"Renovating the three main halls is a matter of great importance. Only the Minister of Works can undertake such a heavy responsibility."
Gu Jiu felt aggrieved.
What had she done to offend anyone? What bad luck had she encountered that made the emperor look at her differently?
She doesn't expect others to look at her differently, okay?
She is happy to be a low-key person, make money in a low-key way, and become a rich woman with no shortage of money in a low-key way.
“A good cook cannot cook without rice.”
The emperor did not keep the secret and told Gu Jiu directly.
If he didn't make it clear, he was sure that Gu Jiu would keep pretending to be stupid and not be afraid at all.
"The Minister of Works naturally has to shoulder the heavy responsibility, but the Ministry of Works has no money, and the Ministry of Revenue has no money either. What do you suggest we do?"
Gu Jiu's eyes rolled around and she looked at King Ning.
Prince Ning was unable to help.
If he had a way to make money, he wouldn't have been in such a mess last year because of the Ministry of Revenue's deficit clearance.
Gu Jiu's gaze swept over Princess Huyang again. Forget it, Princess Huyang still had to rely on her for rescue.
Finally, her gaze turned to Concubine Xiao Shufei.
However, Concubine Xiao Shufei did not respond to her.
Gu Jiu sighed. She was such a bad person that no one came to her rescue.
Gu Jiu could only say weakly: "I heard that the Shaofu is rich."
The emperor was so angry that he laughed. After laughing, his face darkened, "The Shaofu's money has other uses."
Gu Jiu asked cautiously, "I wonder how much money the Ministry of Revenue can provide?"
The emperor snorted, "The Ministry of Revenue doesn't have a penny. The Minister of the Treasury can only reluctantly offer 300,000 taels."
Only three hundred thousand taels.
But it’s not a small amount, enough for start-up capital, and I can still make a little profit in the end.
Of course, Gu Jiu would not tell anyone what was in his heart.
She bowed and said, "It's only three hundred thousand taels, which is really too little. I have no choice but to ask for your forgiveness, Your Majesty."
"Is it really impossible?" The emperor stared at Gu Jiu.
Gu Jiu nodded sincerely, "My grandson's wife is just a woman in the inner chamber, and she has no special abilities. I really can't think of any way to fill the deficit of 1.7 million taels."
The emperor smiled and said, "I will give you time. When you figure it out, report it to me."
Gu Jiu wanted to cry but had no tears.
She had a hundred ways to solve the 1.7 million taels deficit. She had at least fifty ways to make money by renovating the palace. But she couldn't fall into the trap.
Because there is a huge black hole ahead.
If she jumped into this pit, she would be sucked into the huge black hole.
Just wait and see, after she has repaired the three main halls, believe it or not, there will be four more main halls and five more waiting for her.
By then, what good would it be for her to become rich? She worked so hard, but in the end, it was all just working for the emperor.
Gu Jiu said aggrievedly: "My grandson's wife really can't think of a solution."
But the emperor was unwilling to let her go easily. "Don't worry, take your time to think about it. I have confidence in you."
"But my granddaughter-in-law has no confidence in herself."
"That's all right! I believe you'll gain confidence sooner or later."
Now that things have come to this, what else can Gu Jiu say?
Can you please let her cry for a while?
The emperor then said to Prince Ning, "Reflect on your actions when you return. Also, do not embarrass Gu Jiu."
Prince Ning bowed and agreed, showing his honesty for once.
The emperor was busy all day and was tired. He waved his hand and sent everyone away.
Gu Jiu walked at the back.
It was clearly the height of summer, but her mood was as bleak as the autumn wind, and the cold winter was about to come.
After everyone left, Tianzi and Chen Dachang complained, "Gu Jiu is dishonest. If we don't put pressure on her, she won't contribute."
"Your Majesty is right. I am also curious about Madam Zhao's solution to the 1.7 million taels deficit."
The emperor laughed heartily. "You don't know her abilities, but I know them all. Gu Jiu never spent a penny on buying Yuhua Lane from beginning to end. Even the two hundred thousand taels she borrowed from the Ministry of Revenue was obtained by tricking the Ministry of Revenue's steward."
