The princess was ordained by Heaven.

Chapter 161 He insisted on competing with her

Although their injuries had not yet healed, Mu Zhuo and the others did not rest for long.

Two days later, they set off.

Zheng Xun and the Crown Prince only saw them off to the city gate. Before they left, they raised their hands and bowed deeply.

The king, unaware of what they were doing, obediently followed suit and bowed.

Zheng Xun and the Crown Prince never imagined that they would be treated with such respect by the Prince of Chou.

Mu Zhuo and his companions boarded the carriage and drove away into the distance.

The crown prince, who remained where he was, couldn't help but mutter to himself, "Why is he so well-behaved?"

【What else could it be? Of course, it's because Mu Zhuo taught so well!】

Children, though unpredictable and destructive, can be easily coaxed if the right methods are used.

Because Prince Chou was obsessed with bullying people, Mu Zhuo often slandered him.

[No, that's not right. It shouldn't be called slander, but rather a wise and encouraging suggestion.]

Crown Prince: ...

Although you have double standards, the meaning of "incitement" isn't much better.

He taught the king many things... well, like how to torment people. He was like a treacherous villain who would harm others just to make the king smile, and he was bound to spoil him into becoming a great demon.

Because Mu Zhuo's actions pleased King Chou, the king was more tolerant of him, granting his small requests and often imitating him.

[Tsk tsk, the Brown Kingdom's court is truly fortunate to have received such a powerful weapon. The chaos and turmoil that's about to ensue are already foreseeable.]

In comparison, Dayong is both lucky and blessed to have such a treasure as me.

The crown prince propped his forehead up, trying to hide the helplessness on his face.

He had a premonition that if he continued listening, he would hear countless boastful remarks from Zheng Xun.

He quickly interrupted, "Yuanjia, do you have anything to do later? Do you want to come back with me?"

Zheng Xun glanced at his horse, which was tethered not far away: "We're going to Yuanxiu Academy."

The Crown Prince nodded gently and said understandingly, "Then Yuanjia should go about his business. I will help Father today."

Zheng Xun: ...

If she hadn't known he meant no harm, she probably would have thought his words were a provocation.

She knew perfectly well why the Crown Prince had become so diligent; it was all the Third Prince's fault...

If the Third Prince hadn't been her own brother, she doesn't know how foul she would have been.

It's not his fault; after all, he wasn't entirely sure of her true feelings, but the Crown Prince...

Thinking about it this way, she understood why men wanted women to stay at home.

She also hoped that the Crown Prince would stay at home, be a wealthy prince, and enjoy a life with his wife, children, and a warm bed.

Unfortunately, after the crown prince figured it out, his lost sense of responsibility returned, and now he's even more stubborn than the donkey in the production team.

With the emperor's support and his natural advantage in status, if things continue this way, unless he makes a serious mistake, his succession to the throne is a foregone conclusion.

Of course, Zheng Xun had a thousand ways to make him make a mistake, but if he did, the Crown Prince would inevitably suffer serious consequences.

After all, he's still her brother who's been very good to her; things are far from reaching that point.

Seeing that she seemed to be thinking about something, the Crown Prince did not disturb her and quietly went back to handle official business.

Zheng Xun snapped out of his reverie, put those thoughts aside, mounted his horse, and rode to Yuanxiu Academy.

This time, Zhao Xiulan was waiting to greet her at the entrance of the academy.

After Zheng Xun dismounted, he dismissed her formalities: "I know you're busy, why bother coming out to wait for me? Between us, there's no need to concern ourselves with these empty formalities."

She stepped forward and walked into the academy at a pace that Zhao Xiulan could manage.

"Did you need something from me?"

Zhao Xiulan knew she was asking a question she already knew the answer to, but she still patiently explained: "The Second Prince came to the academy yesterday. He wants to cooperate with the academy, but... he hopes that 70% of the money earned by the female workers will go to the academy. This money will be used to teach the young children to read. Moreover, he hopes that the academy will open to the poor in the future."

Zheng Xun paused, "Seventy percent? Why doesn't he just rob it?"

Zhao Xiulan's tone was momentarily indignant, but she quickly adjusted and regained her composure: "That's what I think too, but he feels that the academy provides protection for those women, so it's okay for them to pay a little more price."

Zheng Xun remained silent, his expression somewhat grave.

Zhao Xiulan waited a long time for her reply, then asked in confusion, "Princess?"

"I was just a little surprised."

She glanced at the Second Prince's information, but didn't look at it in detail.

He is usually generous and magnanimous; I never expected him to do something like this.

He's ruthless; he doesn't hold back at all when it comes to exploiting others.

Her gaze was somewhat dim: "What do you think his purpose is?"

Zheng Xun certainly wouldn't naively believe that he did this because of kindness; perhaps that was part of it, but it wouldn't be the main reason.

Zhao Xiulan secretly glanced at her face: "I suppose it's for a good reputation. She can't be as compassionate as the princess."

As for why a prince like him needed to gain the favor of the people, she didn't say it, but they all understood.

Compassionate?

