Springtime Farming: A Happy Wife At Home - Chapter 2034: The Fourth Prince's Awkwardness

Chapter 2034: The Fourth Prince’s Awkwardness

Indeed, not only was the Fourth Prince rebuffed, but the Northwest Army remained unmoved by his overtures.

As news of this defiance spread, a subtle shift occurred in the hearts of the populace.

The once unassailable authority of the royal family and the emperor quietly crumbled…

Suddenly, it seemed to everyone that even the emperor and his kin were merely ordinary.

Complicating matters further was the deliberate and inadvertent entanglement of the second prince in the conflict in Jinan. The war evolved into a protracted struggle with no end in sight.

In the capital, the fourth prince’s grip on power steadily waned. Among the trio of princes, his position grew increasingly precarious.

While he held the title of heir apparent, he remained the last in line for the throne.

Although Beijing stood as their stronghold, its sustenance relied heavily on supplies from Jiangnan and the Central Plains. Deprived of these vital resources, Beijing’s survival seemed uncertain.

However, with the Third Prince ensnared in Jinan and the Second Prince entrenched in Xiangyang, the Fourth Prince’s influence in the northwest dwindled. His jurisdiction spanned Hebei, Shanxi, Henan, and Shaanxi, yet these regions yielded meager harvests, offering little solace amidst the mounting challenges.

Jiangnan, once teeming with prosperity and abundant resources, found itself isolated as the Grand Canal fell under the control of the Third Prince. Fearful of igniting further conflict and subjecting their people to suffering, officials dared not venture into the region, preferring to hunker down and pray that war would spare their territories.

In this climate of uncertainty, local administrators like Shao Yunduan and Qiao Xuan shared the sentiment of seeking refuge from the storm.

Anze Province, situated in a remote corner, seized upon the opportunity presented by the ongoing strife. Recognizing that the conflict showed no signs of abating, they resolved to carry on with their duties despite the tumultuous times.

However, Shao Yunduan remained vigilant, issuing orders for heightened surveillance and patrols to thwart any incursions by suspicious individuals into Anze Province. Disorder was strictly forbidden, with severe punishment promised for transgressors.

Despite the chaos engulfing the realm, the 17 towns within Anze Province continued to thrive.

The local populace understood that figures like Madam Shao, Young Master Le Zheng, and Young Master Zhao would continue purchasing goods as usual, providing a semblance of stability amidst the turmoil.

In response to the internal discord, the Yuezheng Family bolstered their ranks with additional servants, including Zhao Shu. Skilled martial artists found themselves in high demand, their expertise invaluable in safeguarding business interests and ensuring the safety of merchants amid the precarious conditions of civil strife.

Amidst the chaos of war, officials had little time or inclination to meddle in the affairs of others. Those unfortunate enough to fall victim to robbery could only lament their misfortune, for seeking recourse from the government often led to disappointment or even extortion.

Thankfully, the conflict had not engulfed vast swaths of territory. While tension hung thick in the air, the economy continued to function relatively unimpeded, with the flow of goods remaining steady.

For the bold and resourceful, there were ample opportunities to increase their wealth.

Despite the upheaval, Qiao Xuan had made it a habit to visit Liuhe Manor to assess the situation and stay for a few days. This year was no exception, despite the circumstances.

Shao Yunduan, sharing the state of affairs with Jia Heming, accompanied her on this journey.