You have truly caused me great suffering!

Although Xiao Shi had no official title in the Prince of Dai's mansion, everyone knew that she was the Prince of Dai's woman.

Their status was similar to that of an outer household.

In fact, Chen Shao wanted to give her a formal title, but no matter how he did it, it wouldn't be appropriate, because if he did, she shouldn't continue to appear in public and be active in the outside world.

Chen Shao's wives and concubines all stayed in the palace and rarely went out.

Even when she goes out, she only wanders around the neighborhood or goes back to her parents' home.

However, precisely because of this, the Xiao family became a way to establish a relationship with the Prince of Dai.

When she arrived in Michigan, she was greeted with extremely high-level etiquette everywhere she went.

This made Xiao somewhat uneasy. She didn't want people to be overly extravagant and over-restrained, fearing it would displease Chen Shao.

What if we summon her back and keep her in the Prince's mansion?
Why should I just like those princesses, spending my days idly in the palace?

Xiao felt extremely uncomfortable whenever she thought about it.

They Han Chinese really like this kind of thing.

Although Chen Shao looks different, it's hard to say whether he might change.

This man was also unpredictable, always leaving her bewildered.

Today, the Mizhou Prefecture sent some food, clothing and other necessities. Xiao, who was not worried about these things, frowned and said, "Send someone to tell them to keep everything simple and not to disturb the people."

She hoped everyone would pretend she didn't exist; after all, a businesswoman's motto is to make a fortune quietly.

Fearing that these people might not understand, or might pretend not to understand, Madam Xiao asked, "Who sent it?"

“Du Qiong, Tongpan of Mizhou.”

Xiao rubbed her forehead, cursing inwardly, "You're such a high-ranking official as a sub-prefect, do you have nothing better to do?"

"I'll go by myself."

When Madam Xiao arrived at the guest hall, the officials outside, separated by a screen, were very excited.

An opportunity for progress is right in front of us.

After sitting down, Lady Xiao said calmly, "I am here on orders, and there are some things that cannot be made too public. You are all ministers of the court, concerned for the lives of thousands of people in this region, and you are very busy with official duties. Please do not make a fuss and just pretend that I am not here, otherwise the King will be unhappy."

"The lady is virtuous and loves the people; she is a blessing to the common folk..."

"As expected of the Prince of Dai!"

"The Prince of Dai pacified Yunnei, Youyan, and Yan, twice repelled the northern barbarians, and annihilated the western bandits. Such achievements make him not only a pillar of the court, but also a parent to the people of the Central Plains."

"I have heard that the Prince of Dai has pacified Youyan and Hebei, and the people of the world are cheering and celebrating! I wonder when this holy wind will reach our Shandong."

Xiao never expected that her personal visit to persuade them to leave would instead become an opportunity for them to fawn over her.

And what's the point of you saying all this in front of me? Do you really think we talk about these things when we're having a bedtime chat?
However, these officials also had their reasons.

During the Lunar New Year, everyone is just killing time anyway, so they're just saying auspicious words; there's no harm in it.

What if?
What if it gets to the ears of the Prince of Dai? You're just a woman, all alone outside. How could you not have the Prince of Dai's eyes and ears around you?

Sending back just one sentence will make you a fortune!
Xiao was thoroughly annoyed and had no choice but to take her leave, feeling utterly defeated by these people.

She was determined to handle everything secretly and would never show her face in person.

Back in her bedroom, Madam Xiao was still fuming, her bulging chest heaving.

After sulking for a while, she suddenly laughed again, feeling somewhat helpless.

The maids around her were all carefully trained and were not ordinary people.

Seeing this, he stepped forward, massaged her shoulders, and said with a smile, "Madam, the local officials are really obsessed with power."

“They appear respectful, but they don’t really respect me. They’re only interested in currying favor with the Prince of Dai. They don’t care what I say at all; they just hope to get some word out of me in Taiyuan,” Xiao said. “From now on, we should act in the name of the Prince of Dai.”

These local officials really didn't take the Xiao family seriously; they basically ignored what the Xiao family said.

It is clear that these people despise a woman at heart and only hope to curry favor with the Prince of Dai behind her.

Xiao was incredibly shrewd; she saw through it at a glance, so she remained calm. As long as she acted in Chen Shao's name, things would be much easier to accomplish here.

