As spring arrived, the capital city was still embroiled in the heated power struggle, while the south had already raised its own banner, establishing itself under the name of the Prince Yan's Estate.
Through Bai Li Chong Yan's deliberate manipulation, the common people of the realm were made to believe that Prince Yan had led them to establish their own domain to save them from the abyss.
Refugees from various regions flocked in, and under the control of Prince Yan's Estate, they soon settled down in the south. Previously, the capital, being in the north, attracted families who wished to achieve success through imperial examinations, leading to a larger population in the north and its surrounding areas.
However, with this migration led by Prince Yan's Estate, refugees from the north followed suit, including many merchants who also relocated to the south.
They still operated under the banner of Prince Yan's Estate, but the world knew they were essentially one nation.
The Crown Prince and the Fifth Prince, still engaged in internal strife, were instantly dumbfounded.
They had been pleased to have dealt with the Song and Zhang families, believing a major rival was incapacitated. They never expected Bai Li Chong Yan to have no intention of competing with them, but instead to establish his own dominion.
This left the two men bickering in the capital, both feeling as though they had been played.
Yet, they had no choice; not to fight meant death.
As all things revived, the south, though without an emperor, had gradually recovered. The displaced people built their own homes and settled down, while the government provided for their temporary needs of food, clothing, housing, and transportation.
It was arduous, but they were on the right path.
In contrast, the capital city remained in dire straits.
Bai Li Chong Yan wholeheartedly devoted himself to building up the south, encouraging land reclamation and farming. Young children could attend official schools for free, and those who helped with labor received food. Life was exceptionally comfortable.
With Song Fang Hua's ingenious ideas and modifications to tools, the entire south flourished. She modified the farmers' production tools, improved fishing boats, and even developed gunpowder for Bai Li Chong Yan to mine.
However, this came with conditions: she made Bai Li Chong Yan swear before the core figures of the Song and Zhang families that gunpowder would never be used on the battlefield unless their foreign enemies attacked and they were unable to resist.
Upon witnessing the power of gunpowder, Minister Song and Prime Minister Zhang supported her.
Yet, they worried about Bai Li Chong Yan's reaction.
Fortunately, he not only did not get angry but also agreed, signing a document as proof.
Song Fang Hua breathed a sigh of relief.
With the support of mineral resources, the south's development became more convenient. Underlings recruited learned individuals to venture out to sea, and both Song Fang Hua and Zhang Yi Cheng joined them.
By the summer solstice, they returned, bringing with them many new species. Song Fang Hua recognized them all and knew how to cultivate them, personally teaching the common people farming techniques.
Bai Li Chong Yan did not deliberately obscure her contributions. Within two months, the crops planted in some areas were ready for harvest.
Consequently, many people in the south learned of the reputation of the eldest daughter of the Song family, calling her a living Bodhisattva who saved the suffering and could feed everyone in the realm.
The Song and Zhang families again worried that Bai Li Chong Yan might become jealous. Unexpectedly, instead of suppressing Song Fang Hua and Zhang Yi Cheng, Bai Li Chong Yan actively promoted Song Fang Hua, further enhancing her renown.
Madam Song became somewhat flustered.
She found Zhu Lin to inquire about the matter.
"What exactly is the Prince's intention? Does he intend to bring Song Fang Hua... into the Prince's Estate?"
Zhu Lin replied, puzzled, "Isn't she already in the Prince's Estate?"
Madam Song nudged Zhu Lin's head, lamenting her lack of ambition, "I mean, does the Prince intend to take her into the Prince's Estate as a concubine or something? Her reputation is considerable now. If she enters, she might overshadow you. You too, why do you allow her to..."
"Mother," Zhu Lin interjected, "Chong Yan is not that kind of person. Please don't speak nonsense."
"How am I speaking nonsense?" Madam Song exclaimed angrily. "She comes to the Prince's Estate every day. If something were to happen between her and the Prince, who would you cry to? And you, why don't you also do these things? Even if you can't, go and compete with her! The Prince still favors you now. If you speak up, the Prince will surely favor you even more..."
"Enough," Zhu Lin said, suddenly feeling agitated.
If not for that confounded persona, she would have wanted to lash out.
"Mother, I've told you, Chong Yan is not that kind of person, nor would he dare. As for Song Fang Hua, those are her achievements. What reason do I have to compete with her? She is doing it for the people. What would I become if I competed with her? If you are bored, go and visit the official schools. Auntie and cousin Yi Nuo have become female instructors at the official schools. Go and learn from them."
Madam Song: "..."