The princess was ordained by Heaven.

Chapter 106 Learning

Wang Ergou's eyes darted around, and he quickly asked, "Did the princess come here specifically to give you any instructions?"

Zheng Xun nodded, took two steps back, and looked at his clothes.

The more he looked, the more his brows furrowed.

Wang Ergou was stared at so intently that he froze, his body stiff as if petrified.

Why are they dressed so shabbily? Haven't they received their salaries yet? Oh well, once the taxes and silver from their fiefdoms arrive this year, I'll give them a raise.

But is the Dayong royal family destined to be poor? How did she become so destitute?

Zheng Xun sighed inwardly, but said nothing, only telling him to go wash his hands first.

After he quickly washed himself clean, Zheng Xun took him to buy a clean and tidy set of clothes.

When Wang Ergou saw her take out her meager amount of silver to pay the bill, he was moved to tears: "Princess, your subject..."

Zheng Xun glanced at him.

Wang Ergou quickly changed his mind: "I'll do it myself."

He was clearly experienced in paying bills, and quickly stuffed the silver into the shopkeeper's hand.

Xiang Chen was incredibly envious.

He didn't think there was no future in following the princess just because she was poor; he only saw that the princess still spent money on her subordinates even though she herself didn't have any.

Is this the status of the earliest elders who followed the princess?

Zheng Xun was finally satisfied after seeing that Wang Ergou had tidied himself up.

Zheng Xun led the two to Jiang Weiguo's residence.

She didn't give any advance warning, and thankfully she didn't, because that's why she witnessed such a good show.

"Jiang Weiguo, come out here, let's fight one-on-one!"

Xu Ru was stopped outside Jiang Weiguo's residence and jumped around provocatively.

There were several officials nearby who seemed to be trying to break up the fight but were actually just watching the show: "Oh dear, Scholar Xu, Jiang Weiguo used to be a fearsome killer on the battlefield. What makes you so upset that you want to fight him one-on-one?"

Xu Ru remained silent for a moment, then stubbornly insisted, "This concerns a man's dignity! I'm not afraid of him!"

"Then why are you backing away?"

"I just think he's too cowardly. Since he can't get the words out anyway, let's talk about it tomorrow."

"What time is it tomorrow? We'll come and support you."

Xu Ru didn't answer and ran away very fast.

After everyone had left, Zheng Xun brought Wang Ergou to the door.

"Princess……"

Zheng Xun told him the purpose of the trip on the way, so he was a little nervous.

Zheng Xun turned around and smiled at him: "Don't worry."

When Jiang Weiguo learned that Zheng Xun had arrived, he quickly came out of his residence to greet him.

Once the group was seated, Zheng Xun asked directly, "Lord Jiang, I have a promising young talent here. Would you be interested?"

Jiang Weiguo was preoccupied with "how to win over Rui Rui," and he didn't care about Wang Ergou's qualifications at all. He only wanted to get close to Zheng Xun, so he just glanced at Wang Ergou and said, "Good! This young man looks energetic!"

Wang Ergou was excited and thrilled: "General Jiang! I've heard about your Battle of Renshui for a long time, but I never thought I'd get to meet you one day!"

Jiang Weiguo stroked his beard: "Good boy, from now on you will follow me. I will teach you, and I guarantee that you will be able to stand on your own in the future."

He understood clearly that it didn't matter whether Wang Ergou was mediocre or talented; as long as he was the princess's man, many people would want to teach him.

He took him in for two reasons: first, to build a good relationship with the princess, and second, to pursue Rui Rui.

So even if he is rotten wood, he will still carve him into a flower.

However, Wang Ergou did not understand Zheng Xun's status in the Dayong court; he was simply proud because he had gotten close to the hero he once admired.

"Then you will live here from now on. Be sure to study hard under Lord Jiang. I look forward to the day you complete your studies."

Wang Ergou solemnly cupped his hands in greeting: "Yes, Your Highness, I will certainly live up to your expectations."

Jiang Weiguo said at the opportune moment, "I'll have someone show you around the mansion first. Find a place you like to stay, and you'll officially begin your studies with me tomorrow."

He didn't mention the matter of becoming an apprentice, and Wang Ergou also wisely kept quiet about it, knowing that this was an attempt to get rid of him. He then discreetly followed the steward away.

After he left, Jiang Weiguo looked at Zheng Xun expectantly, his face full of flattery: "Princess, I have heard that you are a master strategist. I would like to ask you to tell my fortune."

Zheng Xun took a sip of tea and casually said, "Tell me about it."

"Princess, I would like to have my fortune told."

Zheng Xun: ...

Well, it's not that surprising.

"Including you and Miao Rui?"

"Your Highness is incredibly resourceful; what should I do?"

"It's actually very simple. First, you need to show her qualities that are different from Xu Ru's. Second, you must let her know that being with you will not affect Xu Zhen. Third, you need to be sincere and not do anything fancy."

Zheng Xun paused, his expression suddenly becoming more serious: "Lord Jiang, you are a pillar of the Great Yong Dynasty, and you share the burdens of the emperor's life. Regardless of your relationship with Miao Rui and Xu Ru, you must do your duty well. Public affairs come first, understand?"

Jiang Weiguo solemnly cupped his hands in greeting: "Your humble servant understands."

After handing the man over to Jiang Weiguo, Zheng Xun left with Xiang Chen.

Afterwards, she went to the Azure Dragon Guard and spoke to Commander Li about Xiang Chen. This time, the latter had no objections whatsoever. It was just the Azure Dragon Guard; the Emperor had spoken. It might be difficult for others to get the man, but it was no problem for Zheng Xun to have him.

……

After that, the court officials became even busier, and there were far fewer people causing trouble. Even the Fifth Prince was exhausted every day, like a dead dog, and had no desire to cause any more trouble.

After two peaceful months, Doctor Yuan helped Jianyang recover and resumed his travels. Zheng Jiao wrote two letters back, the piglets on the estate grew strong and healthy, and a new batch of seeds was sown on the farm. After the autumn harvest, the taxes from the fiefdom came in, along with tributes from officials in various places, which finally resolved her financial crisis.

Also, the daughter of the Imperial Medical Academy Director, who is skilled in detoxification, has finally returned.

The emperor patiently allowed the man to rest for a day before summoning him before him.

Unlike the female doctor Zheng Xun had in mind, Zhao Lingyin was in her thirties, looked somewhat listless, had dark circles under her eyes, a weak voice, and a somewhat wooden face.

The emperor, who was initially anxious, couldn't help but ask with concern when he saw her like this: "Miss Zhao, did you not get enough rest last night?"

Zhao Lingyin yawned slightly, then was kicked back by Chief Zhao: "Zhao Lingyin, be more alert! You're facing the Emperor!"

Zhao Lingyin didn't argue with her father and lazily gave a curtsy.

Zheng Xun rested his chin on his hand and looked at her: "Miss Lingyin, would you like to rest a little longer?"

Zhao Lingyin looked up at her, her gaze a little dazed, then suddenly reached out and pinched her cheek. After pinching it, she smiled contentedly and foolishly: "So soft!"

Dean Zhao knelt down with a "plop".

He was feeling a bit dizzy, and he kept feeling that with his daughter around, he was likely to meet a bad end.

The emperor told him to rise, then hesitated and said, "Miss Lingyin..."

He pointed to his head and then gave him a questioning look.

Chief Zhao quickly replied, "Your Majesty, rest assured, Lingyin's abilities are beyond doubt!"