hope
West of the city, Yang family residence.
Yang Shouye was half leaning on the couch, his face was sallow, one of his arms was hung in front of his chest with a cloth strap, and there were still purple bruises on his forehead that had not faded. Occasionally, when the wound was pulled, he would gasp in pain.
That imprisonment almost cost him half his life.
He had merely gone to Chengxin Garden to attend a banquet hosted by Princess Mingzhu, but was arrested by the men of the county governor Zhou Tianlu on a pretext, tortured, and forced to reveal the so-called "evidence of treason."
He was injured thanks to those cruel officials, and luckily he survived. His family business was also greatly affected by his imprisonment. Thinking of this, Yang Shouye felt a nameless anger burning in his heart, burning his internal organs.
"Master," the butler came in carefully holding a gold-embossed invitation.
"Another invitation has arrived from the Princess's Mansion."
Yang Shouye didn't even raise his eyelids and said, "Throw it away!"
The butler hesitated for a moment: "This..."
"I told you to throw it away!" Yang Shouye raised his voice, which affected the injured area and made him gasp in pain.
"Throw it away! I never want to be associated with that place again in my lifetime! What kind of princess is this? I almost lost my life after going there once. Going there again? Do I think my life is too long?"
The housekeeper didn't dare to persuade him anymore and quietly retreated.
Two days later, the butler came again, this time holding not an invitation but a piece of plain paper. "Master, a handwritten letter from the princess."
Yang Shouye's brows knitted into knots, and he waved his hand impatiently: "Read it."
The butler unfolded the letter and read it in a low voice.
The letter was written with earnest words. Princess Mingzhu said frankly that the original intention of the last Chengxin Garden banquet was to strengthen the fellow townspeople's friendship, but she never expected that it would cause the merchants to suffer unexpected disasters, be imprisoned, and suffer from panic and physical pain. She said, "This is the fault of my lack of consideration. Whenever I think about it, I feel very ashamed."
After the butler finished reading, the room fell silent.
Yang Shouye was silent for a moment, the anger on his face eased a little, but the resentment remained.
He snorted, "It's nice to say, but can a simple complaint of inconsideration make up for my injuries? These nobles, their apologies are so light and superficial, what's the point? I won't go! Tell her that I, Yang Shouye, am unfortunate and can't afford it!"
The butler had no choice but to retreat again.
However, just one day later, the butler almost stumbled in, his voice changing tone: "Master! A distinguished guest has arrived, it's Princess Mingzhu! She's here in person, right in the front hall!"
"What?" Yang Shouye sat up straight, grimacing in pain as the injured area moved.
The princess came in person? What was going on?
He was filled with confusion and uncertainty.
"Hurry, help me up!" He struggled, and with the help of his son Yang Tianlu who came after hearing the news, he put on his outer robe with difficulty and staggered to the front hall.
In the front hall, Ning Lingyi was only accompanied by Shen Qingyan.
She did not sit in the main seat, but just stood there quietly, looking at this slightly simple hall. Normally, the Yang family, who were very wealthy, should not be like this.
Seeing Yang Shouye being supported in, with scars still visible, she didn't wait for Yang Shouye to bow with difficulty, but stepped forward and said softly, "Boss Yang, there's no need to be so polite. It's my fault for coming here so abruptly and disturbing your recovery."
Yang Shouye reluctantly bowed, "I dare not. Your Highness has come to my humble abode. What instructions do you have?"
He was still on edge, wary of the princess's intentions.
When the King of Hell fights, the little devils suffer. These businessmen are nothing but victims of the struggle between power and wealth.
Ning Lingyi looked at his expression and sighed softly, "I came here only to apologize in person. I cannot shirk my responsibility for this mistake."
Her voice was frank, without a hint of perfunctoriness. Shen Qingyan nodded slightly, and two eunuchs stepped forward and gently uncovered the brocade covering the tray in their hands.
The hall was instantly filled with light.
On a tray were several jade pieces of extremely fine quality and exquisite workmanship, sparkling in the light, and it was obvious that they were made inside.
On another tray was a deed stamped with the imperial palace's vermilion seal.
Yang Shouye and his son Yang Tianlu were both shocked by this sudden change and forgot to react for a moment.
Ning Lingyi pointed at the jade and said, "This is a piece of jewelry for the palace. I'm offering this as compensation to Boss Yang, as a small token of my apology."
