Zhenniang, the three of us (twenty-six)...
Jian Yu'an stared in disbelief at Zhao Zhenniang's series of actions. According to her usual thinking, she thought that Zhao Zhenniang, having known about the rebellion in advance, would try to win a life-saving favor.
Who knew she would invest in the new emperor ahead of time, and switch careers to plot her way to power?
Although both are understandable scenarios, the adjutant doesn't seem like a dragon at all. Given her relationship with the Song family, how could she so easily think of abandoning Song Da and turning to an adjutant she doesn't even know?
Relationships are built up; we didn't know each other before, but we do now.
The merchant praised the adjutant as an outstanding individual, which pleased the adjutant.
The adjutant praised the businessman's money-making plan, and the businessman, thinking it was a promise, was very happy.
Although it was our first meeting, it felt like a thousand years had passed.
After they parted, everyone was unsure of what was going on, so they asked Zhao Zhenniang, "Why doesn't the one you mentioned reveal his identity?"
With such vague and ambiguous statements, the bottom line remains unclear, leaving everyone even more uncertain.
Zhao Zhenniang replied without changing her expression: It's not time yet. He's the one who's most anxious. Shouldn't he show us something first?
He's not a local, so even if we manage to take him, he might not be able to hold onto the position. We can still help him out when the time comes.
This statement pleased everyone even more.
People like them, who have already taken root in this land, don't need to make reckless investments; they'll only let go once they see the profits in their hands.
The adjutant was indeed a ruthless man. He had worked diligently and humbly for Song Da all these years, not to be a slave to the Song family forever.
The adjutant had brought his own men into Song's camp, hoping to secure a place for himself. In the end, he did have a position, but he ended up being Song's servant.
From Song Da's perspective, he gave his adjutant a position second only to the emperor and treated him well.
From the adjutant's perspective, however, he harbored a deep resentment in every situation where he was being questioned, and he was grinding his teeth, wishing for the man's death.
In the new storyline, the female lead gives an early warning, allowing Song Da to thwart the adjutant's plot ahead of time.
If no one had warned him, would Song Da have been able to discover his subordinates' wolfish ambitions?
News of Song Da's funeral arrived, but... well, I couldn't find out.
After the Song family celebrated their happy occasion, they also had a funeral, leaving behind a scene of utter desolation.
Before the coffin could even be carried out, the mourning hall had already turned into a battlefield. The adjutant produced the last words: When the warlord dies, let him take over the army.
How can others believe that? You're neither his brother nor his son, so why would he give you the army?
Two different groups of people set up guns right there in the mourning hall, creating a tense atmosphere.
At this moment, someone always has to stand up and speak the truth. Zhao Zhenniang stepped out from the funeral procession and wiped away her tears.
"The warlord's body is not yet cold. You are all his brothers. It is really inappropriate to start a fight in this situation. Please put down your guns and let's talk things out."
The two groups were locked in a fierce standoff, but the standoff was for power, not to find themselves in a situation where they might be swept away and killed in the funeral hall.
When you get carried away, it's easy to raise a gun, but when it comes to actually firing, everyone is afraid.
What both sides need most right now is a way out; with a little persuasion from those below, they can immediately sit down and have a proper chat.
The two groups stood clearly on either side, while Zhao Zhenniang stood in the middle: "I think since the Governor has left a will, we should listen to him."
The adjutant was overjoyed, but the other group was furious, leading to another situation where they were pointing guns at each other.
Zhao Zhenniang looked at her adjutant: "You guys are too impatient. Commander Chen hasn't finished saying the warlord's last words yet. It's not too late for you to let him finish."
Hearing this, the crowd lowered their guns slightly, looking threateningly at Lieutenant Chen: Is there anything else you haven't finished saying?
Lieutenant Chen: ...
He wanted to keep all the fruits of his labor, but judging from his actions, it would be difficult for him to leave the funeral hall unscathed without them.
He was secretly furious, but he could only put down the gun: "Of course there is, it's just that you didn't listen to what I had to say."
Upon hearing this, the person confronting him also slowly lowered his gun.
If there's anything left to say, then we can have a proper discussion.
...
Regardless of their previous relationship, with the mediation at the funeral hall, Zhao Zhenniang suddenly became a guest of honor for Deputy Officer Chen.
