Chapter 70 (Separation)
Su Qing left Tongmin Prefecture, taking with him his eight-year-old nephew and more than twenty young men and women from Zhao Town County.
After a long and arduous journey, we finally arrived at Guangyuefu.
After being away for half a year, Su Qing first let the others rest in the prefectural city, while he took his nephew and fellow villagers to Nanjiang County.
Instead of catching up with Mei Niang, Su Cheng, and the others, I reassured them that everything was fine at home.
She even sent food and clothing to Su San's family.
The resettlement of the fellow villagers was left to Mei Niang and Zhu Fangjie.
When there were fewer people around, Su Qing wasn't paying attention and Zhu Fangjie knelt down on the ground, her eyes filled with boundless gratitude.
Su's situation in the capital was unknown to others, but how could Zhu Fangjie not know?
It must have taken countless hardships to achieve this result.
Whether it was the imperial marriage that was bestowed upon her and Scholar Gu, or the subsequent summons by the emperor, it was all terrifying.
Su Qing looked at her and said, "If you kneel again, it won't be meaningful."
There's no place here where people would kneel and worship.
It's a principle that everyone understands.
In Zhu Fangjie's heart, Lord Su, who was a year younger than her, was like a second parent to her.
However, Zhu Fangjie still stood up and recounted the details of the girls' preliminary examination in a quick and detailed manner.
And the rise of local girls' schools, etc.
The story here needs no further explanation.
This was all within everyone's expectations.
In February of this year, three women passed the county examination with good results.
After that, he went to the prefectural city to take the prefectural examination.
Many women from other places also came to watch the spectacle.
The three of them are indeed the center of attention, but they are also subject to much criticism because of it.
Things were fine when we were in Nanjiang County, since we were all from the same county and there weren't many complaints.
Upon arriving in the prefectural city, one inevitably encounters some pedantic scholars who couldn't even pass the county-level examinations, who utter harsh words.
That's bad enough, but someone actually brought a sharp weapon and wanted to hurt the three of them.
Although they were stopped in time by people nearby and the constables, they were still quite frightened.
After all, any normal person would be terrified and uneasy in such a situation.
Moreover, the next day was the prefectural examination, so you can imagine how their results would be.
Of the three, only one passed the prefectural examination; the other two had to wait until next year.
Nobody knows whether they will be able to participate next year.
After listening to Magistrate Zhu's words, Su Qing said, "It's already quite good."
good?
Su Qing said, "To pass the imperial examination on the first try and become a female scholar is already quite impressive. Who can become a scholar overnight?"
Why is everyone so depressed?
Su Qing added, "That scholar who injured someone in the street is still being held in custody in the prefectural city, isn't he?"
Magistrate Zhu nodded.
"Let's talk about it when I get back to the prefectural city."
With Lord Su's words, Magistrate Zhu was instantly relieved, and his initial dejection due to the two men's failure to pass the exam gradually dissipated.
Yes, Lord Su is right, why dwell on failure?
They had already succeeded in enabling the girls to pass the imperial examinations.
After saying this, Magistrate Zhu's expression became serious again, and she handed over the box and accounts that Lord Su had entrusted to her.
Around the time before the Lunar New Year, all thirty-one boxes of goods in the warehouse had already been sold out.
A portion of the money obtained was given to Fei Kaiyu of Gaoqing Prefecture.
Another portion was used for the design costs of the weapons workshop innovation institute.
After the New Year, Ye Shanming sent over the last portion of silver.
There are still 3.9 million taels in the accounts.
Zhu Fangjie kept clear accounts, with every single item meticulously recorded.
In addition, there are letters from Hayama Mei.
He also explained the situation regarding the buying and selling of treasures, and that some of them were not because he didn't want to sell them for a higher price.
However, many palace treasures were also found along the coast.
It's highly likely that the rebels made the move.
They have even more goods over there, and they don't know their value, so many things are sold extremely cheaply, which affects their goods as well.
This infuriated Ye Shanming.
Su Qing wasn't entirely surprised.
The rebels will eventually sell what they have.
There's nothing we can do about it.
Fortunately, they sold early, otherwise they wouldn't have three or four million left.
However, this windfall has now come to an end.
Thinking about the origin of the treasure.
It's inevitable that I'll think of Yan Zhengzhou again.
I wonder how long this person will stay angry.
She did use him, but she wasn't so angry that she would never hear from him again.
Forget it, I can't be bothered with it anymore.
Su Qing did not take the account books, but only accepted the silver, and told Magistrate Zhu to keep the account books safe.
This thing is safest if it's kept in Nanjiang County.
These matters are now settled.
Su Qing then went to a local pharmaceutical workshop.
Today, Nanjiang County not only grows medicinal herbs, but also trades and processes them, forming a genuine industry.
Taking advantage of this time, Su Qing led his men to Jiangbei County, Shangkou County, and Yisong County on the other side of the river.
Yisong County still has a large number of troops stationed there, all of whom are engaged in farming at the border between Guangle Prefecture and Gaoqing Prefecture.