She used other people's money to renovate Yuhua Alley. She made a profit, but most of it went into her own pocket. Isn't she amazing? She's basically making something for nothing.
The cost of repairing the three main halls is 1.7 million taels, which may seem like a lot, but I believe in Gu Jiu's ability. Not only can she solve the problem, she might even make money from it."
Chen Dachang was surprised, "I never thought that Madam Zhao was actually a fortune-bringing boy."
"Ha ha……"
The emperor laughed out loud, "That's right, Gu Jiu is the fortune-bringing boy. She, the fortune-bringing boy, can't just stay in the palace and bring wealth to the palace. It's time for her to come out and bring wealth to me."
The idea she gave the Minister of the Imperial Household was a brilliant one. The Minister of the Imperial Household could enter the lending market and use it to relocate veterans, saving the Ministry of War a significant amount of money. It would also allow the Minister of the Imperial Household to generate revenue and curb usury, alleviating the suffering of the people. This would achieve multiple goals at once, and her abilities make her worthy of being a prime minister.
The so-called prime minister is the Minister of Revenue.
The Ministry of Revenue has to deal with money and grain every day. How to live within one's means and how to increase revenue and reduce expenditure, the position of Minister of Revenue has always been a test of personal ability from ancient times to the present.
However, since ancient times, most of the ministers of the Ministry of Revenue have had mediocre abilities.
He only knows how to save money but not how to increase revenue. When asked to increase revenue, he only knows how to increase taxes on the common people.
If there are too many taxes, the common people will be unable to bear the burden and big problems will arise.
The emperor is very dissatisfied with the current Minister of Revenue, but has not been able to find a suitable replacement.
The idea that Gu Jiu gave to the Shaofu opened another window for the emperor.
Increasing the revenue of the imperial court and the emperor's treasury does not necessarily require taxation. Commercial means are equally feasible.
The emperor asked Chen Dachang, "Gu Jiu's father is called Gu..."
"Your Majesty, my name is Gu Zhili, and I am currently the Right Vice Minister of the Ministry of Revenue."
The emperor nodded. He really didn't have a deep impression of Lord Gu.
Simply because Lord Gu is also an official of mediocre ability.
The emperor said, "Bring out Gu Zhili's files. I want to review them."
Chen Dachang bowed and said yes.
He knew full well that the emperor had taken an interest in Gu Jiu because of his talent. He believed that like daughter, like father. Since Gu Jiu was so good at making money, the emperor assumed Gu Jiu would be able to do the same.
Chen Dachang smiled and said, "Your Majesty will definitely be disappointed."
Like daughter, not necessarily like father.
Lord Gu is an expert at amassing wealth. Asking him to make money is the wrong person.
…
Gu Jiu followed everyone to Changchun Palace.
Concubine Xiao Shu sat down on the Arhat couch and asked Gu Jiu, "Can you really make money with the Yuhua Alley you built?"
Gu Jiu was very modest, "I can earn a little bit."
Princess Huyang added, "I'm sure I'll make money. Gu Jiu promised that he'll give me the money with interest by the end of the year."
Gu Jiu's mouth twitched, and he secretly complained about Princess Huyang's stupid teammates.
Concubine Xiao Shu said expressionlessly, "As the eldest daughter-in-law of the prince's mansion, don't just focus on making money. What use is there for the prince's mansion without you? Look at what a mess you've caused today. You almost implicated Huyang and the prince."
Do you really think the Li family is so easy to deal with? If you, a woman from the inner chambers, can defeat the Li family, what are the civil and military officials in the court doing?"
Gu Jiu said softly, "The Queen is right. My granddaughter-in-law will keep a low profile and not cause trouble in the future."
As long as others don't provoke her, she will definitely not take the initiative to cause trouble.
Who told the Li family to play dirty? If we want to compete, we should be fair and square, competing based on our abilities. Instead of resorting to underhanded tactics, who else should we attack but the Li family?
The purpose is to scare the Li family so that they won't dare to do anything in the future.
Gu Jiu is a typical example of someone who actively admits his mistakes but refuses to repent.
