nucmednet Chapter 140 Tangled
Chapter 140 Tangled
When everyone looked up, they were taken aback.
Princess: "Hao'er, what brings you here?"
The old clan chief quickly stood up, bowed respectfully, and greeted Prince Duan: "Greetings."
Zisu also bowed respectfully: "Greetings, Prince Duan!"
Prince Duan looked at Zisu with a complex expression, his heart filled with emotion: "Zisu, why be so polite with me? Just call me!"
, is the courtesy name of Prince Duan.
In that instant, Zisu suddenly remembered that she had actually named her house in the county town "Garden." She was truly ashamed; how could she have made such a mistake? Or was it a subconscious act?
Upon thinking of this, Zisu felt extremely ashamed and remained silent. She could only give him an apologetic smile and say, "Yes, elder brother!"
Big brother?
Upon hearing this, Prince Duan was taken aback for a moment, then smiled and nodded: "Hmm, this title is quite nice, I like it!"
Upon seeing Prince Duan, Zisu's feelings were complicated. Remembering the days he helped her dig sweet potatoes, she couldn't help but feel touched. She truly liked such a good man. However, he was too outstanding, making her hesitant to fall for him.
Having been reborn, she lives more realistically than anyone else. She instinctively distances herself from unrealistic people and things. On the contrary, Fang Heng, a married man, is someone she can hold onto if she so chooses.
In her previous life, Fang Heng was her savior, and she wanted to repay him. So, in this life, the tables have turned; she has become Fang Heng's savior. This gives her a much better chance of being with him.
She genuinely liked Fang Heng, but the only flaw was that he had a wife and a woman he loved before. As for the child, she didn't really mind; what bothered her was whether Fang Heng would constantly compare her to Yun Duo's mother. After all, Yun Duo's mother was an exceptionally gentle and virtuous wife and mother!
To put it nicely, she was lively and cheerful; to put it bluntly, she was crazy, unruly, and unchaste.
Sigh, it's hard to be a person, and it's even harder to be a woman!
Prince Duan then said, "Now that I intend to retire, I'm quite bored and want to find something to do to pass the time. Since you're developing Wuliping, could you let me participate as well?"
Upon hearing this, the eldest princess was taken aback and subconsciously glanced at Zisu.
Zisu sighed, "If Your Highness and Sixth Grandfather don't object, I won't object either!" Having already rejected his sincere feelings, she didn't want to be too heartless at this moment.
Furthermore, her goal wasn't just to develop the villages to the left of Wuliping; her ultimate aim was to develop the entire Zhangshu County. This would gradually allow the Shangguan family of Wuliping to grow and expand. With another Prince Duan, things would be much easier.
Although the eldest princess held a noble status, she was, after all, a woman, and even the Hao Ri Zi Restaurant had to be entirely managed by Jiang Shichang. Zisu deeply felt that there was a shortage of talent; there were very few capable people. If Prince Duan were to join, she believed he could provide all sorts of talented individuals.
The eldest princess was taken aback for a moment, then smiled happily and said, "Great! I agree! I welcome him! With Hao'er joining us, we'll be like a tiger with wings, and we'll have nothing to worry about!"
The old clan chief had a very good impression of Prince Duan and quickly expressed his opinion: "I agree, I welcome him, a warm welcome! I said, give one share of my 20% share to Your Highness, and actually 10% is enough for me! Any more than that always makes me uneasy and uneasy!"
"The old clan chief has an extraordinary demeanor and a broad mind!" the eldest princess immediately praised, then said to Prince Duan, "I will also give you ten percent of my shares! That way, you will have twenty percent!"
Zisu had no other choice but to agree: "I will also give 10% to Your Highness, so Your Highness will have 30%! Therefore, the cooperation agreement needs to be revised and re-signed!"
Prince Duan said with delight, "Thank you, thank you all for your generosity! In the future, I will do my best and never let you down!"
I never expected that he, a latecomer, would actually acquire a 30% stake. The three people present were no ordinary individuals; they were all approachable and respectable masters!
Remembering what Prince Duan had just said, the eldest princess blurted out, "Hao'er, you said you wanted to retire into seclusion, what exactly is going on?"
Prince Duan looked at Zisu, his deep affection undisguised: "It's because someone looks down on my high status. Just because I'm a prince of noble birth, they rejected my marriage proposal. Besides, after so many years of fighting for the court and the people, I'm tired and want to relax. Now that the borders are stable and the country is peaceful, it's time for me to resign from all official positions and retire to the countryside!"
Zisu was shocked and quickly tried to dissuade him: "Your Highness, this is a serious matter. You must think it over carefully! Making a hasty decision may lead to lifelong regret. What you are doing is really inappropriate!"
Prince Duan's current status and position are not only due to the Emperor's favor, but also to his own immense efforts. For example, he fought valiantly on the northwestern border for several years, repeatedly repelling invading enemies. After his return from his ordeal, he rendered the enemy utterly helpless, ensuring the northwestern border would be secure for the next twenty years!
