Chapter 71: Jiang Congyan Lowered Her Eyes, Her Dark Lashes…

Chapter 71 Jiang Congyan lowered her gaze, her dark lashes casting shadows on her face...

"Miss, are you thirsty or hungry? Should I have someone prepare some food?" A Fei, seeing the young lady lying in bed with her eyes tightly closed, looking utterly despondent, couldn't help but offer some advice.

The young lady had barely eaten anything during the day yesterday, and she hadn't had time for dinner before going to the royal tent. Now, a whole day had passed, and it was high time she ate something, especially since her health wasn't particularly robust. The old divine doctor Zhang had emphasized the importance of proper nourishment, and eating well was crucial for her recovery.

A Fei couldn't help but blame the Prince of Mobei in her heart. Knowing how delicate the young lady was, he still managed to exhaust her so much, as if everyone were as strong as an ox like him.

Though it was a bit disrespectful to think this way, A Fei consoled herself with the thought that he would never find out.

Jiang Congyan covered her forehead, her features scrunching up in a way that was both pitiful and adorable.

Her waist and legs were unbearably sore, but thinking about the tasks ahead, and the fact that lying in bed all day wasn't appropriate, she had no choice but to let A Fei help her up.

After a while, she tentatively placed her feet on the ground, her thighs trembling from the soreness, but she forced herself to endure it.

She didn't bother to check the state of her body, knowing full well that he must have left her in a mess.

A Fei brought over a light green silk robe, simple in design with minimal embroidery and no pearls or tassels, focusing solely on comfort and a fresh color.

Jiang Congyan glanced at it and immediately understood her thoughtfulness.

Both A Chun and A Fei, her maidservants, had been personally trained by Ruo Lan and had been with her for several years. They knew her habits and preferences well, and without needing much instruction, they could arrange everything according to her wishes.

A Chun was more assertive and could handle situations well, while A Fei was gentler but equally meticulous in her work, making her just as capable.

Jiang Congyan, supporting her sore limbs, managed to wash up and dress, then slowly made her way to the dining room. A Fei waved her hand, and two young maidservants brought in the meal.

There was a bowl of millet porridge with rock sugar, a bowl of small wontons, and a small plate of thumb-sized soup dumplings and side dishes.

Perhaps due to exhaustion, despite being very hungry, she had little appetite. After eating a few wontons and two dumplings, she put down her chopsticks.

"Miss, please eat a bit more," A Fei urged with concern.

Jiang Congyan reluctantly took a couple more sips of the porridge but couldn't eat any more.

"It's getting late, and dinner isn't far off. I've had a little something, so I'll eat more in the evening."

Sighing inwardly, A Fei thought that even if she said she would eat more in the evening, it was uncertain how much she would actually consume.

Jiang Congyan then asked her to call Si Zi over.

Si Zi had trained in martial arts from a young age and wasn't raised as a typical maidservant. Her role was more akin to a page, running errands and providing some personal protection.

Recently, Jiang Congyan had been sending her on errands to communicate with Gan Luo and others about the workshop matters, which Si Zi greatly enjoyed, as her time at the Chu King's residence had been quite stifling.

Si Zi returned quickly, dismounting her horse and stopping in front of the tent. She dusted herself off before rushing in, like a young deer bounding into the room.

"Miss, you're finally awake."

Jiang Congyan: "..."

A Fei, noticing the young lady's discomfort, gave Si Zi a meaningful look. Si Zi then realized her mistake and quickly covered her mouth, her eyes wide as she cautiously looked at the young lady.

Jiang Congyan pretended nothing had happened and asked, "Has General Modolou set off?"

Si Zi nodded, "General Modolou mustered his troops yesterday evening and set off for Tumochuan at dawn today. Traveling light, he should arrive in a day."

This way, Jiang Congyan now had a clear idea in her mind.

Ruo Lan and she had a good understanding. She had replied yesterday, so Ruo Lan should have received her letter by now and would act tonight.

If it were other matters, they could wait a couple of days to ensure everything was perfect. But in farming, each additional day meant more damage to the wheat seedlings. Even if it was less than one-tenth, the lost wheat could be the lifeline for thousands of people.

Three million mu of wheat fields had been cultivated in Tumochuan, though it still looked more like grassland. Half had already died, and after Ruo Lan's intervention, only about seventy to eighty percent was saved. This meant only about one million mu of wheat would be harvested this year.

One million mu, even at the lowest estimated yield, should produce about five hundred thousand dan of wheat. At the minimum survival standard, it could sustain three hundred thousand people through the four-month winter.

In recent years, winters had been extremely cold, with snow disasters even in the south. According to experienced farmers and astrologers, this year's cold might be even worse than last year's.

Jiang Congyan only knew that during the late Liang State, natural disasters were common. However, apart from a few particularly severe disasters recorded in history books, she couldn't recall the others.

Sigh, if she had known this day would come, she should have read all the historical research about Liang State and memorized all the technological advancements of the industrial revolution. Unfortunately, if she hadn't experienced it herself, even she wouldn't have believed something as fantastical as time travel and rebirth.

So, do gods and ghosts really exist?

Ghosts exist—she herself is one. But what about gods?

