Transmigration: Becoming the Wicked Stepmother of Four Children

Chapter 166 Choosing Sides with the Crown Prince

After Liu Shijie left Lu Qingqing's house,

They went straight to the magistrate's residence.

His mind was in turmoil throughout the journey.

Knowing full well the discussions with Jia Qing and Lu Qingqing,

The matter involved is of great importance.

This is not only about promoting the method of double-cropping rice,

It is more likely to cause turmoil in the political situation at court.

The horses' hooves clattered as the carriage sped through the streets.

Liu Shijie, however, was completely unaware of the noise around him.

His mind kept replaying every detail of Lu Qingqing's courtyard.

Jia Qing proposed that the Crown Prince be in charge of promoting the second crop of rice.

It seems to be adding merit to the crown prince's record.

In reality, there are many complex power struggles hidden behind it.

Once the crown prince intervenes, the promotion will be successful.

That would certainly increase his prestige, but if he encounters obstacles...

It could also become a handle for political enemies to attack.

And myself,

How should we choose and respond to this situation?

As local officials, they should be wholeheartedly devoted to serving the people.

If this method of double-cropping rice can be successfully implemented,

The people will benefit immensely; from this perspective,

Fully supporting the Crown Prince is the only option.

However, within the imperial court, various factions were deeply entrenched and intertwined.

A single misstep could lead to utter ruin.

Liu Shijie frowned, silently weighing the pros and cons in his mind.

The political intrigue behind the method of double-cropping rice

This put him under a lot of pressure.

on the one hand,

If this method can be successfully promoted through the Crown Prince's intervention,

This undoubtedly brought immense benefits to the people.

I have fulfilled my responsibilities as an official;

On the other hand,

Once involved in the struggle between the crown prince and other forces,

Even a slight mistake,

Their future, even their life and fortune, could be at stake.

In this dilemma,

He said something to the coachman as if possessed,

"Go to the county magistrate."

As soon as the words left his mouth,

He then knew,

I have already vaguely made up my mind.

The county magistrate and I were officials in the same place.

We usually share the same interests.

This matter is of great importance and needs to be discussed with him.

Let's come up with a plan together.

The carriage slowly started moving.

The rumbling of the wheels seemed to strike a chord in his heart.

He leaned against the car wall, his eyes closed.

My mind kept replaying all the possible scenarios.

If they support the crown prince,

Other forces will definitely take action; how will they respond?

How should they respond?

If not supported

This beneficial project for the country and its people may be aborted.

How could he bear to see the people miss this golden opportunity to improve their lives?

Before long, the carriage stopped in front of the magistrate's residence.

Liu Shijie got out of the car and looked up at the gate of the mansion.

I took a deep breath and stepped inside.

The servants led him into the living room.

Before long, the county magistrate arrived in a hurry.

Seeing Liu Shijie's solemn expression,

The magistrate's heart tightened, and he quickly bowed and asked:

"Your humble servant greets Your Excellency the Prefect."

"I had no idea you would be here today, sir. I am truly sorry for not welcoming you properly."

Liu Shijie saw Li Xiuming,

He raised his hand and said:

"Lord Li, please don't bother with me. I have something to discuss with you."

Li Xiuming saw Liu Shijie's serious and focused expression.

He asked respectfully:

"Your Excellency, has something happened?"

Liu Shijie looked at the county magistrate and slowly said:

"Something really has happened, and it concerns both of us."

It concerns the well-being of all people.

That's why I rushed over to discuss this with you.

Li Xiuming was taken aback at first.

Then he listened carefully to the prefect's detailed explanation.

Liu Shijie didn't beat around the bush.

The events that occurred directly at Lu Qingqing's home,

Including Jia Qing's views on the methods of double-cropping rice,

And the matter of having the Crown Prince take the lead in promoting it.

He told it all in detail.

After hearing this, the magistrate

He paused for a moment, then a thoughtful look flashed in his eyes.

He was well aware of the stakes involved.

If the Crown Prince can truly establish his prestige by using the method of harvesting two crops of rice,

Having successfully ascended to the throne, those involved in this matter...

This can certainly be considered as having contributed to the success of the founding of the dynasty.

