IDWBE -Chapter 383 Scenic Area

Seeing that the Prince still treated him with such consideration, He Jixiang felt indescribably gratified.

To think that in his old age he would receive such honor!

“Very well, I won’t keep talking with you,”

Lin Yi said after a moment’s thought. “As for my uncle, more ideological work needs to be done. He must understand that it’s not that I dare not kill him—it’s that I cannot bear to. It is entirely for my mother’s sake. If he fails to see the bigger picture, then whatever I do later—actions that please enemies and grieve kin—he should not blame me. And whether he lives or dies is secondary. What matters is that he doesn’t drag the entire Yuan family down with him.”

He Jixiang’s heart tightened. The Prince of He was clearly running out of patience. But that was only natural—the Yuan family had gone too far. He sighed and said, “Your Highness is wise.”

Lin Yi hurled the snowball in his hand against the palace wall. Watching it shatter, he waved dismissively.

“Wise or not, I only know one thing: whoever cannot align their thinking with mine, whoever plays tricks behind my back—that person is my enemy.”

He Jixiang dropped to his knees.

“We shall firmly rally around the Regent’s directives, unite our resolve, and press forward courageously—striving to achieve the goal of ensuring everyone has food to eat!”

He wanted to say more but ran out of words—not as eloquent as that old fox Shan Qi.

“Learning alone isn’t enough. You must get Qi Yong and the others to study too,” Lin Yi emphasized. “Hold more court meetings, raise awareness, unify thought. And don’t sing a different tune from me when there’s nothing to object to. Of course, my decisions are not always correct. That’s why we test policies. Any major measure must first undergo limited trials before full implementation. If problems arise on a small scale, at least they won’t affect the whole.”

“Yes,” He Jixiang said with a smile. “Policy trials have been practiced in Sanhe for years. I have experience and will share it with the ministers.”

The most successful example was the Fangniao Island Economic Experimental Zone.

Ever since adopting free port policies, it had surged ahead, now rivaling—even threatening to surpass—Baiyun City.

Especially after Prince He took control of state affairs, Fangniao Island had become the destination of choice for merchants nationwide. Over a hundred trading ships docked there daily.

“Qi Province’s Commissioner Lu Yixiang and Naval Commander Wang Zhong will likely arrive tomorrow,” Lin Yi said thoughtfully. “I won’t meet them. Tell Lu Yixiang openly that I spared his life because he raised military funds and contributed to defeating the enemy. He understands the bigger picture. He gives me face; I give him face. Everyone wins. But he cannot keep his current post. Let him enter the Grand Secretariat instead.”

When Shen Zhanao marched north, Qi Province alone bore the burden of supply without complaint. Later, when Sanhe sent troops north as well, Qi Province continued providing grain without interruption.

On matters of national importance, Lu Yixiang had been clear-headed.

What Lin Yi hadn’t expected was that Lu would defect so decisively—after all, he had once been aligned with Prince Yong.

“Understood,” He Jixiang replied. “Who does Your Highness intend to take over Qi Province?”

“It’s always the same few of you,” Lin Yi rolled his eyes. “Chen Desheng, Xie Zan, Xing Keshou—all are suitable. They’re close to Wu Province; travel is convenient. Let them discuss among themselves. And don’t forget Ji Province. Kuang Daxiang is dead, and we’ve heard nothing. That can’t continue. Draft a plan—whether by force or persuasion, we must secure it.”

“Yes, I understand.”

“Tomorrow’s morning court—I won’t attend,” Lin Yi continued, rubbing his hands against the cold. “For this northern victory, reward merit and punish fault as usual. Promotions shouldn’t exceed reason, nor be too stingy. Work out the details yourselves. Don’t bring everything to me. The Great Liang cannot stop turning just because someone is absent.”

Newly married, he felt smothered daily—no time for endless state affairs.

He Jixiang smiled. “Rest assured, all policies will align with Your Highness’s guiding principles.”

“Also, those boys like Wei Yishan—I’ve met them. Too green. Train them well. Don’t let them grow arrogant under you old hands. Promote when needed, suppress when necessary. Don’t let them float too high. That’s all. I’m hungry—time for dinner.”

After Lin Yi boarded his carriage, He Jixiang slowly rose with Xiao Xizi’s help.

“Careful, sir. The road is slippery,” Xiao Xizi said.

He Jixiang clasped his hands politely. “Many thanks, Eunuch Xi.”

“Please, we both serve the Prince. No need for formality.”

He Jixiang glanced at the gray sky. “General Yuan should be coming out soon. You’d best see to him.”

“I’ll go at once.”

Soon, General Yuan Qing—Commander of the Northern Expedition—emerged. Refined in appearance, hardly like a warrior.

After brief formalities, He Jixiang only reminded him to maintain discipline among returning troops and not disturb civilians.

Yuan Qing replied solemnly, “Any soldier violating discipline shall be dealt with as you see fit. I shall not complain.”

“That is good. It grows late—return home. Don’t keep the Dowager waiting.”

As Yuan Qing rode off, Jiang Yi asked quietly, “That’s it?”

“His attitude says everything,” He Jixiang replied.

Meanwhile, city patrol officers grumbled in the cold about increased workloads and reduced “extra income.” Jiang Yi warned them to conduct one final sweep of North City to ensure no beggars froze overnight.

“Write today’s report after,” he added.

The men groaned. Writing reports had become mandatory—another of the Prince’s reforms.

Jiang Yi himself had once paid a poor scholar to write for him. Now, as Deputy Commander, he had to write them personally—confidential matters forbade outsourcing.

Back at the residence, Lin Yi sipped tea and sighed.

“Is dinner not ready? Is the Princess still practicing swordplay?”

Hu Miaoyi loved martial arts—morning or night.

Lin Yi braved the snow into the garden. On the artificial hill, Hu Miaoyi’s sword flashed so swiftly he could barely see it.

When she descended gracefully, Mingyue quickly took the sword and offered a towel.

Hu Miaoyi glared playfully. “If I meant to harm your Prince, would I need a sword?”

“Yes, yes,” Lin Yi said lazily. “You could drain me dry without one.”

She flushed crimson. “You grow more improper by the day.”

“No outsiders here,” he shrugged.

At first, he had thought her merely an “A-grade scenic spot.” But upon closer acquaintance—she was clearly “4A.”

So enchanting that he was beginning to believe in affection growing over time.

“I’m ignoring you,” she huffed and walked off.

“Serve dinner!” he laughed.

After eating, seeing her hesitant, he said gently, “Speak freely. Don’t look so troubled.”

She hesitated, then said softly, “I have been here over a month. Now with heavy snow falling… my father is alone…”

As she spoke, tears slid down her cheeks.