Zhao Zhenniang earnestly advised, "Commander Chen, once you have the title of military governor, everything will be easier to discuss. Let's settle the title first."
Meanwhile, another group of people gathered: if they were to seize the initiative and try to take it back, they would suffer heavy losses. It would be better to ask for something tangible first, and there would be plenty of opportunities to turn things around later.
With local gentry and wealthy merchants echoing on each side, an army was split into two.
Both groups vying for military power fell into deep thought. In the end, they listened to the opinion of their own side, since these people must have something to gain by following them, and they were truly planning for them.
While the local gentry and wealthy merchants, standing on opposite sides and seemingly clearly divided, had much to say to each other in private.
Zhao Zhenniang smiled and looked at everyone: "The three legs of a tripod are only one leg if we work together. I hope you won't be misled."
Those below immediately understood each other perfectly: "We understand."
...
Jian Yu'an never expected things to turn out so surreal, and questioned his roommate again: "Did you teach all of this?"
Ye Xiqing: No, how come she taught me everything? Is she such a diligent person?
Jian Yu'an: ...
How could Zhao Zhenniang, a woman from the old era, have such thoughts!
Ye Xiqing remained calm: Isn't that normal? The tripartite balance of power happened in ancient times, even earlier.
Jian Yu'an: ...
For Jian Yu'an, watching palace intrigue and domestic power struggles was normal, and it was also normal for people to die in all sorts of bizarre ways during these conflicts.
But when it comes to power struggles outside the household, they immediately feel danger and imagine countless terrible consequences.
Ye Xiqing was always a good listener, patiently listening to her speak, nodding in agreement as she listened.
Even if she's worried and wants to go back to her ex, what's the use?
The Song family, whom she most wanted to rely on, had already been kicked out of the game.
Once people leave, the tea cools; no matter how the two newly formed parties argue, the old master family, the Song family, will definitely be the first to be eliminated.
After the new benefits were distributed, the new person in power could not continue to watch the Song family enjoy wealth and prosperity. Chen, who had succeeded as the new military governor, sent his own adjutant to the Song family.
The warlord is dead, but the 100,000 silver dollars he owed the army cannot be wiped out by his death.
Master Song lit ninety-nine eternal lamps for the ancestral hall, hoping to ensure the Song family's prosperity for ten thousand years. Unexpectedly, the edifice collapsed overnight, and he passed away without taking another breath.
The Song family suffered two consecutive deaths. Meanwhile, the other two sons, who were surrounded by thousands of people and promoted to high positions when the Song family held military power, still seemed to be outstanding individuals.
But when the real storm arrives and the halo fades, all that's left is to spin around aimlessly, which is of no use whatsoever.
Seeing that things were not going well, the fifth concubine quickly tried to run away with her son.
Over the years, she has carefully saved a lot of money, which is a way to make a living whether she goes abroad or to the foreign concessions.
Song San was furious. He couldn't understand why his mother, who had been raised by the Song family for so many years, would run away whenever the Song family was in trouble. Did they have no conscience at all?
Fifth concubine: ...
Are you leaving or not?
Song San: ...
You still have to leave.
But it's too late to leave now. Since we've already started, we'll have to take a cut.
The Song family had been entrenched in the area for so long, so of course they had done a lot of dirty work. They had tolerated it when things were peaceful, but now that he had fallen from power, they were naturally ready to settle their scores and grievances.
The Song family's businesses were seized within days, and Song Lao Er and the steward were arrested and taken to the police station, further scattering the family.
The Song family's movable assets were looted, and the immovable assets were auctioned off. As a favorite of the new warlord, Zhao Zhenniang naturally got a share of the profits.
She didn't want anything else from the Song family, she just wanted their land.
However, the Song family owns several thousand acres of fertile land. If they bought it all at the auction price, it would cost thirty to forty thousand, which she couldn't afford. She hoped that they could make an exception and let her recoup her investment little by little so she could pay back the money slowly.
The new warlord was delighted, having just amassed a fortune of gold and silver from the Song family. Zhao Zhenniang, who had played a crucial role in his ascension to the throne, immediately agreed and even generously gifted her a present.
