s still so dry. We need some rain; the ground is parched.”
“Yes, thankfully, some mysterious benefactor dug many pits and stored water.
Otherwise, our people would have fled to the south.”
“The court has dug half of the river channels, and they are nearing our area.”
“As long as those pits have water, the north will be stable. But it’s hard work for the commoners to carry water for irrigation.”
“How’s your tree-planting project going?”
“I bought all the barren land around the county. I’ve planted many trees, with one pine tree every ten meters. Would you like to see them later?”
“We’re too tired to go. You and your wife can go. Let her come back and tell us.”
“Alright.’
“Mom, can we ride ponies with you?”
Smiling, Qiao Mai said, “Sure!”
She was saying that, but she couldn’t help but grumble internally. Riding out in this blazing sun? It’s not comfortable at all.
Despite her thoughts, she agreed to take the kids because it made them happy.
After lunch, Qiao Mai purchased several hats from her space and gave one to each person. Then, she rode her horse with the children and followed Yuan
Jiaqi to the barren land..
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