"We can help them with food and lodging, but they have to work hard to earn these things themselves!"
Zhen Wanwan took out a drawing, the paper covered with dense text.
"My husband, look, this is what I wrote today."
Curious, Zhu Yuan took the note she handed him.
Looking at the unfamiliar words above, he frowned deeply.
"What is this written by Madam?"
Zhen Wanwan had been looking forward to it, but when she saw that Zhu Yuan didn't show the expected joy, she was puzzled.
She only realized what was happening when she noticed his unfamiliar gaze.
"Oh, oh, oh! I forgot! Sorry..."
Zhen Wanwan looked flustered and hurriedly took the blueprints back.
It was a moment of carelessness on her part; she forgot that the people here don't know simplified Chinese characters.
Zhu Yuan was suspicious, but he didn't show it on his face.
He smiled slightly and said, "It's alright, Madam can tell me verbally."
Zhu Yuan had a deep understanding of Zhen Wanwan's handwriting; he had never seen the characters on the blueprints before.
It is clearly not a Chinese script; it must be a script from another country.
Zhu Yuan's eyes darkened. No matter what country she was from, she was his wife!
Zhen Wanwan felt uneasy, fearing that Zhu Yuan would ask her about the font.
Fortunately, the other party didn't seem to care too much.
"That's right. There are a lot of refugees. If we just open the granaries and distribute food to them, the food will eventually run out."
"Moreover, if food comes so easily, these refugees will easily become complacent over time... I think it would be better to let them earn food through their own labor than to give them food directly."
"Firstly, the refugees can only obtain food through labor, so they will definitely work hard. Secondly, it can also increase the labor force of Anqing Prefecture."
"Secondly, it can effectively control the migrant population, dispersing them to work in various areas, preventing them from forming gangs..."
After all, many of these migrants came with their clansmen, and the most prominent characteristic of these people is their strong sense of community.
Naturally, they also have a strong tendency to reject outsiders. If someone tries to sow discord among them, as long as someone in the clan is provoked, the entire clan will stand against them.
She was not easily managed by the government, and besides, she had thought it over carefully. She had many things to do in the future, and people were the most scarce resource for her.
Furthermore, Zhuyuan also needs manpower, but if these people are unwilling, they are likely to make mistakes in their work.
Zhu Yuan nodded upon hearing this. He understood Zhen Wanwan's meaning and also grasped the deeper intention.
"My wife, to be honest, I really need able-bodied men to fill the army."
Zhen Wanwan was stunned, her heart pounding uncontrollably. She sensed that something important was going on.
But they dared not ask directly, fearing that hearing the question would drastically change their future lives.
Without giving Zhen Wanwan a chance to refuse, Zhu Yuan grabbed her hand, his eyes revealing his undisguised ambition.
He had thought about this for a long time, and since he had decided to do it, he couldn't keep it from his wife.
"There's something I've always kept in my heart, my wife! I want you to be the empress of the world, the most noble woman in all."
A hint of panic flashed in Zhen Wanwan's eyes; in fact, she had a vague intuition about it.
Although Zhu Yuan's ambition was well hidden, she still noticed some clues.
So after he officially confessed, Zhen Wanwan actually felt a sense of relief.
However, she had other ideas regarding the other party's suggestion that she become the empress...
That fleeting thought from back then has now become concrete.
She didn't want to be someone else's appendage, nor was she willing to gamble on a man's true feelings.
After all, sincerity can change at any time.
What she wanted was power in her hands, and gold and silver that she could use at her disposal.
The sight of Zhen Wanwan with her head down in deep thought made Zhu Yuan anxious and uneasy.
He knew that Zhen Wanwan loved rural life, so after meeting her, he once considered giving up the belief he had always held dear.
However, given Zhen Wanwan's repeated and extraordinary performances, he would likely find it difficult to protect her if he did not wield significant power.
"I was too presumptuous. If my wife does not want to sit in that hypocritical position, I will find a way to create a 'Shangri-La' for you."
Zhen Wanwan shook her head, looking directly into his eyes, trying to see how much truth was in what he said.
Seeing his serious expression, Zhen Wanwan's eyelids twitched, and the fleeting thought became stronger.
Perhaps she could give it a try?
"No! My husband! I am willing to lend you a hand."
To be honest, she wasn't very satisfied with the position of empress; what she wanted was to be an empress with power.
An empress who can intervene in the affairs of the court can elevate the status of women in the world.
