Chapter 71 - The Death Sent
Hua Youling pondered for a long time.
Reflecting on her experiences and efforts over the years, as well as her grandfather's dying wish to entrust her with this matter.
She has been running the flower business for many years.
I thought I did a good job.
But even her own uncle knew that she wouldn't inherit much from the Hua family in the future.
She was still too stupid.
They really thought they were working hard enough.
That would make her father change his mind and realize that he had done something wrong back then.
Although he knew that Su Qing's suggestion was intended to sow discord within the Hua family.
It was also to better control the pig iron workshop, but for Hua Youling, it didn't conflict with her interests anyway.
The thought that the Guangyou County she had carefully managed would all end up benefiting Hua Chengzai immediately roused her spirits.
Even if I throw these things away, I won't give them to him.
Subtle changes began to occur in the Hua family's pig iron workshop.
Even this slight change was noticed by Master Hua, who summoned Hua Youling for questioning.
Ask her why the workshop laid off staff.
It seemed like just a normal question.
But Hua Youling, who had already been reminded by Prefect Su, immediately perked up.
"To replace everyone in the workshop with our own people, the first hurdle to overcome is your father."
It is known that the pig iron workshop no longer purchases from Shanyang Prefecture and is almost at the point of shutdown, yet Master Hua has not intervened.
I've only just started cutting manpower, and my father has already asked me about it.
Her father's control over the businesses below was indeed beyond her expectations.
Did he also know about his uncle's previous reliance on Hua Chengzai?
Hua Youling pretended not to care and said, "Prefect Su said that the weapon workshop has stopped making weapons and has been losing money making farm tools, so they will try to reduce production in the future."
"Since there isn't that much production capacity, let's transfer the people to other places. It'll save us from the ironworks from not making any money and being a nuisance."
These statements were all correct, and Master Hua did not ask any further questions.
Following this conversation, Hua Youling quickly transferred the people she trusted in the workshop.
They quietly started a new business in other parts of Guangxio County.
They practically dismantled the boiler inside.
Anyway, none of the tech-savvy people are moving away.
Hua Youling gave them a half-month leave, and it was paid leave.
In two weeks, everything will be different.
Hua Youling wants to acquire more than just this pig iron workshop.
The first person to notice something was wrong was actually her uncle.
The uncle's reaction was: "We should have done this a long time ago! With your abilities, we should have started from scratch long ago."
Hua Youling sneered, "Uncle isn't going to seek refuge with Hua Chengzai?"
The uncle said directly, "They are outsiders after all. I just want to make some money, and I don't really want to harm you."
Hua Youling was devoted to the Hua family and would not allow anyone to take more than their share.
Now that I'm doing the work myself, I directly share the profits with my uncle and aunt.
It goes without saying who they are more loyal to.
She's transferring assets.
On Hua Chengzai's side, they believed that Hua Youling was mismanaging the business and was ruining the perfectly good pig iron workshop.
Rather than that, it's better to transfer it to him.
Thinking this way, Hua Chengzai actually went to Master Hua to ask for a workshop.
Master Hua said coldly, "It'll be yours sooner or later, what's the rush?"
“Isn’t it because I was afraid Hua Youling wouldn’t do a good job? That’s a pig iron workshop, and it handles countless amounts of silver every month,” Hua Cheng said angrily. “And she managed it so badly.”
Master Hua said, "Now that Su Qing is the prefect, the accounts must be kept clean and efficient, otherwise there will be trouble. Your second sister is upright and honest, so it would be better for her to manage them."
"The pig iron workshop will definitely be closed temporarily. It's impossible for the weapons workshop that Prefect Su went through so much trouble to just shut down like this."
At this point, Master Hua frowned deeply.
Partnering with Su Qing sounds prestigious, but the profits are minimal.
If this continues, it's inevitable that he'll be unhappy.
Hua Chengzai seemed to be thinking of something: "Hasn't my little brother won over Su Qing yet? Once she becomes our daughter-in-law, let's see if she still dares to be so arrogant, or if she still dares to check our accounts."
