Chapter 608 - Chapter 608: Chapter 608: Confrontation, Probe_1 (1/2)

Chapter 608: Chapter 608: Confrontation, Probe_1

Over the past two years, rumors about Wei Ruo’s superior medical skills had reached the Capital City after he personally cured Prince Rui and thus prevented his untimely death. Not only that, Prince Rui’s wife had given birth to a child.

Wei Ruo did not immediately reply but watched Fan Chengxu with a scrutinizing gaze.

Continuing to fan himself, Fan Chengxu said, “Queen Rui, the empire is teetering and faced with internal and external threats. Not us aristocracy, but the common people, are suffering the most.”

“Now, the governor of Jiangzhe, Mr. Yuan, who presented the Emperor with new strains of rice and wheat along with a crop called sweet potato, also handed in a paper about agricultural techniques to educate the people. Yet, why is it that only Jiangzhe, where Yuan resides, and your Jiliao region have seen an increase in grain yields and enhanced living conditions for the people, while other regions are still plagued by famine and rampant banditry?”

Wei Ruo frowned, but before she could say anything, Fan Chengxu answered his own question: “It’s because of the internal strife plaguing the court. Everyone’s energy has been spent on internal disputes, and the Emperor’s decrees hardly reach the local levels.”

Continuing, Fan Chengxu said, “When Yingying and I first arrived in Jiliao, we were surprised to see prosperity everywhere: renovated houses, broad and bright roads, and most importantly, the joyful smiles and vibrant energy on people’s faces.”

“I know you contributed to this, but I also believe your abilities can only help a small group of people. Doing business and running a country are two different things. The one who has truly enabled the people of Jiliao to live like this must be someone else.”

Without undermining Wei Ruo’s abilities, Fan Chengxu shared his speculation, understanding that her strengths do not lie in governing people.

Speaking up for Wei Ruo, Xie Ying said, “Don’t be so sure. Who says Ruoruo isn’t capable? She’s very capable!”

Teasing her, Fan Chengxu asked, “Are you, Queen Rui?”

Wei Ruo neither confirmed nor denied.

What Fan Chengxu said was right. The person with that kind of ability is not her, but her second brother. She only has a variety of high-yield crop seeds provided by her own space and the corresponding planting techniques.

However, she doesn’t know how to govern a country, how to implement policies effectively, or how to manage the people. These require a tremendous amount of expertise, which lie outside of her proficiencies.

She can successfully run a small household or a business, but governance is another matter.

Therefore, when the cultivation of potatoes expanded, she turned to her second brother for help.

It was then that her second brother started intervening in the administration of Jiliao, turned the local officials into his own tools, and created the current situation.

But Wei Ruo was still not ready to reveal the truth to Fan Chengxu.

Although they have been in touch for several years and he has been a good business partner, that doesn’t mean Wei Ruo can fully trust him.

Whether it’s the Fan family or Fan Chengxu himself, they’re both unpredictable.