Su Qing went to Yisong County this time.
The new commander-in-chief here actually took the initiative to write a letter.
The letter didn't say anything, it just sent greetings to Prefect Su.
The magistrate of Yisong County, Cui Gangjie, found it strange and said, "When this man came last year, he didn't really greet us much."
“After the Spring Festival this year, when my wife was celebrating her birthday, the new general took the initiative to write to me.”
"After you arrived, you wrote to me on your own initiative."
Is this a gesture of goodwill?
Why?
When Mingming first arrived, it was obvious that she wanted to distance herself from them.
What about now?
There must be a reason for such a change.
Cui Gangjie's disadvantage was that he didn't have enough information.
He'll find out the reason once he goes to the capital.
Su Qing said, "Since they want to keep in touch, let's just send some messages and pass on the word. There's no need to make a big fuss about it."
Su Qing planned to proceed gradually.
In any case, the Tongmin Prefecture has been stabilized for the time being.
She always needs to be absolutely certain before she will use her military power.
Furthermore, we don't have enough resources at the moment, so we can't act rashly.
However, she underestimated the situation in the military.
Just as she was about to leave Yisong County the next day, the newly appointed garrison commander of the army took the initiative to come to her under the cover of night.
This garrison minister succeeded the former eunuch Liang.
Everyone calls him Grandpa Luo.
Seeing Su Qing's surprise, Eunuch Luo, with his white hair, smiled broadly and said, "Knowing that Lord Su is leaving tomorrow, I have come to see you off."
Su Qing had food and wine prepared to entertain Eunuch Luo.
Although I do not know their purpose, they are guests.
At the banquet, Su Qing did not eat, but after drinking a few cups of wine with Eunuch Luo, Magistrate Cui told him about his background.
Eunuch Luo had served in the palace for a long time and had even been to Jinling. Finally, just before his retirement, he got this job.
There are still some things I haven't said.
But the meaning is roughly as follows.
I thought it would be a highly coveted position, in charge of military logistics.
Unexpectedly, when they were dirt poor, they found silver and military pay right in front of them.
The new general was very dissatisfied with Eunuch Luo, but there was nothing he could do about it.
Because they all know that.
The problem wasn't with Eunuch Luo.
Even if he wanted to be greedy for money, he needed to have money to be greedy for.
Magistrate Cui hadn't expected that Eunuch Luo and the others were living in such hardship, but he only offered words of comfort and said nothing else.
Everyone could tell that Eunuch Luo had come to plead poverty.
Okay, okay.
They also want to ask the Guangyuefu for money.
Magistrate Cui was somewhat displeased.
They've only just begun to recover in Yisong County; where would they get the money to give away?
Besides, the Guangyue Prefecture paid taxes to the imperial court last year and no longer manages military affairs.
This is common knowledge.
Su Qing remained silent, which was better than Magistrate Cui's attitude.
Unfortunately, she still had to leave the next day, and Eunuch Luo could only watch her return to the capital of Guangle Prefecture.
"It's difficult."
Eunuch Luo sighed, realizing he had no choice but to continue asking the imperial court for money.
However, when Eunuch Luo left, Magistrate Cui came out to see him off and gave him a lot of medicine and food: "Prefect Su allocated these from the pharmaceutical workshop in Nanjiang County. It's a small token of our appreciation from the local area."
Grandpa Luo expressed his gratitude repeatedly.
Although it couldn't solve the immediate crisis, it was certainly worth the trip.
Perhaps there will be another chance in the future?
Fortunately, the prefect of Guangyue Prefecture was Su Qing.
No one else could have mobilized the resources of Nanjiang County, nor would they have been so generous.
No wonder everyone in the army praises her for her good character, good personality, and ability.
While Eunuch Luo was reminiscing, Su Qing had already left with Yun Xi and Lv Lan.
To be honest, the two of them were unhappy that Sister Su didn't take them out.
However, leaving them in Nanjiang County happened to be a way to connect with Eunuch Qi. The three bottles of Qi-boosting and spirit-nourishing pills were brought from Yaogu Village by the two of them, and they managed to give them to Qi Shu.
Therefore, on the way back to the prefectural city, Su Qing said to the two of them, "You see, keeping you in Nanjiang County has its advantages, and you can also help."
Yeah, right!
It was clearly Sister Su who was worried about our safety!
Yunxi is seventeen this year, already a young man.
Green Orchid Fifteen also had her own ideas.
The two of them seemed capable of handling things.
Looking at their expressions, Su Qing thought to herself, "Next time I go to the capital, I can bring them along."
Seeing the children around her grow up, Su Qing was also happy.
The eleventh day of the sixth month of the sixth year of Yongsheng.
After being away for seven months, Prefect Su has finally returned to the prefectural city.
The people who came to pick her up outside the city were all visibly familiar.
Everyone knows that her trip to the capital was fraught with danger.
The people of the prefecture dared not even imagine it.
