Chapter 1961: Busy Chapter 1961: Busy Editor: Henyee Translations Most of the road repairs involved filling in the original foundation and widening some sections.

The overall layout remained largely unchanged, provided one was willing to endure hardship and adhere to provincial regulations.

Manpower for road repairs was readily available through conscription, with nearby commoners providing the necessary labor force.

The government historically employed this method whenever manpower was needed.

However, the real challenge lay in financing the road repairs.

Procuring materials such as stone, wood, sand, and essential medical supplies, particularly trauma medication, required significant funds.

Additionally, providing daily meals for laborers was essential, as Shao Yunduan insisted on ensuring they worked on full stomachs.

Laborers engaged in physical work typically consumed large quantities of food, often requiring five or six fist-sized steamed buns each or even more to feel satisfied.

Meeting these financial demands posed a considerable obstacle.

While the state office’s finances had improved somewhat, they were not yet affluent enough to freely allocate funds for such projects.

Furthermore, the road repairs presented an opportunity to solicit donations from wealthy families and businessmen who stood to benefit the most from the improved infrastructure.

Shao Yunduan had been actively engaged in negotiations for contributions in addition to his regular duties.

Meanwhile, Qiao Xuan was equally occupied with her own responsibilities.

She had plans to cultivate a variety of herbs, star anise, peppers, and fruit trees in large quantities this year.

Ensuring the success of these endeavors required careful planning and execution, leaving her with a full schedule each day.

Despite their busy lives, the couple still found moments to express their affection for each other and spend quality time with Anan.

Unbeknownst to them, rumors were circulating widely among the elite families, but they had yet to reach the general public.

As days passed swiftly, five days had already slipped by unnoticed.

Five days was enough to confirm the rumors in the public’s heart.

Shao Yunduan and Qiao Xuan did not come out to refute the rumors, and even those who did not believe it at first started to believe it.

If Shao Yunduan had taken action when the rumors first began to circulate, perhaps he wouldn’t be so frustrated now.

On this particular day, Mrs.

Jia approached Qiao Xuan with a hesitant demeanor, as if she had something to discuss.

When Qiao Xuan inquired with a friendly smile, Mrs.

Jia hesitantly brought up the rumor she had heard.

“I’ve heard a rumor that Lord Shao has set his sights on the third daughter of the Lu Family and intends to take her as his concubine,” Mrs.

Jia murmured.

“They say the third daughter of the Lu Family is gentle and kind-hearted, not one to stir up trouble.

But with the Mei Family’s influence, Lord Shao wouldn’t dare disrespect his wife, would he?” Qiao Xuan was taken aback, her mind reeling with disbelief.

“The third daughter of the Lu Family?

How is she connected to the Mei Family?

And my husband, liking her?

Where on earth did you hear such nonsense?” Qiao Xuan found the idea preposterous.

While it was true that wealth could sometimes change a person, there had to be some indication, some shift in behavior.

Yet, for the past few days, her husband had been affectionate and attentive, showering her with affection.

They had made plans to spend quality time together, enjoying leisurely outings with Anan and even discussing future trips to Liuhe Manor for hunting and exploration.