Master Hua remained silent, but he shared the same thought. Finally, he said, "She will most likely be leaving this post in August or September, but she would never hand over this place to someone else so easily."
He wants to leave his post, but he won't give this place away to someone else.
That would only allow them to act as de facto local bullies.
The most convenient way is to cooperate with the Hua family.
A marriage alliance with the Hua family would be an excellent choice.
Therefore, Master Hua was not in a hurry.
Hua Chengcheng recalled the day Su Qing stormed into the restaurant to "rescue" her.
I wonder what else came to mind.
The secret conversation between the father and son soon reached Hua Youling's ears.
She was so angry she was almost trembling.
It turns out that she was an outsider from beginning to end.
The reason they let her run the pig iron workshop was because they felt she was useful.
After Hua Youling calmed down, she looked at Prefect Su.
Everyone understands why the Hua family wants to propose marriage.
But it always feels wrong to say it so bluntly.
Su Qing couldn't possibly care about such a thing. She only asked, "How's the relocation of the pig iron workshop going?"
Su Qing did not concern herself with the Hua family's other businesses.
How much of it can be transferred into her own pocket is up to Hua Youling's ability.
She only asked about the pig iron workshop.
Hua Youling immediately said, "All the usable people and equipment have been sent to the new workshop."
"Your uncle is in charge of the goods coming in and out; how the production actually proceeds is up to you."
It is now the ninth day of the seventh lunar month.
In just half a month, Hua Youling had emptied out the workshop.
Of course, it is also related to the current shortage of mineral materials and the successive shutdowns of production.
If people were transferred away during the most urgent time, it would probably have aroused suspicion long ago.
Su Qing nodded and asked her directly, "Are you ready?"
This period had a tremendous impact on Hua Youling.
Having gone to such lengths, if she wasn't prepared, then she wouldn't be herself.
The thought of her father's reaction when things were exposed...
Hua Youling felt extremely happy.
Prefect Su is right; we should attack what the other party cares about most.
They tore the Hua family's house apart.
Openly competing with the Hua family for business is the real way to get revenge.
She nodded.
Su Qing smiled and said, "That's good."
"Just wait and see."
What are we waiting for?
Waiting for the pig iron workshop to start operation.
Starting last month, Su Qing stopped Guang Le Prefecture from purchasing iron ore from Shan Yang Prefecture.
Both the Hua family and the Shanyang Prefecture were watching this with amusement.
Does Prefect Su want to lower the price, or does he want to buy from somewhere else?
The eunuchs in charge of the mines in Shanyang Prefecture declared directly: "Neither of these things is possible."
All the mine managers worked together as one.
They absolutely refused to give Su Qing a break.
Everyone's counting on making money from her, so anyone who gives in is a fool.
The Hua family's pig iron workshop has now completely ceased operations.
The weapons workshop is almost out of materials.
The autumn harvest is next month.
At this time, the idea of reduced agricultural production from farm tools sounds like a joke.
Therefore, the people of Shanyang Prefecture believed that...
Su Qing will definitely relent and continue buying iron ore from Shanyang Prefecture.
The two sides are deadlocked.
Everyone thought Su Qing was finally going to suffer a setback.
But it happened on July 11th.
Three huge, gray ships were moored at the wharf of Youxian County, near the prefectural city.
Before the boat had even come to a complete stop, it attracted a large crowd of onlookers.
What's in there? Why is the water level so high?
Soon, everyone saw that the head of the government's public works department was waiting on the shore.
These are goods from the government office?
The people at the dock exchanged glances.
Then, Hua Youling, the second young lady of the Hua family, appeared.
Her uncle directed the laborers to unload the goods.
And the cargo on this ship was iron ore!
No wonder it looks so gray and dusty, no wonder the water level is so high!
Wait a minute.
Where did all this iron ore come from?!
They didn't know any of the people on the ship.
They definitely weren't from Shanyang Prefecture.
Wen Rui, who was leading the boat, was still as frail as ever, but in excellent spirits. He smiled and said, "We are from Gaoqing Prefecture!"
