The End

Kang Shilin, Wu Huaisi, and others knew about the farm implements and textile factories. But they hadn't really paid much attention to what Xiao Ruotong was talking about.

Upon hearing this, Wu Huaisi hurriedly asked, "What happened? Sister-in-law, could you tell me in detail?"

Xiao Ruotong was the wife of the prefect, Women's Academy in Linjiang Prefecture was under her management.

Although the Women's Technical College was independent in its construction and management and had nothing to do with the local powerful women, she actively participated in and supervised its establishment because it was founded by Grand Princess Shangde, Zhao Ruxi, and Madam Cui.

She was acutely aware of the changes in the local women's circumstances.

She immediately explained the situation and gave two examples. Wu Zong, standing beside her, also explained the social and economic impacts of women's participation in childbirth.

Wu Huaisi and Gong Cheng turned around and gave Zhao Ruxi a thumbs up. "Junior Sister, you're amazing!"

"That was done by Grand Princess Shangde and Madam Cui. I only gave them some money; I wouldn't dare accept your praise," Zhao Ruxi said.

Hearing Wu Yi crying outside, Xiao Ruotong apologized and hurriedly went out. Zhao Ruxi also stood up. "You two talk, I'll go check on the baby too."

She knew that Wu Zong had returned to the capital, and Wu Huaisi and Gong Cheng would have a lot to say, which would involve analysis of officials and the political situation.

As the Crown Princess, it wasn't convenient for them to talk while she was sitting there, so it was best for her to voluntarily leave.

To find inspiration for his paintings, Kang Shilin's courtyard was connected to his garden. The Kang Family's garden had running water, artificial hills, and various exotic flowers and plants, making it more exquisite and beautiful than many other people's gardens. It was a beautiful landscape painting from every angle.

Wu Yi a long and tiring day, having traveled back to the Wu family and then to the Kang Residence. He was exhausted, and his crying earlier was just because he was sleepy. He fell asleep after being held by Xiao Ruotong for a while.

Xiao Ruotong handed the child to the wet nurse so she could take him to the guest room, and then she and Zhao Ruxi sat down in the pavilion in the garden.

"You must be very happy?" Xiao Ruotong asked Zhao Ruxi with a smile.

Zhao Ruxi was as beautiful and confident as ever. Moreover, even though she had married into the royal family and become the Crown Princess, and lived in the East Palace, she was still able to run around freely. She could come and go to the Kang Residence Kang Residence she wanted, and go to the Ministry of Works Ministry of Works she wanted. Xiao Lingyan had never taken a concubine. Even though Xiao Ruotong was far away in Linjiang, she knew that Zhao Ruxi was living a very happy life.

Now that she has given birth to a son and her career is flourishing, Xiao Ruotong feels that Zhao Ruxi's life is without regrets.

"I'm alright," Zhao Ruxi said. "I don't ask for much, just a devoted family and peace and good health for everyone."

If others heard this, they would surely think Zhao Ruxi was lying.

She's already become the Crown Princess, and will eventually ascend the throne, becoming the most honored woman in the world. Naturally, she doesn't ask for much.

However, as Zhao Ruxi's best friend, Xiao Ruotong knew that what Zhao Ruxi said was true.

If you are obsessed with pursuing something, you will often get nothing; but if you live your life with a calm mind, what you want may be right beside you.

Xiao Ruotong sighed, "With your intelligence and wisdom, I'm not surprised that you've managed to live such a good life. On the contrary, those of us who don't have a smooth life all have our own problems to some extent."

She shook her head and gave a wry smile, "Take myself for example. I used to be naive and simplistic in my judgment of people and things. I always pursued perfection, which led to a huge setback. But then I thought, if it were you, you definitely wouldn't have acted the same way."

"You are more talented than me, yet you have a profound understanding of the world. You know exactly what you want and what you don't want; and you know how to handle situations when they arise."

"If you were in my position, Wei Zheng would definitely not be your choice. Even if you did choose him and got married, you would certainly manage to maintain a good marital relationship."

She poured Zhao Ruxi a cup of tea and handed it to Zhao Ruxi: "Everyone praises the Crown Prince for his loyalty and devotion to you, saying he would rather give up the throne than take a concubine for you. But I know it must be because of you. Whether it's your excellence that makes him love you so deeply, or your independence that makes him feel insecure, it's all because he's facing you that he acts this way."

Zhao Ruxi knew that Xiao Ruotong must have gained some insights from her marriage with Wu Zong and her experience managing the Women's Academy and the Women's Technical College, which led to her remarks.

When she first met Xiao Ruotong, Xiao Ruotong was floating in mid-air. She lived in her own little world, and apart from the two people she cared about, she didn't pay attention to anyone else.