If Your Excellency truly remains in the capital.
What will become of them at Guangyuefu?
Without an adult to support it, it will soon be devoured.
Su Qing returned to the prefectural city, but didn't have many thoughts about it.
Before they could even rest for two days, they had the pedantic scholar who had intended to harm people with a weapon brought in for interrogation.
As expected, Lord Su did not need to intervene; he simply left the Ministry of Justice to handle the matter.
The Ministry of Justice, observing the official's expression, knew exactly what to do.
For half a month, that pedantic scholar was beaten with twenty strokes of the cane every day.
Or just take off their pants and spank them directly.
For Confucian scholars who valued "reputation" most highly, this was nothing short of an insult.
“Since you value your reputation so much, then die for it. Don’t you say a scholar can be killed but not humiliated?” a sharp-tongued person retorted.
yes.
They all claimed that reputation was important, so they prevented women from taking the imperial examinations to avoid disgracing their honor.
Now that you've all been humiliated like this, why don't you just die and defend your honor?
As a result, those who defended this pedantic scholar actually split into two factions.
One faction backed down, thinking it wasn't worth dying for.
The other faction was extremely agitated and urged the man to commit suicide to prove his innocence.
After all, it wasn't me who died.
As for the pedantic scholar himself.
They had long since given up, and kowtowed and begged for mercy every day.
He didn't care about integrity or reputation.
If you're stripped down and beaten, does that mean you should die?
That's even more ridiculous!
Let whoever wants to die go ahead and die!
He's not going!
This farce makes the so-called reputation all the more ridiculous.
Preventing women from taking the imperial examinations is an act of valuing reputation.
If you have your pants pulled down in public, does that mean your reputation doesn't matter?
Such flexible moral standards have made many people laugh.
The only female scholar to pass the imperial examination this year was summoned by Prefect Su at this time.
Su Qing didn't talk to her for too long, neither putting pressure on her nor emphasizing that she was the first.
Just talk about how difficult and arduous studying is, so as not to put too much pressure on her.
The other two candidates who passed the county-level examination also received some consolation.
"Let's take the exam again next year," Su Qing even said. "Next year, girls will be allowed to participate in the children's examination in the five upper counties of Guangyue Prefecture and the prefectural city. Everyone should prepare early."
I can participate again next year!
Not only can you participate, but the locations have also been expanded!
Five upper counties plus the prefectural city!
In fact, these places were also where the probability of women receiving an education was the highest in the entire Guangyuefu area.
As I said before, the imperial examination system was inseparable from economic conditions.
In recent years, Guangyuefu has progressed from the preliminary examination to the provincial examination and then to the metropolitan examination.
Their scores were significantly higher than those of other places.
It is because the economy is good that everyone is living a stable life.
Let's start with Nanjiang County, which has the best economy.
Once it's done, it will be extended to all the upper counties and the prefectural city.
Many people have already realized this.
After these places prove successful, we will gradually extend the program to the central and even the lower counties.
One purpose is to give everyone time to prepare, and the other is to provide time for other places to study.
If we're talking about radicalism, Su Qing is indeed radical in her actions.
But from this perspective, it appears to be quite stable.
This news was announced.
It did not provoke much opposition.
Everyone knows the die is cast.
If you don't want to take your pants off and get beaten, you'd better behave yourself.
Wang Xuezheng had no objection to this.
Now, he listens to Prefect Su's every word.
Knowing the situation in other places, one knows that staying in Guangyuefu is the best choice.
But Wang Xuezheng, along with other officials in the government office, all had a knot in their hearts.
That is it.
Prefect Su's term will end this August.
Not only Prefect Su, but many others in Guangyue Prefecture had completed their terms of office.
Wang Xuezheng went even further, having served in the Guangyuefu for five years.
If it weren't for the chaos in the imperial court, they should have been moved to another location long ago.
The problem is...
None of the officials, high or low, in Guangyuefu wanted to move.
Don't they know what's going on outside?
Even if we ignore other places, don't they know what the situation is like in their own hometown?
Isn't this just throwing everyone out of the paradise?
Who would be happy to do that?
Wang Xuezheng was even more nervous.
He was genuinely afraid of leaving Guangyuefu.
It's fine if he's alone.
If the whole family goes with him to other places, how much suffering will they endure?
In response, Su Qing said, "Even if we change locations, we have to wait for a new batch of Jinshi (successful candidates in the highest imperial examinations) to be appointed as officials."
"There will definitely be talk of transfers this year."
Wang Xuezheng felt a chill run down his spine.
The only option is to spend some money to get a better place.
As for what kind of official position one holds, that's not important.
We can simply find a place with outstanding people and abundant resources, free from disasters and harm.
Luo, the registrar, and Wu, the household manager, are doing well.
If nothing unexpected happens, they will go wherever Lord Su goes.
So there's no rush.
Su Qing thought to herself.
We will definitely remain in Guangyuefu.
She would neither hand over this place to others nor allow the emperor to assign it to her at will.