Jiang Congyan's thoughts wandered for a while before she heard Si Zi say, "Miss, I ran into Lan Zhu today. She said she's very grateful for the sugar you sent her and asked when it would be convenient to come and thank you in person."

"Hmm... tomorrow, I suppose. Tell her she's welcome anytime."

"Alright, I'll tell her." Her tone was cheerful.

Jiang Congyan raised an eyebrow and teased, "That's a bit odd. You seem so happy. I didn't know you two had become so close?"

Si Zi nodded, her expression lively, and explained, "A few days ago, while I was out riding, I overheard a Xianbei person muttering something bad about me. Lan Zhu heard it and scolded him for me. That's how we became friends."

"Your Xianbei language isn't that good yet, is it? Could you understand him?"

Si Zi waved her hand dismissively, "Even though I didn't fully understand, it didn't stop us from becoming friends."

"Fair enough," Jiang Congyan chuckled.

Then Si Zi mentioned a few things about the workshop, none of which were major issues. Gan Luo could handle them herself, but she just wanted Jiang Congyan to know.

Not long after, A Chun also returned and reported to Jiang Congyan about the progress of the teaching over the past few days.

However, her expression was a bit dark, and she didn't seem to be in a good mood.

Jiang Congyan teased her, "Our teacher A Chun has returned."

A Chun shot her mistress a reproachful look.

She finally understood why the teachers in Liangzhou had such short tempers. Yesterday, she taught them five characters, and when she tested them today, they were lucky if they could write one correctly.

"Miss, perhaps you should hire a few teachers from Liangzhou," A Chun said, somewhat petulantly.

Jiang Congyan laughed, "Are you giving up so soon? You're still young. This is a good opportunity to temper your patience. There might be even more frustrating things in the future."

A Chun sensed something in her words, "Miss, do you have some plans?"

Jiang Congyan shook her head, "Just focus on what you're doing now. You'll know when the time comes."

A Chun guessed that her mistress must be planning something big and quickly regained her composure.

Jiang Congyan had once helped her grandfather establish an official school in Liangzhou, admitting students regardless of their background. However, all the students were men. She had also tried to set up a school for women, but only wealthy noblewomen attended, and their numbers were few. This was simply the reality of the times.

Yet, she still desired to bring about some changes.

Among her subordinates, especially those who had been with her for a long time, many were literate, especially several of her maidservants. Although their level of literacy certainly couldn't compare to that of scholars, it was enough to teach basic literacy and arithmetic at an elementary level.

She wasn't seeking depth; instead, she believed the more basic education, the better.

However, the most pressing matter at the moment was how to safeguard Liangzhou and herself from the impending chaos in a few years. Most of the manpower and resources were still funneled into workshops and the military. As for the rest, it depended on whether the opportunity presented itself.

It was uncommon for everyone to gather together, and several maidservants chattered around Jiang Congyan, creating a harmonious atmosphere. Just then, a tall figure gradually approached and appeared at the entrance of the tent.

Tuo Baxiao had arrived.

The lively atmosphere in the tent seemed to freeze instantly. The maidservants immediately fell silent, staring in awe as Tuo Baxiao approached.

They had been sitting around the lady, but upon the Prince of Mobei's approach, they quickly stood and made way.

Tuo Baxiao appeared to completely disregard them. From the moment he entered the tent, his gaze locked onto Jiang Congyan's face, then he boldly took a seat opposite her.

With a single glance, the atmosphere shifted.

The maidservants stood awkwardly, rooted to the spot. Even the usually carefree Si Zi sensed the underlying tension. Exchanging glances, they simultaneously turned to Jiang Congyan, as if by unspoken agreement. "My lady, we shall take our leave now."

Jiang Congyan parted her lips slightly but remained silent.

After the maidservants departed, the tent grew even quieter.

It was still early, and the warm light seeped through the window grilles, drifting softly in the air.

The man was near, and Jiang Congyan could almost sense the heat radiating from his sturdy form, more intense than the summer's warmth, wrapping around her entirely, suffocatingly close.

She truly wished to avoid him. Last night had drained her, but as she was the one at fault, she couldn't show her irritation and chose silence instead.

Jiang Congyan lowered her eyes, her lashes dark and her cheeks pale.

Tuo Baxiao had been satisfied once, so he should have been calm today. But seeing her like this, he felt the urge again, his throat tightening.

"When did you wake up?"

"An hour ago," she said indifferently, still not looking up.

He knew she was extremely tired and needed more sleep, but this was even more than he had expected.

Tuo Baxiao coughed dryly, feeling somewhat uneasy for once, after all, it was his fault that she was so tired.

But she was so beautiful, how could he resist getting close to her? Especially since she had been unusually compliant last night, doing whatever he wanted...

Remembering last night, Tuo Baxiao's gaze gradually shifted downward, finally landing on her legs. Although they were now covered by her dress, he knew how shapely they were.

At that time, her dress hadn't been removed, only her undergarments had been pulled down, revealing a pair of smooth, straight jade-like legs. He had held her ankles on his shoulders, and at a glance, he could see the flower blooming amidst layers of red silk, and then he crushed it...

Jiang Congyan, seeing that he hadn't spoken for a long time, was somewhat puzzled and finally looked up at him, only to find his gaze fixed on one spot—her legs.

That kind of look was clearly not a decent one.

"..."

Damn man!