Business matters were almost on track, so Zhao Jiaqi didn't need to keep an eye on that side.
Ever since Helian Zhicheng arrived, he'd been monopolizing Fan Zehao. They were out every day and didn't return to the villa until night.
While washing up for bed, Zhao Jiaqi couldn't help but ask, "You're running out before dawn and only coming back after dark. What have you been doing?"
If she hadn't known her husband wasn't a philanderer, she would have suspected he was out looking for other women.
Fan Zehao bared his pearly white teeth and grinned at her, "Second brother wants to change the current situation. He thinks our inner city planning is excellent and wants to learn from it. So, we've been busy with this matter lately."
Hearing this, Zhao Jiaqi didn't press further, but she did mention, "Tell him not to rush things. He should take it step by step, otherwise, he might..."
She didn't finish her sentence, fearing she might jinx it, which would be troublesome.
Fan Zehao took her words to heart. "It's better to proceed gradually. I understand, my lady. I'll tell him tomorrow!"
As they talked, they drifted off to sleep, unlike the situation next door.
Helian Zhicheng clutched the secret letter in his hand, his stern face contorting with rage. "These scoundrels! I'm doing all this for the betterment of our nation, and they're trying to replace me behind my back. Do they think I'm old and can no longer wield a broadsword!"
Seeing his anger, Duan Yao snatched the paper and was equally incredulous. "What do you plan to do?"
Helian Zhicheng's eyes blazed with ruthless determination. "Keep them around to oppose me?"
"Kill!" The single word revealed his true intentions.
As soon as he made his decision, he dispatched his secret guards, ordering them to silence the targets and stage them as accidental deaths.
When the news reached the capital, his brother merely expressed regret. "Wouldn't it be better to live?"
The sun rose. After a night's rest, Zhao Jiaqi felt fully revitalized. Her first task was to check on the seedlings she had cultivated.
She found they were doing well, growing vigorously. If they continued like this, they would be ready for transplanting in the afternoon.
Duan Yao was also pleasantly surprised, seeing hope and a glimpse of the future, which dispelled her gloom from the previous night.
"Sister-in-law, planting rice is nothing like I imagined!"
Even the experienced farmers from the capital were amazed. They usually just threw seeds into the ground, watered them, and waited for them to sprout.
This method of planting seedlings first and then transplanting them was entirely new to them.
Zhao Jiaqi corrected her. "Second sister-in-law, this is saltwater rice, which is different from ordinary rice. The main difference is the growing environment!"
Fearing they wouldn't understand, she quickly added, "It's all rice, and it's eaten the same way. You can understand it like that!"
With her explanation, everyone understood.
The farmers learned from Zhao Jiaqi how to cultivate seedlings. One taught diligently, and the others learned attentively. This mutual effort naturally led to good results.
After teaching, the next step was cultivation, which required hands-on practice. Listening to her without actual practice was akin to understanding instantly but failing upon execution.
Under the princess's command, the group immediately got to work, proceeding with great care.
Meanwhile, Zhao Jiaqi had arrived in a town. After inspecting the land, she found it still lacked what she desired, despite being plowed. She ordered it to be plowed again.
"Second sister-in-law, because this is alkaline land, there are limited varieties of vegetables that can be planted, but it's still possible. It's not impossible to have East Green vegetables."
In winter, eating vegetables was a luxury. Duan Yao didn't mind having fewer varieties; she just wanted to grow vegetables in winter.
"The common people are not picky. As long as they can have something green to eat, they will be content. However, I wonder if East Green vegetables are expensive?"
If they were expensive, Duan Yao worried the common people couldn't afford them.
Zhao Jiaqi understood her sister-in-law's concern. "Sister, although Dingbei Liao is not very wealthy, there are still many rich families. The first batch of East Green vegetables will be for these wealthy people."
"First of all, shouldn't we focus on making the pockets of the farmers richer?"
Seeing Duan Yao appear to understand yet not quite grasp it, she patiently explained.
The two stood at the edge of the field and chatted for a long time. Finally, Duan Yao seemed to understand and expressed her gratitude to Zhao Jiaqi for her guidance, which had taught her many things.
They hadn't eaten breakfast, and it was not yet noon, but Duan Yao's stomach rumbled. Knowing this, Duan Yao pulled her to eat. On the way, she fretted, "This can't happen again. If you ruin your health, it will truly be our fault!"
They would feel guilty for a lifetime and deeply regret it. How would they face their couple in the future?
Zhao Jiaqi nodded repeatedly, promising it wouldn't happen again.
The food at the restaurant was indeed not as good as at the villa, but being able to fill their stomachs was more important than anything.
During the meal, Duan Yao asked about the opposition to their reforms and what should be done.
This question wasn't casual; there were clearly underlying issues. After some thought, one could guess.
Zhao Jiaqi pondered for a moment and offered an idea. "I think there are generally a few reasons why many people disagree with reforms!"
"First, it might touch upon some people's vested interests, causing them to come forward or find others to obstruct."
"Second, rigid thinking, not keeping up with the times!"
"These two situations, and perhaps others, are possible. But no matter the situation, you don't need to worry too much!"
Duan Yao remained silent, listening intently and absorbing the experience.
"My idea is to first publicize the new form of reform. Of course, you can use this place as a model. If there are successful achievements here, then both you and second brother will have great credibility in front of everyone!"
Duan Yao said, "There are some people in the imperial court secretly plotting, trying to force the emperor to abdicate, saying he governs poorly and wants to hand the country over to others. The emperor, in anger, then..."
She didn't finish her sentence, and Zhao Jiaqi knew the consequences. However, she felt Helian Zhicheng was not as ruthless as Zong Han.
Zong Han was so ruthless that he would kill without hesitation, and publicly so. The lower-ranking officials feared him, so no one dared to resist or usurp.
Her husband, on the other hand, was stubborn, and his reputation as the God of War preceded him, making him unafraid of anyone. Thus, when the laws were initially abolished, many people resisted. But in the end, no one dared to file a memorial, mainly because he already had military achievements by then.
This was just one aspect. More importantly, in the inner city, the thriving businesses had led to prosperity for many common people and driven local development. Everyone made money and had enough to eat. Moreover, many beneficial policies for the common people were introduced, gaining them widespread support, which was the reason for his successful reforms.
In contrast, Helian Zhicheng lacked these two elements.