"When our head of the household affairs department heard that there was a shortage of iron ore in Guangle Prefecture, he thought that we had some, so he quickly talked to Lord Su about cooperation."
"The price is negotiable. We really need the money to repair our fields and cultivate them."
who? !
Gaoqing Prefecture?!
Guangyuefu, and even other places in Shunchang Kingdom.
Many people have heard of Gaoqing Prefecture.
My first reaction was actually fear.
Not only has there been constant warfare for the past five or six years.
More than 20 years ago, it was the fiefdom of the Martial Prince.
They had little contact with other parts of Shunchang Kingdom.
To put it bluntly.
The new generation doesn't consider this to be Shunchang Kingdom's territory.
Therefore, upon hearing these words, one cannot help but feel terrified.
Fortunately, everyone remained rational and knew that Gaoqing Prefecture had indeed been recovered.
Simply retaking them and cooperating with them are two different things.
The first thing they did was trade large quantities of iron ore.
Are you kidding me?
But this is no joke.
Instead, it was three actual ships carrying iron ore that were transported directly down.
I heard the price is only one-fifth of that in Shanyang Prefecture.
How many? !
One-fifth?!
This left many people speechless.
The price is way too cheap.
I just don't know when Lord Su reached an agreement.
No wonder they didn't want anything from Shanyang Prefecture!
Everyone was extremely amazed, but then they noticed that the ore hadn't been delivered to the Hua family's workshop.
Instead, they walked in another direction.
What are you doing now?!
Hua Youling's uncle told everyone to hurry up and leave, because our new workshop is finally about to start operations.
But he didn't dare to beat or scold people as he used to.
Because Lord Su was involved, he absolutely forbade them from mistreating the workers.
He understands without being told.
In the past, when the workshop was not operating, it was still possible to keep it a secret.
Now that three ships carrying iron ore have arrived, and more people are coming to haul away the ore, naturally some curious onlookers have followed to see what's going on.
Several houses over there had been connected to form a new workshop.
This workshop is managed by the second young lady of the Hua family's maternal uncle. Look at the workers and craftsmen inside.
Aren't they just people from the original Hua family's pig iron workshop?!
That noon, the news reached the ears of Master Hua and Hua Chengzai of the Hua family.
Their first reaction was disbelief.
Who is Hua Youling?
They are extremely competitive.
He was determined to outdo the other two sons of the Hua family.
Therefore, they are the most loyal and also the most cautious.
Is she saying she's starting from scratch?
Neither of them really believed it.
Doesn't she want to compete with her stepmother and Hua Chengzai anymore?!
Master Hua's expression changed several times before he finally gritted his teeth and said, "Su Qing!"
There's only one reason why my daughter has changed so much.
It must be because of Su Qing.
Putting everything else aside, the ore from Gaoqing Prefecture was definitely her doing.
wrong.
They just want to exchange the ore from Shanyang Prefecture for that from Gaoqing Prefecture.
They conveniently separated the pig iron workshop from the Hua family.
He was aware of Hua Youling's recent activities in Guangxio County.
I thought they would only be taking some farmland and shops.
Master Hua didn't care at all.
The most important pig iron workshop was also emptied out.
This was something he simply couldn't tolerate.
Master Hua immediately ordered someone to summon Hua Youling back.
Hua Cheng waited with a gloomy expression.
That was all his money, his property. How dare an outsider collude with other outsiders to line his own pockets?
That's absolutely despicable.
But how could Hua Youling possibly go home at this moment?
She is still in Guangyou County.
She will definitely be there on the first day the new workshop starts operating.
What left Hua Youling speechless was...
The new workshop was under her name, and her uncle truly helped her wholeheartedly.
Of course, there are profitable opportunities, but they would never cooperate with others.
Because this is our own property, not someone else's.
She only said to the Hua family steward, "Father summoned me, and I should have gone immediately, but there are many things to do at home. Please understand."
The "home" she refers to at this moment is her own place, not the Hua family's.
This statement was made.
Master Hua was naturally furious.
Many people noticed it.
There's bound to be a fight between this father and daughter from the Hua family.
There were quite a few people watching the spectacle.
