Chapter 41: Problems Showing Up

A month has passed and now Wu Zhang Wei got less time to spend with his wife. Almost every day, guards and officers came to report some cases. Yesterday, guards who worked at the port reported that some merchants make some disturbances at the port. It was a rare case since the port had been peaceful and calm for years. All the merchants who came to Wu Empire know the rules and conditions if they want to do business in this country.

Some other merchants also reported that they were robbed by pirates on their way to the Wu Empire. They're just a few miles from reaching the port but suddenly a big ship that belonged to a group of pirates invaded their ships and steal all their valuable items. This kind of thing shouldn't happen as the armies were placed to protect the sea. And as long as people have entered the Wu Empire region, the soldiers are responsible to protect them. However, no one saw where those pirates came from.

This matter happened three weeks ago but until now, no signs of pirates could be traced. Sitting on the dragon throne, Zhang Wei's eyes fall on Huang Fei Hong.

"What about the pirates? They have been caught?"

Huang Fei Hong shakes his head. He sighs. "Pardon Your Majesty. We still didn't get any information about them. It feels like they come and go. They robbed actively in one week only. But then, they suddenly disappear. No one ever came again reported about their ship was robbed."

Zhang Wei frowns. "Then, what about the ones who were robbed? Where are they now?"

"All of them had returned to their country. All of their belongings and merchandise were stolen so no reason for them to stay here any longer. After making a report, two or three days later they sailed out."

Zhang Wei leans back on the dragon throne. He can't help but feel something strange about this matter. Where did the pirates come from? It is impossible they just suddenly emerge from under the sea. Then, after they did their work, where did they disappear?

"Continue patrolling and tighten the security at the port. Every single person who landed at the shore, their information must be recorded and asked them to left something valuable to the guards. Only when they're going to return to their place, they can take back their token." Zhang Wei releases a heavy sigh.

When they're about to move to another matter, a guard running inside and immediately knelt.

"Pardon for my intrusion, Your Majesty." The guard's face is slightly pale while he is panting heavily.

Zhang Wei hums. "What's the matter?"

"Two farmers came to report that something happened to the West farm."

Zhang Wei takes a deep breath, his eyes turned cold. "Call them in!"

A moment later, two farmers came into the hall. They look here and there, sweating, feeling anxious. When they accidentally laid their eyes on the cold emperor, they quickly lower their head, slightly trembling.

Both farmers knelt and greet the emperor.

"What happened?" Zhang Wei asked.

"Yo- Your Majesty... When all the farmers went to our farm this morning, we found that all the plants had died. All of them had been de- destroyed."

The farmers explained that the causes of death are strange and look impossible no matter how much they think.

The traces on the soil showed footprints of animals but if the animal intrudes on their farm, for sure those animals will have injuries as their farm is fully protected with barbed wire fences.

The gate also still intact and no signs of being damaged by animals. Those farmers meet a dead end. They never thought all their hard work was destroyed in one night.

The West farm is the largest farm in the Wu Empire. Most of the sources for vegetables and fruits came from West farm. Sellers from the capital market will buy from the farmers then resell in the capital city. Even the palace got their veggies from them.

Since their farm had been destroyed, in the nearest time there will be depletion in veggies and fruits source. Even if they replanted everything all over again, it will take time to grow.

Zhang Wei sitting on the throne, rubbing his temple. Even the pirates' case hadn't been solved. Now, another problem arises.

Zhang Wei turns to the guard just now. "Have you looked around the farm? Is there any traces left by animals?"

"Pardon Your Majesty. I've looked around the farm and even the forest. No traces of injured animals. The footprints of the animals are found slightly far from the farm. And then the footprints su- suddenly go- gone." The guard stuttered. His words seem unrealistic but it was the truth.

"Zhen will send a few guards to patrol around the farm during the days and night. All the farmers who were affected will be compensated. All of you will be given new seeds and plants to replace the one that has been destroyed. Zhen also will send some people to supervise and lend a hand to all of you."

The farmers quickly kowtow, conveying their gratitude. Zhang Wei waves his hand, asking them to leave.

Inside the hall, looking at the fuming emperor, all the ministers didn't dare to say anything. This empire has been so peaceful for years. Since the death of the previous emperor and Wu Zhang Wei took over the throne, he had been handling the country's affairs in the most efficient way.

People might say the emperor is scary, ruthless when he is facing the enemy but that's what makes their empire safe from being intruded on. Empire Wu is envied by the neighboring countries. With its fertile soil that suitable for farming, rich with sources from the ocean, the empire's strategic position makes traders and merchants keep coming to this place to expand their business.

Some countries also develop a diplomatic relationship in the hope they also can help each other in terms of safety protection, business trading and others.

It's not like this country never has any problems but usually, they're easily solved. Thanks to the efficiency of the imperial guards, led by Great General Huang Fei Hong and also far-sighted and knowledgeable Prime Minister, Lord Li Shizen.

But now, it has been three weeks but the pirates' matter hasn't been solved. And now added with the disturbance at the west farm. Soon, fruits and veggies stock will be scarce.

Zhang Wei dismissed the meeting and it will be adjourned the next day. He needs some time to think clearly. He returned to Daming Palace, the main palace where the emperor resides with his empress.

