My Dear Wife, Please Be Gentle!-Chapter 1142 - 1148: For the Small Treasury

Li Mu’er’s nails dug into her flesh, yet Prince Liang remained indifferent.

"Prince, I beg you to remember me for the sake of Lin’er whom I bore for you," Li Mu’er pleaded timidly.

She had had enough of living in poverty and had no wish to return to that broken temple.

At least in the Wang Mansion, she had people to serve her, and there was no lack of food or clothing.

"Rest assured, as you’ve given birth to Yi’er, you’re a meritorious servant of the Mansion of Prince Liang. You shall not lack anything you’re due," he said.

Prince Liang lazily glanced at Qiao Duo’er, but made it clear that she should not expect anything more.

Li Mu’er wiped the tears from her face and regained her usual composure.

Having seen countless women, Prince Liang would not feel any compassion for a woman’s tears.

Gently, Li Mu’er said, "Thank you for your grace, my lord. Please have some tea. I was mistaken just now. The queen is noble-born and knowledgeable; Yi’er could benefit greatly from her guidance for a better future."

"Good that you’ve come to understand," Prince Liang nodded in approval.

The carriage continued on its way, but the two exchanged no more words.

As soon as they arrived at the Government Office, an attendant came to report, "Prince, the individuals have been brought over and are currently waiting in the study."

Only then did a hint of a smile appear on Prince Liang’s face, as he promptly said, "Let’s go see them."

He had stayed here all these days, ostensibly to court favor, but in truth, he intended to undertake a significant venture in Ning Tian Mansion.

Two years ago, his coveting of the disaster relief funds had planted an idea in his father’s heart. To show his repentance, he took the initiative to donate a portion of his wealth to the national treasury.

Now that he needed to gain the support of the ministers and maintain an army, the discovery and crackdown on his private salt and iron smuggling by Qin Longyun, along with King Qin undermining his businesses, had created a substantial shortfall in his coffers. He needed to find lucrative ventures urgently.

Upon investigation, the most profitable businesses besides smuggling, gambling dens, and operating Hua Buildings were two legitimate ones.

One was Duo Meifang; the other was raising musk deer, both of which belonged to the Tan Family.

He had been preparing for a long time to take both businesses into his fold.

In the study, two individuals clad in peasants’ garb quickly knelt on the ground.

"Greetings, Prince," they said.

"Were you formerly servants of the Tan Family?" Prince Liang scrutinized the two men.

These men had previously provided false testimony for Li Zhengtian. After a few beatings, they had been sold off. He had dispatched many people before finally locating them.

They appeared to be honest folk, unlikely to dare deceive him.

Uncle Fu spoke obsequiously, "Indeed, Your Highness. What are your orders?"

"I want you to raise musk deer," Prince Liang said bluntly.

Musk deer were delicate and wild creatures, not easily tamed by most.

Uncle Fu nodded eagerly, "Whatever your wish, my lord, I shall serve with all my heart. Although we may not be experts, having tended to them for several months gives us a bit more knowledge than others."

"Should you succeed, I will surely reward you handsomely. Additionally, having been with the Tan Family for so long, might you know the formulas for Duo Meifang’s products?"

Prince Liang’s eyes gleamed with avarice. The Imperial Physician had told him that facial masks and skin lotions were almost pure-profit enterprises.

In just half a year, Duo Meifang could spread throughout the Daxing Dynasty, and all she had to do was sit at home and count her silver.

"We are unlettered, Your Highness, and know nothing of formulas. Moreover, we hardly spent any time at the Tan Family, as we lived at the deer farm," Uncle Fu explained softly.

Although they had seen the Owner only a few times, he indeed seemed a good man.

Regrettably, they could not resist the temptation of a large sum of gold.