Chapter 352

Gu Xixi's thoughts were all on protecting the crops at this time, and she didn't notice the two men's small movements.

She pondered a moment, "I'll go."

"Tomorrow there's nothing much; the first pesticide spraying in Xian Guo Village still needs to sum up experience."

"If any problem arises, I'll go to the site to watch, so I can spot it promptly and make timely improvements."

He Jinghui said gratefully, "I knew it, Boss Gu cares about the nation's farmland and the people's food supply; you will surely lend me a hand!"

Having said that, he glanced smugly at Mu Nan Zhao, "Then the Prince won't object, right?"

Usually, as long as Gu Xixi decides to do something, Mu Nan Zhao hardly ever opposes.

Even He Jinghui, who has known Gu Xixi the shortest time, has already grasped this pattern.

Mu Nan Zhao remained silent, only lowering his eyelids to drink tea.

He Jinglan joined in teasing, "After all, opposing would be useless."

She smiled, turning to Gu Xixi, "Right?"

Gu Xixi chuckled, lifted her eyes to glance at Mu Nan Zhao, and said, "I'm not one who refuses to listen to others' opinions."

At that moment, the shop assistant knocked on the door.

Ziyan went over, opened a crack in the door, whispered a few words to the outside, then turned back to ask whether to serve the dishes now.

He Jinghui said, "Have them bring them up."

"We don't drink alcohol, we're in a hurry, so serve the cold plates, hot dishes, staples, and pastries together."

Ziyan responded and went out herself to instruct the staff.

The fresh-out-of-the-oven glazed milk pigeon was as delicious as Gu Xixi had imagined.

Mu Nan Zhao watched her eat with delight, and unconsciously revealed a satisfied smile.

After the meal, everyone went their separate ways.

The sugar-water shop is installing windows today; Gu Xixi and He Jinglan will go over to inspect.

Mu Nan Zhao has other official business, which is not convenient to elaborate.

He Jinghui has even more matters: he must rush to the workshop temporarily requisitioned by the Ministry of Revenue to supervise the production of anti-locust pesticide, then return to the Ministry of Revenue for a meeting to discuss the distribution and spraying arrangements in each county.

The Regent Prince's mansion's carriage was already waiting outside Ju Xian Lou.

The two ladies left first, and He Jinghui, with a shameless face, boarded Mu Nan Zhao's carriage.

"Anyway, we're heading the same way, so just give me a ride for a bit!"

I have to say, Mu Nan Zhao's carriage is spacious and comfortable enough to lie down sideways or lengthwise, and its appointments are extremely comfortable.

Every time He Jinghui gets on, he just wants to lie flat, go nowhere, and do nothing.

Mu Nan Zhao couldn't even be bothered to give him a glance, saying, "Get out."

He Jinghui chuckled, "Don't be so heartless!"

"Okay, I know. Tomorrow Boss Gu and I… no, together with the Ministry of Revenue folks, we'll go out of the city."

"My He family will certainly pick the most comfortable carriage, prepare snacks and tea, soft cushions and backrests for Boss Gu to use as she wishes." She will not let her journey be bumpy and tiring.

"Besides, there's Guangzhu, the maid beside Jing Lan, who has strength and knows some martial arts."

"Let her attend Boss Gu personally; she can not only protect Boss Gu, but also lend a hand when physical work is needed."

He Jinghui saw Mu Nan Zhao's lack of reaction, clearly still not satisfied.

Sensibly raising the stakes, he added, "My family's dark guards will go too, solely responsible for Boss Gu's safety!"

Mu Nan Zhao's face still showed no change in expression.

He simply said softly toward the front, "Let's go."

Time passed.

The next afternoon, the weather was clear and bright, with a gentle, warm breeze.

Mu Nan Zhao was in a small manor nestled in a mountain hollow on the west side of the capital.

This is where the great scholar Ouyang lives in seclusion, with a thatched gate and bamboo door, simple and tranquil.

Ouyang the Great Scholar, whose personal name is Ouyang Kuang, is erudite, his writings widely circulated, highly esteemed by the refined literati of the age, a true gentleman.

Besides Mu Nan Zhao, the capable minister, the emperor also needs a virtuous and prestigious civil official who will gradually replace Fan Ge Lao in the future.