Given the extent to which the emperor hated her.
They will definitely use the excuse of their term being over to arbitrarily assign official positions.
It's certain that it's a promotion in name only, but a demotion in reality.
In this situation, she certainly wouldn't just sit and wait to die.
Not only must you protect yourself, but you must also protect the people under your command.
Therefore, after finishing his miscellaneous tasks, Su Qing focused his attention on the weapons workshop.
The profits from the weapons workshop's farm implements remained the same.
Raw material prices remain high.
The farm tools they sold only covered their costs.
Many people think they are losing money to gain publicity.
The only advantage was that farm tools in the Guangyuefu area were not expensive.
This is one of the few pieces of good news.
Few people know that farm tools are simply not profitable.
The innovation institute inside the workshop was where the real money was burned.
The situation improved after Lord Zhen from the Construction Department arrived.
However, the monthly expenses still amount to three to five thousand taels of silver.
If Su Qing hadn't had a secret stash of money, the project would probably have stopped long ago.
Manager Jiang, craftsman Dou, and Master Gong from the weapons workshop, as well as Lord Zhen, all treated Su Qing with utmost respect upon seeing her.
The first three were driven by guilt for spending money.
The latter, on the other hand, showed complete awe and respect for Prefect Su's official position.
Su Qing wanted to laugh but felt it wasn't appropriate, so she simply said, "I heard that the steam engine has been almost completely improved?"
After nearly a year of investment and dedication, and with the addition of Mr. Zhen.
Su Qing's drawing of the steam engine finally took shape.
When Lord Zhen spoke of his profession, he remained quite serious: "The steam engine has a large power output and generates a lot of heat. It can definitely improve iron smelting technology and reduce the use of coal."
Improved iron smelting technology allows for the production of better agricultural tools, weapons, and everyday utensils.
Reducing coal use means lowering costs.
Although the biggest problem, iron ore, has not yet been solved.
With these two factors, it's only a matter of time before their weapons workshop turns a profit.
Of course, iron ore is still a big problem.
However, most people feel that the problem cannot be solved for the time being.
The people in Shanyang Prefecture who control the iron mines will absolutely not give in.
Su Qing, along with Registrar Luo, Household Officer Wu, Yun Xi, Lü Lan, and others, went to see the steam engine they had built.
The people at the weapons workshop and innovation institute were extremely nervous.
Even an ugly daughter-in-law has to meet her in-laws.
Regardless of how well the steam engine is made, let Prefect Su take a look.
This proves they weren't slacking off.
Manager Jiang led everyone to the backyard.
This space was specially set aside for the Institute of Innovation.
This place was originally an exquisite garden, which had been empty until the land was leveled and used specifically for steam engines.
Upon entering the courtyard, everyone was shocked by the enormous machine before them.
In the middle stood a dark iron pillar, surrounded by countless winding and intricate pipes.
As you can see, all the pipes above are meticulously designed and follow a set pattern.
These pipes connect to a large, wheel-like object on the right, with bearings and gears that evoke a sense of awe from a different era.
They are connected by levers above, and gears are driven to turn by hot steam.
The fire keeps burning, and the steam keeps coming.
On the other hand, there will be unlimited motivation.
This is far more stable and better at controlling the temperature than human or animal power.
With these two things, craftsman Dou could produce better steel.
What needs to be done now is to conduct the final experiments, and then move it into the workshop for official trial use.
Su Qing followed along the entire process, and with so much manpower and resources involved, she must have been extremely careful.
On June 19, the steam engine was officially started.
Watching countless coals being poured into it, and then watching the steam engine gradually start up.
It emitted a piercing roar.
A puff of smoke passed by.
An exciting scene unfolded.
As the lever continued to swing, the steel wheel on the other side slowly turned.
The men who used to pump the bellows seemed to realize that their jobs had changed.
Previously, a dozen or so people would pull the huge bellows.
Now all we need to do is fill the stove with coal.
Excitement was hidden in Su Qing's eyes.
It actually happened.
Even in the eyes of later generations, it appears incredibly rudimentary.
But it still turned out well.
Having this thing, let's not even talk about the cost.
At least when the incident occurred, the local weapons workshops weren't only producing 300 weapons a month.
Anyway, once Craftsman Dou realized the problem, he rubbed his eyes and moved forward.
Having spent my entire life making weapons, I never imagined there was such a method of smelting iron to make weapons.
And everyone knows that.
This is a beginning.
There is still room for improvement.
For the next month, Su Qing continued to visit the weapons workshop every day.
Many people know that their workshop seems to produce some good stuff.
Upon further inquiry, it turned out to be about improving iron smelting efficiency.
They thought it was something serious.
In this situation, what's the point of improving efficiency?
Iron ore prices remain high.
The more you refine, the happier they'll be.
Hua Youling, who had been supplying the workshop, also came over.
She wasn't that short-sighted, but she had the same worries.