She pointed to the contract again. "I know that Mr. Yang is a good businessman, especially good at selling groceries from northern and southern China. This is a cooperation agreement. I would like to cooperate with Mr. Yang. You will be responsible for the purchase and distribution of groceries from Mingzhou to the three counties in the north. The profits will be split 50-50. Here is the contract, Mr. Yang, please consider it carefully."
A fifty-fifty split? Yang Shouye was shocked.
The jade was indeed valuable, but the contract moved him even more.
Ning Lingyi met his gaze, her tone more sincere. "Boss Yang is a wise man. The government treats merchants like fat sheep, taking whatever they want and using them as a knife or fork at every turn. How can they ever show any sympathy? I also know that this disaster cannot be easily forgiven by a few apologies or a small amount of money."
"I wish to establish local rules in Mingzhou so that trade routes can flow smoothly and merchants can get what they deserve, without suffering from unnecessary disasters. This cannot be accomplished by one person alone. I need the full support of people like Boss Yang."
Yang Shouye was silent for a long time before he let out a long breath: "Your Highness, your words are too serious. I shouldn't have said anything, but..."
He glanced at his son beside him and said, "I have a family to support, and this business is the result of generations of hard work, bit by bit. After this disaster, I am really scared."
"I understand." Ning Lingyi nodded, her eyes sweeping over Yang Shouye and Yang Tianlu who was equally nervous beside him.
"That's why I chose to work with Boss Yang. Your dedication to the family business is what I value. Starting and maintaining a business is not easy."
Ning Lingyi's words really touched Yang Shouye's heart.
He struggled to kneel down and salute: "Your Highness is so kind to me, I..."
Ning Lingyi gestured to Shen Qingyan to support him: "Boss Yang is injured, so there's no need to be so polite. Rest well. When you recover, I will be waiting for good news in Chengxin Garden."
She looked at Yang Tianlu again, nodded slightly, and left with her people.
Looking at the princess's departing back, Yang Shouye was overwhelmed with emotions and speechless for a long time.
A few days later, the banquet at Chengxin Garden will be held.
Yang Shouye's injuries had not yet healed and he was unable to move, so his eldest son Yang Tianlu attended the banquet on his behalf.
When Yang Tianlu stepped into the familiar hall of Chengxin Garden, he was still a little nervous. However, he soon discovered that his father was not the only one who was injured at the banquet. Looking around, he found that they were all familiar faces.
They exchanged glances, saw surprise in each other's eyes, and then understood.
Ning Lingyi looked at the merchants in the hall. Some were mature and some were shrewd, and no one was stupid. Buying people's hearts was the worst strategy. Only by treating each other with sincerity and combining interests could they truly gather strength.
She went to each of these merchants for interviews and persuasion again and again, and finally they came.
"Mingzhou is where I, the Emperor's nephew, and I are temporarily residing. It is also where you all have settled down. I wish to open up the trade routes here and free them from unnecessary constraints. This is not something that can be accomplished overnight, nor can it be accomplished by me alone."
She turned her gaze to Su Qingfan who was standing beside her: "Qingfan."
Su Qingfan stepped forward, bowed and replied, "I am here."
"From today on, you will represent me and discuss the business strategies of Minghua County with everyone else."
Su Qingfan smiled and said to Ning Lingyi, "I will obey your orders and will definitely live up to your trust!"
The merchants present were all excited, as they had all received the news that Princess Mingzhu and the Sixth Prince were in Mingzhou.
This rare commodity is worth living in. How many times can you win by becoming the leader of a country? Countless.
So they said:
"We are willing to serve you!"
"I will do my best to help His Highness and Mr. Su!"
The atmosphere in the hall suddenly became lively. Mingzhou's business routes reached the entire county.
Since his last setback, Zhou Wenyuan seemed to have completely indulged in the pleasures of life and became increasingly lazy about county affairs. Only occasionally, when he heard that Mingzhou was becoming more and more prosperous, a trace of resentment flashed in his eyes, but it was quickly diluted by the alcohol and Xiuyun's soft words.
Su Qingfan did not disappoint Ning Lingyi's expectations.
She opened up several key trade routes that had been strictly investigated by Zhou Wenyuan. Not only did she restore the adequate supply of necessities such as salt and grain, but she also took advantage of Mingzhou's geographical advantage of being close to the river and the sea to vigorously develop shipping and trade.
Mingzhou Chengdong City completely replaced the county seat and became the most prosperous place in the entire Minghua County. The wide streets were lined with shops, flags fluttering, and merchants with various accents rubbed shoulders with each other. The newly built berths were filled with merchant ships waiting to load and unload cargo, and the sails were like clouds.