Moreover, Chen Shao has always been very open-minded about such matters, which is what Xiao Shi is most satisfied with.

This man is probably the man in the world who understands her best and can help her the most.

Sometimes, she even felt that Chen Shao cared more than she did.

From Xiao's perspective, there are many things she cannot see, not because her vision is poor, but because of her limited perspective.

Chen Shao was eager for them to open the sea as soon as possible, and also because he needed a large amount of assets.

It's no longer just about changing dynasties.

Xiao casually flipped through a few blueprints on the table, secretly wondering if her ships would be able to set sail when spring arrived.

Michalcano is capable of building seagoing vessels; they are not starting from scratch, but simply striving for perfection.

After arriving in Mizhou, Xiao immediately bought out more than thirty ships that were under construction and spent a lot of money to have the shipwrights work overtime to finish them.

What she needed was a large fleet of ships, which she could then use to monopolize the nearby sea routes by leveraging the size and scale of the Guangyuantang merchant caravan.

The goal is not to force others to their deaths, but to bring them into our camp, then act in unison and seize control of pricing.

In the future, we will also send caravans to various foreign countries overseas and monopolize their local commercial activities. This is the fastest way to make money.

It's just like what was done in the Western Regions.

Xiao Shi harbored a long-held ambition: that her caravan could be like a vast ocean, drawing all the streams into her fleet.

It formed a vast business empire.
-

As Chen Shao's health gradually improved, especially after Lin Niangzi arrived.

One after another, women in the inner quarters became pregnant.

During the political discussion today, the guards deliberately came into the hall and loudly announced, "Prince Dai, both ladies are pregnant. The news has been sent from the inner quarters."

Everyone wore a happy expression.

Chen Shao was the same; he stayed at home all winter with nothing else to do, and he really worked hard.

Sure enough, hard work pays off, and two pieces of good news came in one go. It was estimated that one of them had been summoned to the capital, and Lin Niangzi was asked to check on the others as well.

"I'll go back and take a look."

The staff and officials all said, "That's exactly right, congratulations to the King!"

Chen Shao walked out of the main hall and then asked, "Which lady is it?"

"I don't know."

The guards heard the news from the inner quarters and rushed off to report it, without knowing who was pregnant.

Chen Shao quickened his pace, even feeling a little scared; if it were those young people, there would really be some risk involved.

In this day and age, childbirth is a high-risk event for young girls.

When he returned to the inner quarters, a joyous atmosphere filled the air. The maids and servants along the way greeted him with bows and offered their congratulations.

As Chen Shao was in the corridor, he ran into Cui Die, who had already become a steward. She was in a hurry and didn't know where she was going. When she saw Chen Shao, she quickly curtsied and said, "Congratulations, Your Majesty."

Having served as Chen Shao's personal maid for several months, they were naturally very close. When Cui Die saw Chen Shao, a hint of joy appeared in her eyes and brows.

Who is pregnant?

"It's Madam Jin and Madam Zhang."

Chen Shao breathed a sigh of relief. It turned out to be Jin Ye'er, the second of the three Zhu sisters. The three sisters were always referred to as Madam Jin, Madam Xiao Jin, and Madam Le'er in the inner quarters.

If it were Little Jin, or Le'er, that would be a bit scary. Although Jin Lao Er looks thin, his little bottom is round and chubby, which shows he's quite strong, so there shouldn't be any problems.

Zhang Yinghan kept quiet, but unexpectedly, her belly was quite fertile. This was the bloodline of the Guiyi Army, but the Guiyi Army had already declined. If you go back a few hundred years, the Zhang family would still have a lot of influence.

Chen Shao smiled and said, "What are you in such a hurry for?"

Cui Die had just become the head of the inner quarters and was not yet very skilled in many things. Hearing this, she said helplessly, "When the princess was pregnant, I don't know where those little hussies put the medicinal herbs they used."

"There's no rush, take your time looking." Chen Shao pinched her cheek.

Cui Die blushed and lowered her head shyly.

When they arrived at Zhong Lingxi's courtyard, everyone had already gathered together to celebrate.

As soon as Chen Shao entered, he was surrounded by people who kept congratulating him.

He first habitually held the soft, fragrant Jin Le'er on his lap and said with a smile, "Congratulations to you both!"

“Write a letter to your father and tell him the good news!” Chen Shao said to his eldest son, Jin Mo’er.

