Chapter 65: I've Had Enough of You

Gu Ci stood to the side with a cold expression, watching the touching father-daughter reunion with indifference.

It had to be said that Tang Zhao had honed excellent eloquence during her previous life in the business world. It was no exaggeration to say she could talk the dead back to life; with subtle grace, she could charm Prince Xuan until he lost all sense of direction.

Gu Ci was struck with awe and conceded defeat.

Prince Xuan said enthusiastically, "Zhaozhao, you haven't been to the military camp before, have you? Come, let Daddy take you for a proper tour."

"That would be wonderful. I often hear my husband, my mother concubine, and my eldest brother and sister praise Father's strict military discipline. I have long looked forward to seeing it with my own eyes, it's just..." She paused, her face filled with disappointed grief, "I am a woman, and since I came here in secret, I fear it wouldn't be appropriate for me to appear openly in the camp."

Prince Xuan slapped his forehead. "I almost forgot about that!" He then pointed at Gu Ci and scolded, "Your father forgot, and you didn't even think to remind me! You just stood there watching. I truly don't know what use you are!"

Gu Ci ignored him.

Tang Zhao smoothed things over. "Don't be angry, Father. This is just my husband's temperament; it actually complements my own lively nature."

Prince Xuan's expression changed instantly. "It must be hard on my son, then."

The veins on Gu Ci's forehead throbbed. "Are we going or not?"

Tang Zhao gave him a reproachful look. "Father, it's cold outside and you are dressed lightly. Let's head back and talk about this later."

Prince Xuan nodded, turned around, and mounted his horse to lead the way.

Gu Ci let out a long sigh, pulled Tang Zhao onto his horse, and chased after them.

In less than the time it takes to burn an incense stick, a dozen small wooden huts appeared in the forest.

Prince Xuan dismounted and said as he walked, "These were built back when the Turks launched a massive invasion of the Northwest, while the people were fleeing into the deep mountains. Later, when the Northwest Army reclaimed the territory, the people moved into Wuwei City, and these huts were left vacant."

"Now, they serve as stopping points for scouts staying out overnight."

Tang Zhao: "Wow!"

Entering a hut, Tang Zhao found all the daily necessities present. Although they looked quite aged, they were well-preserved, showing that the users were careful.

Prince Xuan beckoned, "Zhaozhao, come, tell Daddy about the soybean oil."

Sitting on a chair Gu Ci had wiped clean, Tang Zhao repeated the business plan she had previously discussed with Gu Ci, then looked at Prince Xuan expectantly.

Prince Xuan: "?"

He understood every word, but when put together, he had no idea what they meant.

Gu Ci shot Tang Zhao a sidelong glance: *See? Father is even worse than I am.*

Ignoring him, Tang Zhao continued her flattery. "Father works so hard protecting the Northwest and leading armies; how could you have time for such trifles? Why not invite the strategist so I can speak with him directly?"

Upon hearing this, Prince Xuan immediately accepted the suggestion and went personally to fetch the strategist.

Gu Ci accused, "You didn't treat me like this before."

"That's right," Tang Zhao said, having found a new patron, her voice brimming with petty triumph, "What can you do about it?"

Gu Ci stared at her for a long moment before silently going to settle the men.

Prince Xuan returned quickly, bringing not only the strategist but also a sack of soybeans.

Watching the strategist, who was gagged and tied up like a rice dumpling, Tang Zhao couldn't help but sigh; truly, making money is hard, but eating filth is harder.

Gu Ci sliced through the hemp rope with a knife.

Jiang Yiming pulled out a piece of tattered cloth that Prince Xuan had found in some obscure corner, threw it to the ground in fury, and shouted, "Such conduct from Prince Xuan! Where is the dignity of the Lord of the Northwest?!"

Prince Xuan spread his hands. "I invited you," *You didn't want to come, what choice did I have?*

Jiang Yiming was livid. "The idea of extracting oil from soybeans is pure nonsense! If soybeans could truly produce oil, how could the common people have gone thousands of years without even a trace of grease, while the great aristocratic families maintained a tight grip on animal fats without being shaken in the slightest?!"

"Does the Prince believe the wild claims of a mere girl? Are you not afraid of being ridiculed by the world?"

Tang Zhao: "?"

Tang Zhao withdrew her sympathy and quietly gave Prince Xuan a thumbs-up.

*Good job tying him up! People with their eyes on the tops of their heads need to be taught a lesson by society.*

*Or by her.*

Prince Xuan felt awkward. He didn't actually believe soybeans could produce oil either, but he believed in his son. Yuan Ye would not joke about something capable of changing the world.

Gu Ci proved his point in a calm voice, "Strategist, I have seen soybean oil extracted with my own eyes. If you do not believe it, we can extract it here on the spot as proof."

"Hah!" Jiang Yiming launched a generalized attack. "I originally thought the General of the Flying Cavalry was a man of iron character, but I did not expect him to be like ordinary men, biased toward the words of a woman."

"What are soybeans? They have been widely planted across this vast land for thousands of years. How many scholars and intellectuals have failed to research any use for them other than food? How old is the Princess of Zhaoshan, and how much knowledge could she possibly have to surpass the countless scholars of this land?"

He sneered, "The General and the Princess share a deep affection; whatever they discuss in their private chambers is their business, but one must not joke about such matters!"

As Prince Xuan's most loyal and capable strategist, Jiang Yiming had built a powerful information network relying on the power of the Prince Xuan Mansion. From grand state affairs to minor neighborhood quarrels, there was nothing he didn't know.

Thus, the events at the Warm Winter Banquet had long since reached his ears, word for word.

It was only because the matter had been resolved smoothly and the army was in a period of upheaval that he had not yet reported it to Prince Xuan.

Jiang Yiming had long been dissatisfied with the Princess of Zhaoshan's actions, but since the ultimate results were beneficial to the Northwest situation, he had turned a blind eye.

Now that this Princess was playing games right in front of him, he wouldn't hesitate to strike her down and humble her.

Women should stay at home, bear children, and manage household affairs. What kind of behavior is it to meddle in politics all day!

Gu Ci said quietly, "Before Zhaoshan researched tofu, no one knew that soybeans could also make delicious things like tofu, dried tofu, and bean curd skin."

"The strategist has tasted them as well. Are you saying those are all fake?"

"Tofu and dried tofu are still vegetarian and can naturally be made from soybeans. But oil is the essence of animals; it is meat. How can meat and vegetarian goods be the same?"

Gu Ci countered sarcastically, "How does the strategist know that soybeans cannot produce oil?"

Jiang Yiming did not answer.

Gu Ci continued, "Since arriving here, the strategist has neither been willing to listen to my explanation nor willing to see the truth with his own eyes, choosing instead to be determined to refute it. In the end, who is the one being biased and stubborn?"

Jiang Yiming snapped back, "Does such a fairy tale even require seeing is believing?"

Gu Ci was about to argue further when he saw Tang Zhao walk step by step toward Jiang Yiming with a slight smile.

Jiang Yiming let out a heavy snort through his nose.

Tang Zhao delivered a kick three inches below his navel, and while he was doubled over, she delivered another heavy kick to his shoulder.

Jiang Yiming clutched his lower body and flew back three meters.

Enduring the excruciating pain, he looked up in disbelief at the woman he had never once held in regard.

The smile on Tang Zhao's face remained unchanged, but her words were domineering and cold. "I've tolerated you for a long time."

"If you want to die, I will grant your wish."

The scene fell into instant, dead silence.

Prince Xuan: "?"

Gu Ci: *He knew it.*

Prince Xuan: *Is this still my well-behaved daughter who calls me 'Daddy' with such sweetness?*