Unlimited estates for rural beauty-Chapter 546 Assassination Second Shift (3)

"Not at all unfamiliar," Feng Tiemu lifted his eyes to glance at Jiaojiao before promptly agreeing with the Empress’s words, his mind racing with countless thoughts.

Feng Xuxu nodded, "During these past years of my absence, I owe much to the help the village heads have offered my brother. I cannot express enough gratitude."

Upon hearing this, Luo Jiabao shook his head, "Xuxu, no, Empress, Young Master Feng has led us to prosperity over the years. He has helped us greatly; how could we, mere farmers, be of any assistance to him!"

Feng Xuxu let out a light chuckle and shook her head; the old man was as honest as ever, just like years ago, "Please sit down, Village Chief Luo. By tending the fields well, you have indeed assisted my brother."

"Haha, that’s right, we all rely on farming for our food; the land is our livelihood. Although we sold it to the estate, we still get a share, and when the crops are plentiful, we receive quite a bit of grain. At the very least, we don’t have to buy grain to eat. If you don’t treat the land well, it won’t be good to you either. Besides, Young Master Feng is also a skilled farmer; we all admire him greatly," Luo Jiabao added.

Listening to the village chief’s words, Feng Xuxu found them slightly disjointed, yet they were indeed factual.

"Miss, the kitchen has sent word that the dishes are ready. They are asking when to serve the meal," Yingsu said as she brought in the tea, having just encountered the butler and relayed the message on her own accord.

"Let’s serve the meal now; we can eat and talk at the same time," Feng Xuxu replied.

"Yes, Miss."

The lunch at noon ended with the village chiefs in a state of nervous tension.

In the afternoon, Feng Xuxu returned to the ’Lotus Garden’ and was invited to the study room by Xuan Yue, who was close to Dugu Chen.

"What’s wrong?" As soon as Feng Xuxu entered the study room, she saw him sitting in his chair with a frown, looking at something in his hands.

When Dugu Chen looked up and saw his wife had arrived, a smile appeared on his face, "Come here."

"Tell me, what’s troubling you?" she said as she sat beside him, her hand reaching out naturally to see what was troubling him so much.

After reading the message from Feng Qing, Feng Xuxu actually smiled, "Isn’t this great? Three marshals dead, two generals left unconscious by their concubines, this is exactly what you wanted, isn’t it?"

"Yes, I’ve already sent my trusted followers to take over the army. With three marshals and two generals simultaneously in trouble, Prince Fu will definitely sense something. I’m thinking if he might become desperate!" Dugu Chen mused.

"You’ve taken out five of the army’s top generals in one fell swoop, all of them Prince Fu’s men. It would be strange if he didn’t suspect something. If I were Prince Fu, knowing that you and the Crown Prince are outside, I would definitely... secretly... assassinate you both," Feng Xuxu said, her eyes widening slowly towards the end as if seeking confirmation of her own guess.

Dugu Chen met her gaze and slowly nodded, "That’s what I’m thinking too. Whether he can ascend to the throne or not, he would want revenge for the time Dugu Kangze snatched his imperial seat. He won’t let the empire stay in the hands of Dugu Kangze’s son."

"So, what do we do now?"

"I’m thinking of visiting Prince Fu’s fief."

"No, it’s too dangerous for you to go there alone." Feng Xuxu immediately objected.

Dugu Chen soothed her by pressing down on her shoulders, "Listen to me, if we want to resolve this quickly, we must catch them off guard and eliminate them all within their mansion. All of these tasks must be carried out quietly; more people means more danger."

"Why not expose him in court, instead of undertaking such dangerous operations?" she asked.

"What you can think of, he may very well expect. It’s very difficult to find evidence against him. It’s impossible to convict him with just a few numbers; his name isn’t even mentioned on that note. Besides, Cao Kun is already dead. Think about it, right after Xuan Yue left the prison, Cao Kun poisoned himself to death in his cell. It goes to show how extensive his network is; even the prison has his people. Who knows how many in the court are his spies. If we don’t assassinate him and just arrest him, it would give him a chance to push back. Then, if he retaliates, we would be even more at a disadvantage."