Chapter 105 The Prince Who Failed to Revolt
Zhang Xiaojia lived with He Lin in the imperial farm. Sometimes her mother and the young uncle would come to accompany her, and she would hand He Lin over to them and let them educate him.
Both of them are big bosses, and leading troops to fight is like a piece of cake.
During these five years, He Fei defeated the Jin Kingdom and said that the Shadow Legion had gone to the Liao Kingdom. Since it was next door, they decided to defeat it together. The war is still going on.
Sometimes she would rush to the border. If she was lucky, they would be together for two or three days. If she was unlucky, He Fei would attack the Jin Dynasty as soon as she arrived.
The days passed slowly, and the money in the treasury gradually decreased over the years.
Song Fanyu and Wen Miaoyin looked at Zhang Xiaojia.
Zhang Xiaojia was also helpless!
"Look for yourselves. How can I not give you the money I have? The prince is fighting a war and needs equipment. He is the most important. Do you understand?"
Song Fanyu calmed down. Their Da Zhou Women's Textile Bureau earned money to support the Da Zhou Women's Medical College, which was basically enough to break even.
But your ancestor Lin'an said that the Jin Dynasty has been conquered and schools need to be built so that five-year-old children can go to school, which requires money.
Regarding the children left on the battlefield, Lin'an said that since the Great Zhou had conquered them, they were the people of the Great Zhou and needed to be adopted by the Great Zhou. The emperor agreed, but the treasury had no money, so he asked Lin'an to find a solution.
Wen Miaoyin thought for a moment and said, "Lin'an County Master, you are a miracle doctor. The scar on your face is now gone.
If you have any beauty recipes, such as whitening formulas, acne creams, and scar removal creams, write them down. They're easy to make. Let's go to Jiangnan and find a wealthy auctioneer."
When Zhang Xiaojia heard about the auction, she thought of something that she had originally wanted to do but later forgot about.
She ran back to her room and brought back a piece of calligraphy.
"A family that accumulates good deeds will surely be blessed with good fortune." - He Ze
Song Fanyu hurriedly and carefully held the calligraphy and painting, his eyes gleaming with reverence. "This must be your Majesty's calligraphy! The handwriting is vigorous and powerful, the brush strokes swirl like dragons and snakes, and the ink is just the right shade. It truly bears the aura of an emperor!"
Wen Miaoyin also leaned in for a closer look, exclaiming in admiration, "Your Majesty's calligraphy of the characters 'accumulate goodness' is written with such swift and powerful strokes that one can almost sense your heartfelt concern for the world. The characters 'must have more blessings' are even more vivid, their ink seemingly flowing with the auspicious aura of peace and prosperity for the nation."
Zhang Xiaojia smiled faintly. "It's my brother's calligraphy. I asked him for it. He told me to always remember the words 'accumulate good deeds'. Now that I think about it, it's quite fitting."
Song Fanyu had an idea: "County Lady, why don't we use this imperial calligraphy as a motivating factor and hold a 'Good Samaritan Auction' in Jiangnan? Let the wealthy merchants compete for bids, and the proceeds can be used to build schools in the frontier areas. This would not only solve the urgent problem, but also allow the wealthy merchants in Jiangnan to benefit from the emperor's grace. Isn't that the best of both worlds?"
Wen Miaoyin clapped her hands and exclaimed, "Excellent! Those wealthy merchants of Jiangnan admire the emperor's grace the most. They would be willing to spend all their money to receive your majesty's calligraphy. Furthermore, the phrase 'accumulating good deeds' perfectly aligns with their desire for peace of mind."
Zhang Xiaojia nodded and said, "That's a good idea. However, the emperor's calligraphy can't actually be sold. We can ask the best embroiderer in Jiangnan to embroider it into brocade, making it into a plaque with the words 'Jishan Hall', and pair it with my specially made 'Jishan Incense', and auction it. As for the emperor's original calligraphy, we'll keep it as a treasure, allowing those wealthy merchants to admire it."
