Chapter 15: Reorganizing the Fief & Plans to Return to the Capital

The first thing Gu Yichen did upon arriving at the fief was to clear out all of the Duke of Britain's spies from the inside out.

He didn't rush to make a move, but instead adopted his usual "boiling the frog in warm water" strategy—first, he tried to win them over, then sidelined them, and finally, quietly and methodically removed them from power. Only when the fief was completely stable did Gu Yichen begin to truly show his strength.

The farmland in the fief had been neglected for a long time, and the land was severely overgrown, resulting in extremely low yields. Gu Yichen personally conducted daily inspections, catching lazy tenants and saying to them seriously, "If the fields aren't worked hard, how will the rice grow on its own?" The tenants, who initially thought the youngest son of the Duke of An was an incapable figurehead, were taken aback when they were scolded into silence.

Gu Yichen then enacted new farming rules, redistributing the land according to labor, and motivating the people. Within just a few months, the fief's agricultural output increased several times over.

At the same time, he also started to clean up the shops, expelling all the unlicensed traders and replacing them with a well-structured set of business regulations.

Some resisted and secretly hired people to cause trouble, but Gu Yichen raised an eyebrow and coldly remarked, "Though my fief may be small, it will not tolerate such scoundrels." The once arrogant individual was thoroughly quelled by the mere look in Gu Yichen's eyes, and from then on, the order in the fief was restored.

After managing the fief with great efficiency, Gu Yichen then set about building his royal residence.

On the day the residence was completed, he sent for his younger sister, Gu Xiyan, who had been living with Princess Jing'an. Seven years had passed since they last saw each other, and when Gu Xiyan saw Gu Yichen from a distance, she disregarded all decorum and ran toward him, throwing herself into her brother's arms and crying, "Brother, I thought I would never see you again!"

Gu Yichen gently patted her shoulder, smiling as he said, "Why cry? Though I may look weak, my life is quite resilient." He settled Gu Xiyan in the best courtyard of the royal residence and personally selected two highly skilled female servants to protect her.

Gu Xiyan was deeply moved by her brother's thoughtful arrangements, and Gu Yichen teased her, "Xiyan, these two aren't here for you to bully. Remember not to act too arrogantly." Gu Xiyan blushed and stamped her foot, saying, "Brother! Why do you always mention things from my childhood?"

After stabilizing the fief, Gu Yichen unintentionally met Su Qianqian. This young woman was very opinionated, with impressive business acumen.

When Su Qianqian first met Gu Yichen, she thought of him as a soft, useless noble, harboring a bit of disdain. However, Gu Yichen soon realized that this woman was not only keen in social affairs but also had a sharp eye for talent. She had managed to make the Qianyun Inn famous in a short period of time, filling it with profits.

Gu Yichen watched her quietly for a long time, growing increasingly impressed. He thought to himself, "If this woman can be used for me, she will be a great talent. But she is smooth and sly in her dealings, and she must be carefully cultivated."

Once everything was in order, Gu Yichen decided to return to the capital. He planned to meet with Chu Heng and Wei Wu to discuss how Su Qianqian might be useful, as well as to see the Crown Prince and Princess Jing'an. There were many things to do during this trip, but no matter who he faced, he would continue to play the part of the weak and useless noble.

Before he left, Gu Yichen playfully reminded Gu Xiyan, "Xiyan, if anyone dares to bully you while I'm away, have those two female servants take care of them and teach them a lesson for me." Gu Xiyan huffed, "Brother, do I look like someone who causes trouble?" Gu Yichen raised an eyebrow and smiled, "Xiyan, do you remember when you tore up Mother's paintings at seven years old? You said the same thing then."

Gu Xiyan's face turned bright red, and she angrily stomped her foot. "Brother! Why do you always bring up things from when I was a child?"

Gu Yichen watched his sister's flustered expression, and the smile in his eyes deepened. He knew that the true storm had not yet arrived, and his job was to steadily control every piece on this chessboard.

