Allure of a Country Maiden-Chapter 429 - 427

"How exactly did Brother Di treat Miss Li in the past?" Ming Jingya asked curiously as she looked at the two.

A poem of a desire to grow old with deep affection wasn’t also written for Miss Li, was it?

With this in mind, Ming Jingya looked at Di Shaowei once more.

Di Shaowei instantly understood the meaning in her look.

"No, definitely not what you’re thinking!" Di Shaowei protested, waving his hand and shaking his head.

Feeling like a glaring third wheel, Xiao’er stood up and decided to leave them alone to address their issues.

"I have to attend to something at the beauty salon, you guys carry on talking!"

Di Shaowei tried to keep Xiao’er around to speak on his behalf, but she gave him a look that said ’best of luck,’ and then left him there.

A relationship between two people might initially require some external assistance, but once their hands are held, in the world of love, it only takes two; a third party interfering is unnecessary.

Xiao’er went out to the bustling streets filled with people everywhere.

As soon as Xiao’er stepped out of the shop, Zhao Yong drove his carriage up to her, "Are you returning to the mansion, miss?"

"First, let’s take a look at the beauty salon’s renovation. Afterward, we’ll head to the flower and herb fields in the suburbs."

"Alright." Zhao Yong was thrilled to hear about the flower field, where his two boys were staying.

Xiao’er was preparing to open a beauty salon in the Imperial City, which was currently under renovation. The location was previously owned by General Dingyuan, who later faced the confiscation and sale of his property after the extermination of his family. Xiao’er had bought two of his shops and the beauty salon was being built from the ground up on these sites.

It was about time to make use of the Rainbow Immortal Lotus and the waters of Fairy Lake.

She had recruited a few high-achieving young girls from Zhixin Academy who were eager to work in her beauty salon.

Every day she continued to set aside time to teach the students skincare and beauty techniques, as well as the skills and knowledge necessary for providing massages and applying makeup.

Xiao’er also had her housekeeper buy a dozen more maids, whom she taught how to make cosmetics.

She also hired several experienced female workers who had previously worked at Huayuemiang, and were familiar with the making of cosmetics and skincare products.

All these people had taken the Loyalty Powder, so Xiao’er could teach them everything she knew without worrying about them leaking the formulas and production methods.

While some of the ingredients for the cosmetics came from her flower and herb fields, others were taken from her pocket dimension, and the last lot were purchased from elsewhere.

By the time the staff had mastered their duties and the beauty salon renovation was done, they were ready to open.

Xiao’er made an inspection of the beauty salon’s work-in-progress which was being completed according to the plan, after confirming there weren’t any problems, she then set off to the outskirts of the city.

She planned to have the flower and herb farmers plant more roses, aloe vera, Centella, knotweed, Scutellaria, licorice, and rosemary leaves. Extracts from these plants were very beneficial for the skin, and plant-based extracts are safe and reliable.

There were quite a lot of pedestrians on the streets of the Imperial City today; the carriage had to make frequent stops.

Xiao’er lifted the curtain to look outside and asked, "Zhao Yong, there seem to be a lot more refugees in the city today. Where did they come from?"

"This year, there were floods in many places in the south, and it was reported that a village had an epidemic which spread. Many people ran away out of fear of being infected. I guess these people must have come from the south. If they really are refugees from there, I don’t think we will be able to leave the city as the gates would have been closed to prevent the disease from spreading to the city residents."

"More floods?!" Xiao’er’s eyebrows furrowed, it felt like it rained too much during this era.

"Every rainy season, some regions will inevitably get flooded. This happens year after year. It’s just that not every year will there be an epidemic or a flood so severe that people need to evacuate. Many times, the water level recedes overnight, leaving little impact. This year’s situation looks quite similar to a few years ago and seems quite serious." Having traveled extensively across several regions to carry out assignments, Zhao Yong had an exceptional understanding of the situation.

In modern times, despite the presence of water conservancy projects and the management of river channels, the devastation caused by floods is still severe. Only major floods that occur once every ten or so years result in significant damage to people’s lives and property.

"Then please take me back to the mansion first, Zhao Yong. These days, keep watch over the flower field for me. I’m worried that the panic-stricken public might damage the flower field."

Upon hearing these words, Zhao Yong was touched. Generally, refugees wouldn’t just vandalize at random, but in case there was any unrest, his lady’s instructions were for him to protect his own children. It was reassuring.

"There are so many flower farmers in the flower field, and many people aren’t pushovers. You don’t need to worry, Miss. It’s my duty to act as your coachman and ensure your safety."

"The city is so chaotic, I won’t go out for the next few days. Besides, we have Yang Liu, Yang Mei, and the hidden guards, what are you worried about? You are there to help protect the flowers in my field. These flowers are of great significance to me. Each stalk represents a silver coin! If we lose one, I’ll have you repay it in full!" Xiao’er joked.

After considering it, Zhao Yong agreed.

When Xiao’er returned to the mansion, Shen Chengyao was already there. Given the recent floods in the south, and in his capacity as the Vice-Minister for the Ministry of Works, the Emperor had assigned him and another official from the same ministry to head south together. They were to help local officials with the relief effort and come up with a comprehensive flood control plan.

The entire family was in the main hall, discussing this issue.

"Dad, it seems that there is an epidemic in the South. You should bring more herbs with you."

Mrs. Liu became more worried upon hearing this, "There’s an epidemic in the south? What if you get infected while going there this time! Ah! No, no, no, I shouldn’t have said that, it will not happen! It will not happen!"

Mrs. Liu scurried to spit a few times and chided herself for uttering such words after realizing what she had said.

Shaking her head, Xiao’er reassured, "Mom, don’t worry, I’ll give dad a set of essential medicines for his journey. The medication will guarantee he won’t contract the epidemic." freёnovelkiss.com

"Yes, I will take good care of myself, don’t worry!" Shen Chengyao reassured, then thought of the refugees that had come from outside the city. "My dear, a lot of refugees have come to the outskirts of the city. Starting tomorrow, we should also start setting up stalls to provide porridge for them. The Government Office will also be providing porridge, but with so many people and so little porridge, we should also do our bit to help."

Xiao’er had thought about this matter on her way home. After some deliberation, she suggested, "There will be many people providing porridge tomorrow, let’s delay it from our side for a few days. That way, those people won’t end up without any food later on."

After some contemplation, Shen Chengyao agreed. Staggering the porridge distribution times would be more beneficial for the people.

After significant contemplation, Jing Rui spoke, "Father, let me go south with you tomorrow!"