Zheng Xun almost couldn't help but laugh when he heard such a glorious and righteous term.

No, not really.

She supported Yuanxiu Academy mainly to provide a place for women who were unable to survive and to give young girls an opportunity to study.

She felt sorry for their situation, but also because they naturally shared common interests with her.

Only when they develop ambition can they pave a path for women to rise above their circumstances; only when they seize power can they naturally attract her supporters.

Liberating them is also about liberating ourselves.

She hopes to create an environment where women can also have power.

Besides, doesn't she also need a good reputation?

She is tied to Yuanxiu Academy, and the more people who benefit from the academy, the more renowned her will become.

However, this is her own doing, and even if the Second Prince is her second brother, he shouldn't even think about getting involved.

Her tone unconsciously turned colder: "Should we send commoners who can't afford to study to the academy? Or should we send men who can't afford to study to the academy? There are already enough academies for them, one more won't make a difference."

What the Second Prince wanted was simply to have the academy cultivate some new forces for him, so that these people would grow up and become his right-hand men.

Although this process will take a lot of time, the emperor is still young, and he can afford to wait.

Zheng Xun did not want Yuanxiu Academy, the only place belonging to women, to be encroached upon.

Yuanxiu Academy will produce more female students and female workers, but it will never be able to recruit more healthy men.

"Moreover, it's 70% impossible. They already have a hard time surviving, so they always need to keep more money for themselves. 30% is the bottom line, and also the upper limit. Tell him that these principles will not change. If he can't accept it, then it's better not to cooperate."

I used to think that the second prince was good at business, but being good at business doesn't mean he's suitable to be a good emperor.

He is more like a capitalist of later generations, whose instinct is to benefit himself.

Capital is already wealthy enough; if we allow them to remain in power, the world will soon descend into chaos.

She hadn't forgotten that her desire to seize power was also to create a peaceful and prosperous world where people could live and work in peace and contentment, where there was relative fairness, and where there was no starvation or war.

As for the second prince...

As Zheng Xun thought about it, he couldn't help but grit his teeth. Everything was fine before, so why did he suddenly have to compete with her?

So, her arrival in Dayong aroused his lust for power?

She closed her eyes and looked at Zhao Xiulan: "Do you understand?"

Zhao Xiulan nodded repeatedly: "Princess, rest assured, I will never give in."

She hadn't forgotten the original intention behind the establishment of Yuanxiu Academy, and Zheng Xun's words gave her more confidence.

Zheng Xun seemed to have read her thoughts, and after sitting down, he asked her, "Did you call me here just to say this?"

Zhao Xiulan nodded.

Zheng Xun put down the teacup that had been served: "My decision will not change, and you don't need to ask any more questions. Just refuse if you encounter similar situations in the future."

"Understood, Princess."

"Furthermore, the imperial decree has been issued, and you are now Marquis Zhao. You can act more forcefully."

Zheng Xun was very busy and didn't have time to deal with these trivial matters.

Zhao Xiulan lowered her head in shame and said solemnly, "It's enough to know the princess's attitude. I will try my best to handle things myself in the future."

Having lived in the inner quarters for so long, her previous arrogance was limited to words. Now, however, the entire academy rests on her shoulders, forcing her to be cautious. Therefore, she inevitably hesitates and considers the consequences of her actions, which Zheng Xun can understand.

But Zhao Xiulan felt a little uneasy.

She was somewhat eager to prove herself and do something to make up for her past mistakes.

But she also knew that being impatient for quick results was not an option; she had to calm down, steady her pace, and speed up.

Zheng Xun nodded: "By the way, do you know Zhao Lingyin?"

Zhao Xiulan recalled for a moment: "Isn't it Chief Zhao's daughter? The female doctor who is very good at detoxification?"

"Yes, actually, her specialty is gynecology. I have already made an agreement with her to pass on her experience and skills."

Zhao Xiulan's heart skipped a beat: "Does the princess want her to open a special class for women at Yuanxiu Academy?"

Zheng Xun nodded slightly: "Yes, so you need to vacate a room. After Zhao Lingyin finishes what she's doing, she will come to Yuanxiu Academy to start a class. The classroom needs to be built in detail, and Lingyin needs to review it throughout the process."

Zhao Xiulan wrote down everything: "I understand the princess's instructions, and I will make the arrangements as soon as possible."

A few thoughts popped into her head, including considering all the possible unexpected events.

She earnestly told Zheng Xun what was on her mind.

Zheng Xun smiled with satisfaction: "You've thought this through very well. Let's do as you say."

After finishing the important business, she teased, "Not bad, Lord Zhao, you're starting to have the air of a marquis now."

It has to be said that compared to her previous unreasonable and rascal-like behavior, she has now undergone a complete transformation and is gradually developing an aura of being in charge.

Therefore, Zheng Xun is in a very good mood whenever he sees her.

Because she was slowly getting better, she gradually began to gain authority.

In the future, there will be more and more women like this.

very nice.

After finishing his business, Zheng Xun left.

She wasn't lying; she really was busy.

Because the decision to open Enko, which had been made long ago, has already been put on the agenda.