Inside the study of the prefectural government office, Hua Youling said to Su Qing, "Prefect Su, the Shanyang Prefecture has already received the news that our iron smelting technology has improved in efficiency, and they are celebrating."
"And they sent word that we need too much iron ore and the price is going to rise."
Will prices rise further?
At current prices, the Hua family and the weapons workshop are essentially working for free.
It's equivalent to these two families working for the Shanyang Prefecture mine.
No wonder they're so happy.
Hua Youling rushed over as soon as she received the news.
Previously, these matters were only discussed with Prefect Su's subordinates; this was the first time I had spoken directly with Prefect Su about this matter.
Hua Youling also felt a bit emotional.
She also knew Hua Jingming's feelings for Lord Su, and that her father supported them.
From any perspective, she supported Hua Jingming marrying Su Qing.
So coming here today also has the intention of establishing a connection.
After listening to Hua Youling's explanation, Su Qing looked at the iron ore prices in Shanyang Prefecture over the past few years.
Before they built weapons workshops, the price of ore in Shanyang Prefecture was extremely low.
After that, his appetite grew bigger and bigger.
This price increase is even more outrageous.
They must have known that Guang Lefu needed ore.
They felt they had no other channels to buy ore.
After listening to Hua Youling's explanation, Su Qing nodded slightly: "Then we won't buy from them."
Not buying?
Whose should we buy?
Hua Youling knew Su Qing's abilities and waited for her instructions.
Su Qing calculated the time and said, "Just wait, officials will be here soon, then you'll know."
"However, we can cut off Shanyang Prefecture directly without leaving any way out."
Leaving no way out, isn't that a bit too daring?
But once Su Qing said that, Hua Youling would simply follow his instructions. Smart people don't need to say more.
The most vehement reaction was to this.
It was neither Su Qing who made the decision, nor Hua Youling who carried it out.
It turned out to be Hua Chengzai, the eldest brother of the Hua family.
Upon hearing that the government was not allowing the purchase of minerals from Shanyang Prefecture, Hua Chengzai immediately approached Hua Youling: "There must be an explanation. Why did they suddenly stop buying them?"
Hua Youling said, "Why are you in such a hurry if we're not going to buy their minerals?"
Hua Chengcheng shut up and started talking about other things: "The government is obviously trying to lower the price, so we won't buy iron ore for the time being."
"But the government offices can stop work, but our workshop can't. Don't tell me the prefect is trying to trick you."
It's important to know that their relationship has always been extremely bad.
Hua Youling was clearly suspicious when she said such a thing.
Hua Chengzai seemed to realize this as well, and simply flicked his sleeves and left.
The flower carries only malice in its eyes.
They have three children. Hua Jingming has already become a Jinshi (a successful candidate in the highest imperial examinations), and his father dotes on him immensely.
I also want to help him marry a capable and good wife.
Who is Hua Youling? She's already married out of the area, yet she still insists on occupying Guangyou County.
These transactions should have been his.
Besides the intense reaction from the flowers.
The people in Shanyang Prefecture were also incredulous.
Wasn't everything fine before?
Why did you suddenly stop buying them?
Too high a price?
What can we do? Prices are high these days.
Besides, if you don't buy ore from Shanyang Prefecture, whose will you buy from?
Stop struggling.
Everyone knows each other.
You can't afford the transportation costs for ores from other places.
Even if we could afford it, we wouldn't sell it to you at a low price.
Why?
Because who would complain about the selling price being too high?
Anyway, all the major mines in Shanyang Prefecture were waiting to see Guanglefu make a fool of itself.
If you leave our iron ore mine, whose will you buy from?
The mine managers who cooperated with Hua Youling all had mocking smiles on their faces.
Su Qing and Hua Youling really think they're someone important.
The Hua family's workshop had no materials, and neither did the weapons workshop.
Let's see how you beg us.
As for the price of this ore, it will definitely rise further!
Su Qing knew all about their reactions.
I learned all of this from Prefect Shen.
Prefect Shen of Shanyang Prefecture had a good relationship with Su Qing. He was now focused on teaching his daughter for the imperial examinations and had nothing else to do.
Of course, he has no say in these mines.
Iron ore was naturally under the jurisdiction of the imperial court, and both the transactions and the profits were matters for the palace officials.
Therefore, he stated directly in his letter: "Most of the managers of these mines in Shanyang Prefecture are still the eunuchs sent by the late emperor, who also have influence in the capital."
"They can not only control the price of iron ore in Shanyang Prefecture and raise it uniformly, but they can also have a say in the minerals of other places."
As for him, the prefect, he had been in Shanyang Prefecture for two or three years and had kept to himself, never interfering with their affairs.
Even knowing they were eating with their mouths full of oil.
It had absolutely no connection with ordinary people, or even the government office of Shanyang Prefecture.
In other words...
The silver earned by the Shanyang Prefecture mines in Guangle Prefecture.
All of it went into the pockets of eunuchs and their ilk.
It has nothing to do with the majority of people in Shanyang Prefecture.
There must be a connection.
