The special commissioner nodded affirmatively. "I've investigated. There are a few guards around the gold mine, but not many. Most of the area is around the caves, and the men there are strong young fellows. They seem to stand guard in two shifts, one at noon and one at night. Food is even delivered to them at midnight. It was difficult for me to get close, so I didn't manage to scout the situation."
Good heavens, so mysterious. Could there be some unspeakable secret here?
This thought immediately formed in Zhao Jiaqi and Fan Zehao's minds, and they both wanted to investigate this mysterious place further to see what was going on!
Once they had this thought, it was like grass growing in their hearts.
Fan Zehao immediately assigned him a task: "You must not act rashly for now. Call more people over. Before you've figured things out, you must ensure your own safety. Do not be careless. If necessary, bring the black sphere. If you can't get in by force, just blast it open!"
Difficulties always outnumber solutions, and this was the last resort.
The special commissioner nodded. Although this mission seemed easy and sounded not too difficult, when it came to actually doing it, it was truly harder than climbing a mountain.
After the special commissioner left, the couple couldn't sleep for the rest of the night. Lying in bed, they thought of their parents, children, and siblings back home.
"Husband, once we've visited and sorted out all these places in the inner city, let's find a beautiful place with clear waters and build my dream house. I'll design all the furniture inside, okay!"
This was the first time Fan Zehao had heard his wife talk about a dream house. He couldn't help but ask curiously, "Then tell me first, what does your dream house look like? Will it be grander than our prince's mansion? Is the furniture as good as what we have at home?"
Zhao Jiaqi thought about the house she had always wanted. She turned over, resting directly on his shoulder blade, her arms encircling his waist, listening to the rhythmic beat of his heart.
She slowly said, "My dream house is a villa, a house like a castle, with a spiral staircase, a large garden, high outer walls, and my own car..."
"I used to want this house to be pink, but now I feel pink is too childish. I think sky blue is also good, but I super love rose red..."
"The furniture I like is in European style, and also Chinese style, of course, and minimalist. But I want them all. Do you think I'm very greedy!"
"Also, this time for the bed, I want a canopy bed, the kind with a dressing table attached to the side. For the dressing table... I want a minimalist one. The more complicated it is, the more tired I feel looking at it. Perhaps after reaching thirty, the things I like will lean towards minimalist style... Husband, am I getting old!"
Zhao Jiaqi said a lot, and Fan Zehao's mind was already struggling to remember what kind of house, what color, what furniture, and what minimalist style his wife wanted.
However, he vaguely understood that his wife was thinking of their modern home.
Fan Zehao lowered his head and kissed her forehead. "You're only thirty, still far from old. Besides, even if you're old, seventy or eighty, with all your teeth gone, your hair white, even bald, I will still cherish you like a treasure, hold you in my arms, and dote on you.
I'll watch the sunrise and sunset with you, appreciate the natural scenery, hold your hand and go see fields of flowers, take you on a boat to enjoy the scenery. I'll lead the horse, and you'll ride it, taking in the magnificent mountains and rivers..."
"Although I didn't let you become the Empress Wu Zetian of your dreams, at least in my heart, and in our home, you are the Empress Wu Zetian who has the final say!"
Zhao Jiaqi smiled happily, tears in her eyes but a smile on her lips. Such doting love, perhaps even her own parents couldn't achieve.
She nuzzled against Fan Zehao's shoulder blade, acting like a newlywed girl and playfully saying, "Okay, when we're old, we'll live like this!"
The man smiled and hugged the person in his arms, his heart filled with love for her. If there were a next life, he would still hope to meet the little woman in his arms.
The two fell asleep while fantasizing about a beautiful future.
The next day, the sky was still overcast. The dark clouds hung very low, as if directly overhead, making everyone feel down.
This was how it was during the plum rain season.
Because of the bad weather, a fine drizzle was falling outside, the most annoying kind.
An umbrella was bothersome, and a straw cloak was even more unnecessary.
If they didn't wear a cloak or use an umbrella, a short trip outside would leave their heads and clothes soaked.
Finally, Fan Zehao had someone bring the food into his room to eat, not wanting to go out.
However, to their surprise, it wasn't just a servant who brought the food, but also Wang Yuanzhi. As soon as he saw them, he smiled broadly, holding Fan Zehao's hand and refusing to let go, his face beaming with smiles, leaving the couple stunned.
"Young Master Fan, if it weren't for the morning, I would definitely have a good drink with you over this meal!"
Hearing this, the couple knew that the village chief must have returned from investigating them and brought back good news, leading to such a complete turnaround in his attitude.
Fan Zehao didn't show much excitement about this. He was now a wealthy merchant and had seen all sorts of storms and major businesses. Instead, he calmly sat down.
He extended his hand and invited him to sit as well. "Heaven above, Earth below, eating is the third most important thing. Let's fill our stomachs first before talking about other things. No rush!"
Wang Yuanzhi was at a loss for words for a moment. He had given them an ultimatum yesterday, and now he wasn't in a hurry today?
However, seeing the couple eating seriously and not seeming in a hurry, he didn't have much to say. So, he sat down and ate with them!
While eating, Fan Zehao spoke slowly, "You're so happy this early in the morning. Is there something you need from me?"
Wang Yuanzhi: ...
Wasn't eating the third most important thing? Why had it changed now?
Seeing his stunned look, Fan Zehao chuckled. "Since ancient times, most businesses have been concluded over wine, and some over tea. I've met people who do business in both ways. Which category do you fall into?"
This time, Wang Yuanzhi reacted. He immediately said, "Both are fine, both are fine. It mainly depends on which way you prefer, sir!"
Fan Zehao gave his wife a look and raised an eyebrow slightly: See? He's so cooperative. Yesterday he was acting like a boss, and today he's like a grandson.
This shift in their relationship happened overnight.
Zhao Jiaqi really wanted to glare at him, seeing how smug he was, losing all sense of direction. While eating, under the table, she fiercely stomped on his foot.