Chu Fan's mind recounted the old censor's memories. He remembered him as a man renowned for his integrity and unyielding character in the court, a man who tolerated no injustice. Chu Fan contemplated opening a restaurant to profit from the wealthy and powerful, a plan he would undoubtedly face strong opposition and criticism from the old censor.
Wen Zhengqing, standing by, knew full well that the question His Majesty was asking wasn't truly about Liu Wenshan's intentions, but rather a hidden suspicion of those present. They were all family members of women close to His Majesty, and only they knew of His Majesty's secret plan. The fact that an outsider had come along with him undoubtedly indicated that one of them had leaked the plan.
Wen Zhengqing realized that the only person who could have leaked the plan was himself. Of course, he was the one who leaked the plan in the first place.
He then explained to Chu Fan, "Your Majesty, I have been ill recently. Upon learning of this, Censor Liu came to visit me, bringing some red dates. When my daughter returned, Censor Liu overheard something, so I asked him to come along and pay his respects to Your Majesty."
After listening to Wen Zhengqing's explanation, Chu Fan turned to look at the displeased Liu Wenshan and realized he was in a bad situation. He knew that as an emperor, even thinking about making money was clearly contrary to the integrity upheld by the imperial censors, so he expected Liu Wenshan to severely rebuke him.
In reality, Liu Wenshan's true thoughts were completely different from what Chu Fan had imagined. The reason Liu Wenshan looked a little gloomy now was not because of anything else, but because he couldn't bring himself to ask His Majesty to let him participate in the restaurant's profit-making plan.
After all, he has always presented himself as someone who is indifferent to fame and fortune. If he now asks His Majesty to help him make money, wouldn't that mean that he has abandoned his long-standing image and dignity?
Wen Zhengqing told Chu Fan in detail what had happened the day before.
When Liu Wenshan learned that Wen Zhengqing was ill, he went to visit him, bringing some red dates. He had originally thought that Wen Zhengqing's family was still as poor as before, but when he entered Wen Zhengqing's house, he was surprised to find that everything had changed drastically.
Although the courtyard was still small, Wen Zhengqing's home had become brand new and elegantly decorated. When Liu Wenshan walked into the house, he saw that the furniture was neatly arranged, several exquisite calligraphy and paintings hung on the walls, and various books were neatly arranged on the bookshelves.
All this shows that Wen Zhengqing's family situation has improved significantly, which is in sharp contrast to the poor image in his memory.
At this moment, Liu Wenshan finally recalled some of the things that had happened before. He realized that Wen Zhengqing was currently responsible for the production and supervision of refined salt in the country. Because of Wen Zhengqing's position, all the censors in the Censorate also gained certain economic benefits, which significantly improved their quality of life.
It was precisely because of this change that Liu Wenshan himself could spend a considerable amount of money to buy snacks such as red dates to visit Wen Zhengqing in the cold winter without hesitation.
However, there is no doubt that every penny Wen Zhengqing earned was earned through legal and compliant means. The refined salt business he was responsible for not only enabled ordinary people to enjoy high-quality salt at a lower price, thus improving their daily lives, but also brought a considerable increase in tax revenue to the treasury of the State of Wei.
Who doesn't like money? After all, Liu Wenshan is also a human being. He despises and hates those who disregard the lives of the people and illegally gain benefits. However, working under His Majesty, there is absolutely no problem in obtaining some benefits through legal and compliant means to improve the living conditions of his family.
Take, for example, the dividends from refined salt. The Censorate oversaw the refined salt manufacturing process to ensure quality, and monitored the sales of refined salt by ministers across the country to ensure they didn't overcharge. Therefore, the Censors felt comfortable receiving dividends from refined salt, as they were earning the rewards of their hard work and dedication, legally and in compliance with regulations.
When Wen Xuexuan returned to the Wen residence, Liu Wenshan had not yet left. Wen Zhengqing was also reluctant to urge Liu Wenshan to leave, so Liu Wenshan remained in the residence.
Wen Xuexuan privately invited his father into a sealed room and revealed Chu Fan's restaurant plan. Wen Zhengqing thought Chu Fan's idea was highly creative and believed that building such a restaurant would not only boost Wei's economic development but also, if it could attract wealthy merchants and ministers from other countries, enhance Wei's international status.
Wen Zhengqing expressed strong support for the plan, believing it could generate substantial economic benefits if executed properly. Turning to the front hall, he noticed Liu Wenshan still sipping tea. The veteran censor had made significant contributions to the Wei state, and Wen Zhengqing felt it was appropriate to invite this old friend to participate. Furthermore, since the emperor had already intended to decorate the restaurant with literati poetry, Liu Wenshan's role was even more crucial.
Who in the imperial court didn't know Liu Wenshan's literati character? Many talented scholars in Wei deeply admired Liu Wenshan's character. If Liu Wenshan raised his hand, I'm sure the talented scholars in Wei would respond.
During his meeting with Liu Wenshan, Wen Zhengqing elaborated on His Majesty's grand plan and offered some of his own unique insights. Initially, Wen Zhengqing was concerned that Liu Wenshan might reject his suggestions due to his scholarly nature. However, to Wen Zhengqing's surprise, Liu Wenshan listened attentively to his proposals and unhesitatingly agreed.
Chu Fan was shocked after hearing Wen Zhengqing's description. He had always believed that scholars should possess noble character and maintain a pure and unselfish mind. Chu Fan had always believed that the censor, as an overseer, should be impartial and unmotivated by money. However, reality made him realize that even officials like the censor could have a desire for wealth.
Seeing that Chu Fan didn't say anything, Liu Wenshan thought that Chu Fan didn't intend to take him with him to make money, so he could only blush and say, "Your Majesty, I understand the rules. Tomorrow I will send my sixteen-year-old granddaughter to the palace."
Chu Fan was instantly paralyzed upon hearing Liu Wenshan's words. What kind of image did he hold among the ministers? How could such an upright and honest minister be willing to send his granddaughter to the palace just for a chance to make money?
Chu Fan quickly said, "No, no, since Censor Liu wants to join us, I can't wait to welcome him. How could I dislike him? As for the granddaughter you mentioned, please don't send her to the palace."
Chang Sun Dechong and the others watched Chu Fan's performance and complained in their hearts, "Your Majesty just likes to pretend. If he really didn't like Censor Liu's granddaughter, why would he agree to Censor Liu joining this plan only after Censor Liu said he would send his granddaughter to the palace?"
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