The latter nodded with a grin.

Jin Mo'er was actually somewhat disappointed; she realized she wasn't as capable as her younger sister.
Old Zhu, Old Zhu, don't blame me for not working hard this time.

Chen Shao felt a chill when he recalled Old Zhu's gaze, as if Old Zhu had seen through his little scheme.

It was a secret in Chen Shao's heart that he did not want his first son to have foreign blood.

Chen Shao felt somewhat guilty towards Lao Zhu. Now, he could finally stand tall with confidence.

After having a son named Wangzai, Chen Shao didn't hold back at all, always sending his own essence and talent to where they belonged.

Putting aside the occasional waste caused by personal hobbies, he actually has an urgent need to expand his lineage.

As the only son of a veteran of the Western Army, Chen Shao possessed the glorious tradition of the Western Army: he had no father or brothers and was a bachelor.

All the men were beaten.
The century-long war between the Song and Xia dynasties was truly arduous, especially for the lower-ranking soldiers of the Western Army.

This is a major hidden danger for Chen Shao, and only by working hard to expand his family can he make some of the difference.

Moreover, Chen Shao himself needs to live a long enough.

Otherwise, Chai Rong would be a living example.

The two pregnant women sat on the edge of the bed, looking somewhat bewildered.

Chen Shao then spoke a few words of personal advice to each of them, telling them to rest well.

Looking at the two of them, Chen Shao suddenly remembered that it was no wonder that many children were conceived after the New Year and born when it got cold the following year.

This period was indeed a relatively quiet time, even for Chen Shao.

When people have free time, they naturally want to have children.
-

No blossoms appeared in the New Year, but in early February, grass sprouts were a surprise.

Baixue dislikes the evening of spring, so she wears garden trees as flying flowers.

In the chilly spring breeze, tender green grass shoots have already sprouted in Taiyuan, breaking through the soil.

With the weather like this, people are gradually getting busy.

In Taiyuan Prefecture, officials were busy not only with encouraging agriculture after the spring harvest but also preparing for the resumption of warfare by the northern troops. Although they didn't know how long this respite would last, everyone knew that the Dingnan Army and the Jurchen Tartars would definitely have another battle.

The kind of fight to the death.

Inside Chen Shao's palace, all his staff had returned, including those who had gone to Bianliang to visit relatives.

Behind Chen Shao's chair, on the huge map hanging there, Chen Shao was drawing circles with a red pen.

The map was covered with dense red circles, which at first glance looked like a painting full of red flowers. It was a bit rough, but very beautiful, which was just right for the vibrant spring scenery.

At the start of the Lunar New Year, Chen Shao had already made some personnel adjustments, including the rotation of officials in several territories.

Everything has started anew.

Everything is renewed!

At this moment, Wang Yin strode in, covered in dust and with a scraggly beard, clearly having traveled a long way.

"The Prince of Dai!"

Chen Shao nodded, knowing that he had completed his task.

Chen Shao didn't speak, but silently went into the inner hall, and Wang Yin followed him in.

"You caught them?"

Wang Yin nodded and said, "It really was Cai Tiao who instigated it! It turns out that Geng Nanzhong fought with Cai Tiao in the restaurant that day and damaged his manhood, which made him hold a grudge and thus he committed the heinous act."

“Cai Jing certainly doesn’t know.” Chen Shao sighed and said with a wry smile, “Grand Tutor Cai, oh Grand Tutor Cai, you have truly failed in raising your son! You have failed in raising your son!”

Cai You could grit his teeth and bear it, but if he really couldn't stand it, he would go to the Song family to vent his anger.

Now another one, Cai Tiao, has emerged.

Chen Shao absolutely has to give an explanation for Geng Nanzhong's death; otherwise, this matter is too heinous and has too great an impact.

Although Chen Shao disliked his character, Geng Nanzhong had abandoned his official position in Bianliang and come to join him before the Dingnan Army even left the pass.

Moreover, they made significant contributions to stabilizing the situation in both Xiping Prefecture and Bianliang.

He died at the time when he made the greatest contribution to the Dingnan Army.
Chen Shao is now in a dilemma. Cai Jing is equally important to him, as the Song Dynasty's finances depend entirely on Cai Jing.

He knew the Song Dynasty's current system all too well. Emperor Huizong had tried it many times, and replacing Cai Jing just wouldn't work.

