Liu Zhao returned to Xingqing Palace angrily.
He wanted to find Gu Jiu to complain, to get comfort and a hug.
As it turned out, Gu Jiuren was neither in Xingqing Palace nor in the Imperial Garden.
Today, Gu Jiu did not enter the palace at all, but went outside the city.
"Where has the Queen gone?"
"Your Majesty is leaving the city today, saying she is going to survey the location. This old servant is incompetent, and this is all I know."
When Liu Zhao heard about the location survey, he knew that Gu Jiu was leaving the city to determine the new site for the Imperial College.
At the beginning of the year, some people were asking around about the new location of the Imperial College, but they didn't know that at that time everything was just a plan and the new location had not been determined at all.
Between the south and west of the city, there are rolling hills and barren land. Only a few people live among the hills.
Gu Jiu rode in a horse-drawn carriage, traveling along a recently dug rural yellow mud road.
The road was bumpy, but it did not affect Gu Jiu's interest.
She looked through the map, compared it with the mountain landmarks outside the car, and thought carefully.
"My lady, we've arrived."
"Help me get off the carriage."
With the help of the maid, Gu Jiu got off the carriage.
Surrounded by mountains, the air is pleasant.
Xu Yousi said, "I asked a fortune teller to look at the feng shui of this place. It's nestled between mountains and water, and it's excellent. If we build a school here, we'll surely produce many talented people. If we level the hills ahead and build houses for sale, we'll surely attract a group of wealthy people to invest here."
If the school is built here, a cement road will be built directly to Xinmin County, shortening the journey to just ten miles. Best of all, there are very few households here, making relocation easy. These hilltops are government property, not owned by any particular family. Therefore, there will be no disputes over property rights.
Gu Jiu nodded without comment.
She walked along the mountain path all the way to the top of the mountain.
The guards led the way in front, and the palace maids followed her on both sides.
"My lady, be careful with your steps. It rained here a few days ago, and the ground is slippery."
"That's all right! I can walk up this short mountain path by myself."
In fact, there was no mountain road at all. The guards made a temporary path to facilitate the Queen's ascent. It was a bit muddy and slippery, and it was indeed not very friendly to people.
However, this also indirectly proves that almost no one comes here on weekdays.
Even hunters rarely come here.
It is mainly in the area around the capital, and few people make a living by hunting.
Finally reached the top of the mountain, all the other mountains seemed small.
If the mountains weren't blocking the view, in such good weather, you might be able to see the capital and Xinmin County in the distance.
Gu Jiutong and Xu Yousi said, "Universe Steel has successfully refined fine steel and started using it in four-wheeled carriages. Fine steel can be used to build carriages and weapons, and it can also be used to build houses."
Try building a reinforced concrete house into a three or four-story high building. It is a good choice to have a good view from a high place and avoid problems such as moisture and mildew.
Located in the mountains and forests, fire and moisture prevention are the primary issues.
Gu Jiu pointed at the surrounding hills and said, "Encircle them all, as much as possible, and use them all as land for the Imperial College. As for the real estate..."
She pointed in the direction they had come from. "Build as far out as possible. We can develop those mountains inside into great places for hiking, sightseeing, collecting folk songs, and relaxing. Build two hiking trails and a few pavilions for rest. I think the students will be happy to have such a quiet place in the mountains behind the academy."
Xu Yousi wrote down everything and asked unnecessarily, "Is your Majesty sure the Imperial College will be built here?"
Gu Jiu nodded. "This place is nice, it makes people feel relaxed and happy. Although I don't understand Yin and Yang Feng Shui, I at least know that the Feng Shui of a place that makes people feel relaxed and happy must be good."
"Your Majesty, your opinion is excellent!"
"Stop flattering me. Invite the professors of engineering and architecture, as well as the yin and yang masters, to design the school building. The design of the school building must be integrated with the local environment. Tell them that we now have the technology to build four- or five-story buildings, so they should think more broadly. Don't imitate Shanhe Academy. I hope that each academy has its own unique style."
"This old servant will bear this in mind! I wonder who Your Majesty intends to appoint as the supervisor?"
Gu Jiu pinched his chin, "When will Chang En be done with his work?"
“It may not be finished before the end of the year.”
"Then let Bai Zhong come back and let him be in charge of supervising the work here."
A few years ago, Bai Zhong was sent to Jiangling Prefecture and stayed there for many years.
Now that Liu Zhao has ascended the throne, many matters can be handled by the government. Bai Zhong's role in Jiangling has been greatly reduced.
It would be better to recall him to the capital and reassign him tasks.
Xu Yousi bowed and accepted the order, "I will write to Eunuch Bai as soon as possible and ask him to return to the capital."
"Excellent! Back then, Bai Zhong was primarily responsible for the demolition and reconstruction of the house. It would be a good fit to have him oversee this."
Even if we don’t aim to create another Xinmin County, we must still achieve something.
…
After a hard day, it was already evening when we returned to the Prince of Qin's Mansion.
Liu Zhao was waiting for her.
She took the initiative to say, "Are you tired? Let me massage it for you!"
Gu Jiu went to the soft couch and enjoyed the authentic imperial service. There is only one such place in the world.
She moaned in pleasure, which was very seductive.
Liu Zhao whispered in her ear, "If you yell again, I won't be polite."
Gu Jiu rolled his eyes at him and said, "I heard that you quarreled with the court officials again during the morning court session."
"It's pure rumor! I just reprimanded a few people." Liu Zhao also sat down on the couch and relaxed his body.
Gu Jiu leaned in his arms and said softly, "Don't be so anxious, we still have a lot of time."