But now she has descended to the mortal world, settling down to earth, truly experiencing life and feeling its meaning.

But she still felt a little embarrassed by Xiao Ruotong's praise.

She teased, "You and my senior brother are now a match made in heaven. Isn't it because you're too outstanding?"

Xiao Ruotong glanced at her sideways. "I'm just lucky to have met the right person. Of course, it's also because my judgment has improved a lot, and I've finally opened my eyes and chosen a good husband for myself. You're smart, but I'm not one to sit around doing nothing."

The two looked at each other and laughed.

"What are your plans for this trip back to Beijing?" Zhao Ruxi asked.

"I plan to work with you to open Women's Technical College in the county to help more women. If there's anything else I can do, please let me know."

"Okay." Zhao Ruxi nodded.

"And Mu Qingqiang, I'll have her work with me," Zhao Ruxi said.

Xiao Ruotong's words reminded her.

Although the Women's Technical College wouldn't require the financial support of wealthy ladies like Women's Academy, many of these ladies would likely be willing to do something meaningful in their spare time. She felt it was entirely possible to have them contribute to improving the situation of ordinary women.

"We can establish a Great Jin Women's Federation. No matter what status a woman is in, if she encounters a problem, she can seek help from the federation and receive assistance," she added.

Xiao Ruotong's eyes lit up. "That's a great idea."

Just as she was about to ask about the specific procedures, a maid from the Kang Residence ran in, bowed, and said, "Your Highness, the Crown Princess, His Highness the Crown Prince has come to fetch you."

"Huh?" Zhao Ruxi was stunned, not yet able to react.

What do you mean by "came to pick her up"?

In modern times, she wouldn't be unable to understand. It's perfectly normal for her husband to pick her up when he has time to visit someone's home.

But this was in ancient times, Xiao Lingyan's status was extraordinary. He couldn't just randomly run into someone else's house.

Seeing that she didn't move, the maidservant continued, "His Highness the Crown Prince has arrived. He said he's come to take you back to the palace. However, His Highness has already gone to pay his respects to the Old Master and is currently in his study."

"Oh, okay." Zhao Ruxi finally snapped out of her daze.

She turned to look at Xiao Ruotong, Xiao Ruotong said, "You should go now."

"Alright, I'm leaving then. Since you're already staying in the capital, we'll have plenty of time to chat later," Zhao Ruxi said.

"Uh-huh."

Zhao Ruxi went to the study and saw Xiao Lingyan talking to everyone, all of them smiling.

Upon seeing this, Zhao Ruxi stopped in her tracks.

Xiao Lingyan, who was speaking inside, seemed to sense something and turned to look at her.

"Why are you here?" Zhao Ruxi had no choice but to go inside.

"It's been a long time since I've paid my respects to my great-uncle," Xiao Lingyan said, then looked at Wu Zong, "Also, since my third senior brother is returning today, I naturally had to come and welcome him."

Wu Zong quickly exchanged pleasantries, glancing at Xiao Lingyan and then at Zhao Ruxi, feeling the same emotions he had for his wife.

Xiao Lingyan addressed him as his third senior brother and even visited the Kang Family because of his return. This showed that he did not regard himself as the crown prince, but rather as "Zhao Ruxi's husband." This was an extreme regard for Zhao Ruxi.

When they first heard that their junior sister was going to marry Xiao Lingyan, they were worried, fearing that Zhao Ruxi would not have a good life.

Royal women, though seemingly of high status, actually lead very difficult lives.

It now seems that Xiao Lingyan is doting on Zhao Ruxi. By extension, he also treats them as family.

Although Xiao Lingyan had arrived, it was not advisable for him to linger. As the crown prince, his close association with his ministers could easily lead to misunderstandings between Xiao Ge and the court officials.

Wu Huaisi, Gong Cheng, and Wu Zong were all powerful cabinet ministers.

He said a few more words, then took his leave with Zhao Ruxi.

Once seated in the carriage, Zhao Ruxi placed her hand in Xiao Lingyan's outstretched palm, rested her head on his shoulder, and said to him, "Actually, it wouldn't be so bad if we lived our whole lives like this in ancient times, would it?"

Just now at the Kang Residence, after she bought the Recovery Pill, the system upgraded.

She had originally planned to tell Xiao Lingyan about being able to return to the modern world, but now she felt it was better not to say anything.

People should live in the present.

She and Xiao Lingyan have a long life ahead of them. Here they have family, friends, and a lovely son. She wants to walk hand in hand with him, savoring every moment of the long river of time and appreciating every scene.

As for the next life, they will continue their previous life once this one is over.