Master Hua's skills are beyond question.
When he was summoned to Jinling that year, in front of the emperor, he didn't shed much blood.
Hua Youling is a young, energetic, shrewd, and capable woman.
Countless people would love to see these two fight.
After all, the profits from the prefectural city and the two surrounding counties were basically in their hands.
This family used to be quite united, and many people had no choice but to stay together.
Now that's great, I can finally take the opportunity to drink some soup.
Was Prefect Su the one who started this whole thing?
Nobody can say for sure.
After all, they only said they wanted to change their iron ore supplier.
Other things don't concern her much.
Let's leave the Hua family's affairs aside for now.
What Su Qing has to deal with now is the questioning from dozens of eunuchs in charge of the mines in Shanyang Prefecture.
They were all furious.
I heard that the Guangyuefu cast iron workshop not only did not stop production, but also made a profit.
The weapons workshops that followed finally started making a profit because the price of raw materials dropped by one-fifth.
They also improved the iron smelting technology.
Using the least amount of coal and the cheapest pig iron.
To create the most useful farm tools?!
The people of Guangyuefu were overjoyed.
Even the local people who needed farm tools were overjoyed.
These mine managers were furious.
This money should have been theirs!
We should buy their raw materials!
Why did they change their minds?!
When you're not thinking rationally, you're prone to doing impulsive things.
Su Qing read through the documents one by one, and then selected the most strongly worded ones, asking his well-written officials to reply to them.
Finally, let me casually ask: "Have you made enough money?"
This statement is completely nonsensical.
This gave the mine managers a long time to ponder.
What does Su Qing mean?
Do you think they make too much money?
But it wasn't them who begged Guanglefu to buy the ore.
While everyone was still wondering what Prefect Su meant.
A decree, as sudden as a bolt from the blue, was issued.
The Emperor dispatched an inspector, Eunuch Liang, to Shanyang Prefecture to investigate the accounts of dozens of local mines.
They also gave Eunuch Liang a great deal of power, allowing him to carry out his duties freely.
This story begins with the letter Su Qing wrote to the capital last month.
The letter Su Qing sent to the capital was addressed to Eunuch Liang.
When Eunuch Liang received Su Qing's letter, he was quite surprised.
The two had a rather unpleasant experience due to previous events, and although he later tried to reconcile, neither side showed any enthusiasm.
Why did a secret letter suddenly arrive?
This letter contained instructions on how Eunuch Liang could regain the Emperor's trust.
To put it bluntly.
It means that whatever the emperor lacks, you provide for him.
As for physical health, there are already Qi-boosting and spirit-nourishing pills provided by the Qi palace officials.
What we lack most is money.
Unfortunately, this is the most difficult thing to deal with.
Su Qing then pointed out the way.
In the Shanyang Prefecture mines, all we need to do is confiscate the homes of these eunuchs in charge.
We have all kinds of money, no matter how much you want.
Eunuch Liang was neglected because the emperor's arranged marriage failed.
It was also because the Qi-Nourishing and Spirit-Enhancing Pill had fallen into the hands of the Qi palace officials.
Life is not easy these days.
Now that we've finally caught them in this mess, they'll definitely stick to their guns and refuse to admit it.
He finally persuaded the emperor and even obtained an imperial decree.
It's clear they're planning something big.
So much silver.
Not only could it get some silver for the emperor.
He himself would also have a bulging wallet.
This suited Liang Gonggong's taste perfectly.
Sure enough, the imperial edict arrived.
The eunuchs in charge of the Shanyang Prefecture were as if they had lost their parents.
He resented Su Qing's many tricks.
I also hate myself for being too greedy.
I was just thinking that there hadn't been any problems with the repeated price increases in the past.
Why did Prefect Su suddenly launch an attack?!
While Prefect Shen was teaching his daughter to read and to handle government affairs, he asked, "Why did Prefect Su suddenly launch an attack?"
"It's highly likely that she has reached a conclusion with Gao Qingzhou and improved the iron smelting technology."
"This is not something that can be planned in a day or two."
"We only resorted to such swift and decisive measures when the time was right."