That probably means ordinary people have to help with mining.
Su Qing already knew some of these things.
However, he didn't know as much detail as Prefect Shen.
They probably rely on the power behind them.
They felt that Guangyuefu was indispensable to them.
While the manager of the mine in Shanyang Prefecture and others were watching the excitement.
Su Qing picked up his pen and wrote a letter to the capital.
The letter has just been sent.
He then received letters from both the capital and Gaoqing Prefecture.
Needless to say, Gu Congsi, Hua Jingming, and others in the capital corresponded with each other every month.
The most unusual one was Yan Zhengzhou.
Since leaving her room that day, Yan Zhengzhou has never appeared again.
This time, I took the initiative to contact her.
It was all for the steam engine.
The letter asked her why she wanted to increase iron smelting efficiency.
Su Qing raised an eyebrow and put the letter away.
Green Orchid asked, "Sister Su, aren't you going to reply?"
"I won't reply."
Su Qing ignored it and only looked at the letters between Gao Qingzhou Fei Kaiyu and Wang He.
The two of them finally met.
Fei Kaiyu, Wen Rui, and others are currently operating in the shadows.
Wang He served as the head of the household administration office of Gaoqing Prefecture, appointed by the imperial court during the Ming Dynasty.
They have joined forces and are already taking over nineteen iron ore mines.
The documents issued by Wang He, the head of the household affairs office, were officially taken over by Fei Kaiyu's people.
That was when they officially crossed the Minglu Road.
That area is mostly filled with Su Qing's or Wen Rui's people.
I expect this matter will be completed by the end of June.
Su Qing felt relieved.
After more than a year of preparation, things have finally come to a conclusion.
She had long been fed up with the greed of the Shanyang Prefecture.
Now, the timing, location, and people are all in harmony.
If she doesn't get rid of them, then she is not Su Qing.
Of course, take this opportunity.
It can also remove some insects from inside.
To be precise.
They are parasites within the Hua family.
Su Qing asked Yunxi to copy down some details from Prefect Shen's letter and then pass them on to Hua Youling of the Hua family.
"Now, let's watch the show."
The Hua family.
The most prestigious and wealthy family in Guangyue Prefecture.
Many people also said that their family was pragmatic and had established connections with Prefect Su very early on.
Therefore, many families in Guangyuefu were purged.
Only his family remained standing, still engaged in the pig iron business.
Moreover, the deal was impeccable.
At that time, the Guangyue Prefecture government owed them 2.7 million taels of silver, but they didn't say anything and continued to supply goods.
After iron ore prices rose, his company mainly made less profit and did not directly raise prices.
Without sufficient strength and patience, it's impossible to achieve either of these two points alone.
Therefore, to outsiders, the Hua family's business seemed to be doing well and very smoothly.
However, there are also problems within the Hua family.
Don't forget.
Back then, the government owed money, and the eldest son of the Hua family openly harassed the second young lady and the third young master of the Hua family.
If it weren't for Prefect Su's intervention, the two men behind him would have lost all face.
Of course, after Prefect Su appeared, it was the eldest son of the Hua family who lost face.
After that, Master Hua was somewhat disappointed in him.
Hua Chengxing was unwilling to let things continue like this, and even more unwilling to believe that only Hua Youling made money in the pig iron trade.
After much deliberation, he bribed the manager and employees of Hua Youling's pig iron workshop in Guangxio County.
Those in charge were, to be fair, quite loyal.
But Hua Cheng is a man, while Hua Youling is just a married daughter.
Even if they gain power temporarily, all this wealth will eventually belong to the eldest son.
Not to mention that the eldest son's younger brother, Hua Jingming, who shares the same mother, has a good chance of passing the imperial examination.
After a while, Hua Cheng actually succeeded in getting her.
This flower carries the weight of the collaboration between the manager of the Shanyang Prefecture mine and others.
They revealed in advance how much iron ore the Hua family needed and how much iron ore the weapons workshop needed.
Don't underestimate this data.
With these things, we can keep track of Hua Youling's budget quote.
Make sure the price is at its highest point every time.
To put it bluntly.
It means knowing the materials you use internally.
They're controlling the quantity and price.
It makes it irresistible to buy.
Every time he received the amount, he would immediately report it to the eunuchs who managed the iron mine.
He naturally received his share of the benefits over there.
Hua Cheng was practically working in cahoots with the outside world, profiting from the pig iron workshop while making a quick buck for himself.
This was after Su Qing said he wouldn't buy the iron mine in Shanyang Prefecture.
The reason why the flower's load-bearing reaction is so large.
Su Qing already had some doubts about this matter.
This has happened for two consecutive years.
The prices quoted by the Shanyang Prefecture workshops always resulted in the pig iron and weapon workshops breaking even.
That's incredibly accurate.
If it weren't for the fact that the person on the other side is a business genius.
There's a mole on this side.
Therefore, taking advantage of his good relationship with Prefect Shen, he asked him to help investigate.
