Fan Zehao watched him push women into their inner city with great effort.
He wasn't stupid. His eyes flickered, and he immediately changed the subject. "When we attacked the Axi tribe last time, Leng Han led the team. This young man is capable and intelligent. I've just formed a new team and want to have him train them for a few months. What does Your Majesty think?"
Huangfu Xi was taken aback. He hadn't expected him to ask for someone from him!
But on second thought, there must be something fishy about this. If they said the Yun Kingdom lacked generals, it would be understandable. Their country was full of talents. He wouldn't believe them if they said they were short of people, even if they beat him to death.
However, thinking about what Leng Han had done to Yu Meng, Huangfu Xi had some idea.
So he readily agreed. He wasn't worried about Leng Han's life at all. The Regent and the Princess Consort knew what they were doing and wouldn't kill him, but they would definitely make him suffer. That was certain.
Oh well, letting him go to the inner city would also allow him to monitor their every move. This Leng Han might still be somewhat useful.
And so, with his nod of approval, Leng Han was sent to the inner city, accompanying Fan Zehao's convoy back.
When the Prime Minister learned of this news, his brows furrowed as tightly as an eight-legged essay. He always felt something was not quite right, yet he couldn't pinpoint what it was.
The first thing Fan Zehao did upon returning to his mansion was to share the good news with his wife. "I've requisitioned Leng Han. The next step is to figure out how to deal with him!"
Zhao Jiaqi really had no good impression of this person. She merely glanced at the elated man and said, "As long as you don't kill him, you can handle the rest!"
His wife had spoken, so he would do his best.
When Yu Meng heard the news, she felt disgusted. She truly did not want to see that person at all.
However, she couldn't change the decision made by her parents. If she had her way, a little lesson would suffice.
The next day, the Regent ordered the maids in the mansion to start packing their luggage, as well as travel provisions like dried food and jerky.
The journey back was much slower than the journey here. It was the cusp of spring and summer, and the scenery along the way was endless. It was neither cold nor hot, perfect for spring outings.
Baili Fengge heard that they were about to depart and went directly to the mansion with his guards. Upon meeting Fan Zehao, he declared that he wanted to travel with them.
"It is said that the inner city is extremely prosperous, no less than the capital. Fengge wishes to accompany the Regent's convoy to admire the inner city. Secondly, there are some matters I need to discuss with the Regent."
This time, Fan Zehao was a little confused. Helian Jinli was going with him to discuss business. What did this person need to discuss?
Fan Zehao didn't think too much about it. Since one sheep was being driven, so were two. It didn't matter if he was an extra one.
Without wasting any time, he nodded. "Our inner city is hospitable. As long as you don't come with impure intentions, you are most welcome. Of course, if you bring money, I'll be even happier."
Baili Fengge's eyelids twitched a few times. This Regent was truly uninhibited, saying whatever came to mind.
"That is natural. Fengge is coming to the inner city with the intention of bringing money. If Your Highness likes it, Fengge will naturally cater to your preferences."
When he mentioned bringing money, Fan Zehao wholeheartedly agreed. However, he had to state the unpleasant truths upfront. "You and Jinli, as Crown Prince and Princess, your identities are too precious. I cannot guarantee your safety on this journey. You must be aware of this. Don't let any problems arise later, and then use the entire nation's power to make a fuss about me. At that time, I won't indulge you."
Fengge quickly stated his stance. "You can rest assured. Our personal safety is naturally protected. If any problems arise, it will have nothing to do with the Regent. How about that?"
"Of course, it's good!"
Since they had said that, what else could he say?
In the afternoon, the masters of the mansion left one after another, each leading their wives to go shopping in the streets.
The capital was not a place they could visit every time. They might come once every few years at least. If there were any rare treasures, they could take them back to study.
Zhao Jiaqi was shopping with this purpose. However, after browsing around, she was astounded to find that many of the items were produced in their inner city.
But not long after they left, the Prime Minister and his wife hurried to the mansion, only to find it empty.
This made the two elders very anxious. They urged the mansion guards to search for them, but the guards completely ignored them.
Still wanting to exercise the Prime Minister's authority in the Prince's mansion and boss them around, their courage was greater than a dog's, and their intelligence was worse than a bear's.
Meanwhile, on the street, Fan Zehao and Zhao Jiaqi were still leisurely strolling. Yu Meng skipped ahead, finding everything amusing. She would buy something for Yao Yao here, then something for Sen Sen there. She bought gifts for almost all her family members.
As dusk fell, the group met at the Lover's Lake Restaurant for dinner. After a satisfying meal, they returned with lingering interest.
Upon returning to the mansion, the guards at the gate reported that the Prime Minister and his wife had come looking for the Princess Consort.
"Those two?" Fan Zehao chewed on these words and sneered, "If they come again tomorrow, I won't see them."
He could tell with his crude guess that the two of them must have come about Leng Han. It was likely that they had found out about what Leng Han had done.
Zhao Jiaqi didn't want to be angered before leaving, so she said, "Let's leave early tomorrow. By the time they arrive, we'll be long gone."
"My wife is right."
After speaking with his wife, he turned and instructed the guard, "After I leave tomorrow, go inform Leng Han. I will wait for him at the next town. If he doesn't arrive by noon, he will be dealt with according to military law."
Upon hearing this, the guard replied loudly, "Yes!"
After giving the instructions, he returned to his room, washed up, and fell asleep.
After they left, the envoys from other vassal states did not rush to depart. The Xuanyuan Kingdom and Dingbei Liao had formed an alliance with the Yun Kingdom, creating a triangle.
However, looking coldly, the Yun Kingdom was becoming increasingly powerful. If they delayed the alliance any longer, they might not have any standing.
Of course, their first choice for alliance was Fan Zehao. But at the dinner table, he openly admitted to being henpecked, and that his wife was a shrew. Thus, these people gave up on him.
As for how lively the capital became, Zhao Jiaqi couldn't control it. It was rumored that someone had set their sights on Princess Yu Meng.
This person was none other than the Prime Minister.
He proposed in the grand hall, "The Emperor of the Xue Kingdom intends to form an alliance with the Yun Kingdom. However, His Majesty has no sisters of suitable age, nor does he have any princesses. Among the princes and princesses, only Princess Yu Meng is slightly older. Why not bestow the title of princess upon the county princess and marry her to the Xue Kingdom with the regalia of a princess, making her the Empress of a nation? This would also bring immense honor to the family."