Wufu and Ah Jiu returned to the residence and did not immediately rest. Instead, they continued to discuss matters of trade in the Northwest with Mei San and the others.

"...Earlier at the club, I didn’t say everything. There are indeed many nouveau riche in the Northwest, but they are not our main targets," Wufu stared at Mei San and said, "Our target is the grassland."

Mei San was taken aback.

Ah Jiu also looked at Wufu, a flicker of light passing through his eyes.

"Compared to the Northwest and the Central Plains, resources are scarcer in the grasslands, but what they have, we may not necessarily have on our side. Even if we do, it may not measure up."

"For example, warhorses," Ah Jiu continued.

The grassland has the strongest wine and the fiercest horses; the warhorses of the grasslands cannot be compared to those of the Central Plains.

Wufu nodded.

"I don’t know if war will break out in the future, but as the saying goes, never fight an unprepared battle. The success of war is closely related to many things—people, resources, timing, and geography—all are indispensable," Wufu said calmly. "Whoever is better prepared will be one step closer to victory."

Mei San asked, "What do you mean, Miss?"

"The prince has already acquired the stepping stone. Whether operations can commence over there depends on you!" Wufu said, "Choose some skilled people, break them down into smaller units, and plant them like hidden thorns."

Mei San’s heart was racing: "I will follow your orders."

"The sea voyage went smoothly this time. There will be another next year. You shouldn’t go again. This time, pick one or two people from those you brought to follow up on this route, and you will oversee all others," Wufu said.

"Yes."

Having discussed this matter, Wufu then instructed Yuan Ye and the others on the departure for Miaojiang the next day, ensuring that the escort team was composed of the best, as they still hadn’t identified the individuals who wanted Ah Jiu’s life. The opponents were currently lying low, and who knows if they would cause trouble from the shadows.

Seeing the fatigue between her brows, Ah Jiu held her hand and said, "You’re tired, go back and rest. I’ll handle the remaining arrangements."

Wufu was indeed a bit tired, so she got up accordingly and said, "You should also rest early. After all, we have a long journey ahead, and I worry about your health enduring it."

Ah Jiu agreed and walked her to the side door before returning.

When Wufu returned to the Changqing Residence, she heard Purple Jade say that Madam Zhou was waiting for her.

Thinking that she would be going to Miaojiang the next day, Wufu decided to inform Madam Zhou and went to her room.

Madam Zhou smiled and invited her to sit, saying, "I asked you to come at this hour to discuss the marriage proposal with you."

Wufu said, "Mother, you and Master should decide on this. Ah Jiu mentioned that after exchanging the Betrothal Letter, we should wait until you have given birth before considering heading to Beiyan."

"I’m aware of that. Yan Er and the officials he brought have already taken your draft letter for matching horoscopes," Madam Zhou, stroking her belly, said, "Exchanging the Betrothal Letter is the easy part, but preparing your dowry is not straightforward."

Originally, all of Wufu’s belongings were sufficient for her to marry into a well-off family without facing scorn from her in-laws. Yet, unexpectedly, she had such a marriage prospect, and it was a distant one. How should those items be handled now?

"Mother, there’s no rush. As for properties and such, I will send people to Beiyan to make arrangements when the time comes. There are still days ahead before the grand wedding," Wufu said with a smile. "When I arrive in Beiyan, I’ll prepare everything gradually."

"Which bride prepares her dowry gradually? Everyone starts when they are young. But you are right; preparing them here would be inconvenient to transport. So, perhaps converting them into cash and arranging them over there would be best," Madam Zhou pondered.