"Those court officials are so annoying." Liu Zhao complained.
Gu Jiu smiled and pinched his cheek, "This isn't a war, we don't need to race against time. You can't be so anxious about the affairs of the court, or you'll be retaliated against."
Liu Zhao kissed her ear. "Got it. I'll be more patient in dealing with the court officials' criticisms. Have you chosen a location?"
Gu Jiu nodded, "We've finally determined the location of the Imperial College. It's located in the southwest corner outside the city, surrounded by mountains and sparsely populated."
"Once the news gets out, the land prices there will increase tenfold at least."
"I checked the property rights there. Most of it belongs to the government, with only a few places privately owned. There won't be many disputes over property rights."
"That's great!"
Liu Zhao kissed her cheek and said, "Now that you're the queen, you're even busier than before. You barely see anyone all day."
Gu Jiu turned over and said, "Now I can let go and do what I want to do. Of course I am very busy. After these years, when everything is back on track, we will find an opportunity to recuperate in the palace for a while."
"Should we buy all the houses near Xiaozhu and build a second palace?"
Gu Jiu shook his head repeatedly, "That won't do! Xiaozhu must be left to Niuniu as a dowry, and cannot be assigned to the Shaofu and returned to the public."
"Niuniu is just a little girl, and you're already thinking about saving up a dowry for her. Yu Ge'er is already quite old, but I haven't seen you prepare any betrothal gifts for him."
"The betrothal gifts are all ready-made. We have everything, including house deeds, land deeds, houses, farms, headwear and jewelry, shops, etc. As long as Yu Ge'er's marriage is settled, we will have whatever betrothal gifts he wants."
As a wealthy woman, Gu Jiu certainly has the confidence to prepare such a generous betrothal gift for her child.
She then asked, "How is Yu Ge'er doing in the military camp? Is he used to it? I haven't seen him for a while and I miss him so much."
"He has adapted very well to military life, behaved very well, and is very able to endure hardships. I have sent people to protect him, so nothing will happen to him."
Gu Jiu felt relieved and asked again, "When will he have a vacation?"
"He's a new recruit, and according to the rules he doesn't get any vacation in his first year."
"He's a new soldier and a prince, so he deserves some special treatment."
"Why not wait until the Dragon Boat Festival, then he can come back and rest for two days."
"Okay! I'll host a Dragon Boat Festival banquet at the palace to entertain the ladies of the court and strengthen their relationship."
"Aren't you the one who hates this kind of thing? Why are you suddenly planning to hold a Dragon Boat Festival banquet?"
This is not in line with Gu Jiu's temperament.
Gu Jiu pulled at his collar. "Renovating the Imperial College and transforming that area into a new community will require a significant investment of manpower and financial resources. I don't want to cause you any trouble, nor do I want to give the court officials any reason to attack you, so I plan to raise funds publicly. The Dragon Boat Festival banquet is a good opportunity. After the banquet, I will also hold a buffet to raise funds, inviting wealthy merchants from all walks of life to join in the celebration."
Liu Zhao hugged Gu Jiu tightly and whispered, "The Ministry of Revenue has no money, but the Ministry of Finance has money."
"Using the Shaofu's money will inevitably alarm the court officials. Then they will have reason to accuse you of being a tyrant and a waste of money. You'll be irritated, and I'll have no peace either. Using the Shaofu's money will cause so many problems, why not find a way to solve the funding problem myself?"
Liu Zhao suddenly said, "I'm really jealous of you."
Gu Jiu laughed and pinched his ear, "Why are you jealous of me?"
Liu Zhao snorted, "It's extremely difficult for me to get some money. If you want to raise funds, all you have to do is spread the word, and plenty of wealthy people will wave silver notes and offer you money. The gap is too big. Am I really so despised?"
Gu Jiu laughed heartily. "I have good character and credibility, so it's easy for me to make money. As for you, if you work hard for a few years and build up your credibility, there will be many people waving banknotes and offering you money in the future."
Liu Zhao shook his head. He knew his own limitations and said, "There will never be such a day in my lifetime."
It’s not that he doesn’t keep his word, but the court is unable to give high returns to those who invest money.
The court operates under its own set of rules. It's not a business, and its purpose isn't to make money. It's destined to fail to provide significant returns to investors.
How many people are willing to make an investment that has no return?
This is not an era of fierce competition among heroes. If you take a gamble, you might be able to earn the title of a founding marquis.
In peacetime, don’t daydream like this.
It is more cost-effective to invest money honestly in business than in the court.
Unless you want to take crooked paths and engage in the business of buying and selling official positions.
Gu Jiu held his face in her hands and said, "I earn money, and you manage the officials and the court. We each do our own job, so you don't have to be sad or jealous."
"I am just jealous, not sad." Liu Zhao emphasized.
After all, he is the emperor and he has to save face.
"Okay, okay, you're just jealous that I'm richer than you, and you don't feel any bitterness at all."
Liu Zhao was satisfied.
Gu Jiu bent his finger and tapped him on the forehead.
What a childish ghost!
"Ridiculous! How could I be childish?"
I just need comfort and a hug.
Gu Jiu chuckled, "You are very manly from the inside out."
Men need to be coaxed, and the older they get, the more they need coaxing.
It turns out that the older you get, the more childish you become.
Liu Zhao was very satisfied. "Before you came back, I was fighting with the guards in the training ground. I was still one against three, just like when I was in my twenties."
Gu Jiu smiled secretly and did not expose the truth.
One versus three?
Ha ha!
The guards were so lax, it was really too much.
Could you be more rigorous in releasing water next time?
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