Furthermore, he advised the emperor and made significant contributions to the country's prosperity and peace. If he were a mediocre and dissolute playboy, even if the emperor liked him very much, he would never have been granted the title of prince.
Prince Duan: "Wealth and honor are but fleeting clouds. Life is short, only a few decades. In the past, I have fought and toiled for the country and its people. From now on, I must think more about myself and the woman I love. This idea of resigning and retiring is one I have carefully considered. It was during my travels that I came to understand many things, and this determination gradually solidified. Once I have made this decision, I will not change it!"
Zisu: "Why are you doing this? Your mother will be very sad if you act like this. The Emperor will also be very sad." As a man, which one doesn't want to achieve great things and gain fame?
The Eldest Princess: "Yes, Hao'er, you should think it through carefully."
Prince Duan: "I have thought about this over and over again. This decision is not made on a whim. I am not a person who craves power and status. I just want to enjoy the beauty of nature with the person I love and live a simple and happy life."
Sigh, it's all his fault. If he had made up his mind to resign and retire from official life when he returned from the Northwest last time, he might have already won the heart of his beloved! Fortunately, he realized this early enough, and Zisu is not yet anyone's fiancée. Otherwise, he would have regretted it for the rest of his life.
My dear Zisu, I'd give up anything to be with you. Will you accept my heartfelt offer? Are you moved? If you're willing to marry me, I'll treat you well for the rest of my life and never let you down!
Zisu remained silent, her heart churning with a thousand galloping horses, stirring up a monstrous wave.
The Prince Duan's affection for her left her deeply conflicted. It would be a lie to say she wasn't moved. However, at this moment, her heart already belonged to Fang Heng; how could she be devoted to two people at once?
I'm so sorry, I'm so sorry you're late!
Zisu silently said it in her heart.
"Your Highness, I'm going to cook. You all chat! Sixth Grandfather, please stay and have lunch here!" Zisu said to everyone before getting up and heading to the kitchen.
The eldest princess watched Zisu's retreating figure and sighed deeply: "Hao'er, since you've made up your mind, then be brave! Even a strong woman can be won over by persistent pursuit. As long as you're sincere enough, I believe you can move mountains! Don't be timid, don't hesitate, otherwise someone else will snatch you up first!"
The old clan chief couldn't help but shake his head inwardly. He had a very good impression of Prince Duan, and he still remembered how Prince Duan had helped Zisu dig sweet potatoes for ten days in Wuliping. He sincerely admired and liked this strong, polite, and accomplished prince.
Unfortunately, Zisu was too stubborn. I don't know what foolish thing she did, but she actually pushed such a fine young man away. What a wonderful young man! Of noble birth, of noble character, and upright in conduct. What a fine young man! If he could become the son-in-law of the Shangguan family, his grandfather would be overjoyed!
“Your Highness, you are a good boy. The princess is right. Sincerity can move mountains! Don’t give up until the very last moment. If you don’t give up, there may be hope! If you give up, there will be no hope at all!” The old clan chief looked at Prince Duan and said very sincerely.
In his heart, he still liked the young man before him. Fang Heng was also a good person, but unfortunately, he already had two children. Moreover, Fang Heng's father was unreliable. However, Prince Duan's mother was also very unreliable.
Alas, in the end, both Prince Duan and Fang Heng have their shortcomings. Throughout history, how few things have been truly perfect?
Zisu is a good child, the pride of the Shangguan family. The old patriarch earnestly hopes that this child can find a good home and live a happy and fulfilling life. If she has a happy marriage, she will undoubtedly bring more glory and honor to the Shangguan family, becoming a legend within the family.
Upon hearing the old clan chief's words, Prince Duan felt a warmth in his heart and sincerely thanked him: "Thank you, old clan chief. I will work hard and do my best! In the future, I hope you will continue to help the village and take care of me!"
The old clan chief said, "As long as you are sincere towards Zisu, I will help you. However, there is one condition: if your feelings for Zisu are not sincere, I will not help you, but will instead stop you!"
Prince Duan: "I know, I promise, my feelings will not change!"
The old patriarch said, "That's good. To be honest, Lord Fang is also very good, and I have high hopes for him! So, young man, you have to work hard! Otherwise, there will be no hope at all!"
Zisu was unaware of the conversation between the three; she remained in the kitchen for an hour. She felt somewhat indebted to Prince Duan, unsure of what to do. Currently, her heart belonged to Fang Heng, and continuing to pay attention to Prince Duan was simply not a good idea!
But she couldn't just kick him out. After all, they were partners now, weren't they? Thinking about the partnership, Zisu couldn't help but mentally berate herself. Why had she been so foolish as to agree to let Prince Duan join her?
Now look what's happened! He's got himself into a real predicament!
Whether they pay attention to Prince Duan or not, they are already powerless to change their fate!
Listless, with the help of Xiangli, she only managed to make one soup, four hot dishes, and two side dishes in an hour.
Xiangli: "Miss, the Prince and the Princess are both here. Aren't these few dishes a bit too few?"
