"Mingzhi, are you joking with me?"

Someone who only attended school for a year?

What value could a letter from such a person have? People even went to the palace specifically to request an audience with him just to deliver this letter.

That's what I think.

The emperor still had the eunuch serving him bring the letter over.

He lazily opened the letter.

I guess it's all about flattery, or maybe they just want an official position?

The emperor's expression changed after reading only two sentences.

She has completely changed her previous lazy style and looks much more energetic now.

Ning Hongze's letter was very simple.

However, the letter did mention the problem of the national treasury's financial difficulties. He stated that he had a way to solve the problem and also attached the recipe for making glazed cement.

What is glass? The Emperor naturally knew.

Things from overseas capitals.

It is transparent and lustrous, and extremely precious.

Such a precious thing, yet this person brought up this prescription instead?

Really? Or fake?

And what is this cement?

The emperor wanted to scoff at him, but reason told him that this person was definitely just trying to attract attention.

If he really knew the recipe for this stuff, how could he have become so poor? But putting aside reason, he really wanted to believe it just this once.

If this glass recipe is genuine, then the national treasury will soon be filled.

Most importantly, the letter also mentioned lifting the sea ban to search for high-yield seeds. The letter stated directly that some imported seeds had high yields per acre and were drought-resistant; if they could be found, they would certainly solve the food problem for the people of Anguo.

He really wanted to believe these things.

"Where is your brother? I wish to see him."

The emperor gripped the letter tightly in his hand; even if it was a lie, he still wanted to see it.

After all, everything described in the letter was too enticing.

Ning Hong was summoned to the palace and had a long talk with the emperor all night.

Of course, Mingzhi had been following Ning Hongze's side the whole time, and it was at this moment that Mingzhi suddenly understood why Ning Anuo admired his brother so much.

Yes, he is also his older brother.

Mingzhi looked at his brother with adoration, completely ignoring the fact that his brother had only attended school for a year.

He just felt that his brother was incredibly amazing.

The next day, Ning Hong returned to the Marquis of Dingyuan's residence.

When he entered the palace, the eunuchs and maids looked down on him, but now they respectfully saw him off at the palace gate. It is no surprise that this person will receive great favor from the emperor in the near future.

Ning Hong was drowsy.

Completely unaware of the change in the gazes of those around them.

The emperor was overjoyed. He never expected that Mingzhi's brother would be such a talented person; it was truly beyond his expectations.

It's a pity we didn't meet sooner. Most importantly, he made it clear that he just wanted a nominal title, enough to be worthy of Jiang Cha, the daughter of the Jiang family.

It's a pity that such a talented person didn't want to be an official.

After thinking it over, the emperor kept Jiang Cha's father behind after the morning court session the next day.

The Jiang family was once glorious, but each generation has declined in quality.

The fact that none of his descendants were successful made Jiang's father feel heartbroken.

Today, he was suddenly kept behind by the Emperor, which puzzled him greatly.

Could it be that the Jiang family has committed some wrongdoing?

"Jiang Qingjia".

"Your subject is present."

Father Jiang said in a panic.

"I've heard that you have a daughter who is of marriageable age."

"That is indeed true."

Why did the Emperor suddenly ask about ginger tea? Did the Emperor take a fancy to ginger tea?

Father Jiang quietly raised his head and glanced at the emperor. Seeing that the emperor looked several years older than himself, he couldn't help but frown.

No, no, His Majesty is too old—

emperor:"······"

I felt that there was a hint of disdain in Jiang Qingjia's eyes just now.

"Ahem." He coughed lightly. "I'd like to act as matchmaker for her. What does Minister Jiang think?"

"Ah? My esteemed Acha, the matchmaker?" Who is it? "May I ask where you are from, what you look like, how old you are, and whether you have wives or concubines?"

To put it bluntly, Acha has quite a reputation in Beijing.

They got engaged multiple times over the years, and then broke off the engagements multiple times.

He wasted his time until he turned eighteen.

Of course, during this time, quite a few people also came to propose marriage.

But without exception, those people were all despicable individuals.

It's one thing to use illegitimate sons to annoy them, but if those sons are ambitious and capable, it's fine. However, they insist on using spoiled brats who only know how to eat, drink, and have fun.

If he were to let his Acha marry one of these men, he would rather support Acha for the rest of his life.

However, the Emperor acted as matchmaker—"Your Majesty, I wish Acha a lifetime of happiness and joy."

"Don't worry, this person is definitely a good man."

The emperor laughed.

"Although he has nothing at the moment, it won't be long before he has everything."

"Huh?" There are such people? "Your Majesty, who is this person—"

“It is Ning Hongze, Mingzhi’s biological elder brother.”

Jiang's father's face fell instantly.

A country boy from a remote mountain area asked, "Your Majesty, are you joking with me?"

How could such a young man be worthy of his daughter? Moreover—thinking of the maidservant Xiaoru who served his daughter, and the complaints she made, Father Jiang's brows furrowed even more.

He always thought Xiaoru was talking nonsense; how could his daughter possibly be interested in someone like that?

But why did His Majesty suddenly bring up this person today?

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