The Country Maiden: Fields and Leisure-Chapter 1644 - 1638: Setting Out

Later, it was Qin Bohan who stood out, took the lead in pleading guilty, and smoothed things over, giving the civil and military officials a way out.

Since the Emperor had no real intention of making a fuss over this matter, he let it pass with a few words.

He only left a remark, saying that the method to increase wheat production would soon be transferred to the Minister of the Imperial Granaries. Although the best time had already been missed this year, the Minister could send people to investigate in Chicheng County.

The Minister of the Imperial Granaries accepted the order, feeling extremely excited.

If this method proves to be correct, with this accomplishment, he might get a special mention in the annals of history, making his life worthwhile.

With this determination, he immediately approached Song Hong after the court session, planning to build a good relationship with him. When he sends people to Chicheng County, the Heir of Duke of Weiguo, considering Song Hong, would probably not keep secrets, right?

Song Hong himself was still bewildered.

Regarding this matter of wheat, he was truly unaware, and although there were vague messages that had come back.

They only mentioned that Old Granny Zhang and her daughter often went to the suburban estate, sometimes even personally entering the fields.

He thought this was nothing more than Old Granny Zhang and her daughter’s ingrained habits. Even now, as people of status, they couldn’t change their peasant ways.

Who would have known that they were holding back a major secret!

If he had known this earlier, how could he have allowed Song Chongjin to use this to secure a First-Rank Enjoin Lady title for Wang Yongzhu?

With such a significant achievement, if it were attributed to Song Chongjin herself, she could rest on these laurels for life.

The Duke Weiguo Residence could also ride this wave, and there might be further progress.

But now? This waste of a son! Such a great opportunity, and they just squandered it like this!

Who felt the worst at the scene? It wasn’t the Wang Family or the Ruan Family, who were at odds with the Song Family.

Rather, it was Song Hong! His heart, liver, spleen, lungs, and kidneys all felt the pain!

His face was dark, his entire demeanor screaming for people to keep away.

But the Minister of the Imperial Granaries, lacking any sense, ran right up to him, full of praise for Song Chongjin and his wife, making Song Hong almost spit blood.

Gu Changqing noticed from behind and couldn’t help but shed a tear of sympathy for Song Hong.

Being a father like this, it was truly too tragic!

At this moment, recalling Song Hong’s expression, Gu Changqing felt quite joyful.

He glanced at Wang Yongzhu: "If no accident happens, when you return to Chicheng County, there will probably be someone from the Minister of the Imperial Granaries following! Also, regarding opening up trade routes, the Imperial Court might first secretly send people to Chicheng County to investigate and supervise."

"Therefore, for your return to Chicheng, you will be safer with company! Currently, you are in the limelight. Once the news of increased wheat production spreads in the coming days, not only your Song Family but the Gu Family might also find it hard to remain idle."

"It’s better for you to leave the Capital City early; don’t come back for the next few years! Focus on doing your work well over there. If circumstances permit, I will have Zikai go to your place for some experience during the next half-year—"

Wang Yongzhu immediately understood; it was a plan to send Gu Zikai as well.

"Uncle, rest assured. I’m well aware!"

"Alright, it’s getting late; you should return home! I won’t say much else; just remember to be cautious with your words and actions. The more critical the moment, the less you can afford to be negligent. With the issue of increased wheat production taking the lead, the opening of trade routes won’t attract too much attention for now. Once people come to their senses, you should be prepared by then—"

Regarding other things, Gu Changqing didn’t have much more to say.

Song Chongjin handling matters puts him at ease!

The following days were indeed lively as Gu Changqing had predicted.

Every day, the Song Family and Gu Family were bustling with visitors; invitation cards piled up like they needed to be carried away by baskets.

Then there was Song Chongjuan’s marriage, which had already been prepared. Without any surprises, the wedding was set for the end of May.

Wang Yongzhu had initially thought that, due to returning to Chicheng, she couldn’t participate in the wedding send-off.

Plus, over the past few months, the sisters Song Chongjuan had diligently managed the household, without seeking credit or power, significantly reducing Wang Yongzhu’s troubles.

She planned to leave a substantial dowry for her, as a gesture of regard.

However, the groom’s family’s grandmother was reportedly too excited upon hearing about such a huge happy event with the in-laws, that she suffered a stroke. Although through Song Family’s connections an Imperial Physician was sent for treatment, it was in vain, and she eventually passed away.

In this case, since the groom is not an only grandson, and his parents are still alive, they need to observe mourning for three years. They can’t possibly organize a wedding with mourning clothes on, can they?

This wedding might get postponed for three years.

It was not a big issue for Song Chongjuan, though. Girls from the Duke Weiguo Residence no longer had a hard time finding a match. Also, considering her age, getting married three years later wasn’t a concern.

Moreover, in such situations, if the bride is older and can’t wait, breaking off the engagement and finding a new match midway is common.

So, the groom’s family was quite anxious because, from the start, marrying into the Song Family was considered reaching above their station.

Now, the situation worsens as the wedding is delayed, and there’s a risk of the bride not waiting and possibly breaking off the engagement!

With the grandmother’s passing, the groom’s father naturally must observe mourning. If they lose this strong in-law backing, how will they restore their official positions after mourning?

As a result, the groom’s family was like ants on a hot pan.

Several times they sent the matchmaker to express their stance, apologetic for marrying three years later, but assuring that they will make it up by doubling the dowry, or letting the bride become the household manager, etc.

Furthermore, they even promised that if Song Chongjuan waited three years to marry them, once Song Chongjin had a son, the groom’s family would never take concubines.

The dowry and household management offers were acceptable, but this last promise stirred the hearts of Song Chongjuan and Maternal Aunt Meng.

After a few days of consideration, they sought Wang Yongzhu’s opinion.

Wang Yongzhu wouldn’t make any suggestions on this matter, only assuring that no matter what Song Chongjuan decided, she would fully support her.

If she wanted to break off the engagement, it could be handled properly, and later they could ask the Empress to grant a good match.

If she didn’t want to break off, that was fine too. Since Lady Gao was unwell and no one was managing affairs in the mansion.

If left to Little Lady Hou, she probably wouldn’t manage it well.

Leaving it to the Concubine wouldn’t sound proper. The Song Chongjuan sisters were the most suitable. Song Chongjuan was of age; Song Chongxiu was too young and couldn’t handle matters.

If Song Chongjuan stayed in the Song Family for another three years, it would be perfect.

So, Song Chongjuan was sent back to consider.

After a few days, Song Chongjuan indeed took the groom’s promise seriously and decided to stay home to manage household affairs for a few more years.

Since Song Chongjuan made her choice, Wang Yongzhu was naturally pleased.

With things arranged in the Capital City, as Gu Changqing had said, the Emperor issued an edict, commanding the Minister of the Imperial Granaries to dispatch agricultural officials, and some officials to specifically investigate and supervise trade routes, escorted by guards and assigned soldiers, altogether to escort Lady Dingguo back to Chicheng.

Coming lightly on the way, going back became a grand fleet.

Three official ships, along with attached merchant ships and others, set off on a clear and sunny day—