Zisu: "That's quite a lot. The General's Mansion usually only serves four dishes and one soup."
Xiangli: "Yeah, you're right. Today, we even have two extra side dishes!" These side dishes are also very delicious, and they could easily be served as a main course, it's just that the portions are a bit small.
Zisu didn't go to the restaurant to eat. Instead, she sat on a small stool in the kitchen, holding a large bowl and chopsticks, quietly eating and eating meat in large mouthfuls.
Xiangli carried the dishes to the dining room on a tray: "The food is ready, let's eat!"
The three elders moved from the reception room to the dining room and waited for a while, but Zisu still hadn't appeared. Just then, Xiangli brought over another pot of rice, and the elder asked Xiangli, "Where's your daughter? It's almost time to eat, why hasn't she come yet?"
Xiangli: "Reporting to the elder clan chief, my daughter said she won't be eating here; she'll be eating in the kitchen!"
Before he could finish speaking, Prince Duan had already vanished like a gust of wind. Arriving in the kitchen, he saw Zisu holding a large bowl, eating and eating heartily, as if she had a grudge against the food. A deep sorrow lingered between her brows.
Upon seeing this, Prince Duan felt a pang of heartache and quickly walked away silently.
Never mind, let's not pressure her, let's give her some time.
Prince Duan quickly returned to the restaurant, and the Princess asked, "What's wrong? Zisu didn't come?"
Prince Duan: "I saw she was almost finished eating, so I didn't disturb her. Let's eat. After we finish, there are still many things to do! I'll go back to the capital today and bring back all the necessary manpower!"
The eldest princess said, "I don't have many capable people at my disposal, so everything depends on you!"
Prince Duan: "Don't worry, I have plenty of men under my command. I'll bring thirty men over tomorrow! These men are talents from all walks of life, and I guarantee you'll all be satisfied!"
The princess looked at him with concern and said, "Why don't you leave tomorrow? Anyway, there are plenty of bedrooms in the thatched cottage. You can at least rest for one night and leave tomorrow!" He looked very tired. He must have rushed back on horseback.
The old clan chief also said, "That's right, let's rest for one night before we leave! No matter how urgent the situation, a day or two won't make a difference."
Prince Duan thought for a moment and said, "Alright, I'll leave tomorrow then!" He then said to the old clan chief, "Sixth Grandfather, I want to build a house in Wuliping. Could you please approve a plot of land for me?"
Even the way they address each other has changed; they now call him Sixth Grandfather directly.
The old clan chief was delighted and said with a smile, "Alright, where do you want to build your house?"
Prince Duan: "It's right next to the Little Stone Pool. I think the open space on the right is quite nice."
The old clan chief said, "That open space is only about two acres. Isn't that a bit small? At the entrance of the village, there is a large wasteland, which is five or six acres in size."
In the future, Prince Duan will also be involved in the development of Wuliping and will inevitably reside there frequently. Therefore, the residence he builds there will be essentially a villa. Would a prince's villa be less than ten acres? At least five or six acres, right?
Prince Duan said, "Two mu is a bit small, but it's right next to the small stone pool, so it doesn't matter." Small has its advantages; it's less troublesome to clean. Influenced by Zisu, he now prefers to do many things himself. Besides guards, he doesn't plan to employ many servants in the house he's building here; a few useful ones will suffice.
During dinner, Zisu also avoided Prince Duan.
The eldest princess chatted with Zisu: "Zisu, why are you avoiding Prince Duan? I think he's really good, you should consider him."
Zisu: "Your Highness, I have now chosen Fang Heng. Since I have made my decision, I do not want to have too much of a entanglement with the Prince. I want to be single-minded."
The eldest princess sighed, "Oh, you silly girl, you just won't listen to advice! Let me tell you, being a stepmother isn't easy!"
Zisu: "I know, but Fang Heng's two children are both very well-behaved and close to me. I think these two children shouldn't be a problem."
The eldest princess said, "Alas, you are too naive! Right now you are only an aunt, but once your status changes and you become a stepmother, things will be different!"
Zisu: "I know that, but I'm really unwilling to give up on Fang Heng like this." Fang Heng is indeed a rare and good man.
The Eldest Princess said, "Isn't Prince Duan a good man? He's never been married before. If you marry him, you'll be his first wife. Isn't that better? Why are you so determined to become a second wife?"
Zisu: "Prince Duan is indeed a good man, but he already has a concubine! Moreover, he will have secondary concubines and maids in the future. The man I marry must have no other women, only me!"
The eldest princess said, "Alas, what you say makes sense. This is indeed a very difficult problem."
The eldest princess returned to the thatched cottage and told Prince Duan about her conversation with Zisu.
Prince Duan sighed, and finally said firmly, "I will definitely resolve the issue of Consort Song as soon as possible! Please tell Zisu that I will never let her down. Just as she promised to be with me, I will never have another woman besides her!"
The Eldest Princess said, "Hao'er, anyone can shout slogans and show determination. The most crucial thing now is to see your actions! You need to hurry up, otherwise Fang Heng will beat you to it!"
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