Chapter 1479: Her Highness the Princess (25)

Tang Xi had never expected Tang Guo to ask such a question. She quickly explained, “Elder Sister, you misunderstand. My prince consort is merely very interested in various crops. Recently, Elder Sister has continuously cultivated new fruits and vegetables, bringing blessings to the people of Northern Xia. Both my husband and I deeply admire you.”

“The truth is, Prince Consort wishes to contribute as well. We heard that Elder Sister has been recruiting talented people from all over. He is willing to offer what little help he can.”

Once a man became a prince consort, he could no longer enter the court as an official.

That, however, did not mean he could not do other things.

Everyone knew that what Tang Guo was doing now would go down in history.

Lu Qing was not interested in leaving his name in history, but the benefits that would eventually come from it were enough to tempt him.

To put it bluntly, he was here to steal technology and seeds.

With those things in hand, even if he could not openly profit from them, could he not do so in secret?

Northern Xia was vast. With proper management, the profits would be enormous.

Lu Qing might not care about fame, but that did not mean he had no desire for power.

He had chosen to marry into the imperial family because he did not want to spend years struggling and building a career in some remote province.

Who knew whether the Emperor would still remember him after two years? Returning to the capital would not be easy.

Without accomplishments to his name, advancing in rank would be even harder.

The current ministers had all spent decades reaching their present positions.

Simply put, Lu Qing wanted to ascend to the heavens in a single step.

Now that he was the Second Princess’s consort, he had no chance with the Eldest Princess.

Fortunately, heaven had not abandoned him entirely.

The Second Princess had a full-blooded brother, the Third Prince.

The man lived quietly and possessed remarkable talent. Lu Qing believed the Third Prince was no worse than the Crown Prince. He could vaguely sense ambition hidden beneath Tang Zhao’s calm exterior.

If he acquired those crop seeds and managed things properly, the resulting wealth would be endless and enough to support the Third Prince.

“So Brother-in-law also wishes to benefit the people?” Tang Guo straightened up. Yingzhu immediately stepped forward and wiped the dirt and moisture from her hands with a handkerchief. Tang Guo continued, “Rare indeed is such sincerity.”

“But this work is extremely arduous. Can Brother-in-law endure it?” Her eyes landed on Lu Qing.

Though Lu Qing came from humble origins, he had never truly suffered hardship.

Because he had devoted himself wholeheartedly to the imperial examinations and possessed genuine talent, his parents had always doted on him while they were alive. They gave him the best of everything.

Forget working in the fields—even handing over firewood was something he had never done.

Even before their deaths, his parents had arranged an excellent marriage for him.

The Lin family, and Lin Yuexiang in particular, believed he was destined for success. How could she possibly let him suffer?

Every household task had been managed by Lin Yuexiang.

Besides, in those times, both merchants and farmers respected scholars greatly.

Looking at Lu Qing’s fair and delicate appearance, Tang Guo suddenly developed a mischievous thought.

The system immediately sensed danger.

Lu Qing was about to have a miserable time.

Hearing Tang Guo’s words, Lu Qing straightened his back and adopted a righteous expression.

“Elder Sister is a princess, a woman of noble birth, and yet you can devote yourself to these matters. Why should Lu Qing be unable to do the same?”

“Oh? So Brother-in-law is not afraid of hardship?”

Lu Qing answered solemnly, “I am not.”

Tang Guo fell silent in thought.

Seeing how determined Lu Qing looked, Tang Xi hurriedly pleaded, “Elder Sister, it was difficult for my husband to find something he truly considers meaningful. For my sake, please allow him to join.”