Prefect Qu paused in his steady steps.
The butler was still muttering, "I heard that today, Shu Ji is celebrating the young master's nineteen years of celibacy by throwing a free show for everyone. The common people can also enjoy this new play for free."
Prefect Qu found it somewhat fantastical. Celebrating being single? What's there to celebrate?
"That was quite a spectacle. Shu really went all out, setting up two stages on every street so everyone could see the show. Wow, that guy..."
Prefect Qu frowned deeply, but his steps involuntarily shifted in a different direction.
What makes him, as the local official in charge of the city, happiest?
He simply hoped that the city's residents could live and work in peace and contentment, and have enough to eat while also enjoying themselves. The reason he liked going to the opera was simply because the opera houses were crowded.
He didn't actually like large crowds; he just enjoyed seeing the people happy. Their happiness was his happiness. Their unhappiness caused him great distress.
The more people in the theater, the more well-off people there are, and the happier he is.
However, today Shu Ji actually spent so much effort and money to celebrate the young master's bachelorhood by treating the public to a free show, which shows how much thought they put into it.
Although the things being celebrated were somewhat absurd, Prefect Qu couldn't help but have tears welling up in his eyes and streaming down his face.
Excellent, truly excellent. Having served as governor for so many years, this is the first time I've encountered such a conscientious merchant. I must make a banner and send it to them when I have some free time tomorrow!
The steward finally finished muttering and was about to send a servant to inform the master when he saw his master turn a corner and head outside again.
He couldn't help but ask with some doubt, "Sir, are you... still going to handle some business?"
Prefect Qu pondered for a moment, seemingly considering how to tell him. After a while, he waved his hand and said, "No, I'm going to Shu Ji to watch a play. Arrange a carriage for me."
"Okay, all right."
The steward nodded repeatedly. Although he didn't know why Prefect Qu suddenly wanted to go, he couldn't possibly guess what his master was thinking. It was good that he was going; it would save his master from getting dirty during the cleaning.
After taking a few steps, Prefect Qu seemed to remember something, turned around, frowned, looked at the servants who were busy in the courtyard, and said, "You, and you, all of you, are off today. Go to the opera with your families."
The butler stared wide-eyed in surprise, "Sir, this..."
"Oh, no need for further words." Prefect Qu waved his hand dismissively. "You too are on leave. Everyone must be exhausted these days. I'll grant you half a day off so you can all go and watch a play."
"This..." The servants were all eager to make their move, but then they looked at the steward standing to the side and shrank back.
The steward shook his head. "Go, go, all of you. We won't deduct your wages. The master has given the order, so hurry up! Be careful anyone who's slow and misses the show will get a beating when they get back!"
The servants knew he was just joking, and they couldn't help but laugh as they scattered in a flash.
Looking at the courtyard that had suddenly become empty, Prefect Qu couldn't help but sigh, "Shu's is truly a business with a conscience!"
The butler nodded, pursing his lips, and believed it without a doubt.
They are truly conscientious, spending money and effort for the people; they are genuinely good. They treat the young master even better, celebrating his bachelorhood with great fanfare; they are really... rich.
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