The legitimate daughter was reborn, and the emperor’s little Jiaojiao went crazy.

Emperor Mingde looked up at Tang Chuyu after hearing this, "Tang Qing, are you feeling guilty?"

Tang Chuyu's heart trembled, "Your Majesty, I...have no regrets."

Emperor Mingde smiled faintly and used his imperial pen to tick off a few names. "As long as you have a clear conscience, it will be fair and aboveboard. I know that Tang Qing is upright, and the Crown Prince will know it sooner or later. With Tang Qing in charge of the court's purse, I feel relieved."

Tang Chuyu felt a burning sensation in his chest when he heard this, and he was determined to die for Emperor Mingde.

He didn't know that Emperor Mingde wanted to become his brother-in-law, but he felt that being valued and trusted by the emperor was the greatest honor and glory of his life.

The imperial edict of the imperial merchants was posted the next day. The Ming family, the Gu family, and the Shi Wei family were all from the same family, and the last spot was not given to the Chen family, but to the Huizhou Sheng family.

There was a lot of discussion inside and outside the court, and everyone secretly suspected that the Minister of Revenue was biased.

Later, Emperor Mingde personally said in the court that the imperial merchant was determined after he personally reviewed it. This suppressed the evil wind and gave Tang Chuyu a sigh of relief.

Bei Hui went to see the list excitedly and came back to report the good news. There were already many people sitting in the young master's mansion, looking very happy.

The first, third, and fourth branches were all there, and the older generations of the Shi family and the younger generations who were free were also there.

The clan leader smiled so hard that his teeth were exposed. "Thanks to little Xia, our Shi family has become an imperial merchant one day. Hahahaha... I can finally face our ancestors!"

An elder reminded, "She's a princess, don't call her 'Xia girl Xia girl' all the time, it might be disrespectful."

The clan leader didn't care. "Eh, even if she is crowned a princess, she is still the 'Xia girl' of our Shi family." He raised his head and looked over with a smile. "Xia girl, don't you think so?"

Shi Anxia smiled warmly and bowed, "Grandpa is right."

The patriarch was even more delighted.

The atmosphere was lively and everyone praised the princess for her approachable attitude.

Is it just being approachable? The cake she had painted for everyone earlier was baked.

In just a few years, Shi Anxia really led the Shi family to prosperity and success.

The amount of silver and money distributed to each household was also quite generous. When the Shi family walked outside, they held their heads high and were full of confidence.

Now that the title of imperial merchant has been finalized, the Shi family’s wealth and status will surely rise to a higher level.

In the future, as long as I don’t make any big mistakes, I can at least provide food and clothing for three generations.

The Shi family is both an imperial merchant and a noble family, a unique honor in the Northern Wing.

Some people lamented, "It's like a dream, it feels like everything came too easily."

Another person said sternly, "You only see the glory today, so you naturally think it's easy to get. However, the Shi family can be what it is today, all thanks to Xia girl's planning. How can you know the bitterness in the process?"

Everyone praised Shi Anxia again.

Shi Anxia was modest and did not take credit for himself. He said calmly, "The Shi family is what it is today, not because of my efforts alone. It is because of everyone's concerted efforts that we have achieved this great situation." After saying this, he paused for a moment and continued, "I only hope that everyone in my Shi family can cherish their reputation and not let down the hard-earned glory."

When everyone heard this, they all calmed down and became serious.

Shi Anxia's eyes slowly swept over the people in the hall. He was not carried away by the title of Royal Merchant. Instead, he became calmer. "Along with glory comes rumors. As the saying goes, a tall tree attracts the wind. Now there are so many eyes staring at us. If we are not careful, we will give others a handle. Therefore, our Shi clan, from top to bottom, must be more careful in what we say and do. Don't get carried away because of a momentary complacency, and don't be quick to talk and cause trouble."

There was a solemn silence in the hall. Everyone nodded in agreement, sat for a while, and then stood up to say goodbye.

When I came, I wanted to beat the gongs and drums and step on the auspicious clouds. When I left, I felt my steps were firm and my shoulders were heavy.

Glory is also a burden. If you are not careful, you will be criticized.

No one was as fickle as they were when they first arrived; some even thought that they would have no shortage of food and clothing as long as they could sleep soundly under the title of imperial merchant.

After returning from the Young Master's Mansion, everyone... went to work efficiently.

The clan leader sighed, "How did Xia girl manage to remain calm despite praise or criticism? I have lived my entire life, but I am still not as calm as she is."

The old wife of the clan leader said, "The Shi family is lucky to have such a girl. If it weren't for the fact that their mansion had a mistress like that earlier, who held them back, I'm afraid the Shi family would have prospered long ago."

The clan leader shook his head calmly, "If it weren't for that mistress... perhaps our Shi family wouldn't have such good luck. Alas! Chengxuan is such a fool who doesn't cherish us! What a pity! What a pity!"

He had heard about Wen Ruqin's plot against Tang Chujun, but he was not sure about the details. But one thing was clear: if she hadn't plotted, Tang Chujun would not have looked down on Shi Chengxuan, and he wouldn't have accidentally given birth to such an outstanding brother and sister like Shi Yunqi and Shi Anxia.

On this side, Shi Anxia invited his uncle Shi Chengyi to stay and go to the side hall to discuss matters.

There were so many people, but only he was left behind. Shi Chengyi felt a subtle throbbing in his heart, and the hand holding the teacup began to tremble slightly.

Actually, I was a little nervous.

Before Shi Anxia could speak, Shi Chengyi spoke first, "I thought Xia'er had become estranged from me."

"How could that be?" Shi Anxia had already adjusted her emotions well, "Uncle will always be the best uncle in Xia'er's heart. Xia'er will never forget the kindness of Uncle in finding me back then."

Shi Chengyi couldn't help but clench his fists, and a complicated look flashed in his eyes.

He lowered his head and took a sip of tea to hide his inner fluctuations: "Xia'er, you asked me to stay here today, is there something you want to discuss?"

Shi Anxia smiled slightly and nodded, "That's right." As she spoke, she took out a booklet from her sleeve and gently pushed it in front of Shi Chengyi: "Uncle, this is the three-year development plan for the Shi family that Xia'er has recently drawn up. Please take a look."

Shi Chengyi put down the teacup and opened the booklet to read.

Shi Anxia did not disturb him. She stood up and walked to the window, looking at the sky that was gradually darkening outside, suppressing the slight pain in her heart.

Bei Hui came in and lit the light, and the room became brighter.

Shi Chengyi flipped through the booklet quickly, and the more he read, the more frightened he became.

The book details the Shi family's layout and personnel placement in business, the court, and even the streets, with each step linked to the next. The entries are clear and the layout is meticulous, from the ways of business to the power struggles in the court, everything is detailed and precise.

Shi Chengyi raised his head, his eyes shocked: "Xia'er, you are amazing."

Shi Anxia turned around and sat back in his chair, saying calmly, "No matter how good the plan is, it is only great if it is put into practice. So, uncle, are you willing to be the helmsman of the Shi family?"

Shi Chengyi's heart was shocked, "Xia'er, are you still willing to believe me?"

Shi Anxia was just like the pure and clear little girl she was back then. Even though her eyes were filled with more complicated emotions now, she still had a feeling of admiration for him, "I am willing."

I am willing! Just these three words made Shi Chengyi very excited.

Shi Anxia said, "Now that the Shi family has become an imperial merchant, there are so many people outside staring at our mistakes. With my uncle at the helm, I feel relieved."