Chapter 45 Imperial Edict

Neither Hua Jingming nor Su Qing intended to answer Ye Shanming's question.

Anyway, everyone will find out soon.

Hua Jingming thought for a moment and said, "The issue of the weapon forging rights is imminent, aren't you afraid?"

It wouldn't be good to announce the annulment of the engagement at this time.

Vice Minister Feng and Hanlin Gu came for this very reason.

To put it bluntly.

The attitudes of the two men will determine whether the Guangyuefu project will succeed.

It wouldn't be good to offend any of them at this meeting.

Su Qing sighed.

If we don't offend them now, are we going to wait until things are done before we talk about it?

Wouldn't that make the problem even bigger, making her seem like she's lying?

It's better to make things clear sooner rather than later; from now on, we'll be partners.

Who could have imagined that this matter would drag on for so long?

Furthermore, in this matter, it mainly depends on Vice Minister Feng.

Vice Minister Feng's attitude seemed to be even better than she had imagined.

Gu Congsi was not that kind of person.

However, he neglected public duty for private reasons.

Seeing that Su Qing didn't seem to care much, Hua Jingming thought to himself, "Gu Congsi always does more than he says."

Su Qing probably doesn't know what the other party is thinking.

Hua Jingming gritted his teeth and walked towards the Gu family's direction.

After a moment of contemplation, Ye Shanming suddenly had a flash of inspiration and asked, "Your marriage to Gu Congsi?"

That's it?

The last two words elicited a pleasant surprise from Ye Shanming.

From this perspective, then it must be correct.

The timing of Gu Congsi's parents' arrival in the prefectural city seemed a bit odd.

Ye Shanming laughed and said, "I knew it."

What does he know?

Su Qing was too lazy to pay attention to him, but she understood.

Ye Shanming didn't leave, and continued, "His family's ideas are outdated, how could that be?"

At this point, Su Qing understood what he meant.

The Gu family had rigid ideas, emphasizing loyalty to the emperor and patriotism, the proper relationship between ruler and subject, and the distinction between men and women.

When Su Qing lost his father, his family was unwilling, but they did not mention breaking off the engagement.

Once Su Qing became the head of the department and then the county magistrate, it was already something his family could no longer tolerate.

He was determined to have Gu Congsi pass the imperial examination and leave.

The thought that their future daughter-in-law not only showed her face in public but also spent her days mingling with many men made the Gu couple furious.

It is said that she had a female clerk working for her, but the people who came and went were mostly men.

There's no need to talk about Fei Kaiyu; everyone knows that Ye Shanming wanted Su Qing to be the branch manager.

"And the third young master of the Hua family," Madam Gu said, heartbroken. "He was entrusted by you to take care of Su Qing?"

“They send things over every few days, sometimes it’s fine silk, sometimes it’s the Four Treasures of the Study.”

"You even go to great lengths to find her nice things. Is this how you take care of her?"

Gu Congsi arrived at his home in the prefectural city, paid his respects to his parents, and then engaged in brief conversation.

Before he could ask, the Gu couple couldn't help but take out the annulment letter.

Seeing her son's complexion worsen, Madam Gu couldn't help but speak the truth.

From the death of Su Qing's father to the current situation, he continued: "Don't say how long she can be the prefect, even if she is for a lifetime, our family doesn't care."

Instructor Gu nodded, closed his eyes, and said, "Such a person who disgraces our family name must never enter my home."

"Don't be fooled by everyone's praise for her; what about the future? Can a woman like her hold office for the rest of her life?"

"You have a bright future ahead of you, you can't let her hold you back!"

"One Ye Shanming wasn't enough, so now there's Hua Jingming. I heard she has a close personal relationship with a company commander in the army."

"From here, you really don't mind?"

Gu Congsi's eyes were fixed on the annulment letter, and then on the date.

It turns out that she wrote the letter of annulment back in April of this year.

Is that why you've been so cold towards me all this time?

If that's the case.

He actually felt better.

It's not that I dislike him, it's just that the marriage is off and I don't want to get entangled with him.

Gu Congsi slowly raised his head, causing the Gu couple to instinctively stop talking. He then said, "I don't mind."

"As long as we are the ones who get married in the end, I don't care how many people are around her."

Upon hearing this, Instructor Gu was so angry he almost passed out.

What does this mean?!

absurd!

That's ridiculous!

Gu Congsi carefully put away the letter of annulment, saying only, "There was never any annulment."

"Whether it's Jinling or Guangyuefu."

Everyone knows we are a couple who are deeply in love and engaged.

