Xiao Lingyan, I've Been Wronged
Zhao Ruxi is not the type to suffer injustice and bear the burden alone.
The next morning, she had Qingfeng deliver the note inviting her to the meeting to Xiao Lingyan's small courtyard in Beining.
When she changed carriages and clothes at noon, and was driven by Ma Wushi, taking Qingfeng, who had also changed clothes, to the small courtyard, Xiao Lingyan was already waiting there.
As soon as she entered, Zhao Ruxi started chattering. "Because of you, I've been targeted by the Crown Prince. Not only did he send people to cause trouble at the training course's opening ceremony, but he also arranged two seemingly respectable but actually sordid marriages, sending matchmakers to propose. It disgusted me. You can't ignore this."
Xiao Lingyan was concerned about Zhao Ruxi, but it was impossible for him to have someone watch her 24/7. Such an action would be extremely disrespectful to Zhao Ruxi, and not only would the consequences be severe if Zhao Ruxi found out, but he himself would also find it unacceptable.
The gray-clad men he sent followed Zhao Ruxi at a distance, just so that he wouldn't be unaware if someone bullied Zhao Ruxi; that was all.
He was completely unaware that the matchmaker had come to propose marriage.
"Tell me in detail what happened," he said sternly.
Zhao Ruxi recounted Liu Zongyao's affair and her own speculations.
"I originally planned to develop my skills discreetly, making money by sneaking into villages and avoiding those who wanted to shoot timber. But now that the Crown Prince is watching me, it's hard to keep the secrets of my workshop, and it's inevitable that something will be discovered."
She spread her hands and said, "I earn all my money for you. Now, it's up to you to decide. If this matter can't be resolved, I won't continue; it's too much of a target."
"Don't worry, I'll find the Crown Prince some things to do soon, so he won't have time to bother you," Xiao Lingyan said.
Even if he didn't know about the marriage proposal, he would still make things difficult for the Crown Prince. The Crown Prince sent people to cause trouble at the training class, but that touched a nerve.
"Alright. Anyway, remember that I suffered a great injustice for you. When you succeed in the future, don't forget to bestow a higher title upon me, at least a marquis or something. An earl is beneath me, and anything below an earl is even less meaningful."
System: Hmm, that sounds familiar...
"I'll try my best. Don't worry, you'll definitely get your share of the benefits," Xiao Lingyan said.
He really didn't see anything good about a female marquis. Did this woman perhaps want to keep a few male concubines? Supporting a family is too tiring.
Women always need a home. He thought someone like the old Princess Consort of Prince of Zhennan's Residence would be perfect. Her status was extraordinary; even the empress and concubines in the palace wouldn't dare to mistreat her, let alone those outside the palace.
"How's your research on steel going?"
The boasting earlier was just a side effect; the real reason Zhao Ruxi arranged to meet Xiao Lingyan was...
Her workshop started operations and was soon able to produce a batch of parts. However, the key components were still unavailable.
Xiao Lingyan took out a brocade pouch from his robes, opened it, and poured out several springs of different sizes and materials. "Take a look."
Zhao Ruxi picked up the spring, examined it, stretched it slightly, and asked, "Have you tried it?"
"I've tried them, and each has its own advantages and disadvantages in terms of performance."
Xiao Lingyan picked up the springs and explained in detail the materials used and their advantages and disadvantages.
Then he picked one out. "This one is best for making a clock."
"Alright." Zhao Ruxi was naturally very confident in Xiao Lingyan's abilities.
She took a piece of paper from her sleeve and handed it to Xiao Lingyan: "The dimensions are here. You don't need to bring them to me after you finish making them. I'll send you a message once the clock parts are finished, and you can send someone to pick them up. You should transport these things to the south and have them assembled. You should also find someone to make the wooden casing for the clock, preferably in a European style, with English engravings, packaged as an imported product, and then transport it back for Fu Yunlang to sell."
Everything else is fine, but a luxury item like a clock with such exorbitant profits is not something someone like Zhao Ruxi, with her shallow background, can handle. It's better to repackage it, have Fu Yunlang sell it, draw attention to it, and incidentally help the male lead build up his "winner in life" persona.
The male lead has a protagonist's halo; no matter how fierce the gunfire, he can't become cannon fodder. This kind of person is just too useful and too easy to use.
Xiao Lingyan couldn't help but laugh, giving Zhao Ruxi a thumbs-up approvingly. "You little rascal."
Zhao Ruxi's plan coincided with his.
"That's right." Zhao Ruxi said smugly.
Seeing her smug look, Xiao Lingyan a strong urge to reach out and pat her head or rub her cheeks.
However, knowing that this woman was not someone to be trifled with and was easily angered, he suppressed the urge to act.
"My men discovered a house with a secret underground chamber. I had them buy the adjacent house as well, and then dig a tunnel connecting the two houses to the secret chamber."
Xiao Lingyan continued, "Tomorrow I'll have someone take one of the parts to Broker Li for sale. The price will be a bit higher. Remember to have someone go to Broker Li and buy that part. After that, you can store the finished parts in the storeroom of that house. I'll have someone go through the tunnel to the storeroom to move the clock's parts away."
"Very good." Zhao Ruxi was very satisfied with Xiao Lingyan's performance.
This man has a terrible temper and a foul mouth; he can be incredibly sarcastic and hurtful. But he's also very capable, has a sharp mind, and can follow her train of thought in both speech and action.
Now that this guy has corrected his past habit of being sarcastic and has a group of capable and loyal henchmen under his command, he's a very useful ally. With them working together, clearing this dungeon is incredibly easy.
The two discussed the details a few more times before parting ways.
Xiao Lingyan acted too quickly. Two days later, the Crown Prince was impeached in court for being lazy and unambitious.
The crown prince was depressed. After court, he didn't go to the government office. Instead, he went to a small courtyard and drank with a male prostitute. They were caught in the act and he submitted a memorial to the emperor.
The Emperor was furious and extremely disappointed in the Crown Prince. He reprimanded the Crown Prince and assigned him a post in an outlying province. The Crown Prince left the capital that very day.
Zhao Ruxi's matter was originally trivial; the Crown Prince only made things difficult for her out of boredom. Right now, he's overwhelmed with his own problems and has no time to retaliate against the young Zhao Ruxi.
With the Crown Prince gone from the capital, his subordinates all kept a low profile, not daring to cause any more trouble. Even after this period of trouble passed, the Crown Prince and his subordinates would never think of Zhao Ruxi again, and the matter would be considered over.
Zhao Ruxi's world is finally quiet, and she can finally focus on her own things.
After Anzhou Province started its training program, other provinces followed suit ten days later. Zhao Ruxi managed her time effectively, keeping busy yet organized.
She also used her mornings to learn how to ride a horse.
It is said that this Agility Pill is really useful. Gao Weiqiang only gave her two pointers, and Zhao Ruxi was already riding the horse very skillfully.
Fortunately, her reputation for being exceptionally intelligent was already firmly established, so her extraordinary performance didn't arouse any suspicion. People simply exclaimed, "This girl is so smart; she learns everything in no time!"