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Madam Shen glanced at Rong Shu and said, "Are you afraid that the Mu family will suffer a defeat?"

The Mu family had been guarding Datong Prefecture for generations, a crucial stronghold among the thirteen border cities of Great Yin that frequently suffered incursions from the Tatars. Rong Shu chose to establish a horse ranch in Datong, and should he indeed breed horses, it was likely that the Mu family's army in Datong would be prioritized for supply.

"Nijing's thoughts ran deep, but above all, as a subject of Great Yin, it mattered most that I could contribute something with my own abilities. Only then would my life in this world truly have meaning."

"Was my coming to this world in vain, then?" Madam Shen teased with a smile. "I didn't know I raised a filial child with a heart for the world! Very well, if that's what you wish, go ahead. Even if you end up with nothing, your mother will still take care of you."

After pondering for a moment, he continued, "The current emperor is a wise ruler. At the beginning of the dynasty, he implemented the Horse Preservation Law, reduced taxes and burdens, and encouraged the common people to raise horses. The Mu family has deep roots in Datong Prefecture. If you want to establish a horse ranch, it is indeed feasible."

This tale dates back to times long past.

During the final years of Jiande, when Prince Qiyuan was in charge of the kingdom as regent, Great Yin was embattled on all sides by external foes and plagued by internal strife.

After the princes' siege on the capital, vying for the throne in the Throne Room, much of the military strength was depleted. The borders of Great Yin found themselves in dire straits, lacking provisions, horses, and troops.

Emperor Jiayou, in the early days of his reign, sensed the imminent crisis at the borders. He sought ways to increase revenue and reduce expenditure to finance the troops. Amidst the turmoil, he introduced new laws, one of which was the Horse Preservation Law. This decree formally recognized horse administration as a vital aspect of governance in Great Yin.

Warhorses represented the number of cavalry, the backbone of any army's combat power.

Now, the Pasture Protection Law has been in place for two decades, and while it can't be considered a resounding success, it has indeed led to a significant increase in the number of horses owned by civilians.

Of course, these horses cannot compare to the well-trained warhorses, but given Great Yin's dire shortage of equines, they will have to suffice.

Rong Shu's desire to establish a horse ranch also stems from a deep personal motive.

In the late spring of Jiayou 23rd year, thousands of warhorses in Datong Prefecture fell victim to an outbreak of equine plague. The Tatars took advantage of this vulnerability to launch an invasion, nearly seizing Datong.

Emperor Jiayou was enraged and promptly ordered the Imperial Stable Bureau to mobilize warhorses from the thirteen northern states to reinforce Datong.

Should Rong Shu present Datong with thousands of civilian horses comparable to warhorses during this critical moment, it would be a great service to the empire. She craved that accolade.

This would be a safety net for both her mother and herself.

"That's settled then. Nijing will return to the capital in May. By then, I'll hand over the silver to her. Knowing my intentions to start a horse ranch, she might be overjoyed."

Mu Nijing is a courageous and spirited daughter of a military family, sharing a strong rapport with Rong Shu.

Born into the Mu family, a long line of military commanders who have always defended Datong, the Mu clan's sons have all returned to their homeland wrapped in battle armor, having given their lives in service. Generations of the Mu family have amassed countless military merits.

In the 14th year of Jiayou, Mu Nijing's father, uncles, and several elder brothers were ambushed and fell in battle by the Tatar state preceptor on the battlefield.

The entire Mu family was left with only two surviving heirs: Mu Nijing and her elder brother, Mu Rong.

Emperor Jiayou specially bestowed upon Mu Nijing the title of Danzhu County Princess, allowing her to command a hundred personal guards.

Such an honor was unparalleled in the capital city.

Among the noblewomen of the capital, many aspired to be bosom friends with the County Princess Danzhu, but Mu Nijing's character was too strong-willed; numerous noblewomen soon retreated after a few days of interaction with her.

Only Rong Shu could truly be considered her bosom friend.

Their friendship actually began at a spring banquet when they were both fifteen years old.

Back then, Rong Shu was ridiculed for managing her family's shop, with people mocking that "dragons beget dragons, phoenixes beget phoenixes, and rats' offspring dig holes."

These words happened to reach Nijing's ears, and she promptly drew her long whip, striking apart the tables beside those who had spoken ill of Rong Shu.

"If everyone in Great Yin were to strive to earn money for taxes instead of idling away their days sipping tea and gossiping, our border soldiers wouldn't have to fight hungry and clothed in thin garments."

Mu Nijing's title as County Princess was bestowed by Emperor Jia You himself. In the capital, besides princesses, all other noble ladies had to show her respect when they met her.

Of course, these ladies dared not express their anger openly.

The borders of Great Yin were in crisis, with the Tatars and Jurchens attacking from the north, and the Di Luo nations causing turmoil along the southern coast. In addition, natural disasters had been occurring relentlessly in recent years, resulting in tax revenues that barely covered expenses – precisely as Mu Nijing had predicted.

What could they dare to refute?

From then on, no one dared to mock Rong Shu so openly.

Upon hearing that County Princess Dan Zhu had whipped someone in anger because of her, Rong Shu sent a message to the Mu family, asking if Mu Nijing would like to join her in starting a business, with a share of the profits to be given to her.

Rong Shu had initially intended to repay a favor and had not thought about building a friendship or becoming close friends with Mu Nijing.

However, Mu Nijing proved to be straightforward. She brought all her assets to the Cheng'an Marquis Estate to look for Rong Shu.

Only after seeing Mu Nijing's private savings did Rong Shu realize that this County Princess Dan Zhu was truly penniless. Originally, she planned to give her a 20% profit share, but upon seeing how destitute she was, Rong Shu softened her heart and offered 30%.

On the day Mu Nijing received her share of the profits, she carried a jar of fiery liquor and came to tell Rong Shu, "Miss Rong, you are now my Goddess of Wealth, Mu Nijing."

It left Rong Shu feeling both amused and exasperated, but it also solidified their close friendship.

Madam Shen couldn't help remarking, "Back then, you used to tell Mother that at the age of twenty, you'd go to Datong Prefecture to seek refuge with the county princess. Now that you've divorced, are you planning to revive that old aspiration and head to Datong?"

Indeed, Rong Shu had been contemplating this idea, but it could only come to fruition after her return from Yangzhou. Moreover, she needed to devise a way to persuade her mother to join her, ideally before her mother could smoothly divorce her father.

Upon reflection, there were still many tasks to accomplish.

In the following days, Rong Shu was kept busy. On the first day of April, Madam Shen had to settle accounts at several shops on Changan Avenue, and Rong Shu accompanied her.

The carriage passed through the city gates and proceeded directly towards Changan Avenue.

"Yuanzhu County Princess is due to return by the end of the month," Madam Shen said, fanning herself. "You should visit those two shops and settle the accounts. Sort out her share of the profits too."

Rong Shu had been so occupied with sorting through the old accounts of the Marquis Manor that she had entirely forgotten about this matter. Mu Nijing had invested in Rong Shu's two most profitable shops – a silk shop on Changan Avenue and a gold dealership on Changtai Street.