Gu Congsi turned to leave, but then heard Madam Gu say directly, "If she were truly in love with you, she wouldn't have agreed to annul the engagement so quickly!"

She wouldn't mind announcing the engagement.

In order to buy time, Su Qing directly reached an agreement with the Gu family.

In Hua Jingming's words at the time.

She sold Gu Congsi without any mercy.

Gu Congsi clenched his fists and walked out of the house.

Hua Jingming happened to run into him, and the two looked at each other without saying a word. Then Gu Congsi said, "Thank you for taking care of my fiancée."

"You won't need to do that anymore."

Upon hearing this, Hua Jingming's eyes turned slightly cold, and he smiled and said, "Alright."

Hua Jingming then asked, "You won't make things difficult for her in weapon forging, will you?"

"This matter is extremely important to her."

Gu Congsi did not answer and left directly.

In contrast, Ye Shanming was laughing so hard his eyes were almost closed, and it was unclear what he was so happy about.

See? He said long ago that the two of them weren't a good match.

The engagement hasn't been called off yet.

It seems he is indeed a brilliant strategist.

Su Qing ignored him and asked him to leave directly.

There's already enough to do today, and tomorrow we'll have to entertain Vice Minister Feng and the others.

After the imperial envoy and his entourage completed their inspection, they would know their opinions on the right to manufacture weapons.

Early the next morning.

Su Qing led the imperial envoy on inspections of various places, all of which were routine procedures.

There's not much to say about the patrols.

It's simply a matter of checking whether the local government is honest and efficient, and whether there are any oversights.

And whether local officials were loyal to the emperor.

The latter, in particular, was the only way the emperor would relinquish power if this was confirmed.

However, Vice Minister Feng, who was in charge, had received instructions from the General and still trusted Su Qing quite a bit.

The general's character and conduct are beyond question; there is no one in the world more loyal to the emperor than him.

The people he recommends are never bad.

Even so, the situation in Guangyuefu was better than Vice Minister Feng had imagined.

A woman who can secure the position of prefect must be a hundred times better than others.

Otherwise, how can you convince people?

Three days later, Vice Minister Feng was very satisfied and relieved.

Although he had been entrusted by others.

But I myself also think that the right to mint is feasible.

Hearing Vice Minister Feng's hint, Su Qing smiled genuinely, a rare occurrence for her.

Things went smoothly, and everyone was very happy.

Feng Shilang relaxed and joked, "This is quite a coincidence. When you and Gu Hanlin get married, you must invite me to your wedding banquet."

Su Qing subconsciously looked at Gu Congsi.

This is a good time to clarify.

Explaining things clearly in front of everyone now would be good for both Gu Congsi and himself.

The Gu family will no longer need a future daughter-in-law like her.

For me, the issue of the right to mint is clear and unambiguous, and I will not be criticized by anyone.

"Alright." Gu Congsi smiled. "I also intend to get married as soon as possible."

Su Qing couldn't believe it: "Gu Congsi?"

Gu Congsi dared not look at her, his eyelids trembling slightly, and said only to Vice Minister Feng, "I will definitely ask you, Vice Minister, when the time comes."

"Good, good, good." Vice Minister Feng laughed heartily. "Let's go back and discuss this. We need to finish this task quickly; the Emperor is still waiting for a letter."

The officials of Guangyue Prefecture breathed a sigh of relief.

Listen to what this means.

Their Guangyuefu will soon be able to manufacture weapons!

Very good!

This way, we can save a lot of money!

Their prefect is truly a master at saving money!

Gu Congsi nodded and said, "Minister Feng, I will be there shortly."

Vice Minister Feng looked at the two of them and laughed heartily, saying nonchalantly, "Alright, alright, no rush."

I must say that Vice Minister Feng has such keen insight.

Even the officials in the government office left one after another.

For a moment, only Su Qing, Fei Xiucai, Zhu Shuli, and Gu Congsi remained in the study.

No matter how Gu Congsi viewed the two men, they refused to leave. Su Qing said, "You two go ahead and do your work. I have something to say to Gu Hanlin."

After everyone else left, Gu Congsi found a seat.

Su Qing remained behind her desk.

The study in the prefectural government office today is somewhat similar to the study in the county government office back then.

The space is just a bit bigger, with more tables and chairs.

Even the writing implements in front of Su Qing were different from before.

The two remained silent for a moment.

Gu Congsi spoke first: "What happened in April was my family's fault."

"I didn't expect that the former head of the clerk's office hadn't given up yet."

