Unlimited estates for rural beauty-Chapter 677: On the Eve of the Grand Wedding (2)

"My lady... my wife, I just won’t practice anymore," he grimaced in pain, desperately trying to stifle a laugh, making sure not to show even a trace of it, for with his wife’s shrewdness, she would see through him with just one glance.

Feng Xuxu half-believed him, holding a cup and drinking down half a cup of boiled water, then yawning several times. With drowsy eyes, she rolled her eyeballs and, supporting herself on the table with one hand, said, "Husband, I’m sleepy, I’ll go rest for a while. Remember, don’t keep practicing, or if you become hideous, I won’t want you anymore."

Dugu Chen clenched his back teeth after hearing her words, "You’ve no chance in this lifetime, and even in your next, I’ve got you covered."

Feng Xuxu turned back with a smile, revealing her little tiger teeth, "One shouldn’t be too greedy, you know. My dream is to monopolize you even in the lifetime after the next."

Dugu Chen paused for a moment, then burst into hearty laughter, hugging someone’s... robust waist and feeling quite pleased with himself, "I didn’t expect my wife to be greedier than me. It seems that to my wife, I’m a treasure indeed."

The person in question had a forehead full of black lines, giving him a roll of her eyes, "Vain."

The next day, at Jinluan Hall.

The acting Minister of Works, Yang Jian, presented a memorial, which was passed to the emperor’s hands. Dugu Chen opened the memorial, and with just a few words, he grasped the gist. He patiently read to the end, then ’snap’, shut it close.

"Yang Jian, apart from the arable lands of Wanzhou Prefecture showing some cracking, are there other places experiencing this?"

"Your Majesty, yes, but only small areas. Wanzhou is the most severe," said Yang Jian. Upon first receiving the news, he had presented the memorial quickly because Wanzhou was not far from the Empress’s maternal home. Furthermore, much of Wanzhou’s good land belonged to the Empress’s uncle, and there indeed was a drought there—the water in the rice fields had dried up. Fortunately, the first crop had been harvested. Although the yield wasn’t as high as before, at least it was not a total loss.

Dugu Chen’s fingers tapped on the Dragon Throne with restraint. The hall was eerily quiet except for the crisp sound of the Emperor’s tapping.

"Issue my decree, release water from the reservoirs. Each prefecture government should act according to the situation, but ensure that the arable lands do not fail to produce."

"As you command, Your Majesty."

After receiving the order, Yang Jian returned to his place. Ma Xiang eyed the situation and stepped forward, "Your Majesty, I have a matter to report."

"Speak."

"Your Majesty, today is July 13th. Concerning Princess Yumeng’s grand wedding, the Ministry of Rites has finished all preparations. However, since Princess Yumeng is marrying off under the same standards as a Princess, it is uncertain whether she should leave from the Imperial Palace or from the Prime Minister Residence."

After a moment of silence, Dugu Chen turned his gaze towards the Prime Minister whose expression was somewhat troubled. After considering for a while, he decided, "Since Xiao Jiazhen is not marrying as part of a diplomatic alliance, there’s no need for her to leave from the palace. She can leave from the Prime Minister Residence and come to the palace to give thanks afterwards."

The Prime Minister’s expression finally eased somewhat. What father wouldn’t want to watch his daughter marry off personally, especially one he had doted on for eighteen years.

"As you command, Your Majesty."

Lou Qianyu counted the days on his fingers, thinking there were only three more days until he could marry his beautiful bride. Yet, his heart was also troubled by the natural disaster and the drought. It had not been easy for the farmland to be productive, and now this drought might mean more expenses and losses. He sighed softly.

"Master, Shan Yi has led the wedding procession back," Shan Er entered the hall excitedly.

Lou Qianyu smiled faintly, "Good, tell them to rest well. On the 16th, after giving thanks at the palace, we’ll set off back to our country."

"Yes, Master." The servant had barely taken a step when his master called him back.

"Tell Shan Yi, after he has rested, to come see me."