By a twist of fate, the illegitimate son of the Marquis's family marries the county princess.

As it turned out, Pei Rujing's visit to the palace had a significant effect.

The next day, Wen Zongji was summoned to the palace by the Crown Prince.

The Crown Prince looked at him intently and said, "Tell me the truth, did you deliberately send your cousin into the palace to put pressure on me?"

Wen Zongji quickly shook his head: "Your Majesty, I had no such intention. It was just a coincidence that this matter came up."

The Crown Prince waved his hand: "I don't care whether you did it on purpose or not. The People's Daily can be published, but the influence of newspapers on public opinion is uncontrollable. The court must ensure that the People's Daily's control over public opinion is within the scope permitted by the court. This point must be resolved, otherwise the cabinet will not approve it."

Wen Zongji said, "It's actually very simple. While opening up the civilian newspapers, we should also open up the official newspapers of each prefecture and county. In other words, each prefecture and county can follow the example of the Beijing Gazette and publish its own official newspaper. As long as each prefecture and county can use its official newspaper to control public opinion, and then allow the opening of local civilian newspapers, while strictly reviewing the qualifications of those who publish civilian newspapers, we can maximize the control of public opinion in Biaoting's hands."

The Beijing Gazette Bureau was located far from the capital, making it difficult to respond effectively. While branch bureaus could monitor public opinion, they were also far from the capital and thus unable to reach the people effectively. Publishing an official gazette locally was the most effective and timely solution.

The Crown Prince was immediately overwhelmed: "The branch office of the Capital Gazette Office hasn't even been established yet, and now we have to start a local newspaper. These are all serious matters."

Wen Zongji said firmly, "But it's a step we have to take."

"In that case, the people stationed at the Beijing Gazette Bureau branch wouldn't just be responsible for printing the Beijing Gazette and monitoring public opinion; they'd also have to review manuscripts and determine the content published in local newspapers. Can the people you've chosen do that?"

"It's possible!"

Wen Zongji said, "They would have had to do these things eventually anyway, but now it's just been brought forward. They're already familiar with the review and finalization process at the Beijing Gazette Office. Besides, the content of the local newspapers is simpler, so the review process is easier."

The Crown Prince, however, said, "Wen Zongji, isn't this taking too big a step? The Capital Gazette Bureau has only been established for a few months, and its branches are still in the planning stages. We can't just accelerate the opening of official gazettes just to allow private gazettes to operate, can we?"

Wen Zongji cupped his hands in greeting: "The specifics will naturally be decided by the Crown Prince. This humble subject is merely providing a method to restrain the People's Daily from controlling public opinion."

The Crown Prince nodded: "That is indeed a good idea. However, the People's Gazette has never been run before, so we don't know how it will work. How about this, I plan to allow one People's Gazette to be run in the capital first, see how it goes, and then decide whether to open up other places to People's Gazettes."

Wen Zongji understood; the Crown Prince was planning to find a pilot program first.

It seems that no matter the era, powerful figures always like to conduct pilot programs.

It can both test the effect and keep the impact within a controllable range.

"The Crown Prince is wise."

The crown prince glared at him: "If it weren't for you, why would it need to go through all this trouble... Go back and tell your cousin to wait patiently for a few days."

Wen Zongji reiterated, "Your humble servant truly did not intend for the county princess to urge this matter."

"Alright, I have other things to attend to. You may leave now."

"Your humble servant takes his leave."

……

Xinya Garden

Zuo Mingxuan circled around Pei Rujing and clicked her tongue, saying, "Nothing has changed much."

Pei Rujing asked in confusion, "What changes should I undergo?"

"I've heard that women who argue with their husbands and go back to their parents' home become very haggard, but the county princess looks just as she always has."

That's because she's already recovered.

But how could Pei Rujing possibly admit to that?

She calmly replied, "He's the one who should look haggard. I'm quite comfortable living back at the princess's residence."

"Why can't I believe it?"

Zuo Mingxuan could see how much Pei Rujing liked Wen Zongji. How could Pei Rujing be unaffected by their arguments?

"Believe it or not! Has anything happened with the mahjong clubs during this period?"

Zuo Mingxuan said, "We have many more members now."

Why?

After the mahjong craze subsided, mahjong clubs haven't gained many new members.

"Of course, it's the Barbarian Kill game invented by your husband. It's recently become popular in the capital. Mahjong is mostly played by women, but Barbarian Kill is loved by both men and women. If our mahjong club didn't only accept women, we would have gained even more members this time."

"Is that so?" Pei Rujing was a little confused. "I've never heard of it."

"The county princess was busy arguing with Lord Wen, how could she notice these things?"

Pei Rujing corrected, "We won't argue if we don't fight."

Zuo Mingxuan: "..."

If there's no argument, would she go back to her parents' house?

She had finally witnessed Pei Rujing's stubbornness.

Pei Rujing asked again, "Why haven't I seen Shuyu?"

Zuo Mingxuan said, "I forgot to tell you, since you went back to live at the Princess's residence, Miss Wen has never come again."

Pei Rujing frowned: "Is that so?"

Zuo Mingxuan shrugged.

"I see."

......

After leaving Xinya Garden, I returned to Yunguang Courtyard.

Pei Rujing said, "Go and invite the Second Miss over."

Dongxiu responded.

A short while later, Wen Shuyu followed Dongxiu into the inner room.

"Sister-in-law—"

Pei Rujing nodded: "Sit down. Zuo San told me you haven't been to the mahjong club in a while?"

Wen Shuyu lowered her head: "I've been quite busy lately."

Pei Rujing looked at her: "Lift your head and look at me!"

Wen Shuyu subconsciously looked up, her hands clasped together on her knees, her expression tense and downcast, her gaze towards Pei Rujing somewhat evasive.

"What's wrong with you?"

Wen Shuyu's eyes reddened slightly: "I heard that my sister-in-law and brother had a fight."

"This is a matter between your brother and me; it has nothing to do with you."

"But my sister-in-law took me to the mahjong club. She and my brother had a fight. If I go to the mahjong club, won't that be bad for my brother?"

She felt that Pei Rujing and Wen Zongji had quarreled, so she could no longer accept Pei Rujing's kindness.

Pei Rujing didn't expect Wen Shuyu to think so much: "First of all, your brother and I didn't quarrel, we have a good relationship. Secondly, even if I did quarrel with your brother, it has nothing to do with you. You are already a member of the mahjong club, you can go if you want."

Wen Shuyu only heard the first half of the sentence: "Sister-in-law and brother didn't quarrel?"

"certainly."

"The people in that mansion..."

"Do you believe me, or those other people?"

Wen Shuyu said, "Of course I believe my sister-in-law... But if we didn't argue, why did she go back to the Princess's residence?"

"I just miss my mother. Shuyu has been separated from her aunt for so long, don't you miss her?"

"meeting!"

Wen Shuyu understood instantly.

He relaxed completely, his cheeks puffed out, and said, "I will never believe the servants again; they're just gossiping."

Pei Rujing showed no remorse for deceiving the young girl, and even said seriously, "What could servants possibly know? If you have any problems in the future, just come and ask me."

Wen Shuyu nodded emphatically: "Mm."