Now that the results are in, it's time for the Hua family to know.
Hua Youling received a letter from Lord Su. After opening it, she was so angry that she trembled.
She didn't even believe what was written on it.
Because the person who managed her pig iron workshop was none other than her own uncle.
How could her own uncle possibly collude with her mother's killer to swindle her money?!
Uncle, have you forgotten?
Hua Chengzai and Hua Jingming's mother are the culprits who killed her mother?!
Why did you treat her like this?
Has Uncle forgotten what Grandpa said when he passed away?
I must avenge my daughter, I must avenge my sister.
I must avenge my mother.
Have you forgotten about your uncle?
Hua Youling, who is thirty years old this year, has a son and a daughter.
If her own daughter were killed like that, she would do the same as her maternal grandfather.
After calming herself down, Hua Youling went to her uncle's house in Guangxio County.
My maternal grandparents' home is not in Guanglefu; it's quite a distance from here.
It was considered quite good locally.
But everyone understands the ways of the world these days. After the maternal grandfather passed away, the uncle couldn't hold onto his wealth, so he came to rely on her.
Hua Youling also lacked help, so she took in her uncle's family and helped them settle in Guangyou County, which she was in charge of.
Later, when the pig iron business came along, he asked his uncle to take care of the deal.
Hua Youling believes she has not mistreated her family.
But he felt his future was not long, so he actually cooperated with his enemy.
The uncle and aunt, who had initially greeted Hua Youling warmly, looked at her expression with some surprise.
"Ling'er, what's wrong? Who made you angry?" her uncle asked affectionately.
Hua Youling sneered: "Who made me angry? Uncle, don't you know?!"
Upon hearing this, the uncle and aunt's expressions changed.
Hua Youling said directly, "If you tell us now, there's still a way out. If you don't explain, we'll go see my father and have him investigate."
My two nieces, who had just returned from school, were startled by their aunt.
The uncle and aunt let their granddaughters go to the study to read and write. Hua Youling also knew not to make a fuss in front of the children, so she also let them do their homework.
Both of them are good at their studies and have a good chance of passing the imperial examinations.
After the children left, the uncle and aunt had calmed down.
He told Hua Youling that she was talking about the child of her enemy and about cooperating with her enemy.
The uncle said directly, "But I haven't seen you take revenge. All these years, haven't you been doing business and fighting for the family fortune?"
He felt guilty about cooperating with that little slut's son.
But Hua Youling herself didn't take that hatred to heart.
As for the Hua family's assets, who wouldn't want them?
But since she was a married-out daughter, Master Hua couldn't possibly give her most of everything. So, in his business dealings, he tried to make as much profit as possible.
Let bygones be bygones.
“We’re all working under your father, why bother with so much?”
"And you too, why are you actually working for the Hua family? You should be putting more of the Hua family's money into your own pocket."
Hua Youling's uncle was making excuses for himself.
But these words really pierced her heart.
She kept talking about revenge.
But it was just taking over the Hua family's assets and managing them for the Hua family.
To contribute to the Hua family's business.
revenge?
It seems like it hasn't been mentioned much in recent years.
But she accepted it directly.
She absolutely disagreed.
When Hua Youling returned to her residence, her eyes turned cold as she finally began to analyze her situation.
Her largest pig iron business.
The manager colluded with several employees and Hua Chengcheng.
This matter can only be resolved in secret.
If this gets out, she won't be able to get past her father.
Moreover, if things get ugly, her uncle's family won't stand up for her, and she will only become more isolated and helpless.
Pretend you don't know?
Anyway, I'm not buying any goods from Shanyang Prefecture for the time being.
"It's just a delaying tactic. Even if we stop doing business in Shanyang Prefecture, leaving my uncle in the workshop will still be a problem."
Hua Youling suddenly felt that she seemed to be completely isolated and helpless.
Her children are still young, and her husband is the garrison commander of Guangyue Prefecture, so he is rarely at home.
What should we do about this?
Wait until Hua Youling calms down.
I knew this matter wouldn't end well.
Go find Prefect Su.
She might have a solution.
No, she must have a solution.
Su Qing was not puzzled when Hua Youling went to the government office again.
The owner of that pig iron workshop was Hua Youling's maternal uncle.
If we were to kick him out outright, who could take his place?
Moreover, if someone else had gone there, they would probably not only have swindled the ironworks out of its money, but would have also conspired to harm her.
My own uncle only seeks money, not life.
Ultimately, as long as she's in the Hua family, she's always at a disadvantage.
Even her uncle knew that when Master Hua divided the inheritance, he would definitely not give her much.
No matter how Hua Youling managed the iron workshop, it ultimately belonged to Hua.
As for Hua Jingming...
Even if he doesn't stand with his own brother.
But as long as his future is bright, his brother Hua will naturally benefit.
So no matter how much Hua Youling struggles or manages her business, she's only benefiting others.
Previously, one could pretend not to know, thinking that one was seizing power.
