Chapter 1199: The Princess Consort Whose Memories Were Altered (74)

"I'll carry it myself. Prime Minister, you've worked hard all day. You should return home and rest early."

Beitang Huo quickly switched the food box to his other hand, afraid this crafty fox might snatch it away and eat everything.

"Speak. You've been waiting here this late—what's the matter? Have you discovered another talented person?"

Yun Mujun's lips twitched.

Everyone said that his emperor was a noble gentleman. Only he knew that this man was cunning beyond compare, constantly scheming to lure talented people from other countries over and make them toil like oxen and horses.

"Your Majesty, Miss Tang's shops are now spread throughout Northern Yan," Yun Mujun said. "Don't you think there's something improper about that?"

Beitang Huo blinked. "What's improper? I think it's perfectly fine. That's her only hobby. Yun Mujun, stop worrying so much and just manage affairs at court for me."

Those words truly sounded like something a foolish ruler would say.

And yet, his emperor was undoubtedly a wise sovereign.

Yun Mujun sighed helplessly.

"If this continues, Miss Tang will control Northern Yan's entire economic lifeline. Doesn't Your Majesty think that's dangerous?"

"Dangerous?" Beitang Huo looked puzzled. "Her controlling it is much better than someone else controlling it. If it's in her hands, you can rest easy."

Yun Mujun smiled bitterly.

Just what kind of enchantress was she, to bewitch his childhood friend and emperor into such a state?

"Your Majesty, she's from Southern Shu."

Beitang Huo's expression immediately darkened.

"You don't like her?"

"No—no, that's not what I mean!" Yun Mujun hurriedly denied.

He absolutely did not want his salary deducted again. His wages had already been withheld all the way into the next twenty years. If this continued, he wouldn't receive a single coin for the rest of his life.

"That's not what I mean at all."

Beitang Huo raised an eyebrow.

"Then what do you mean?"

Grinding his teeth, Yun Mujun finally blurted out, "What I mean is… Your Majesty, when are you going to bring her into the palace and make her Empress? It's been almost two years. The entire court is worried sick about your lifelong happiness."

"I heard Miss Tang plans to open shops in other countries. What if some handsome young pretty-boy seduces her away? Where will Your Majesty cry then?"

"Opening shops is fine—but she should become Empress first and open them afterward!"

Beitang Huo fell silent.

He wanted that too.

But in her eyes, there seemed to be nothing except silver.

Whenever he saw her counting money with sparkling eyes and a bright smile, how could he bear to ruin her mood?

"Your Majesty, don't spend all your time eating. At least sound her out a little. What if she settles down elsewhere and never comes back? Then what?"

Yun Mujun felt utterly exhausted.

His emperor had only ever cared for one woman since childhood.

If she left, the man would probably remain a bachelor for the rest of his life.

Besides, the young lady truly was extraordinary.

Smart, broad-minded, and blessed with unparalleled business acumen.

Since her arrival, Northern Yan's economy had grown by an astonishing amount.

She had even introduced countless seeds and goods from foreign lands. It seemed there was nothing in this world capable of stumping her.

Such a woman, and one personally cherished by His Majesty, naturally deserved to become Empress.

In any case, he only had one opinion.

Opening stores in other countries was fine.

But she had to be crowned Empress first.

"Your Majesty, do you truly intend to continue living like this forever?"

Beitang Huo looked troubled and lowered his voice.

"It wasn't easy for me to coax her into coming to Northern Yan in the first place. Right now, all she likes is counting silver. If I bring up marriage rashly, I might scare her away."

"Your Majesty," Yun Mujun said with a sly smile, "you can take it slowly. Little by little, imperceptibly… trick her into entering the palace. Crown her Empress first, and everything else can come later."