"Living in Mingzhou is not easy" has become a compliment.
*
During the Mid-Autumn Festival, the moon is as full as a plate.
A banquet was set up by the water in the pavilion of Chengxin Garden.
Tonight, there's no rain, the sky is clear, and a bright moon hangs in the sky, casting its light on the lotus pond in the courtyard, making it shimmer. The banquet is exquisite but not lavish, with a few seasonal side dishes and a pot of warm osmanthus wine.
Ning Lingyi sat in the main seat, and below her sat three people: Shen Qingyan, Su Qingfan, and Wang Mengzi.
These three people, one is a scholar, one is a businessman, and one is a martial artist. Tonight is the first time for the three of them, and also the first time for Ning Lingyi, to sit at the same table.
"Today is Mid-Autumn Festival, the moon is full and everyone is gathered together." Ning Lingyi picked up the white jade wine cup, "It's a rare opportunity to have some free time, so let me share a drink with you all."
"Thank you, Your Highness!" The three of them responded in unison and raised their glasses to drink together.
Ning Lingyi put down her wine glass and gazed calmly at the moon in the pool: "Although it's inappropriate to bring this up, I always think about Zhaoyang. Zhaoyang is gone."
The pavilion suddenly became quiet.
All three of them were stunned. This was the first time Ning Lingyi mentioned Princess Zhaoyang so directly.
The pain in her eyes faded as she continued, "As long as the new emperor sits on that throne, my heart will remain restless. I will not be a human being until I avenge this vengeance. He and those traitors who aided him in his evil deeds will one day be chopped into pieces by my sword."
The three of them held their breath.
They had never seen Ning Lingyi show such murderous intent towards the new emperor, her royal brother.
After a brief silence, Ning Lingyi glanced at the three of them, her tone slightly slower but more resolute: "I have selfish desires and want to seek justice for Zhaoyang, but I also have a public spirit."
"Throughout my journey, I've witnessed the displacement of ordinary people and rampant corruption among officials. I never imagined the world could be so unfair. What I want is not only revenge, but also the ability to change all of this as a woman."
Her gaze finally returned to the three of them, and she spoke with uncharacteristic calmness, "This road is destined to be extremely dangerous. If you are afraid, or unwilling to take this risk, you can tie me up now and send me to the new emperor to claim the reward. I will not blame you."
As soon as he finished speaking, Wang Mengzi stood up suddenly, his chest heaving: "Your Highness, what are you talking about? My life, Wang Mengzi, has long been yours! New emperor? Bah! I'll fight you to the end!"
Su Qingfan also said, "Your Highness's determination is something I admire. This Mingzhou, this world, needs a change. I am willing to follow Your Highness, even if it means death."
Shen Qingyan didn't say a word, but just looked at her quietly, just like the many times they spent time together.
Ning Lingyi looked at them. She didn't say anything else, but just picked up the wine glass again.
The three of them also stood up with solemn expressions.
Four wine glasses clinked together crisply.
The moonlight is like water, sprinkling on the cups. At this moment, the difference between the monarch and his subjects fades away, and only those who share the same ideals, under the bright moon, are loyal to each other.
*
There have been many changes in Minnesota all of a sudden.
Uncle Sun from the west of the city was trembling as he stroked the newly replaced door panel of the "Yangyiyuan".
He has no children. In the past, he could only wait for death, but now he lives in a clean and warm house, has food and clothes, and he is content.
From the newly opened Mingli Academy on the corner of the street, the sound of reading can be heard every morning.
Gou Wa, the son of Zhang Erlangzi, a worker in the blacksmith shop, was wearing old but washed-out clothes. He sat inside with his chest puffed out, and followed the teacher as he recited "Man is born good" while shaking his head.
Whenever Zhang Erlangzi passed by, he would always secretly look out the window for a while, with pride that could not be concealed on his dark face. He had no future in this life, but his son could read and write!
There was a short queue outside the "Huimin Pharmacy" in the east of the city.
The woman holding her feverish child took a few packets of medicine from the doctor. When she heard that it only cost a few copper coins, her frown finally relaxed a little and she thanked him repeatedly.
Although it cannot bring the dead back to life, this small pharmacy has helped many poor families no longer have to lament in despair when faced with illness.
Mingzhou is small, just one of the hundreds of states. Mingzhou is so big that it is home to thousands of people.
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