Song Fanyu smiled and said, "The county lady is truly brilliant! This way, we can preserve the dignity of the imperial calligraphy while also making those wealthy merchants willingly pay for it. I'll start preparing for the auction right away, and I'll make sure the wealthy merchants of Jiangnan donate generously to help the children of the borderlands!"
The three of them were talking excitedly, and they had no idea that they would be welcomed so warmly by a wealthy family during their trip to Jiangnan. When Song Fanyu saw the silver, he thought that if Prince Jing conquered the Liao Kingdom, the silver would be enough for the academy.
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Chuigong Hall
When the emperor heard the three envoys talking about the expenditure of money, especially those who said that Lin'an took his calligraphy and went to Jiangnan to make a fortune, he was shocked.
The three envoys looked at His Majesty with resentment on their faces. Can't this money be earned by the court?
If he knew that buying your pens and inks would earn him nearly a year's worth of money from the national treasury, he would have a lot of your pens and inks in his office.
The emperor's brows relaxed when he heard this, and he remembered that when he wrote this calligraphy, he agreed to split the profits 70% and 30% respectively.
He laughed inwardly, then ordered, "Summon Lin'an to see me."
After receiving the order, Eunuch Mai hurried to the imperial farm.
Zhang Xiaojia was sorting out prescriptions in her study when she heard the emperor summon her. She knew the emperor was going to get a piece of the pie. She put the prescriptions away, changed into clothes she'd worn three years ago, and went to the palace to see the emperor.
Along the way, Zhang Xiaojia pondered the reason for the Emperor's summons. She vaguely suspected it might be related to the Jiangnan Auction. She had agreed on a 70/30 split, but she had already planned where the money would go, and she wasn't sure if she could deny it.
"Eunuch Mai, how is my brother feeling?" Zhang Xiaojia asked
Eunuch Mai smiled, knowing the position of Princess Lin'an in the emperor's heart, and answered the question irrelevantly, "The Three Envoys think that this money should be earned by the national treasury."
Zhang Xiaojia had an idea in mind.
Arriving at the Chuigong Hall, Zhang Xiaojia bowed respectfully: "Brother, may you be well."
The emperor looked up at her, his tone calm but with a hint of teasing: "Lin'an, I heard that you took my calligraphy and went to Jiangnan to make a lot of money?"
Zhang Xiaojia felt relieved, knowing that the emperor was not angry, so she smiled and replied, "Your Majesty, I did borrow your imperial calligraphy to hold a 'Good Samaritan Auction'.
At the beginning, you agreed to let me open the Great Zhou Women's Medical College. The Great Jin Kingdom was already part of our Great Zhou, so I opened the college. However, the Ministry of Rites said that I was a woman and could not interfere in politics. They came to set up the college, and I thought they were right, so I didn't care. However, they had no money. The result of the discussion between the Ministry of Rites and me was that the girls could come to study together, and I would pay the money.
Brother, I used the money to set up the academy, and if I have no money left, I will never embezzle it."
The emperor nodded, a flicker of approval in his eyes. "You are quite capable. However, I remember when I wrote this calligraphy, I agreed with you on a 70:30 split."
Zhang Xiaojia opened his big innocent eyes and said, "Brother, I gave the money to the Minister of Rites. Here is the receipt. I haven't even received my 30% yet."
The emperor chuckled and waved his hand. "Forget it. I've given you my calligraphy. You decide. I won't argue with you about this. You have so many tricks up your sleeve. How are you going to fill the treasury without raising taxes?"
Zhang Xiaojia thought for a moment and replied, "Brother, I do have an idea. There are many wealthy merchants in Jiangnan, and they admire the emperor's grace very much. Why don't we establish a 'Jishan Chamber of Commerce' in the name of 'Jishan' and invite the wealthy merchants from Jiangnan to join. All members will receive an 'Jishan Plaque' or 'Jishan Incense' bestowed by the emperor as a reward. At the same time, members of the chamber of commerce will be required to pay a certain amount of silver each year to be used for border construction, education, disaster relief, and other matters. This way, we can not only enrich the national treasury, but also make the wealthy merchants willingly contribute to the country."