A look of joy flashed in Zhu Yuan's eyes. For him, the throne was merely a means to self-preservation and survival.
Since having a wife and children, his desire for power has grown stronger, and he wants to give them the best.
Fortunately, his wife was of one mind with him, so he no longer needed to hide things from his wife and children.
"Wan'er! I promise! If we conquer this world, we will not distinguish between high and low status, but govern it together and bring happiness to the people..."
He could tell that his wife was not a pleasure-seeking person, and that she also had lofty ambitions.
After this incident, Zhen Wanwan and Zhu Yuan had no more secrets.
In addition to everyday family matters, the topics of conversation also include the current state of the world.
Zhen Wanwan gave him a lot of useful advice, and she also expanded the scale of her business.
"Manager Zhang! The department store will officially open soon. As usual, remember to do your best in terms of publicity before the opening."
Manager Zhang was Zhang Qiaozui from Guangling County. After Zhen Wanwan decided to expand the business, she transferred him over.
As for the department store in Guangling County, she gave the staff there a chance to compete.
Regardless of gender, anyone who can win within the allotted time can take over the position of manager from Zhang Qiaozui.
To motivate employees, Zhen Wanwan has also made significant improvements to employee benefits.
In Guangling County, people are proud to work in the department store.
Because Magistrate Chen openly protected the department store, some people with ulterior motives no longer dared to try to take advantage of it.
Some business-minded merchants also secretly imitated the department store's counterfeit products, and Zhen Wanwan did not stop them.
Firstly, she was very confident in the quality of her products; secondly, she also wanted to boost the economy of Guangling County.
She will attract merchants from other prefectures to invest and do business here, and then she will have ways to increase their income for their important business.
In war, soldiers need both weapons and food. Although Zhen Wanwan had all of those, her gold coins in this world didn't appear out of thin air.
She had to develop stealthily as much as possible while their ambitions remained undetected.
Looking at Zhang Qiaozui's beaming face, Zhen Wanwan's desire to make money reached its peak.
Zhang Qiao smiled broadly, her already small eyes narrowing into slits.
"Don't worry, my lady! These matters have been arranged. In less than two days, everyone within a ten-mile radius of the prefectural city will know that our department store has opened here..."
"With our goods, we're sure to be an instant hit and continue to be the top seller in the city..."
Seeing that Zhang Qiaozui was about to launch into an endless tirade of flattery, Zhen Wanwan raised her hand to stop her, saying, "I trust Manager Zhang completely!"
Zhang Qiao smiled, his eyes crinkling. He put his hands behind his back and said, "A new store opening will definitely need help from the staff. How about we publicly select people? Or perhaps we could go to the slave trader and buy a few nimble, obedient, and sensible ones..."
After thinking about it, Zhen Wanwan realized that training talent would take time and effort. If they recruited people and they left after completing their training, it would be a loss for them as well.
"Then we will post a recruitment notice. However, those who wish to work at our department store must first sign a ten-year contract with us. Of course, if there are any people who are willing to work for us long-term, you can give them priority in signing."
Zhang Qiaozui nodded to indicate that she understood, and then went down to prepare for the task.
Zhen Wanwan watched Zhang Qiaozui leave, with Granny Zhang watching from the side the whole time.
Once Manager Zhang was completely out of sight, Granny Zhang approached and whispered, "Madam! Are you really going to entrust all the affairs of this department store to Manager Zhang?"
Zhen Wanwan understood Zhang Mama's concerns; Zhang Qiaozui had only been working under her for seven months.
It's understandable that Granny Zhang would worry about him.
However, all of this was under her control.
On the other side, Zhang Qiaozui went out the door, her smile fading as she recalled Zhen Wanwan's words.
He made up his mind, paused, and changed the direction he was going back.
They headed straight for the outskirts of the prefectural city and soon arrived at a house.
If Zhen Wanwan were here, she would definitely recognize this as Zhu Yuan's villa in the suburbs at a glance.
Hearing the knock, Uncle Zhang opened the door and was taken aback when he saw the familiar face: "Why are you here?"
Zhang Qiao grinned and said, "Uncle! I've come to see the master about something!"
Uncle Zhang frowned, slightly displeased: "Didn't I tell you that from now on you belong to the Madam and only listen to her?"
Seeing that Uncle Zhang was angry, Zhang Qiaozui quickly waved her hands and explained, "Uncle! I know! I didn't come here this time to please the master..."
