Xie Yunzhen worked very efficiently and found people for Ji Mingzhu within two days.

He compiled everyone’s information into a booklet for Ji Mingzhu to review.

As soon as Ji Mingzhu and Liu Xu made their decision, those people could be ready to start.

To keep his wife informed, Xie Yunzhen told Ji Mingzhu that he had already submitted a memorial to the court.

If the Emperor agreed to open trade between the inner and outer regions, they could send representatives to negotiate with the tribal leaders. If the negotiations were successful, they could pursue even more business ventures.

Liu Xu was decisive in her actions.

Ji Mingzhu was not someone who wavered. Once she decided on something, she wanted to try it no matter the outcome.

The two quickly agreed.

The first step was to move Ruyi Residence and Ji Mingzhu’s fabric shop from the capital to Yanzhou.

If trade between the regions opened, they could sell fabrics beyond the border, and the beef and lamb from beyond the border could be brought into Ruyi Residence to make signature dishes.

They could even sell these through trade caravans to other cities.

Ji Mingzhu had to manage the household, and given Xie Yunzhen’s position, she sometimes found it inconvenient to appear directly.

After thinking it over, she decided to transfer two trusted managers from the capital to assist Liu Xu in executing their plans.

She would remain behind the scenes to oversee everything.

Every journey begins with a single step; after they discussed the details, Ji Mingzhu became busy with preparations.

Sometimes, she needed to personally go out to handle affairs.

For example, choosing a location for the fabric shop required her personal inspection.

Ji Mingzhu was worried about her two children and didn’t want them to endure the hardship of traveling with her.

She felt torn and uneasy when leaving to handle business.

To ease her concerns, Xie Yunzhen directly handed the task of looking after the children to Xi Yu.

Xi Yu was exasperated, "I’m not a wet nurse!"

There were clearly wet nurses in the household, so why did he have to take care of the kids? 𝒇𝒓𝒆𝒆𝙬𝒆𝒃𝓷𝒐𝓿𝙚𝙡.𝒄𝓸𝒎

Was he the maid of Xie Yunzhen and Ji Mingzhu?

Xie Yunzhen would have liked to take care of the kids himself, but he often had to travel and sometimes encountered troublesome situations.

If Zimu and Zishan got hurt, not only Mingzhu but even the elders from the capital wouldn’t spare him.

Leaving the siblings to play at the residence seemed wiser.

Even though the staff in the main residence were loyal, for Xie Yunzhen, there was no one more trustworthy than Xi Yu.

Moreover, he knew medicine, so if the children felt unwell, he could quickly address it.

Having Xi Yu oversee the residence would surely ease Mingzhu’s mind.

Knowing that he was searching for herbs, Xie Yunzhen previously hadn’t bothered to interfere, letting him make his own arrangements.

This time, however, he promised, "List the herbs you need, and I’ll send someone to find them for you."

Such a lavish gesture made Xi Yu grit his teeth.

"With this much energy, wouldn’t it be better if you took care of the kids yourself?"

Though he liked Zimu and Zishan very much, a little holding was okay; a few hours of taking care really made him think of Zimu’s boundless energy—just the thought gave him a headache.

Xie Yunzhen smirked at him, "You’re staying in the residence; shouldn’t you pay some rent?"

Xi Yu maintained a stern face, holding his words for a long time.

Finally, he spat out, "Xie Yunzhen, you’re really tight-fisted."

Xie Yunzhen accepted the critique gracefully, "Being tight-fisted is beneficial; it saves money for the wife and kids, something you, who are not yet settled, wouldn’t understand."

This smug proclamation made Xi Yu even more inclined to punch him.

Gritting his teeth, he said, "Fine, I’ll look after the kids, but you better send me some top-grade ginseng. I need to replenish myself."

Recalling Zimu’s energetic antics, Xie Yunzhen knew Xi Yu might indeed struggle without some supplements.

If he fell ill, it might be misconstrued that Xi Yu was being mistreated.

With noble grace, he nodded, "Just wait."

Given how easy his acceptance was, Xi Yu secretly regretted not asking for something immensely valuable.

Seeing Xi Yu’s ’scheming’ face, Xie Yunzhen knew exactly what he was thinking.

He sniffed, "Contentment leads to happiness, otherwise... beware of losing it all."

Despite his intentions being seen through, Xi Yu wasn’t embarrassed.

Straightening his back, he reminded, "Mind your attitude; I’m the benefactor watching your kids!"

Xie Yunzhen chuckled softly, "Petty man, feeling triumphant."

Xi Yu’s lips twitched, "Don’t forget who’s asking whom for help."

Besides Ji Mingzhu, no one could gain the upper hand over Xie Yunzhen.

With long fingers tapping on the table and a scrutinizing gaze, his presence felt heavy.

Under such a look, Xi Yu inexplicably felt a chill down his spine, suspecting Xie Yunzhen was plotting against him.

Stammering, he said, "If you dare mess with me, I’ll make Zimu and Zishan cry."

That was indeed Xie Yunzhen’s weak spot, restoring Xi Yu’s confidence quickly.

His expression was delightfully cocky.

Xie Yunzhen’s gaze grew more dangerous, and just as Xi Yu braced for a comeback, Xie Yunzhen asked a question.

"I heard you have a special regard for Liu Xu."

"Who told you such nonsense!"

Xi Yu instantly jumped up, his face flushed and beads of sweat forming.

"Was it Ji Mingzhu who said that? You two better not spread false rumors and bully me. If it gets out, my reputation will be ruined!"

"Liu Xu doesn’t want to marry, and I still want to wed someone. If you cause me to remain single forever, you and Ji Mingzhu would be sinners!"

He spoke quickly and urgently, which to Xie Yunzhen seemed like he was hiding something.

He sneered, "Pathetic. If you like someone, just marry them. It’s that simple."

"Do you think I’m like you, acting like a brute who knows nothing about romance, forcibly marrying a girl out of mere affection? Mingzhu must truly be unlucky to have come across you!"

Xie Yunzhen disagreed with this.

He looked down, "You know nothing. Mingzhu chose to marry me willingly; her heart belongs to me."

Xi Yu silently observed him, his thoughts plainly written across his face.

"I’m just watching you show off."

Xie Yunzhen brushed his nose.

Though the process had been somewhat complicated, Mingzhu had indeed willingly chosen to marry him. What was wrong with that?

He fell in love with Mingzhu at first sight and subsequently couldn’t imagine life without her.

Before he went to Yangzhou, he was ready to spend his life with Mingzhu.

If it weren’t for Yuan Changan’s lack of ambition, he might have ended up alone for the rest of his life.

Thinking of this, Xie Yunzhen suddenly felt a bit sorry for Xi Yu.

His own family was complete, so he wanted to help his friend.

He said, "If you truly like Liu Xu, then help us take care of the kids. Liu Xu is a businesswoman, often traveling, and she’d need someone to manage the home for her. If she sees you handling children well, her impression of you can only improve. Wouldn’t that create opportunities for you?"

Following his words, Xi Yu began pondering over its feasibility.

Pondering deeply, he suddenly realized.

"I don’t even like her. Her impression of me is of no concern to me."

Being old friends, Xie Yunzhen knew Xi Yu well.

If he truly wasn’t interested, he wouldn’t have reacted like this.

He probably hadn’t interacted much with women before and hadn’t come to terms with his feelings yet.

Previously, when Mingzhu mentioned this in a whisper, he thought Mingzhu was overthinking it.

Now it seemed their Zhu Zhu was keenly insightful.

She saw the truth at a glance!