Springtime Farming: A Happy Wife At Home - Chapter 2031: Settlement

Chapter 2031: Settlement

Shao Yunduan stood dumbfounded upon hearing of the Crown Prince’s demise and the Emperor’s passing.

Surveying the unfolding chaos, he couldn’t help but heave a heavy sigh.

The power struggle among the three princes was far beyond the purview of a local magistrate like himself. Shao Yunduan counted himself fortunate to have requested a transfer away from the capital and the tumult of the Central Plain.

Equally bewildered was Qiao Xuan. The sudden and unbelievable turn of events left her reeling.

It felt as though she had been abruptly thrust from a peaceful existence into a semi-mad world, trapped in a surreal nightmare.

Never in her wildest dreams did she envision experiencing such turmoil firsthand.

The shock of it all lingered for days, leaving Qiao Xuan feeling adrift in disbelief.

Sensing her distress, Shao Yunduan offered words of comfort, urging her not to fret.

Qiao Xuan grappled with a complex mix of emotions, finding it difficult to articulate her thoughts. But with Shao Yunduan’s support, she gradually found solace.

In the end, she resolved to take each day as it came, accepting the unpredictable twists of fate.

Given their circumstances, Qiao Xuan contemplated her options.

Acknowledging that neither she nor Shao Yunduan held authority over the unfolding events, she recognized the power of her own abilities. Compared to many others, she possessed considerable strength. However, the lingering sense of uncertainty and insecurity gnawed at her, casting a shadow over her peace of mind.

Regardless of who ultimately emerged victorious in the power struggle, she echoed her husband’s sentiment, hoping they wouldn’t seek retribution against him. That assurance alone would suffice.

Meanwhile, Shao Yunduan took charge, leading Qiao Xuan, Anan, Sun Bai, Sun Qian, and others to the secluded intermediate area behind the state government office. There, they began compiling a list of individuals in need of protection.

On one front, Shao Yunduan sought to reassure the populace, while on another, he tasked Sun Bai, Sun Qian, Jia Heming, Zheng Sangge, and others with maintaining security and conducting patrols.

Despite the tumultuous events unfolding beyond their control, Shao Yunduan remained steadfast in his determination to ensure the people of Anze Province could continue to live in peace.

Observing his efforts, the initial fear and confusion among the common folk gradually abated.

Indeed, while the princes battled for supremacy in the capital and the Central Plains, Anze Province remained largely unaffected.

With Lord Shao at the helm, there was a sense of reassurance among the populace.

As long as Lord Shao remained, ensuring their continued well-being, everything would be alright!

Regardless of the outcome of the power struggle in the capital, it mattered little to the residents of Anze Province.

Despite being the weakest contender among the three princes, the Third Prince wielded considerable influence as a member of the orthodox intermediate palace. Securing the strategic location of Jinan and swiftly seizing control of the eldest son’s territory before the Fourth Prince could react, he effectively cut off the northern canal route, halting all northbound ship traffic.

Moreover, strict prohibitions were placed on southern carriages entering the capital.

Given that the capital heavily relied on the Grand Canal for transportation of vital resources, the Third Prince’s blockade caused immediate strain. With merchants exacerbating the situation by hoarding goods and waiting for prices to soar, panic gripped the capital’s populace. Fluctuating prices and widespread anxiety plagued the citizens on a daily basis.

For the Fourth Prince, managing these crises alone proved to be a monumental task, diverting attention and resources away from any potential offensive against the Third Prince.

It appeared that determining a victor in the short term was a daunting prospect indeed.