Concubine Xiao Shu continued, "Your most important thing now is to give birth to a son. You and Liu Zhao have been married for two years, and you're still pregnant. How can that be right? Even Ouyang Fu is pregnant, and you're not in the least bit anxious. You're busy making money all day. How unbecoming."
Gu Jiu said yes weakly.
She complained in her heart that Liu Zhao was a pauper and yet he still required her to pay for his support. If she didn't work hard to make money, she would have to rely on the meager annual income from the shop and farm she came with as a dowry and starve.
Especially in places with high consumption standards like royal palaces, people spend money faster than they make money.
And raising children also costs money.
Look at Ouyang Fu, her belly isn't even showing yet, but she's already busy preparing all kinds of clothes for the baby. Money is being spent like water.
Don’t talk about rewards from elders.
When will a small family be able to live a worry-free life relying on the rewards from their elders?
Dream on.
The rewards given by the elders are always a drop in the bucket. The public money is also limited and cannot be used whenever you want. After all, there is no division of the family property.
What to do with the extra expenses? I can only use my own pocket money.
If you don't find a way to increase your income, no matter how much private money you have, it won't be enough.
Gu Jiu secretly complained in his heart, but he had to pretend to regret it on the surface and listen to Concubine Xiao Shu's teachings sincerely.
Prince Ning laughed heartily. "Mother, please stop criticizing her. If she has the ability to make money, let her do it. I'm thinking of handing over the palace's assets to her. Maybe there will be a surplus every year, so I won't have to rack my brains to get money."
Concubine Xiao Shu glared at Prince Ning, "Ridiculous! How can such a huge palace be handed over to young people so casually? Even if you are willing, will Pei agree?"
Prince Ning said nonchalantly, "Then let Gu Jiu take charge of a small part first. If it's really effective, let her take charge of more in the future."
Gu Jiu hurriedly said, "Father loves you so much, but your daughter-in-law is not capable enough. I am afraid that I will disappoint you."
Prince Ning looked at her with a half-smile. "My eldest daughter-in-law, you are also a member of the palace. Since you have the means to make money, can you really just sit by and watch the palace go bankrupt and suffer from famine every year?"
Gu Jiu smiled awkwardly, "Father thinks highly of my daughter-in-law's abilities, but I'm really not as capable as you think."
Prince Ning said, "Whether you are truly capable or not, I have eyes to see and can make my own judgment. Okay, this is settled. After returning, I will personally discuss with the princess and hand over part of the property to you. This year is already halfway through, so let's wait and see the results next year."
Oh, oh, oh!
Gu Jiu wanted to refuse.
Now she only wants to enrich her own small treasury and make some private money, and she really doesn't want to distract her attention from managing the property of the royal palace.
Because once she takes over the management, there will be another storm.
Of those who already exist, some will definitely be laid off, some will be suppressed, and some will be supported. Even the business model may change.
In this case, it is inevitable that someone will come to the princess and the prince to complain.
It will be a mess again then.
It’s really not as good as her building her own business empire from scratch.
She has the final say on everything in her territory. Anyone who dares to talk nonsense will be fired.
But judging from Prince Ning's intention, she couldn't refuse this time.
Well, if you really ask her to manage the palace's property, it would be equivalent to giving her power.
She wants money and power.
As long as she has enough rights, she will endure any grievances.
…
When leaving the palace, Princess Huyang grabbed Gu Jiu.
"The job is done, but the money is gone. My nephew and his wife, you can't cross the river and burn the bridge."
Gu Jiu laughed, "Aunt, do you think I'm the kind of person who would just burn the bridge after crossing it?"
After saying that, Gu Jiu directly took out a stack of banknotes from her bosom and said, "Auntie, you have saved the day today and beat Li Dalang so hard that he has no idea what to do. Your nephew and his wife admire you very much. Auntie, you have worked hard. Please accept this little money with a smile. Don't think it's too little."
Princess Huyang stared at the silver note in Gu Jiu's hand, looked at its thickness, and estimated that it was two thousand taels.
She beamed, "I knew you were a man who kept his promises. I feel very comfortable today. I haven't felt this good in a long time. Next time, if there are still people who are blind, please don't be polite to me, nephew-in-law. As long as the money is in place, I will deal with those blind people for you."