Hearing this, Su Qing said, "Anyway, it's all in the past. We'll still be friends and colleagues. Your parents' thinking wasn't wrong."

Su Qing said very seriously, "The situation in the court is constantly changing, and there is no need to give others another handle to use against us."

"Am I the one with leverage, or are you the one with leverage?" Gu Congsi stopped hiding his intentions and said, "I don't agree to the annulment of the engagement, so let's pretend it never happened."

Is there any question of whether you agree or disagree?

Su Qing bluntly said, "Didn't you want to break off the engagement a long time ago? Why bother? Given your situation, finding a marriage partner in Jinling is the most suitable option. It's better than going it alone."

"You know my situation. Even before I'm married, people will gossip about me a lot."

"If we really get married, some great scholar might just tell me to go home and be a good wife and mother."

"So no matter how you look at it, this marriage can't go through."

The higher the official rank, the greater the risk.

She didn't want to go back to the inner quarters.

Having finally reached this position, she won't back down.

Su Qing's determination was clear to everyone, which put her in a position of power and official rank with Gu Congsi.

She would choose the latter without hesitation.

Gu Congsi, of course, could also see it.

So he smiled slightly, as if laughing at what he was about to say.

"If the engagement is called off."

"The matter of the right to mint coins cannot be settled."

"I will do everything in my power to stop it."

After Gu Congsi finished speaking, he looked straight at Su Qing and, as expected, saw disbelief in her eyes.

She really thought she was a good person.

It was still Gu Congsi, who had just left Nanjiang County and was wholeheartedly devoted to loyalty to the emperor and patriotism.

But after experiencing so much, he is no longer the same person.

To get what you want, you have to be ruthless.

Su Qing was naturally dumbfounded.

Is this really the person she knows?!

What did he use to threaten him?!

Did Gu Congsi not know the importance of the weapon-making rights to the Guangyuefu?!

Even someone like Su Qing was a little confused.

After not seeing each other for more than half a year, how could Gu Congsi say such a thing?

Su Qing didn't press further about the annulment of the engagement, but only asked, "What have you been through along the way?"

Gu Congsi, who had been frowning, closed his eyes slightly, then slowly opened them again: "Don't ask anymore."

The more you forbid her from asking, the more she wants to know.

It can make an upright person become so unscrupulous.

It wouldn't have been like this without a major upheaval.

Seeing that he didn't speak, Su Qing continued, "Having gone through such a thing, we shouldn't let Guangyuefu fall into the same situation."

The capital city.

On the run.

Nanjing.

Since something happened that even Gu Congsi could change, it must have been extraordinary.

In that case, can you bear to let Guangyuefu become like that too?

Su Qing spoke up: "Guangyuefu is different after all."

Naturally different.

Otherwise, Vice Minister Feng wouldn't have been so satisfied, much less would he have agreed so quickly.

But if he wanted to salvage their marriage, he could only use the casting rights as leverage.

This is what Su Qing values ​​most.

She wouldn't let her engagement interfere with her important matters.

Gu Congsi clearly wanted to continue threatening, but Su Qing had already said, "You can't stop Vice Minister Feng's ideas."

"Although agreeing to your request would make things simpler."

"But there's no need."

"I can still get it done without you."

Therefore, she didn't mind the Gu family couple telling her about the annulment of the engagement.

They don't really care whether this matter will affect the casting rights.

If the whole plan is ruined because of Gu Congsi.

Her plan was rather flimsy.

Su Qing spoke with unwavering resolve, meeting Gu Congsi's gaze directly.

After an unknown amount of time, an urgent report came from outside.

Su Qing was very familiar with this and asked directly, "Is it military intelligence?!"

Yunxi replied, "It's military intelligence. There's a small group of rebels near Yisong County, and they've already clashed with the garrison!"

"The garrison commander Yan Xieshou urgently needs armor and weapons!"

The entire Guangyue Prefecture was filled with apprehension because of this military report.

The peaceful days seemed to have been shattered.

Rebels, it's rebels again.

Has Gaoqing Prefecture recovered so quickly?!

The people in Yisong County wished they could burn incense and pray for blessings every day.

Someone said, "Our Prefect Su is pleading for the local manufacture of weapons."

"If we could make weapons, we wouldn't have to worry so much."

This was like a lifeline.

It was held tightly by countless people.

They have grain locally.

All that's missing is the weapon.

Some people who were not convinced by Su Qing were whispering among themselves.

It was all because she ordered the grain to be stockpiled that the Martial Prince of Gaoqing Prefecture took notice of it.

