"What did His Majesty say?" Fu Shinian immediately asked.
Xiao Chengyu looked at Fu Changqin, and Fu Shinian said, "Brother is also aware."
Xiao Chengyu nodded and said, "This method is indeed good, but since it is of significant importance, His Majesty still needs to first understand whether the Cheng Family can provide such a large amount of materials, so as not to delay the proper business. His Majesty entrusted this matter to me for investigation; you arrange for Cheng Yuanshan to meet with me."
"Additionally, His Majesty might also summon him; you should let him make preparations."
"Alright." Fu Shinian nodded, then opened the food box and took out the pastries, "Marquis, please eat."
Xiao Chengyu: "..."
It was as if he was being forced to take medicine.
"I noticed that the Marquis has had a poor appetite, not ingesting enough for a normal meal. But, if you don't eat properly and nourish your body well, how can you regain good health?" Fu Shinian placed a plate of pastries in front of Xiao Chengyu. "For the sake of the Marquis' manor, for the Old Madam, and most importantly for yourself, you need to make an effort to improve your health."
"The Marquis isn't suffering from any serious illness. I don't believe that with careful attention and care, he will..." live beyond 25.
Xiao Chengyu sighed, "I understand."
He picked up a pastry and took a bite.
Knowing he didn't like sweets, the pastries were made with very little sugar, and there was a faint medicinal taste—though not unpalatable, Xiao Chengyu really had no appetite.
Under Fu Shinian's gaze, he had no choice but to finish a piece with difficulty, "Did you have some already?"
"Not yet."
"Let's eat together then." Xiao Chengyu pushed the plate slightly towards Fu Shinian.
"Is the Marquis suggesting I eat more so you can eat less?" Fu Shinian said.
Fu Changqin was quite impressed on the side.
How did Fu Shinian have the courage to speak to Xiao Chengyu this way?
"How about this, I'll eat one piece, and the Marquis will eat one piece? We'll divide them equally?" Fu Shinian suggested.
Xiao Chengyu truly couldn't do anything with her. If it were someone else, just a cold face from him would have scared the other party.
But facing Fu Shinian's tender manner, Xiao Chengyu found himself unable to refuse and could only nod helplessly, "Alright."
Fu Shinian then picked up a piece and took a bite, "Delicious!"
Seeing her eat with relish, Xiao Chengyu unknowingly followed suit and began eating.
When the Old Madam learned that Xiao Chengyu had eaten half a plate of pastries, she repeatedly expressed her satisfaction, "Unexpected, unexpected..."
"Second Miss truly has a way." Nanny Wang remarked on the side.
"As Shinian said, if the Marquis carefully takes care of his health, why worry about not getting better?" the Old Madam was slightly hopeful.
Fu Shinian and Fu Changqin returned home to relay His Majesty's intentions.
The rest was up to Cheng Yuanshan.
Xiao Fengxing had not yet entered the court, so naturally, the news did not come as quickly as with Xiao Chengyu.
Five days had passed when he learned that His Majesty was anxious about the transportation of materials.
Xiao Fengxing knew his opportunity to impress the Second Prince had come.
"Xiao Fengxing?" The Second Prince, while in the study, heard the report of the servant, that Xiao Fengxing sought an audience, and was puzzled.
He had heard of Xiao Fengxing, whose reputation was prominent in the capital. Moreover, due to his brother Marquis Changping's poor health, people believed Xiao Fengxing would soon become Marquis Changping.
But the Second Prince did not think so.
Though Xiao Chengyu did not appear as healthy as others, he had not suffered any major illnesses over the years and had managed to live on.
And, Xiao Chengyu was quite favored by the Emperor and held significant influence.
On the contrary, Xiao Fengxing had yet to enter the court.
Even if he did enter the court in the future, he would likely find it hard to make a name under the shadow of Xiao Chengyu's brilliance.
The Old Madam paid great attention to Xiao Chengyu's health, with imperial physicians and doctors taking turns caring for him.
Though rumors said Xiao Chengyu wouldn't live past 25, who truly knew?
And during this time, wouldn't Xiao Chengche father a child?
Xiao Fengxing was too eager to establish his reputation, which was inappropriate.
"Why does he seek an audience?" The Second Prince did not hold Xiao Fengxing in high regard and, coupled with Chen Yuan'an's deliberate suppression of Xiao Fengxing, the Second Prince didn't even know Xiao Fengxing was in his camp.
"Let him in." The Second Prince said.
Subsequently, Xiao Fengxing came in and respectfully saluted the Second Prince.
"What business do you have?" The Second Prince asked.
"Your Highness, this student has heard that recently the court is troubled over the transportation of materials to the military, with ongoing discussions but no good solution yet." Xiao Fengxing said.
His Majesty wanted to understand if the Cheng Family could undertake such a heavy task, learn the scale of the Cheng Family's business, and ensure their integrity through many generations, evaluating their fairness in business, among other things, all requiring time.
Only after everything is settled can it be announced externally.
Recently, His Majesty quietly summoned Cheng Yuanshan.
This was unknown to the Second Prince, and Xiao Fengxing had no source to discover it.
The Second Prince caught on to Xiao Fengxing's implication, "Do you have a solution?"
Xiao Fengxing bowed and said, "This student indeed has a suggestion."
"This student believes that Your Highness can recommend yourself to His Majesty, taking on the role of overseeing the transportation of materials." Xiao Fengxing suggested, "With Your Highness overseeing, local officials would not dare embezzle. In the event of unmanageable natural disasters, Your Highness's decisions could prevent delays caused by indecision at lower levels. Even if transport is prolonged due to unforeseen events, it would still be faster than before."
"Wouldn't it be thankless work for me?" The Second Prince frowned, "Why should I take on such matters? If there were benefits, wouldn't others recommend themselves?"
"Your Highness, undertaking the supervisory role may seem like bearing heavy responsibility for little reward, but it demonstrates to all that Your Highness works selflessly for the Great Xi." Xiao Fengxing remarked, "The reward is merely subtle."
"Think, Your Highness, accepting the supervisory position means frequent visits to the army. Under your oversight, materials sent timely would earn you much gratitude from military leaders."
"Over time, would you not garner military support?" Xiao Fengxing left it unsaid, "And then you could..."
Indeed, the Second Prince grasped it.
At that moment, a nearly manic anticipation appeared on the Second Prince's face.
He already envisioned the immense support from gathering military favor.
By then, the Crown Prince wouldn't stand a chance against him!
"You are right!" The Second Prince thought deeply while pacing back and forth.
Xiao Fengxing bowed his head to conceal his delight.
He had finally impressed the Second Prince!
The Second Prince would surely rely on him greatly in the future.
"I will immediately go to the palace to recommend myself to Father," the Second Prince said impatiently.
"Your Highness, please wait," Xiao Fengxing stopped him once more.