CHAPTER 116: CHAPTER 116: SEIZING THE OPPORTUNITY IS CRUCIAL, DON’T LET IT SLIP BY

Pei Shu’er did not think that being exiled for one month was too short.

She was very aware in her heart.

If it was just her, she would definitely seek to have her sentence reduced by at least one to three years.

But with so many people, those in power would definitely consider it seriously.

At the same time, the beginning is always difficult, but once they have a start, it’s much easier to achieve collective sentence reductions in the future.

These people are very kind and loyal to her, and they are all capable individuals.

Since she wants to atone for her crimes through achievements, naturally she wants this group to be with her.

They are also the first group of people she met after coming to this world.

At the present stage, she temporarily cannot achieve equality for everyone, allowing everyone to be free individuals like in modern times.

However, she would not let those following her feel disheartened either.

Zhang Feng was initially taken aback, then he smiled meaningfully.

"You really dare to mention it."

Pei Shu’er only smiled at Zhang Feng, her eyes filled with confidence and wisdom.

"Lord, if it’s difficult for you, perhaps you can wait until the next harvest is out to report to those in charge?"

At that time, she would have enough bargaining chips.

Zhang Feng nodded coldly.

"What about the remaining cabbages?"

Pei Shu’er smiled and said: "For the remaining cabbages, we’ll offer 2000 kilograms. This is also this time’s bargaining chip for sentence reduction. Just hope, Lord, you speak well of us for offering ingredients to you."

Zhang Feng raised an eyebrow, she’s really willing to spare it, yet he hasn’t agreed to anything.

But one has to admit, Pei Shu’er’s move really draws goodwill.

He originally had some dissatisfaction with Pei Shu’er’s way of making requests.

But when she said she would offer the 2000 kilograms of cabbage as leverage, he couldn’t help but admire her; she is a woman with great courage.

Even if it means giving, it’s with conditions.

Zhang Feng and others took the cabbages away, casting a glance at Pei Shu’er before leaving.

Actually, Pei Shu’er didn’t initially plan to give anything.

But she noticed Zhang Feng’s microexpressions, which seemed somewhat dissatisfied with her proposal, perhaps thinking he lost face.

She was thankful that she understood microexpressions and psychology.

Otherwise, she wouldn’t know when Zhang Feng might start to bear a grudge against her.

In this era, it’s not as bright as the future.

Those in power have many ways to make things difficult for those below, many of which are hard to call out for.

Negotiations should never end up making enemies with the leadership.

However, negotiations are meant to be adaptable; no one is foolish enough to blindly follow the expected path step by step.

But she absolutely must negotiate with these government officers.

Now that the Deserted Mountain has suddenly yielded so much cabbage, with an astonishing yield, the impact on these government officers is the greatest.

Once they get used to such harvests, they won’t find it as remarkable.

The success rate for negotiations then would be much smaller.

Moreover, it will be another month or two until the next harvest; if negotiations start then, given their efficiency, dragging it out for half a year would be short.

She would then resume increasing the yield, taking a few months again.

So timing in negotiations is very important.

Indeed, opportunities missed won’t return.

The staff from the Third Room house felt puzzled by Pei Shu’er’s approach but did not blame her at all.

They are servants of the Third Room and know Pei Shu’er well, understanding that she wouldn’t do things without reason.

Pei Shu’er looked around at everyone and smiled, saying: "We have 600 kilograms of cabbage left, which is enough for us to eat for a while. Then, I’ll study various ways to cook cabbage with everyone."

"Alright, we’ll listen to Miss Pei."

Pei Shu’er also pulled out many copper coins from her pocket.

"Everyone has worked hard planting cabbages, consider the cabbages sold and each of you gets a hundred coins, as your wages."

Everyone shook their heads: "Miss, having food in this place is already a blessing; how can we take your money."

Other exiles are still worrying about their meals, while they’ve begun wondering how to eat better.

Lin Yu and Lin Hong both walked over with crutches, very determined.

"Miss, you are paving a path for us, and you haven’t gained anything. If we take your money, we’d be failing to distinguish good from bad."

Saying this, they performed a grand ceremony.

"Please take back the money, don’t put us in a difficult position."

Pei Shu’er glanced at the people of the Third Room, seeing that everyone genuinely resisted taking this money.

She had to put the money away; salaries shouldn’t stir small emotions among everyone.

"Alright, I’ll make delicious cabbage dumplings for everyone tonight."

"And cabbage pancakes."

Everyone cheered in unison, their eyes sparkling as they looked at Pei Shu’er.

They’ve become accustomed to seeing Pei Shu’er as their pillar.

As long as Pei Shu’er is there, even a bitter life seems hopeful and enjoyable.

Yan Hengyin stood quietly outside the crowd watching Pei Shu’er.

Different, so very different now.

Has exile truly changed a person this drastically?

If he hadn’t seen it with his own eyes, he wouldn’t have believed Pei Shu’er is such a confident, brave, and strategic woman.

She’s adept at leveraging her strengths to maximize benefits for herself.

She is not afraid of things but isn’t reckless either; her means are firm yet gentle, her words suitably measured.

From a spoiled, wilful Pei Shu’er, she’s transformed into the radiant Miss Pei whom one cannot take eyes off.

He now feels that Tang Zan standing beside her is an eyesore.

This should have been his rightful place.

This woman used to have only him in her mind.

Thinking of this, Yan Hengyin’s lips curled slightly. Now Pei Shu’er isn’t as annoying as she used to be.

If she comes to him, he might give her a chance.

But only a chance.

After all, a woman with such a blemish can’t become a Prince’s concubine.

Not even qualified to be a concubine.

In the evening, Pei Shu’er made cabbage pancakes, finely chopping the cabbage, mixing and wrapping it, then kneading the dough into pancake shapes to roast them.

In the cabbage dumplings, there was also minced wild boar meat, along with ones filled only with cabbage, which tasted quite good.

On this day, everyone saw the hope of reduced sentences, and they were especially happy.

Even if it doesn’t work this time, they won’t starve as long as they follow Pei Shu’er.

As long as they don’t starve, there’s still a chance.

Even if they have to stay in exile for a lifetime, it seems acceptable.

After all, they have such a good leader.

She is so gentle, considerate, and rational.

She’s not perfect, carefully managing relationships with the government officers.

While avoiding losses, she also maximizes the pursuit of benefits.

After dinner, Pei Shu’er had everyone gather the people from Deserted Mountain into the stone house.

She also asked to prepare some tea leaves from the mountains and cabbage pancakes, planning to hold a meeting for everyone.

Whether there is a way to get opportunities for sentence reduction or not, she must find a way and try.