"When I first met Mr. Zhao, it was because of this. Mr. Zhao is a considerate person. Now that I've sold it to Mr. Zhao, it'll only cost one silver dollar."
Although she had been given some benefits now, and more would follow in the future, Zhao Zhenniang was still very sensible and repeatedly expressed her gratitude to the military governor for his kindness.
He raised his hand and looked at the thing in his hand; it was the golden Buddha wrapped in red silk from when he first met it.
Times have changed, and it's truly unbelievable.
...
After obtaining the land deeds, Zhao Zhenniang bought and exchanged land in the vicinity, turning all the nearby land into her own.
As for the golden Buddha, it is not only made of gold, but also an antique, so its value far exceeds the value of gold itself. It is better to keep it.
After handing the golden Buddha to her godmother, Granny Wang almost jumped up: "Give it to me?"
Zhao Zhenniang actually felt it was a bit unfair; her godmother was so old, and even if it was given to her, it would eventually end up in her hands anyway.
But it's probably good to make my godmother happy for a while now, since she's spent all her money again and can't get a gold bracelet made for her...
Thinking they could get a share of the profits by eating the Song family's extinct members was too naive. The money in the village's accounts was used to buy land, and they are still in debt for several years.
But the villagers didn't care. Looking at the land before them, now all theirs, they were overjoyed.
Once they had the land, they started looking for tenants. It was impossible for just a few people in Zhao Village to cultivate thousands of acres of land.
Zhao Zhenniang offered very generous terms: the land tax would be paid by the landlords themselves, and she would only collect land rent, which would not be high.
In this world, the lower the social class, the higher the taxes they pay. Large landowners, because of their power, pay normal taxes. Zhao Zhenniang, on the other hand, took on the tax burden herself and hired people to farm.
Ordinary tenants not only had to pay land taxes collected by the government, but also rent to the landlords. Now that Zhao Family Village had one less tax to pay, they immediately signed up enthusiastically.
In Zhao Family Village, the tenants who traded grain paid a portion of the grain as rent. If they kept enough for their own consumption, they would have a surplus. Zhao Family Village would then collect the remaining grain in cash.
The men in the family farmed, while the women and children could work in Zhao Family Village. Zhao Family Village not only provided a large number of jobs for women, but also for children, such as labeling sesame oil and soy sauce bottles.
At that time, there was no prohibition against employing child labor.
Not only did they gain a large grain-producing area, but they also gained a lot of convenient labor. The people of Zhao Village were overjoyed.
As for the tens of thousands of silver dollars owed behind the books...
If the debt was owed by the head of the household through his own abilities, then so be it.
Having a lot of debt doesn't make you worry, and having a lot of lice doesn't make you itch. Although the business is operating with debt, it is obvious that with thousands of acres of land there, you can sell the grain alone to make back the money from the land.
In the blink of an eye, Zhao Zhenniang went from a small landlord and grain merchant to a large landlord and capitalist.
Ye Xiqing looked at Jian Yu'an: "Now that you have so much power, can you finally realize your patriotic dream?"
Jian Yu'an: ...
She kept an eye on the possibility of Zhao Zhenniang's mishap, but Zhao Zhenniang's bold and decisive actions not only prevented a mishap, but also made it increasingly difficult for her to mishap.
With the facts laid bare, even the most stubborn Jian Yu'an had to admit that the matter had indeed been accomplished.
As for how it happened, it feels like a dream.
With the foundation laid, it was the second sister's turn to work. When the third aunt said she was looking for the second sister, Zhao Zhenniang was startled: "Has the second sister not left yet?"
In the folklore of Zhao Family Village, Third Aunt is the main deity, and Second Sister was invited in through connections by Third Aunt. This is common knowledge. Now Third Aunt doesn't come often, and Zhao Zhenniang thought Second Sister had passed away long ago, so she hasn't invited her in again.
Jian Yu'an then realized that the reason Zhao Zhenniang hadn't invited him was actually quite simple...
He picked up his pen to write down a string of chemical formulas. Having traveled to this era, he would naturally want to set up an alkali-making factory that was even recorded in textbooks. But the moment he put pen to paper, Jian Yu'an fell silent.
How can we make chemical formulas understandable to people of this era?
Also, what is the chemical formula?
It's been so long since graduation; I think I've forgotten the specific details...
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