He went directly to the garden, the usual place where his empress always went during this time. When he saw his wife is sitting inside the gazebo, holding a book, his lips curved. He immediately dismissed all the servants and guards.

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The incoming footsteps make Xiu Ying lifts his head. He smiles when he saw Zhang Wei is walking towards him.

Taking a seat beside Xiu Ying, Zhang Wei scoops Xiu Ying into his arms, embraces him tightly. This is his way of reenergizing.

Xiu Ying puts aside the book. Since he became the empress, Zhang Wei didn't let him spend time at the imperial pharmacy. He can go and visit, but not working there.

Xiu Ying pats gently on Zhang Wei's back. "Everything alright? Are there any more problems that occur?"

Zhang Wei buries his face on Xiu Ying's neck, takes a deep breath and tightens the hug. Xiu Ying's soothing voice somehow gives a calming sensation to him. The royal couple stays in each other's arms, comforting without saying anything.

After a few minutes of cuddle, Xiu Ying breaks the hug. He caresses Zhang Wei's face, "It's almost dinner time. Let's go back."

Zhang Wei snuggles on Xiu Ying's palm then he pecks on it. The couple going back to their room, hand-in-hand.

After dinner, both of them take a bath together. Nothing happened more than just kisses here and there.

Zhang Wei is mentally exhausted but when he laid on the bed, he can't sleep. He stares at the ceiling, in a daze. Xiu Ying noticed his husband is still awake, so he moves closer and put his head on Zhang Wei's shoulder, arm wrapping his waist.

"Wei-er... what's wrong? If there's any problem, you can tell me. Maybe I can think of some solution for you."

Zhang Wei looks down. Meeting the expecting puppy's eyes melted his heart. He pulls Xiu Ying into a more comfortable position. He planted a kiss on top of his head.

"About the pirates' matter. Huang Fei Hong said they got no information at all about them. It feels like the pirates existed in those days only. Where they came from and where did they go, no one knows. A lot of merchants and traders have stopped coming since then. I think until the pirates are captured, those traders won't come. They won't risk their goods."

Zhang Wei looks down and saw that Xiu Ying frowns while hearing attentively. So, he continues.

"Today, the farmers in the West farm reported that all plants were destroyed. No signs of intruders but there are traces of animals. But, the wired fence and gate are still intact. It was like those animals open the gate then closed it back." Zhang Wei sighs.

"Maybe in the next few months, our people didn't get to eat vegetables and fruits. For sure, it will be such a hassle. Vegetables and fruits are the cheapest but now, all of them were destroyed. Meat...some of them can't afford it." He sighs.

Xiu Ying bites his lips, having some thoughts. Zhang Wei waits patiently for his wife to speak out his opinions.

"Wei-er..."

Zhang Wei hums and lips curve. He really likes it when his wife called his name like that.

"For the farm, how about we ask those farmers to focus on growing veggies that grow faster? Maybe like Chinese potherb mustard, radish, Pak Choy and tatsoi. These plants are some of the fastest-growing plants. If they plant now, next month, all of these could be harvested. Well, the choice of veggies might be limited but at least they got something to sell and eat. At the same time, other veggies still need to be planted but asked them to focus on these more. While waiting for others to sprout, people still can enjoy these veggies."

Zhang Wei looks at Xiu Ying in amazement. He didn't know about the harvest time for those vegetables so for sure he didn't think about this method. Immediately he pulls Xiu Ying into a passionate kiss.

"My wife is so smart. No wonder you're the mother of this nation," said Zhang Wei after they break their kiss.

Xiu Ying pouts. His face reddened. He brushed off the compliments and continues to speak.

"As for the pirates, first you need to know whether the one who reported the crime, was that their first time came here or they are regular traders and merchants. If it was their first time, it might be they make a false report."

Xiu Ying ignores Zhang Wei's admiring gaze and continues. He suggests telling the guards to ask around the market. Ask any businessmen/women whether the traders who always made a deal with them, have stopped coming or not.

There is a high probability that those hoaxes made by the so-called victims were just to stop new traders and merchants from coming to do their business in the Wu Empire.

As for the West farm, Xiu Ying had a hunch that it was sabotaged by someone. Those people used animals to make it look like it was done unintentionally so no one will be charged or punished.

The reason why the fence is still intact but the plants were damaged was because the gate was opened by the perpetrator themselves and they let those animals in. After all the plants have been destroyed, they cleaned their traces to avoid being hunted. Even small findings could lead to the real boss behind all these matters. That's why they took precautions and destroy all shreds of evidence.

Zhang Wei knitted his brows, "So...you're saying someone tried to make a ruckus and disturb our country?"

Xiu Ying nods.

Zhang Wei sighs. "Who could it be..." He mumbles.

Xiu Ying gently pats on Zhang Wei's chest. "It's alright. I'm sure sooner or later we will catch the person behind all these."

Zhang Wei's lips curved. One hand cupping Xiu Ying's face, he stares at his wife dotingly. Having Xiu Ying by his side is such a blessing. He lowers his head, planted a kiss on the forehead and the soft lips.

"Hmm. Thank you baobei."

Zhang Wei thought of bringing Xiu Ying to the morning court tomorrow. He wants to show off in front of all those ministers and officers that his empress is so brilliant.. But then he remembered, those old geezers will stare at his wife, he cancel the thought.

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