If it weren't for her, the rebels might have waited a while longer.

Regardless of the idea.

But they all agree on one thing.

A place like Guangyuefu, which is on the verge of collapse, really needs the right to forge weapons!

After a moment of panic, Su Qing hurriedly took the document from Yan Xieshou and read his description of the small group of rebels.

These rebels.

It seems this isn't the first time they've come to gather intelligence.

But it was Yan Xieshou who first reported back, requesting material support.

Su Qing's lips curved into a smile as she looked at Gu Congsi: "Do you think we can obtain the casting rights for Guangyuefu?"

Is there even a need to explain?

Just as he was about to rest, Vice Minister Feng hurriedly ran over.

Feng, the Right Vice Minister of the Ministry of War, knew what the rebels were like, and he personally experienced the intrusion into the capital.

Hearing the military report again, he sighed deeply: "When will there be peace in this world?" No one could answer that question.

But the only answer was the imperial edict in Lord Feng's hand.

The emperor had already written a secret edict when they set off.

As long as the prefect of Guangyue Prefecture is loyal to the emperor, the forging of weapons can be approved immediately.

Only by manufacturing good weapons can we support the outskirts of Beijing and return to Beijing as soon as possible!

Su Qing's memorial was far more useful than expected.

Gu Congsi looked at the imperial edict, clearly not surprised.

I just didn't expect it to be brought out in this way.

The significance of this imperial edict was also extraordinary.

At least it calmed everyone in the Guangyuefu family down immediately.

Before long, everyone was able to relax.

Very good.

They in Guangyuefu were able to manufacture their own weapons and armor.

No matter how things change outside, they are able to defend their homeland and prevent the rebels from entering again.

Prefect Su was farsighted and insightful, and the Emperor was also considerate of the people's plight.

That's wonderful.

"Have you heard? Our Guangyue Prefecture has already obtained the right to manufacture weapons."

"Really?! Didn't the imperial envoys just arrive?"

"Of course it's true. The Emperor sent them with a secret decree. As long as Prefect Su passes the test, he will produce the imperial decree."

"Thank goodness it's Prefect Su, thank goodness she's the local official."

Amidst everyone's excitement, only Gu Congsi gazed intently at Su Qing.

The annulment letter was still in his arms.

This is something he is unwilling to acknowledge.

It seems like things are going to get serious.

The secret decree has been produced, and Vice Minister Feng is preparing to return to Jinling with his men.

Now that the errand is done, I should hurry back.

Gu Congsi was naturally among them.

The Gu couple were in tears, but they could only see him off.

Su Qing, who was also seeing them off, appeared somewhat indifferent.

This was most embarrassing for Vice Minister Feng.

However, he also heard that the two had broken off their engagement.

It seems to be saying that they are both of marriageable age, but their personalities don't match.

Therefore, after discussion, both sets of parents called off the marriage.

What a pity.

These two look quite well-matched.

Seeing his weeping parents, Gu Congsi softened and said, "Guangyue Prefecture is peaceful, so it's good here. Once the situation stabilizes, I will bring you and your parents over."

There is no real hatred or grudge between parents and relatives.

Su Qing watched with a smile, knowing that her decision was absolutely correct.

Have a safe journey.

"I hope the capital will be retaken soon."

Vice Minister Feng chuckled: "That depends on the Commander-in-Chief."

However, the capital city is easy to defend and difficult to attack, and its troops and provisions are plentiful.

Once the rebels succeed, they will never let their guard down easily.

There were also tough battles over there.

The imperial envoy and his entourage arrived quickly and left just as fast.

Thankfully, there was good news.

Guangyuefu can now manufacture weapons and armor!!!

And look at the cheap venue that the prefect had prepared in advance, what more can be said!

Get ready to start work.

But manufacturing weapons is not something that can be done easily.

Such a technically demanding job requires even more skilled personnel.

Fortunately, the emperor agreed and would allocate the craftsmen.

While arranging for Jianggongsi to repair the weapons workshop, Su Qing waited for the craftsmen to arrive.

The two houses, each with a garden, have a total of twenty rooms, a front garden, and numerous small gardens of various kinds.

Once the old bricks and tiles are cleared away, leaving only the main beams and columns, the factory building can be constructed.

The rebels near Yisong County put the entire government office on high alert.

In particular, the workshops that oversaw the construction of weapons were kept under constant watch, with people sent day and night to keep an eye on them, lest the bricklayers slack off.

The sooner it is completed, the sooner weapons and armor can be manufactured.

