Where Wealth Came From

Mo Yun naturally did not understand the true meaning of Liberation.

She simply took it in its literal sense—liberating the common folk in other prefectural cities who were still oppressed by aristocratic clans, powerful families, or warlords.

Mo Yun was thoroughly pleased with this meaningful name. Coupled with the scene Xia Fan had painted of Liberations filling every street and alley, it set her heart surging. Now that Ning Wanjun had awakened and the burden on her shoulders had been lifted, she could finally devote herself wholeheartedly to Mechanical Beast design once more, unwilling to waste even a moment. The result was that she waved Xia Fan out of the Mechanical Bureau, then immediately began researching mass production.

Watching her hurriedly departing back, a phrase suddenly surfaced in Xia Fan's mind for no reason—Men only hinder my efficiency in researching technology.

Toward evening, Xia Fan summoned Eunuch Li, the head of the Finance Department, to the Villa. When the latter entered the Villa's reception hall, he discovered that aside from Your Highness Ning, two other people were seated inside. One was male and one female, both bearing obvious foreign features. Li Duojin immediately guessed that they were the benefactors Xia Fan had brought back from the Western Pole. The man was an attendant, while the woman was Princess Twilight of Natating.

He solemnly bowed to the woman before taking his seat opposite Xia Fan.

To Li Duojin, Jinxia's new situation had become increasingly clear—for instance, in the past, only Her Highness the Princess had sat alone at the head of the table, whereas now she would pull Xia Fan to sit beside her, placing them side by side at the head. That boy might not have noticed this subtle hint, but he certainly would not miss it. In Eunuch Li's