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In addition to offering Lu Youqing reassurance, the Eldest Princess also sent her a letter of introduction—an admission pass to Bailu Academy in Jinzhou, allowing her to seek instruction there upon arrival.
It was clear that the Eldest Princess not only paid close attention to Lu Youqing's progress in the imperial examinations, but also understood their needs. A person like that possessed boundless personal charisma—it was no wonder so many were willing to work for her.
Lu Youqing gently traced the surface of the letter as though handling a rare treasure, her expression complex.
Back when she was confined to the inner chambers, she had already heard countless tales of the Eldest Princess's exploits, filling her with admiration and curiosity for this legendary woman. When news came of the Eldest Princess's victorious return to the capital, she had even secretly gone with friends to peer out from an inn window, hoping to glimpse her in person.
Clad in silver armor, the Eldest Princess had sat astride her horse, her posture upright, her expression dignified, her gaze sharp and resolute.
Such a legendary woman—and now, she had the chance to follow in her footsteps.
Qin Ke had no idea that his wife was currently swept up in a kind of fervent idol worship. He was busy counting the days on his fingers—less than two months remained before the provincial examination. At this rate, they needed to depart for Jinzhou immediately. Without guidance from a tutor, Lu Youqing had been studying behind closed doors; passing the provincial exam would be no easy task.
The affairs at home also needed careful arrangement. With time pressing, Qin Ke hurried out.
Fortunately, the crops had already been planted in stages. What remained was careful tending, and once the weather turned cold, maintaining proper temperatures with fire.
That work required attentiveness, so he planned to recruit mostly women.
It happened to be the slack season in farming. As soon as word spread that Qin Ke was hiring, people crowded his doorstep to apply.
"Qin Ke, you used to come play at my house when you were little—don't forget that!"
"What are you trying to pull? If it's about hiring labor, it should go to the strongest. Who in the village is sturdier than me?"
…
Qin Ke raised his hand and called out, "Everyone, quiet down. I understand what you're saying. Let's do this—if you're interested, go register with Nanqiao first. I'll notify you once decisions are made."
These days, villagers had earned a good deal of money working for Qin Ke, and their attitude toward him was completely different from before. Hearing his words, they immediately lined up obediently at Li Nanqiao's side to register.
Each greenhouse required a dedicated caretaker. Qin Ke had built nine greenhouses, so at minimum he needed nine people—but over thirty signed up with Li Nanqiao.
Among them were women in their forties and girls just entering their teens. Qin Ke held his brush and deliberated for a long time, asking Li Nanqiao about those he didn't know well. He prioritized those who were efficient and attentive, then selected from families in greater financial difficulty.
He also spotted members of the Qin family among the applicants. Ever since he had been released from prison, they had feared he might seek revenge. Later, learning that he had found powerful backing, they avoided him even more.
And now they wanted to crowd into his affairs?
Without a second thought, Qin Ke crossed their names off.
Additionally, villagers relied on charcoal for winter heating, and the greenhouses would require large amounts of it as well. Qin Ke had yet to find coal in this world, so charcoal was the primary option.
Since the weather had not yet turned cold, charcoal production needed to begin immediately. Fortunately, the village bordered a mountain rich in timber—supply was not a concern.
Charcoal-making techniques were already well developed in ancient times, so Qin Ke assigned this task to Lei Zhong. Han Qi simply didn't command the same authority.
Most importantly, someone was needed to oversee records of crop growth and coordinate overall management.
At this thought, Qin Ke quietly glanced at Pei Xiu, who stood expressionless nearby.
"What is it?" Pei Xiu looked up calmly. Qin Ke's obvious "asking for help" expression was hard to miss.
"Well…" Qin Ke rubbed his hands together, smiling ingratiatingly. "Steward Pei—Sister Pei—haven't you been somewhat underutilized here? Haven't these days been a bit boring?"
"Not at all. I treat it as a vacation."
Qin Ke coughed awkwardly when she didn't take the bait.
Seeing his smile grow even brighter—his white teeth gleaming in the sunlight—Pei Xiu finally curved her lips slightly. "Say it. What do you need me to do?"
"In a couple of days, my wife and I will be leaving for Jinzhou. Things at home will need someone to keep watch."
The moment he spoke, Pei Xiu understood.
"Fine."
As always, her words were concise.
Although the head of the Gu family had sent her primarily to monitor Qin Ke, after the autumn harvest she had already seen that he possessed abilities far beyond those of ordinary people.
Moreover, when Qin Ke energetically built the greenhouses earlier, she had already sent a memorial report to the family head. The reply had been clear: let him do as he wished.
She understood the implication—and the logic behind it.
Qin Ke had spent heavily to build so many greenhouses. The vegetables grown there were clearly not meant solely for personal consumption. If they were to be sold, the best outlet would naturally be the Gu family's Caiyue Pavilion.
As long as it benefited the family head, she would do it.
Qin Ke hadn't expected her to agree so readily. With matters finally settled, his spirits lifted immediately, and he happily went off to find his wife.
Lu Youqing was hardly idle herself. Besides studying, she had already packed their luggage. Looking at the two large trunks, Qin Ke leaned closer and whispered, "Is there anything you'd like me to carry?"
She knew he meant storing it in his spatial ring. After a moment's thought, she handed him the large-denomination silver notes.
So now his space was being used as a vault.
Qin Ke accepted the notes at once.
They would be traveling with others, and the fewer people who knew about his space, the better. He understood that Lu Youqing also wished to avoid drawing attention to his peculiarities—it was best used sparingly.
Still, Qin Ke liked to prepare for contingencies. In addition to secretly storing large amounts of grain in the space, he packed extra clothing and daily necessities. That way, should any unexpected situation arise, they would be ready.
Thus, after days of frantic preparation, everything was finally arranged. Qin Ke and Lu Youqing set off for Jinzhou, bringing only Li Nanqiao with them. Han Qi and Lei Zhong stayed behind to tend the potatoes and the greenhouses.
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Currently at chapter 228 for advance chapters
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