Chapter 1478: Her Highness the Princess (24)

She intended to raise Lu Yufan to great heights and have him personally expose Lu Qing’s crimes.

As for Lin Yuexiang, she planned to help her change as well. If Lin Yuexiang wished for it, Tang Guo would even help arrange a good marriage for her.

She did not want Lu Qing to die easily.

She wanted him to die of regret and suffer unbearably.

The system thought silently, What a terrifying woman.

In just half a month, the Emperor issued an edict promoting the cultivation of potatoes. First, potatoes were steamed and boiled for passing commoners to taste.

Then, the first batch of potatoes was distributed free of charge to encourage cultivation.

Naturally, some people were unwilling, but about half of the populace agreed to plant them.

The Emperor did not take away Tang Guo’s credit. Instead, he proclaimed to the entire nation that the appearance of potatoes was thanks to the Eldest Princess.

The first group of peasants who planted potatoes rejoiced at the abundant harvest.

Overjoyed, they could hardly believe their eyes.

As time passed, Tang Guo occasionally introduced new crops, all of which had relatively short growing periods.

There were easy-to-grow fruits and vegetables, and life for the people of the imperial capital became increasingly comfortable.

Remembering that drought would strike in a few months, the Emperor ordered widespread potato cultivation and sent people to the regions destined to suffer drought so the people there could prepare in advance.

Lu Qing witnessed all of this.

And what did he feel?

Regret.

Boundless regret.

Why had he resorted to such a clumsy scheme? Not only had he failed to trap the Eldest Princess, but he had been forced to become Tang Xi’s prince consort just to save his own life.

His life now wasn't bad.

But if he had become the Eldest Princess’s consort, just how glorious would things be now?

Especially with the crops Tang Guo had cultivated. Each tiny innovation was enough to help him maneuver countless matters.

What a pity.

Lu Qing sat in his study with a deeply troubled expression.

“Prince Consort, what troubles you?” During these past months, Juanzhu had behaved herself and dared not do otherwise.

Tang Xi disliked her, but she had not mistreated her.

The real problem was Lu Qing.

It was as if he simply did not see her. No matter what she wanted to do, she found no opportunity.

Today, Tang Xi had gone out with friends, giving Juanzhu a chance to approach him.

Seeing him frown, her heart ached terribly.

Hearing Juanzhu’s voice, Lu Qing suddenly raised his head and looked at the pretty young woman before him.

Then he froze.

Hadn’t Juanzhu once served by the Eldest Princess’s side?

“Juanzhu.”

“Yes, Prince Consort. What are your orders?”

“Recently, the Eldest Princess has done many things for Northern Xia. I was wondering, do you know anything about these matters?”

He felt that the appearance of those crops could not possibly have happened overnight.

“Replying to Prince Consort, this servant knows nothing. In the past, Her Highness lived in the palace. She only moved into the Princess Manor a few months ago.”

Lu Qing felt disappointed.

He dared not provoke Tang Guo, but he was extremely interested in those crops.

It seemed he would have to work through Tang Xi instead.

Just as Juanzhu thought something might happen between them, Lu Qing suddenly stood up and left the study.

“Prince Consort, where are you going?”

“I’m going to find Second Princess.”

Upon hearing this, Juanzhu stamped her foot in anger, biting her lip as unknown thoughts passed through her mind.

The next day, Tang Guo’s Princess Manor received two unwelcome visitors—Tang Xi and Lu Qing.

“Second Imperial Sister?”

“Elder Sister.” Tang Xi wore a smile. “Elder Sister has truly become the talk of the capital lately. Everyone in the city is discussing you. I’ve heard that even the ministers are full of praise for you.”

“Second Imperial Sister, what brings you here?”

Tang Guo was bent over, tending to a long green vine. Tang Xi had no idea what it was, so she stopped beating around the bush.

“Elder Sister, my prince consort is very interested in these crops, so…”

“Brother-in-law wishes to become a farmer?”

Tang Guo raised her head and asked in surprise.

The system burst out laughing.

Become a farmer? What kind of absurdity is that?