The most perplexing issue is that both sides have made significant contributions to the Dingnan Army, and it wouldn't be entirely appropriate to deal with Cai Jing's son so selflessly.

Because one of his sons has already been dealt with, and he's so old, yet he still works so hard for you, isn't it all for the sake of his descendants' well-being?

Chen Shao didn't even dare to tell Cai Jing about this, for fear that he would be so angry that he would die.

Chen Shao sighed. It seemed he had to think of a solution.

At this moment, Wang Yin said, "Prince Dai, should we pin this on those disobedient people and take advantage of the situation?"

Chen Shao turned his head, glanced at him, and after a while, gently shook his head.

He was undecided about what to do about the matter.

However, Chen Shao also thought it was inappropriate for Wang Yin to suggest taking the opportunity to commit mass killings.

He did not intend to make a big deal out of Geng Nanzhong's death, because while it might have immediate benefits, it would discourage some people.

Now is the time for the Dingnan Army to open its arms and accept other forces and people to join its ranks.

Some things must be done in a dignified manner.
-

Chen Shao, accompanied by his personal guards and carrying a jar of wine, came to visit the Cai residence.

This act of pouring wine was, of course, a cover-up.

Although he had a close relationship with the Song family in the Cai household.

But this was indeed Chen Shao's first time here.

Unlike his relationship with the Xiao family, which was common knowledge, his affair with the Song family was known to only a handful of people.

Apart from Chen Shao's own maids, only Maode and Li Qingzhao knew about it.

So when the gatekeeper of the Cai residence saw him come in person, he was startled. After inviting him in, he quickly went inside to report.

A short while later, Cai Tiao and Mao De came out together, both of them completely bewildered, wondering why Chen Shao had come to visit them in person.

Maode, in particular, thought Chen Shao had come to see his sister-in-law and felt that he was going too far.

Unfortunately, this person was too powerful, so she could only endure it, fearing that her husband would not be able to tolerate it and would suddenly retaliate.

Thinking of this, she secretly glanced at the prince consort.

Upon arriving at the flower hall, I saw Chen Shao and his large, fat guard standing together, seemingly discussing the flowers and plants in the hall.

This made her feel a little relieved; perhaps the Prince of Dai really did have something else on his mind.

"Greetings, Prince of Dai." Cai Tiao clasped his hands in greeting, his expression indifferent, unlike the others who greeted Chen Shao with the same fervor.

Maode's worries deepened.

Chen Shao sighed and said, "Your Highness, I have something I need to discuss with the Prince Consort alone."

Maode was taken aback upon hearing this. She glanced at her husband and saw that he was also somewhat bewildered. She could only nod and leave.

The more she thought about it, the more frightened she became. She knew the prince consort's temper; when he got stubborn, he was fearless.

After waving for the maids to leave, Maode lifted her skirt and quietly went to the corner of the wall.

As soon as the princess left, Chen Shao said to Cai Tiao, "Cai has been arrested."

Cai Tiao's expression changed, and his eyes suddenly became somewhat dazed.

Seeing his appearance, Chen Shao cursed inwardly, "What a complete idiot!"

You dare to call yourself Cai Jing's son? You're a tiger father and a dog son.

Do you really think you've covered your tracks perfectly?
They did something so big, yet they didn't think about the consequences!
Chen Shao sat in his chair, looking at the bewildered Cai Tiao, and suddenly hissed, "Poisoning a first-rank official of the court, how dare you!"

Cai Tiao was agitated and his stubborn streak kicked in. He retorted, "Kill me if you want!"

Princess Maode covered her mouth tightly, her brows furrowed, her mind in turmoil.

The imperial son-in-law actually committed murder, a first-rank official? The most recent first-rank official to die was Geng Nanzhong.

It turns out it was the prince consort who killed him!

After all, they were husband and wife, and she immediately thought of her sullen husband, which suddenly made her feel a little happier.

Although he still avoids me, afraid that I will discover his secret of being unable to have sex, I often see him smiling.

Everything suddenly became clear. Maode now fully understood the reason and couldn't help but feel a chill for the prince consort.

This is a grave sin.

Seeing that he still dared to be so arrogant, Chen Shao was even more furious. He smashed the teacup next to him and cursed, "If it weren't for the Grand Tutor's sake, I would have cut you into eight pieces long ago!"