The emperor's eyes lit up when he heard this. "That's a good idea. But how can we ensure that these wealthy businessmen are willing to join?"
Zhang Xiaojia smiled and said, "Brother, don't worry. I have my own way. Reputation is paramount for wealthy merchants in Jiangnan. If they can obtain the 'Accumulate Good Deeds' plaque bestowed by the Emperor, they will surely rush to join. Furthermore, we can establish ranks within the Chamber of Commerce, granting different honors and privileges based on the amount of silver contributed. For example, the merchant who contributes the most could receive the 'Accumulate Good Deeds' plaque personally inscribed by the Emperor, and even have the opportunity to meet him in the palace."
However, if this kind of event is held too often, it will not show the emperor's great grace, so it will be held once every five years."
When the Three Commissioners heard this, they thought it was a good idea. It would not only fill the national treasury, but also give them an idea of the financial situation of the merchants in the south of the Yangtze River.
He quickly said respectfully, "Your Majesty, how about we, the Three Divisions, handle this?"
The emperor glanced at Zhang Xiaojia and said, "Okay, I'll leave this matter to you. Lin'an will send someone to assist you."
Zhang Xiaojia accepted the order and said, "Your Majesty, please send Song Fanyu to assist the Three Envoys! The last calligraphy auction in Jiangnan was handled by Song Fanyu himself."
The emperor added, "However, my imperial seal cannot be bestowed lightly. You must carefully screen these wealthy merchants to ensure they are truly contributing to the country, rather than seeking fame."
The Three Officials Envoy said solemnly, "Your Majesty, rest assured. I will strictly control the process and will never let Your Majesty's calligraphy fall into the wrong hands."
The emperor waved his hand to let the three envoys leave, and then asked everyone to leave.
The Chuigong Hall suddenly became quiet, with only the emperor and Zhang Xiaojia left.
The emperor put down the memorial in his hand, looked up at Zhang Xiaojia, and said in a gentle tone: "Jiajia, I'm handing this matter over to the Three Envoys to handle. You're not angry, are you?"
Zhang Xiaojia smiled calmly, her expression relaxed as she gently adjusted her sleeves. "Brother, this matter must be handled by the court. I cannot interfere. The Chamber of Commerce's 'once every five years' rule appears to be intended to ensure the scarcity of the Emperor's grace, but in reality, it's also intended to balance the interests of all parties. If I interfere, it will only sow the seeds of conflict. Five years from now, new merchants will rise, and the old merchants will inevitably become dissatisfied. This will require the court to balance the forces of all parties. Besides, this matter also requires the cooperation of the various Jiangnan prefectures, so it would be more appropriate for the court to intervene."
She paused, a sly look flashing in her eyes. "The Great Zhou Law stipulates that husbands and wives cannot participate in government together. If Your Highness participates in government, I will have no choice but to stay in the rear quarters. I understand this. I came here today simply to chat with you about family matters."
Upon hearing this, the emperor smiled but said nothing, his eyes deep, as if waiting for her to continue.
Zhang Xiaojia understood what was happening and said, "Brother, your Imperial Medical Bureau is cooperating with the Women's Medical College, right?"
The emperor raised his eyebrows and asked with a hint of confusion, "What are you doing?"
Zhang Xiaojia's eyes gleamed with a gleam of brilliance, and she spoke cheerfully, "I have a batch of beauty recipes. We can work together to launch some beauty products for the imperial concubines. This way, we can increase our income and also enhance the reputation of the Women's Medical College."
The Emperor's eyes flickered with a smile upon hearing this, clearly intrigued by the proposal. He nodded slightly, his tone tinged with sarcasm, "You're quite calculating, even going so far as to target my Imperial Medical Bureau."
