Chapter 158 Money is coming, money is coming, a noble image...
good!
Zhang Ting wanted to hear those words, and couldn't help but excitedly clasp her hands together. However, she realized halfway through the action that it was inappropriate, as the person in question was still there.
She composed herself and bowed to Han Bingyue, saying, "On behalf of the million people of Zhangzhou Prefecture, I thank you for your righteousness."
The other person helped her up, saying, "Oh, Xiaoting, there's no need for such formalities." Once the words were spoken, there was no going back. By transferring the funds and provisions from Yingzhou Prefecture to relieve the predicament of Zhangzhou Prefecture, she... at most would suffer some scolding from the imperial family and relatives, at which point she could submit a memorial to His Majesty to plead her case.
The two walked inside hand in hand, the setting sun on the horizon like a chrysanthemum, spreading a rosy glow.
Zhang Ting followed obediently beside Han Bingyue and said apologetically, "It's all my fault for being incompetent and causing you trouble."
Han Bingyue turned to look at her and said, "I am an imperial envoy for disaster relief, responsible for allocating funds and grain to manage the disaster. How can this be considered troublesome?"
Zhang Ting thought Teacher Han was a really good person, and she was truly impressed by her personal charm, so of course she had to try to get as much as possible out of a good person.
This man is one of the candidates for future prime minister, a favorite minister of the emperor!
In other words, her words had an effect, and she could get some good stuff out of Cheng Taidi's pocket.
She warmly ushered the person to their seat, personally pulling out a chair for them, saying, "Please come in, Teacher Han." She acted like a dutiful daughter or granddaughter.
I can't help but feel a little guilty towards Zhang Shusheng, who is far away in Kyoto. Teacher, although I also call others "teacher" and am very obsequious to them, my respect and love for you will never change.
After feeling guilty, she turned around and put on a smiling face, personally serving food to Han Bingyue, trying to make him feel comfortable, and then taking the opportunity to show off her blueprint for economic recovery, making empty promises.
"If...we use the street that runs between the east and north sides of the city, then...the same principle applies to other things as well..."
To be fair, Han Bingyue was a scholar-official who studied history and classics, and had never been sent to a local post. He was extremely unfamiliar with how to develop the economy in practice.
But as she listened to Zhang Ting's story, she became deeply immersed in the beautiful future he envisioned.
After listening, Han Bingyue was stunned for a long time. "This is how the entire prefecture can be governed like a prosperous era?" Although she had not participated in local construction, she still found it unbelievable.
Zhang Ting responded with a firm nod, his stern expression deeply convincing.
Han Bingyue suddenly stood up, excitedly clasping her hands together, "Wonderful! Wonderful! Xiaoting's method is brilliant. When the people of Zhangzhou Prefecture are prosperous, I will definitely recommend you for credit!" If all the other prefectures were to implement this method, how powerful would their Great Yong Dynasty be!
Amidst this joyous atmosphere, Zhang Ting gave a bitter smile, shook her head, and muttered, "I'm afraid I won't be able to wait any longer..."
Han Bingyue was puzzled. "What does Xiaoting mean by this?"
Zhang Ting: "Zhangzhou Prefecture was already poor. The disaster relief efforts have consumed an unknown amount of resources. Thanks to you, Teacher Han, we received disaster relief grain, but it is only enough to cover the disaster relief needs. If we want the economy and people's livelihood to improve significantly, we don't know how many years it will take for the local area to accumulate wealth before we have the opportunity to implement such measures."
That's absolutely right in scoring.
Han Bingyue grew anxious again. Was such a brilliant plan just going to be shelved like this? Zhangzhou Prefecture was so poor; who knew if the two of them would still be alive by the time they had saved enough?
She pondered for a long time, then closed her eyes and made up her mind. "Xiaoting, don't rush. I will write to His Majesty about this matter. We must not let this remedy for the world be lost in the water." What needs to be done today should be done today, and what needs to be done by people today should also be done by people today.
As a high-ranking official in the court, Han Bingyue's words clearly indicated that he had a plan to respond.
Zhang Ting felt reassured and beamed with joy, "With your strategic planning for Zhangzhou Prefecture, this place is truly blessed!"
Han Bingyue patted her hand, his eyes full of admiration, "The people of Zhangzhou Prefecture are lucky to have waited for you." It is said that there are countless talented people in the world, but how many of them can truly do practical things and speak out for the common people?
...
With Han Bingyue's strong support, the biggest obstacle standing in Zhang Ting's way was naturally cleared away.
Once the basic food crisis is resolved, we can focus on economic development.
After seeing off the enthusiastic Teacher Han, Zhang Ting quickly summoned the wealthy merchants from Jeju Prefecture who were stranded in the prefectural city to hold a meeting.
She smiled knowingly, her face glowing. These kind Jeju merchants had come all this way; she couldn't let them leave empty-handed.
The merchants were delighted to see her and greeted her with smiles. They learned from Pu Qiu that this disaster relief director was of noble character and exceptionally talented. During their two days of rest in the prefectural city, they found that everyone, from top to bottom, held her in high esteem, which naturally convinced them of her abilities.
Only truly upright and honest officials who serve the country and its people can receive such consistent praise.
"Lord Zhang, you've arrived."
"Lord Zhang, did you have a good dinner?"
"This humble subject inquires after Lord Zhang's well-being."
After exchanging pleasantries with everyone, Zhang Ting introduced the two smiling middle-aged women behind her to the crowd.
"I have gathered you all here today to discuss the establishment of the Zhangzhou-Jizhou Joint Association. Behind me are the president and vice president of the Zhangzhou Chamber of Commerce. The purpose is to promote the common economic development of the two prefectures and achieve economic complementarity..." In short, this promise was made in a very grand and round way, telling the merchants of Jizhou Prefecture that cooperating with Zhangzhou Prefecture would only bring benefits and no harm.