Seeing his arrogant attitude, even with irrefutable evidence, Chen Shao became even more furious.

He couldn't help but recall how this fellow had acted when he first arrived in Youzhou, seemingly disregarding even the heavens.

He misunderstood Cai Jing's intentions and thought that Cai Jing didn't take the Dingnan Army seriously.

Chen Shao cursed, "You scoundrel, what's there to be proud of? You were just born into a good family. If your father weren't Cai Jing, someone like you would be left behind as a dung beetle even if you ate excrement!"

"You, you, you!" Cai Tiao was so angry that his face turned red. He pointed at Chen Shao and stammered, unable to speak.

"Damn it, he was half-dead back then and almost ruined my plans. Now there's no law at all!"

"Men, tie him up!" Chen Shao gave the order, and his guards rushed in, quickly gagged Cai Tiao, tied his hands and feet, and stuffed him into a sack.

Filled with resentment, Chen Shao stepped forward and kicked him first.

The guards had already driven away the servants of the Cai family along the way, threw them into a carriage, and drove off.

After everyone left, Princess Maode, standing by the window outside the wall, had red and swollen eyes and collapsed to the ground, clutching her chest.

A moment later, a muffled sobbing sound came from her throat.

Her mind was in turmoil. She considered asking her father for help, but then she remembered his current situation.
The only option is for my father-in-law to come and save us, but Bianliang is a long way from here, and it would take ten days to half a month for the news to travel back and forth.

I must protect my husband!
-

Chen Shao did not return to the Prince's Mansion, but instead took Cai Tiao to the Guangyuan Hall prison.

This prison was located in the outskirts of Taiyuan and was very well hidden.

After releasing him, Chen Shao did not torture him, but instead asked him to give a detailed account of the events.

If Cai Tiao is not killed, or if he is not killed before Cai Jing dies, then all the other participants must be arrested.

To avoid the news leaking out.

Looking at Cai Tiao's appearance, Chen Shao sighed; he could understand.

Such a pampered young master, who had never experienced any setbacks since childhood, was beaten so badly by Geng Nanzhong and his gang. Who wouldn't hate him?

I would take revenge myself.

But while we may understand each other, our positions are ultimately different.

Chen Shao walked out of the cell and said to Wang Yin beside him:
"After he reveals the names of all those who know, lock him up. Don't humiliate him; consider it an act of respect for Grand Tutor Cai."

Cai Jing really has it tough. He's so old, and if he makes things too bad for his two sons, the old man will inevitably have some complaints.

The current stability is largely attributable to Cai Jing, if not half.

He stabilized the scholar-officials of the Song Dynasty, stabilized the tottering tree of the Song Dynasty, and then transferred the energy generated by this tree to the Dingnan Army.

As long as he was there, Chen Shao could not possibly kill his son.

The original purpose of avenging Geng Nanzhong was to stabilize public sentiment. If Cai Jing's son were killed as a result, it would only further alienate people.

Now Chen Shao is stuck in a rut, and the only way out is to frame the Jin Kingdom, which cannot seek justice.

I'm afraid that Cai Tiao, that idiot, might do something dirty or that he might blab about it.

Wang Yin, who was standing to the side, suddenly said, "Your Majesty, are you perhaps planning to keep this a secret?"

"Yes." Chen Shao nodded: "Cai Jing is still too important, and he has made great contributions to us. I can't let him, an old man with white hair, bury his young son."

“In that case, Your Majesty should inform Cai Jing of this matter, assure him that Cai Tiao will not be killed, and that the Jin state will be made a scapegoat,” Wang Yin said. “In this way, Cai Jing can help to make this a reality and inform all the ministers in the court.”

Chen Shao nodded secretly. Geng Nanzhong was not a nobody in the court; he had his own power base.

Moreover, he had close ties with various factions, especially Li Gang and Wu Min, who were once part of Zhao Huan's faction of the Crown Prince.

Wang Yin continued, "Secondly, since we have captured Cai Que and Cai Tiao, it is inevitable that this will reach the ears of Grand Tutor Cai. Rather than letting him suspect, it is better to tell him the truth ourselves."

"What you say is very good," Chen Shao said. "We will do as you say. Send someone to Bianjing and tell Grand Tutor Cai everything in detail. Tell him that I will protect his son one more time, and I hope that we can share weal and woe and not betray each other." (End of this chapter)