Su Qing also frequently went there, wanting to check on the construction progress.

The only downside is that to get to the weapons workshop, you have to pass by the prefectural school, and if you run into the school administrator, it will be even more awkward.

The examination for students, overseen by Scholar Fei, was finally held.

Originally there were more than 400 students, but only 103 barely passed the exam, and the rest were all expelled.

This incident was a disgrace to the education commissioner, and the fact that even bringing in Gu Congsi's father failed to secure a budget was another blow.

Now that he knows their marriage has fallen through, and seeing the number of students at the academy gradually decreasing, he is even more dissatisfied with Su Qing.

Unfortunately, he's the only one in the city who's unhappy right now.

When other officials, wealthy families, and gentry met Prefect Su, they all fawned over him.

Ultimately, who wouldn't want anything that brings them benefits?

The local aristocratic families, especially the Hua family, were eager to curry favor with them every day.

The reason is naturally related to the weapons workshop that is about to be built.

This task was not only the responsibility of the government's public works and military departments.

We should also cooperate with local big names.

After all, the weapons workshops in the northern suburbs of the prefectural city were only the last stop for weapons.

Many raw materials and primary processing processes inevitably require the selection of partner workshops.

As a result, the eldest son and the second daughter of the Hua family have been engaged in a long-standing power struggle.

However, the Hua family did not go all out in this matter, which caused his family to lose the initiative.

Master Hua somehow found out that the first person Prefect Su sought out was Hua Jingming, which made him furious.

Hua Jingming's older brother and sister also found it puzzling.

Why not seize such a great opportunity?

Hua Jingming himself was also helpless, as the Hua family's situation did not require much effort.

But his family said he wasn't advocating for the clan, and his friends clearly weren't planning to contact him.

Why am I encountering setbacks everywhere?

But he couldn't complain to Su Qing, lest he be remembered by someone with ulterior motives.

I heard that Ye Shanming has been getting very close to Su Qing lately, and he clearly wants to get involved in this deal.

Hua Jingming's expression was ambiguous, as if he didn't know anything.

The weapons workshop is indeed involved in many things.

The armor required pig iron, leather, good charcoal, and various special needles and threads, etc.

Needless to say, weapons also require large quantities of pig iron and coal.

Every single event involves the buying and selling of countless people.

As a result, more people are taking the initiative to visit.

The officials in charge of government affairs, including the Ministry of Works, the Ministry of War, and Registrar Luo, checked the records one by one. Merchants who were interested were naturally willing to cooperate.

After much deliberation, the choice naturally leads back to the Hua family.

Finally, they chose Guangyou County, which was under the jurisdiction of Hua Youling, to process various iron ores. The refined iron was then sent to the weapons workshop in the northern suburbs of the prefectural city.

Other transactions were also handled by individual households.

Ye Shanming ran around doing errands and also managed to secure deals related to needles, thread, and fabric.

After finalizing the agreement, he set off back to Jiangnan, saying that he would not disappoint Su Qing and would definitely bring her the best material.

It seems they intend to do this for the long term.

But before he left, he asked again, "Prefect Su, is your engagement with Gu Congsi really off?"

Ye Shanming was laughing so happily that even Fei Xiucai and Zhu Shuli didn't want to look at him anymore.

Mainly compared to Hua Jingming and Gu Congsi.

Ye Shanming shouldn't be too happy.

They not only took over the Xu family's share but also made a living from grain trading.

They could also get involved in weapons workshops.

Of course, what excited him the most was finally seeing Su Qing break off her engagement with Gu Congsi!

He said it before!

The two are not a good match.

The shopkeeper who had come with him couldn't help but complain, "Young Master, you're getting a little too excited."

Ye Shanming fanned himself with his fan: "You don't understand, this proves that I have a good eye."

The shopkeeper didn't expose him, and just kept handing him the reins.

We can't take a boat this time, we can only ride horses, so let's hurry up and go.

In the shopkeeper's opinion, the two of you are not a good match.

The main issue is that Prefect Su has absolutely no feelings for you.

Or rather, Prefect Su had no designs on anyone.

Her mind was filled with images of weapons workshops.

It's already October.

She was eager to recruit artisans from all walks of life so that the workshop could start operations as soon as possible.

Ye Shanming said, "When we get back to Yangzhou, I'll help her look for someone and try to send them over before the New Year."

Just then, a group of people came galloping in.

Ye Shanming, who had already left, was unaware that this group of people were the weapon craftsmen that Su Qing needed.

They received a letter from General Yan Zhengzhou and came to seek refuge with him.