Now, Hua Youling has been awakened by the betrayal of her own uncle, and she is completely at a loss.
Su Qing asked Yunxi to bring her a cup of hot tea, and after taking a sip herself, she said, "I know a little about your family's affairs."
“I’ve always felt that you never wanted revenge.”
She looked up at the flowers and water chestnuts.
Su Qing chuckled: "You're just your father's obedient daughter."
A good daughter?!
“Showcase your management skills, demonstrate your business acumen, put in a lot of effort to run the Hua family business, and even do it better than Hua Chengzai.”
"It's just to get your father's approval, so that he'll say that he was wrong back then and should have raised you properly."
Hua Youling knocked over the teacup next to her.
These words were like slaps to her face.
"You don't want revenge at all; you're just trying to win your father over."
"I didn't," Hua Youling retorted instinctively.
But she also knew that Prefect Su's words were always sharp and incisive.
She wanted revenge.
She didn't know how to report it.
Should we kill Hua Chengzai? That's fine too. She'll organize the manpower immediately.
And that wicked woman from back then, she too will die.
She has her own informants within the Hua family.
Su Qing quickly put down the cup.
No!
She absolutely did not want a bloodbath!
Seeing the other person's eyes growing increasingly sharp, Su Qing asked, "Are you going to kill your father?"
Hua Youling was stunned.
No.
She wanted to kill Hua Chengzai and that bitch.
Su Qing said seriously, "To be honest, the murderer who killed your mother was your father."
“After your father married your mother, he still had contact with Hua Chengzai’s mother, and even gave birth to Hua Chengzai before her.”
“You must speak up. Your eldest son is innocent; your father and stepmother should be killed.”
Hua Youling was dumbfounded.
She didn't expect that Prefect Su would seriously analyze with her who the murderer was.
Seeing that she had finally calmed down, he added, "And then? They're dead, and I'll catch you too."
"At that time, the entire Hua family will fall into Hua Chengzai's hands."
This seems like a good idea?
Then she wouldn't need to bother splitting up the Hua family.
In the hands of the eldest son of the Hua family, it will definitely be squandered in less than two years.
But Hua Youling immediately shook her head when she thought of this outcome.
She definitely couldn't accept the idea of flowers bringing her a good life.
Of course, she couldn't accept killing her own father.
This was a huge shock to her.
Su Qing smiled and offered another solution: "If you ask me, why not take this opportunity to seize the property?"
“Completely separate the pig iron workshop from the Hua family.”
"To become your own business, Hua Youling."
"Although we all share the surname Hua, it belongs to us, and we can make our own decisions about it."
"In this way, how could your uncle possibly side with outsiders? He will definitely do things wholeheartedly for you."
"Moreover, it can also truly get revenge on your father."
"After all, in your father's eyes, the Hua family's business and wealth are the most important things."
"It's far more important than you, my children."
“Even Hua Jingming has to be ranked lower, don’t you think?”
To get revenge, you need to start with the other person's obsession.
Knowing that his eldest son was useless, Master Hua tacitly allowed his resentful second daughter to interfere.
He also used this resentment to make his daughter work for him, to help his eldest son build up his business, and to give Hua Cheng a rival so that he wouldn't be too careless.
They placed high hopes on Hua Jingming because of his academic talent.
Master Hua's greatest wish is to ensure that the Hua family business is passed down through generations.
What a pity.
The Hua family was split up.
But that was Su Qing's greatest wish.
The wealth of the prefectural city.
The wealth of the two counties to the left and right of the prefectural city is basically in the hands of the Hua family.
Especially after Hua Jingming passed the imperial examination and became a Juren (a successful candidate in the provincial-level imperial examinations), many of his family's farmland properties were exempt from taxes.
Now that he has passed the imperial examination, his wealth will surely skyrocket.
Wealth doesn't come from nowhere.
If there are more people in some areas, there will be fewer people in others.
Who is missing?
Su Qing continued, "If you really want to avenge your mother and fulfill your grandfather's wish, then you should actually take something from the Hua family."
“You’ve been running Guangyou County for so long, and you’ve also been involved in the industries in the prefectural city. Why don’t you take this opportunity to seize it?”
"By the way, I suggest you continue to use your uncle. Your uncle is quite capable, and his son and daughter-in-law are both excellent. If you vie for power, they will be on your side."
"Of course, I'll be on your side too."
Before this, all Hua Youling could think about was how to impress her father, how to surpass Hua Chengzai, and how to make that vile woman beg her for mercy.
Today, however, it's like the fog has been lifted.
Yes, she doesn't want to work for nothing; she wants to be like her uncle.
To turn the Hua family's businesses into their own.
At this moment, Su Qing delivered another fatal blow: "Where do you think you got these ideas from?"
"Master Hua is truly a master at manipulating his children's minds."
Hua Youling's face paled even more.
Guilt towards his mother, hatred and disappointment towards his father.
Her future circumstances also forced her to do this.
She couldn't wait for her father to divide the family property.
She wanted to take it herself.
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