But at the same time,

This also means they will clearly side with the Crown Prince.

It created an opposition with other forces in the imperial court.

Liu Shijie seemed to have sensed the magistrate's concerns.

He said softly:

"Although this matter is risky, the Crown Prince is kind and wise."

And he cares about the people.

If this method of double-cropping rice can be successfully promoted,

This is a great blessing for all people.

Moreover, Grand Tutor Jia also gave his full support.

If we can contribute to this...

Both publicly and privately, this is a fortunate event.

The magistrate nodded slightly, pondered for a moment, and then said:

"What the Prefect says is absolutely right."

We have heard about His Highness the Crown Prince's character.

He was indeed a rare and wise ruler.

However, the court is complicated.

Once we state our position

It's inevitable that they will face exclusion from other forces.

Liu Shijie said with a firm expression:

"We eat the emperor's food, but we also bear the responsibility of serving the people."

If you can assist the crown prince in achieving great things...

To enable people to live a good life

What's there to fear about being ostracized a little?

Moreover, with Grand Tutor Jia maneuvering within the court,

I'm sure I can handle that.

The magistrate listened to Liu Shijie's words,

Some of his concerns immediately dissipated, and he said:

"Since the Prefect has made up his mind..."

I naturally followed in the footsteps of the adults.

However, this matter requires further consideration.

Liu Shijie nodded solemnly and said:

"Master Li,

You still need to maintain a good relationship with Madam Lu.

And to provide the best protection for Madam Lu.

Today I noticed that Grand Tutor Jia was very amiable towards Lady Lu.

They treated him like a younger family member.

Li Xiuming heard Liu Shijie's words

He laughed and calmly said:

"Does the Prefect know?"

Qingqing now calls my mother "Mother".

And now I am Qingqing's older brother.

Liu Shijie was slightly taken aback.

A hint of surprise flashed in his eyes.

He then revealed a thoughtful expression:

"Xiu Ming, is this really true?"

So it seems that Madam Lu has a very close relationship with your family.

This was an unexpected delight.

As a result,

Protecting Lady Lu then became even more logical.

Li Xiuming nodded with a smile:

"Yes, sir,"

I never expected that by chance,

He had developed such a close relationship with Lady Lu.

Qingqing, my child,

Kind-hearted and exceptionally intelligent,

To develop methods for double-cropping rice and to popularize medical knowledge are things that benefit the country and its people.

That's truly rare.

Liu Shijie agreed, saying:

"That's true."

Madam Lu's talent and virtue are truly admirable.

Now it seems,

Lady Lu not only had the appreciation of Grand Tutor Jia behind her,

We will also arrange a marriage between your family.

The relationships involved, amidst the changing political landscape of the court...

It might have unexpected benefits.

Li Xiuming frowned slightly, pondered for a moment, and then said:

"My lord, though that is true..."

However, we must also act with caution.

In the imperial court, people's hearts are complex.

We must make good use of this relationship.

To protect and safeguard Qingqing's good deeds,

Promote the double-cropping rice method.

But I can't let Qingqing get involved in this pointless conflict.

Liu Shijie said with a solemn expression:

“What Xiuming said is absolutely right.”

Lady Lu was devoted to the people.

We must not let her be harmed because of these complicated relationships.

Next, we need to pay close attention to the movements of all parties.

While protecting Madam Lu

This will also provide local support for His Highness the Crown Prince in promoting the double-cropping of rice.

Li Xiuming said firmly:

"Rest assured, Your Excellency, I will do my utmost."

Lady Lu is my sworn sister.

Her affairs are the affairs of the Li family.

I will do everything in my power to protect her.

This will help ensure the successful implementation of this matter.

The two looked at each other, their hearts understanding each other.

In this invisible way,

The two have already become part of the Crown Prince's faction.

Liu Shijie knew very well that

Support the Crown Prince's plan to promote double-cropping of rice.

Although the future is uncertain, in the long run,

If the crown prince ascends the throne

This presents a crucial opportunity to benefit the people and solidify one's own political position.

Li Xiuming, due to his special relationship with Lu Qingqing,

In addition, understanding the great significance of this matter,

They also stood firmly on the same side.