The president of the Zhangzhou Chamber of Commerce spoke up, "Our prefecture is famous for its melons and fruits, which are sweet and delicious, unparalleled in the world. I've heard that people in Jizhou Prefecture and the capital area love them..."
Zhang Ting sat in a chair, his hands clasped together. Zhangzhou Prefecture was rich in fruits and melons, and of excellent quality. For example, Fengxian was famous for its citrus fruits and lychees.
She beckoned, and a minor official came in carrying a fruit platter.
A few days ago, Zong Suyi sent some tangerines over, saying that some commoner had given them to his family to eat, and they were just the right sample for all of you wealthy people to try.
No businessman can resist the lure of profit, especially when the person involved exaggerates its benefits to the skies.
They each broke off a piece of the tangerine and tasted it. Their eyes lit up immediately. It was sweet and delicious, truly a top-quality fruit! Kyoto is full of wealthy people. How could they not have trouble selling such a fine product that could rival tribute fruit?
They were about to try and negotiate a lower price with the head of the Zhangzhou Prefectural Merchants Association when someone in the crowd shouted, "Give them all to me! I want them all!"
The others, fearing they would miss the opportunity, eagerly shouted, "Give it to me! Give it to me too!"
"First come, first served, stop shouting!"
The president and vice president of the Zhangzhou Prefecture Merchants Association exchanged glances and smiled. Following the rules agreed upon earlier with the adults, the auction was conducted by bidding from the people of Jizhou Prefecture. The atmosphere was lively and enthusiastic, with tangerines from various regions selling for 20% above market price.
A price 20% higher than the market price was already quite high. Only two people gritted their teeth and made the purchase, thinking that even if they couldn't make much money, they wouldn't lose money.
Lord Zhang of Zhangzhou Prefecture is a good man; they will have another chance to cooperate.
Pu Qiu secretly breathed a sigh of relief. The price of 20% was too high, and with the losses during the journey, it would be difficult to make any money.
However, since the tangerines from Zhangzhou Prefecture are so delicious, other fruits must be just as good. The tangerines are only popular because of the high auction prices, but the other fruits are not yet available!
However, Pu Qiu had learned some things during her time in business. She remained silent and secretly pleased, waiting for everyone to leave before secretly going to the guild leader to order the remaining fruits and vegetables. But adhering to the principle of not letting her peers see her thoughts, she sat in the meeting room without saying a word.
After the meeting ended, everyone said goodbye and dispersed. Everything was calm, just like usual, as if no one was interested in anything else.
Pu Qiu parted ways with her companions and quickly and quietly returned to the venue, overjoyed. But when she pushed open the door, she was stunned!
Why is everyone inside? And she seems to be the last one to arrive!
Unfortunately, no one answered her question. The crowd surrounded the guild leader, clamoring to place deposits, creating a lively atmosphere. One person wanted to order a certain batch of melons and fruits, while another wanted to order two more batches...
Pu Qiu, ignoring his jaw nearly dropping in shock, rushed in to join the battle.
In the meeting room, at the same time.
The vice president gracefully poured two cups of tea, pushing one forward first, and said respectfully, "Your Excellency is wise."
“It’s just a few tricks, nothing to mention,” Zhang Ting said politely, taking a sip of tea. “Cong’s skills are superb, this is excellent tea.”
Du Congzhi sat shyly in front of her. "It is Congzhi's good fortune to receive a word of praise from you, sir. My hard work in practicing tea ceremony has paid off."
Zhang Ting chuckled twice and then gave her a few instructions regarding the upcoming tasks.
“Your plans are far-reaching and meticulous; I, Cong, am filled with awe and admiration.”
"You flatter me, Cong. With you in charge of the commerce of Zhangzhou Prefecture, I can rest assured." Zhang Ting nodded slightly, finished his tea, and stood up.
Seeing that she was about to leave, Du Congzhi quickly called her back.
Zhang Ting turned around and asked, "Does Congzhi still have any doubts?"
Du Congzhi blushed slightly. "Your Excellency has made it perfectly clear, but there is one more thing I would like to say."
"Please speak."
"No, no," she stammered. "Yes, yes, there is a younger brother in my family, who is sixteen years old. Although he was born into a humble family, he is kind and gentle, and has some knowledge of poetry and literature. He greatly admires your heroic figure and is grateful for your kindness. Today, I have asked this humble person to humbly request that if you do not despise him, my younger brother is willing to serve you in your household. I earnestly hope that you will have mercy on him."
After saying this, his face turned as red as a monkey's bottom from embarrassment. This was the first time in Du Congzhi's life that he had ever acted as a matchmaker. And the person he was being matched with was his own younger brother and the person he admired most in his life.
However, she also hoped to become related to the adults through marriage, so that they could be closer.
Zhang Ting raised an eyebrow. "I appreciate your brother's kindness. However, I have been very busy with affairs lately and have no time to attend to your wife. I fear I may be neglecting your young love. It would be best if you were to find a suitable match for him." Speaking of Zong Suyi, he initially seemed quite gentle and weak. But what about now?
Tsk.
It's all a lie.
"I am burdened with official duties and must take my leave now. Congzhi, I will take my leave for now."
Du Congzhi was still embarrassed, but upon hearing this, he immediately bowed to her and said, "This humble subject respectfully sees you off, Your Excellency."
Once the figure had completely disappeared, she withdrew her gaze, feeling both regret and joy. She regretted not being able to arrange a marriage between herself and the man; she was joyful because the rumors of his integrity and moral uprightness were true.
She sat there for a while, and gradually felt relieved.
Yes, a strong woman born into this world, how can she be confined to love and romance?
Especially a woman of such stature as an adult.
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