After listening to Xu Di's words, the Marquis sat opposite Xu Di, closed his eyes and pondered. It was a very bold idea, but also one that people really wanted to try. The Marquis was a person who loved children, not only his own children, but also his younger brother's children. He cherished them all.

The monthly allowance that the people of the Yongning Marquis's mansion could receive from the public funds was already considered high in the entire capital. The couple, along with several children, never felt they had too much money. Even if they were very frugal, they still had to plan for their children's future.

Zhang Zhaoci's sisters-in-law came from different backgrounds, and their dowries varied in size. They also had social interactions with their own relatives and friends.

Many wealthy families, after their fortunes declined, were not actually that well-off. Some families that had fallen on hard times would even disregard the concept of matching social status and seek marriage with a well-off family in order to alleviate their financial crisis.

Seeing that the Marquis was somewhat interested, Xu Di didn't say anything more. He had only given him an idea; how to implement it was up to him.

The Marquis opened his eyes and saw Xu Di, who was happily drinking tea. He said, "You little rascal, you've thrown me a huge problem, but you're enjoying your tea. You're fourteen years old this year, aren't you? Are you really going to take the provincial examination?"

Xu Di said, "This time I'm just going to experience it. It doesn't matter whether I pass the exam or not. I haven't studied hard all these years. I'm always busy with other things."

The Marquis said, "I wanted to keep you here to study properly for two years, but you insisted on going to Hexi with your parents."

Xu Di smiled and said, "Grandfather, I think it's a good idea to go to Hexi. Isn't the ultimate goal of the imperial examination to become an official? And isn't the purpose of becoming an official to do things? If I do things well first, then I can go back to my studies. Do you think my mindset will still be the same as someone who doesn't understand anything?"

After listening to Xu Di's words, the Marquis nodded and said, "Your idea is quite novel, but the imperial examination is all about the books you've read. If you haven't read enough, how can you pass the exam?"

Xu Di smiled and said, "I never put down my books. Reading is a process of gradual accumulation. What you learn from books is never enough; you must put it into practice to truly understand. Theory and practice must be combined. I just haven't accumulated enough knowledge yet. When I do, passing the exam will be a natural outcome."

The Marquis chuckled and said, “You’ve always been a very opinionated child. Since you think it’s the best way for you to do it, then do it this way. Oh, by the way, from now on, I’ll have your aunt take out your family’s allowance separately. You can either have someone deliver it to them or collect it yourself when you come back.”

Xu Di laughed and said, "Grandfather, you are the same. Even though the family is so rich, you still have to make things difficult for my aunt. My aunt is in charge of the household and racks her brains every day to figure out how to spend money in the mansion. I feel a headache just watching her."

The Marquis laughed and said, "Don't you understand the principle of not flaunting wealth? We've only gradually become more low-key these past few years. If others find out how rich our family is, there are many families in the capital who are ranked higher than us. They could tear us apart alive."

Xu Di waved his hand and said, "Okay, I understand. If you need more money anywhere, just tell me. I'll leave you a token before I leave. You can have someone take it to Lazi Village or the hot pot restaurant owned by the Wei family to withdraw the money. I have a share in both places."

Upon hearing this, the Marquis exclaimed in surprise, "Everyone says that the Wei family's two shops are extremely profitable, but I never expected that you would have a share in them."

Xu Di said, "You are my grandfather, so I won't hide it from you. I created both of these things. The reason why the food in these two shops tastes so good is because they contain chili peppers. And I have only ever grown chili peppers in Hexi, and I grow them in secret, all for the purpose of making money. But anyone with a keen eye can see how I make money. I'm not the only one who has chili peppers. Once the method of growing chili peppers is cracked, these two shops will no longer be able to make money like they do now."

The Marquis sighed and said, "You guys really know how to cause trouble in Hexi. Our manor was even praised by the Emperor because of you. Others probably don't know, but I do."

The crops that Wei Lang presented to the Emperor were all brought back from overseas by the Zhang family's ships at the request of Xu Rao and Xu Di. This matter has been kept secret by Emperor Liang Cheng. Now, corn and sweet potatoes have been widely promoted in Liang, and people in many places are planting these two crops. Vegetables are also being widely promoted.

As the heads of the Xu family, Xu Rao and Xu Di did not hide anything from Marquis Yongning, but repeatedly instructed him to keep the matter a secret. The Emperor also secretly summoned Marquis Yongning to the palace because of this matter. Marquis Yongning knew the importance of this matter. If the princes found out what Xu Rao and Xu Di had done in this matter, the Xu family would probably never have a peaceful day again.

Xu Di said, "There will never be such a thing again, Grandfather. Our family has been protected by the Emperor's secret guards because of this incident, just to prevent those greedy people from using this matter to their advantage. In the future, you must be careful in your actions, and you must also keep the people in the mansion in check. We will not cause trouble, but we will not let others bully us either."

When Xu Di left the Marquis's study, it was past midnight. After watching Xu Di leave, the Marquis lay down in the bedroom in the inner room of the study, but he couldn't fall asleep. He was still thinking about the idea that Xu Di had just mentioned. If it was really feasible, would it make the people in the manor live a better life?

My dear reader, there's more to this chapter! Please click the next page to continue reading—even more exciting content awaits!