Gu Jiu smiled and said, "Thank you for your kindness, aunt. Don't worry, we will have many opportunities to cooperate in the future."
Princess Huyang took the silver note and got on the carriage with satisfaction.
Her boring life seemed to be lit up by Gu Jiu all of a sudden, and she found new fun.
Thinking of her glorious act of beating Li Dalang in the Shaofu Yamen today, Princess Huyang giggled in the carriage, feeling very proud.
Even when she is old, she will never forget this incident.
This is a rare and glorious achievement, worth remembering for a lifetime.
Tomorrow, she will go to show off to Princess Fu Ya and provoke her.
Looking at Princess Fuya's frustrated look, she felt such a sense of accomplishment.
This trick was taught to her by Gu Jiu.
Others say she is shameless, but the real shameless person is Gu Jiu.
Gu Jiu was the one with a ruthless heart. And she was the messenger of justice who punched the murderous scumbag Li Dalang.
Well, Hu Yang was really fooled by Gu Jiu, there's nothing wrong with that.
King Ning saw with his own eyes that Gu Jiu gave money to Hu Yang, and saw Hu Yang leave with a smile on his face.
When it comes to spending money to buy people's hearts, Gu Jiu is still better.
…
Back at the palace, there was inevitably another chaotic scene.
First, Pei interrogated Gu Jiu, and Prince Ning excused Gu Jiu.
Gu Jiu took this opportunity to escape smoothly.
Then Prince Ning asked Pei to give some of his property to Gu Jiu to manage. Since Gu Jiu was good at making money, he also asked her to make a difference for the palace.
When Pei heard this, she jumped up as if someone had stepped on her tail.
"What do you mean by this, Your Highness? Are you dissatisfied with my limited abilities and my inability to make a living, and are you trying to seize power?"
"What are you thinking about? You know, even the emperor values Gu Jiu's ability in managing money. The emperor even has to consult the eldest son's wife on how to solve the problem of silver shortage in renovating the three main halls."
"Really?" Pei was half-believing and half-doubting, always feeling that Prince Ning was fooling her.
Prince Ning nodded heavily. "Of course it's true. How could I lie to you about such a thing? And I'm sure you've heard about what happened today."
Then do you know that from the beginning to the end, everything Hu Yang did, and even what he said in front of the emperor, were taught by the eldest daughter-in-law?
She was a woman from the inner court who had never shown up, yet she had calculated everything accurately and was certain that Hu Yang would be able to escape smoothly. If Hu Yang had not been unable to withstand his father's questioning, the eldest daughter-in-law would have been able to hide behind the scenes and not show up.
Moreover, she was able to persuade the two old masters, the Shaofu Household Director and the Shaofu Prison Warden, to cooperate with Huyang's actions. No other court officials could match her talent.
Let me ask, who in the court can be like the eldest brother's wife, who can use a business deal to accurately calculate the Li family and successfully remove the thorn of Li Dalang?
This prince estimates that what Huyang did today has spread throughout the capital. But how many people know that all this was planned by a woman hiding in the inner chambers of the palace?
This incident has reminded me that I will issue a gag order shortly, forbidding anyone to reveal the name of the eldest brother's wife."
"Why did the prince issue a gag order?" Pei asked curiously.
Prince Ning laughed heartily and said, "Hiding the eldest son's wife is like hiding a sharp sword. Outsiders may assume that Huyang is following my orders, but they don't know that the Li family has fallen into the hands of a woman who is not even 20 years old."
If one day, the palace falls into the most difficult situation, I used to worry about who could shoulder the burden of the palace, but now I am sure that the eldest daughter-in-law is the one who can take on the burden of the palace in times of crisis."
Pei frowned, "The prince thinks too highly of the eldest brother's wife."
Prince Ning waved his hands repeatedly. "It's not that I think highly of her, but I've always underestimated her. Give her two or three farms and shops and let her manage them. We'll see the results next year and we'll know whether she can really make money.
When she finishes renovating Yuhua Lane and can really make money, there will be another opportunity like this next time. I will be the king and give her the capital to do it. But the palace will take the lion's share."
Pei snorted, "Then give her two farms and a grain and oil shop. I want to see if she can come up with something new."
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