Zhang Xiaojia blinked and feigned innocence, saying, "Brother, I'm doing this for the prosperity of the Great Zhou. Besides, the things used by the imperial concubines will surely be coveted by the wives and daughters of the wealthy merchants in Jiangnan. We can make money while also allowing them to enjoy the emperor's favor. Isn't that killing two birds with one stone?"
The emperor chuckled and shook his head: "You always have so many tricks up your sleeve. However, this idea is not bad. I can consider it."
Zhang Xiaojia was delighted when he saw this, knowing that the emperor was already interested. He struck while the iron was hot: "Brother, don't worry, I will take care of this matter properly and will never damage the reputation of the Imperial Medical Bureau and the Women's Medical College. We can first launch a few trial packs to see how effective they are, and then decide whether to promote it on a large scale."
The emperor nodded, his tone filled with approval. "Alright, I'll leave this matter to you. However, I must remind you that you are not allowed to show up in person, and don't be too ostentatious, so as not to cause unnecessary trouble."
Zhang Xiaojia smiled slightly and bowed respectfully: "Brother, don't worry, I know what to do. I'll ask Wen Miaoyin to handle it."
The sunlight cast their shadows on the wall, making them look particularly harmonious.
The emperor looked at Zhang Xiaojia, a hint of relief flashing in his eyes, as if he saw the foresight behind her.
Zhang Xiaojia was secretly delighted, knowing that his plan had taken another step forward.
Zhang Xiaojia returned to the imperial farm and saw He Lin looking at her worriedly.
"mother"
Zhang Xiaojia looked at him and said, "Lin'er, what are you worried about?"
He Lin looked at her. During these five years, he understood the reason why his mother rebelled. Originally, he could only be kept in captivity, but his mother brought him out and asked the Grand Tutor, the Queen Mother, the Young Prince, the Second Prince, and the Prime Minister's son to teach him.
She held up an umbrella by herself to protect him from the wind and rain.
"Lin'er, do you think the emperor will punish me for the Jiangnan auction?"
He Lin whispered, "Mother, you worked hard to earn money, and gave it all to the Ministry of Rites of the imperial court to open the academy, but you didn't get a penny, and none of the credit belongs to you."
Zhang Xiaojia smiled and said, "Are you speaking up for your mother?"
He Lin didn't say anything, but that was his expression.
Zhang Xiaojia pulled his son to sit down, and they sat face to face.
Zhang Xiaojia said calmly, "When the Empress of the Great Zhou founded the country, women could serve as officials. The ratio of men to women in the court was eight to two. However, there was a rule: if men could participate in politics, the court could not. If a woman could participate in politics, her husband could not participate either.
Your mother doesn't want to participate in politics, which is like giving the women of the Great Zhou a foundation for their lives.
Lin'er, do you think the emperor doesn't know what I did? This is because the emperor indulges me. He is your father, you have to trust him.
He Lin stood in the corridor, looking up at Zhang Xiaojia, who was half a head shorter than him, with a look of stubbornness and expectation in his eyes. He pursed his lips and said in a low but firm voice: "Mother, I don't want to be a prince, I want to be your real son."
Zhang Xiaojia raised her eyebrows when she heard this, and slammed the round fan in her hand shut. She pointed at He Lin's nose and said, "You little bastard, without an adoption document, you don't plan to treat me as your mother? I worked so hard to raise you. Don't think that I won't hit you just because you are taller than me." Although her tone was fierce, a smile flashed in her eyes. It was obvious that she was not surprised by He Lin's thoughts.
He Lin laughed after being scolded by her. He scratched his head and softened his tone a bit, "Mom, that's not what I meant... I just feel that every time I meet the princes in the palace, they all give me a cold shoulder, and I have to listen to the Grand Tutor's nagging every day. I want to go to Dad, and I also want to go to the front to fight.
Zhang Xiaojia frowned even more tightly when he heard this, and gently tapped He Lin's shoulder with the round fan in his hand: "You are still too young. The Grand Tutor said that your grades haven't been very good recently. It's not good now. Wait a little longer, understand?"
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