This person must not only be capable, but also have virtue that convinces the masses.

He must also be pure and impartial, upright and unyielding, disdainful of factionalism, unwilling to curry favor, loyal only to the Great Undertaking Dynasty.

Mu Nan Zhao then recommended Ouyang Kuang.

And his trip here is at the imperial command, to invite Ouyang the Great Scholar to leave seclusion and enter the court as an official.

Within the manor, mountain spring water is channeled in and gathered into a pond.

Mu Nan Zhao pinched some fish food from the beechwood bowl, merely gave a feigned thrust, shook his hand above the water, and attracted a brood of koi, their mouths breaking the surface as they vied to nibble.

Mu Nan Zhao laughed, saying, "These fish and pigs have been raised by Mr. Ouyang to possess spiritual energy."

Ouyang Kuang also smiled, saying, "All things have spirit; moreover, the Western Mountains themselves are a gathering place of spiritual energy."

He gazed far at the green mountains, his smile bearing great ease, "The Regent Prince, having dismounted and walked on foot for an hour to come to my humble abode, surely isn't just here to feed these koi."

The fish food from Mu Nan Zhao's fingertips scattered, and the koi, having gotten the food they expected, crowded together in a mass.

"Mr. Ouyang is straightforward in character, so I, the Prince, will not beat around the bush."

Mu Nan Zhao stated his purpose plainly.

Ouyang Kuang's smile remained unchanged, but his words were sharp: "Is it that the Prince, having been assigned a task by His Majesty, must come this trip, or does the Prince wish to push me out to help you eliminate rivals in the court?"

Mu Nan Zhao calmly replied, "Half is the former, the latter…"

"During the late emperor's reign, my ill repute, Sir, you must have heard of it."

"The Prince looks down on no one and never needs to rely on others' hands."

On this point, Mr. Ouyang can rest easy.

Ouyang Kuang laughed heartily, "Regent Prince, your true nature surpasses the rumors."

Mu Nan Zhao said, "To be frank, Sir, it was I who recommended you to His Majesty."

As for His Majesty's considerations, as a subject I dare not presume.

But there's nothing about my intentions that I cannot say.

His Majesty wishes to purge the deep-rooted ills of the court, and needs a force like yours that stands independent of any faction. Moreover, your ability, learning, and virtue are widely praised; no one is more suited for this position than you.

And I, the Prince, am now weary, hoping someone will share the burdensome duties.

Ideally, within two or three years, we can bring order and stability to the Great Undertaking Dynasty's court, and achieve peace and clarity throughout the realm.

Ouyang Kuang suddenly grew wary, turned his head to stare at Mu Nan Zhao, "Regent Prince, setting this two- or three-year limit, could it be that you intend to finish the task and then shirk responsibility, like my old man finding a place to retreat into seclusion?"

Mu Nan Zhao's eyes were sincere, like a clear breeze and bright moon. "How could that be."

Being in position to govern, as the foremost subject of the Great Undertaking Dynasty, I naturally must devote myself completely until death.

Within the small manor, no commoners come and go.

Ouyang Kuang has lived in seclusion for several years; most of those who come to visit and are invited to stay are good people.

After hearing Mu Nan Zhao's generous and moving words, Ouyang Kuang honestly dispelled his doubts.

But I have lived in seclusion for many years, not concerning myself with worldly affairs; I fear I may be unable to bear such a heavy responsibility.

Mu Nan Zhao smiled, "Sir, not concerning yourself with worldly affairs does not mean you are ignorant of them; why be overly modest?"

Ouyang Kuang remained silent, still hesitating.

Mu Nan Zhao also didn't intend to have a conclusion today, saying, "Then please, Sir, give it careful thought."

He clasped his hands in farewell; as he lowered his gaze, a hint of slyness disappeared.

Living in seclusion like Ouyang Kuang, trapped in a mountain ditch, how boring.

As for Gu Xixi's future aspirations...

Living, there is the ordinary worldly atmosphere of Huachi Du Cun.

Traveling, to Shu, Lingnan, Jiangnan...

Which is not more interesting than this place before us?

Ouyang Kuang saw Mu Nan Zhao out of the manor, when a waiting servant hurried forward.

Prince, something has happened.