Seeing that his uncle had misunderstood him, Zhang Qiaozui secretly pouted. Even if his master begged him to come back, he didn't want to.
He came here this time intending to completely end his master-servant relationship with Zhuyuan and turn to Zhen Wanwan.
He had originally signed a contract of servitude with Zhu Yuan, but now that he wants to sign a long-term contract with Zhen Wanwan, he must first terminate that contract.
Zhang Qiaozui came to resolve the issue himself, not wanting Zhen Wanwan to develop any resentment towards him.
Uncle Zhang snorted and finally let him in, but still gave him a verbal warning.
"When you see the master later, don't say anything out of line! You know the master's temper!"
Upon hearing this, Zhang Qiao's usual smile faded slightly; of course he knew these things.
At first, he was very afraid of Zhuyuan, but now that he is the person that the lady values most, the master would not dare to deal with him casually.
He could see it clearly: his master was a very subtle henpecked husband.
Uncle Zhang was quite at ease with his nephew and took him to the study.
It was just a coincidence that the master had something to do and only managed to return to this villa today.
Since the lady arrived, he has gone directly to her place for both business and personal matters.
After listening to the report from the guard with a stern face, Zhu Yuan muttered a few words in a low voice, and then the guard left.
"Master! Manager Zhang is here!"
Uncle Zhang gently pushed open the door and walked up to Zhu Yuan, saying...
Zhu Yuan regained his composure and said, "Let him in!"
Zhang Qiaozui respectfully bowed to Zhu Yuan and said a few auspicious words before revealing the purpose of her visit.
Uncle Zhang's eyes widened in disbelief; he hadn't expected his nephew to be so bold as to say such a thing.
He looked nervously at Zhu Yuan, but saw that the other party still had a calm expression and did not seem to be angry.
Zhang Qiaozui came with confidence, and countless thoughts flashed through his mind during those few seconds of waiting.
A thin layer of cold sweat appeared on his forehead.
Zhu Yuan's lips curled slightly, indicating that he was in a good mood.
Zhang Qiaozui came over and confessed that he wanted to change jobs. If it had been someone else, he would have been destined to stay here today.
But this person is his wife, so the feeling is naturally different.
He was even quite proud of himself; he was very pleased that his wife had the ability to poach his people!
"I agree to this! Uncle Zhang, go and fetch the indenture..."
Uncle Zhang held the flimsy indenture, still somewhat dazed.
Is that the end of it?
You know, it wasn't uncommon for servants to come to their master before, wanting him to let them out.
Without exception, those people were either crippled or dead.
Zhang Qiaozui was secretly delighted; it seemed he had found the right backer!
From now on, he will no longer belong to this unpredictable master, but to the gentle, easy-going, and considerate Zhenniangzi who cares for their servants!
Zhang Qiaozui was very shrewd; this move was like suddenly becoming rich for him.
From now on, he won't have to work under Zhu Yuan, nor will he have to worry about making a mistake and losing his life.
Of course, he swore to be loyal to Lady Zhen to the death!
From now on, Zhenniangzi will be his guardian angel, and he will never go west if told to go east!
After leaving the villa, Zhang Qiaozui, holding her indenture, returned to the city without stopping.
Come directly to Zhen Wanwan and present her with the indenture you haven't even had a chance to warm up yet.
After a long silence, Zhen Wanwan asked uncertainly, "Manager Zhang, are you sure you want to sell yourself?"
She couldn't understand Zhang Qiaozui's thinking. Shouldn't someone as capable as him love freedom?
Even if he really enjoys working at the department store, he has already signed a ten-year contract with her, and he can simply renew it when the time comes. There's absolutely no need for him to sell himself.
Zhang Qiaozui was well aware of all this, but he had been raised to serve his master since childhood.
If he abandons his master, not only will his master not let him off, but even his uncle will deal with him.
Now, however, he is willing and happy to switch allegiance to Zhen Wanwan.
He found the meaning and ideals of life with Zhen Wanwan.
Only here can he better showcase his talent. With such an opportunity before him, how could he possibly give it up?
"This is my own choice! I beg Lady Zhen to accept it!"
Zhang Qiaozui knelt down and pleaded, her eagerness to get what she wanted making no attempt to hide it.
Talented people are willing to work under her, and Zhen Wanwan is naturally eager to have them.
She helped the person up and solemnly promised, "Don't worry, shopkeeper! I will never let you down!"
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com