The Capital Visit: A New Game

The first thing Gu Yichen did upon entering the capital was visit the old estate of the Duke of An. Once a grand mansion, it now stood with its gates tightly shut, and the yard was overgrown with weeds, an utter sight of desolation. Gu Yichen stood in the courtyard, his gaze complicated as memories flooded back. He remembered his father standing in the hall, reprimanding his students, and his mother holding the young him, teaching him to read—it all felt like it had happened just yesterday. But now everything had changed. He closed his eyes, softly muttering, "Father, I've returned, and I will restore your honor."

After leaving the old estate, Gu Yichen took up residence in the largest inn in the capital. He then submitted his formal visit request to meet with Princess Jing'an.

Reunion with His Mother: Testing Words

Princess Jing'an had recovered quite a bit from the illness that had plagued her in the past. When she saw Gu Yichen, she appeared much more spirited. She dismissed her attendants, and the two sat alone together. Her bright eyes, however, held an air of scrutiny.

"Dr. Zhu has told me everything you've done in the fief," Princess Jing'an sighed lightly, her words tinged with concern. "Yichen, you have your father's stubbornness. But I still advise you to let go of the hatred from the past. Living a peaceful life is also a kind of happiness."

Gu Yichen lowered his gaze for a moment. His voice was gentle but firm as he responded, "If Mother can let go of the past, I would not bring up revenge again. But if you cannot truly forgive, how could I forget my father's death?"

Princess Jing'an fell silent at his words. After a long while, she shook her head with a bitter smile. "You are just like your father."

这是严格翻译的前半部分.如果有任何需要调整的地方或你有更具体的要求,请告诉我!

The next day, as promised, Gu Yichen met with the Crown Prince. The meeting was arranged in a private room of a secretive tavern in the capital. After a few rounds of drinks, the Crown Prince poured some wine while speaking in a meaningful tone, "Gu, now that your speech disorder has improved and your fief is well managed, why not return to the capital and work under me? I can ensure your protection."

Gu Yichen lifted his gaze, his eyes clear like a mirror, and with a slight smile, he replied, "Your Highness's good intentions, I appreciate. But I fear my abilities are limited and unworthy of your esteemed reputation. If there's an opportunity in the future, I hope Your Highness will guide me."

The Crown Prince laughed heartily, "Gu, you are too modest. Fine, when the time comes, I'll be waiting for your assistance." The words seemed casual, but beneath them, the undercurrents of their intentions ran deep, each with their own thoughts.

Visiting the Duke of Britain: Playing a Subtle Game

Gu Yichen then visited Duke Shen Rui of Britain. As soon as they met, Gu Yichen bowed low in greeting, a broad smile on his face. "My speech disorder has improved slightly, and my mother has hired a strict tutor to supervise my studies. I miss the peaceful days I spent in the Duke of Britain's household, and I've come today to seek advice on how I can return to your household. I hope Uncle will guide me."

The Duke's expression remained indifferent, but his inner pride couldn't be hidden. He waved his hand with a dismissive gesture, his voice carrying a hint of reluctance. "You, my worthy nephew, have great aspirations, and I am pleased. But you've already inherited the title of Duke of An, and both of us are titled lords now. How can I take you under my wing again? You must strive on your own. I have no right to interfere."

After watching Gu Yichen leave, he chuckled softly and turned to his attendants, "The Duke of An was wise throughout his life, but what good is it if he married a princess? His son is still a useless fool."

Plotting a New Game: Su Qianqian's Plan

Finally, Gu Yichen secretly met with Chu Heng and Wei Wu. In the secluded study, Gu Yichen raised his tea cup, his tone calm but thoughtful, "There is a woman in the fief named Su Qianqian. She has an extraordinary business talent. I've observed her for a long time and found her not only smart but also bold. I intend to bring her to the capital and have her open a large tavern for me. If any of you come across a suitable property, please let me know."

Chu Heng listened, raising an eyebrow with a smile, "A woman? Has the young master taken an interest? This person even manages business affairs herself. Seems a bit too meticulous, doesn't it?"

Gu Yichen smiled faintly, shaking his head. "You're thinking too far. Those who take down kingdoms rely on strategies, but those who maintain them focus on the details. Moreover, this woman is a good piece of jade. I intend to carve her into something extraordinary."

The others chuckled softly. Wei Wu and Chu Heng exchanged glances, and Wei Wu teased, "It seems the young master has taken a liking to her."