Miss Shen nodded, feeling both admiration for Lord Su and a longing for her father.
Dad knows everything.
Why aren't you doing anything?
Prefect Shen was speechless for a moment.
The main reason is that I feel it's a thankless task and not worth the effort.
But now, looking at his intelligent daughter, he has a proper successor.
It seems there's something we can do.
This would give his daughter something to rely on after she became an official.
Let's leave aside the events in Shanyang Prefecture.
In any case, the weapons workshop in Guangyuefu was finally able to hold its head high.
They were held back by the raw materials from Shanyang Prefecture for so long.
Now I'm finally free.
The minerals from Gaoqingzhou are cheap and easy to use.
Aren't we a hundred times better than you?!
besides!
Our weapons workshop is finally profitable!
It's been three years!
Do you know how I've spent these past three years?!
Manager Jiang was on the verge of tears.
Even though it's only about to turn a profit, it's still a glimmer of hope.
God knows that this workshop has always been a money-losing business in his hands.
Ore is being continuously delivered from Gaoqingzhou.
After receiving the silver from Hua Youling's workshop, he purchased various supplies and returned to Gaoqing Prefecture, handing them over to Fei Kaiyu.
Some of these supplies were used to improve the lives of local people.
Some of the money was used to rebuild the city, repairing all the long-abandoned roads and bridges in Gaoqing Prefecture.
Since it is an iron mine in Gaoqing Prefecture.
The money earned will definitely be used in this area.
Otherwise, they would all be like those eunuchs in Shanyang Prefecture, only caring about their own enjoyment and not about the lives of the local people.
Wenrui took a portion of the silver and secretly used it to recruit workers at the Shanyang Prefecture mine.
Now, Guangyue Prefecture uses iron ore from Gaoqing Prefecture.
There's not much business in Shanyang Prefecture, and with the imperial envoy, Eunuch Liang, coming soon, the miners in the local mines are temporarily out of work.
Wenrui came here to recruit experienced people to work in Gaoqing Prefecture.
The miners from Shanyang Prefecture all shook their heads: "It's too far, we're not going."
"I went there to do some dry goods, and my body started to smell bad, but my family didn't know."
"We want to make money, but we also want to live."
Wenrui directly revealed his recruitment conditions and even had the miners from Gaoqingzhou who came with him give their testimonials.
“The miners in Gaoqingzhou are provided with food and lodging, and up to four people can live in one room.”
"The monthly salary is calculated based on the overall revenue of the mine. You work three hours a day."
"Not only that, but the person in charge also distributed four kinds of clothing, shoes and socks."
"We can also bring our families to live in nearby villages, and we've opened a private school specifically for our children, so they can study there for very little money."
Gao Qingzhou's mining engineering work became more and more excited as he spoke; the thick calluses on his hands were unmistakable, a testament to his hard labor.
Although his clothes, shoes, and socks were patched, they were clean and tidy.
He doesn't look like someone who goes down into the mines often.
When he got excited, he didn't even notice the expressions on the faces of the miners from Shanyang Prefecture: "Our manager even goes to the borderlands to buy sheep, and slaughters them once a month. They're delicious."
"By the way, as long as you work for three years, you can buy your own land at an extremely low price."
"The longer you work, the more land you can buy."
"Wouldn't it be wonderful to settle down and live here then?"
"Anyway, many people's children are studying in private schools, which is great."
Before the words were even finished, someone spat, their eyes red and swollen: "Liar!"
"roll!"
"You think you can fool me?! Get out of here!"
"We're all in the mining business, are you trying to scam us with this?!"
"We're doing this lowly work, and we're still daydreaming."
"Eating mutton, buying land, and only working three hours a day? You can't make up something like that to lie to people."
Cheng Bu was shoved and pushed; if he hadn't been so sturdy, he would have fallen over.
Cheng Bu refused to accept this and immediately retorted angrily, "Who's lying to you! This is the kind of life I live anyway."
His anger doesn't seem fake.
An old miner from Shanyang Prefecture rolled his eyes: "Are you a miner? You must be the manager."
"They just tricked us into going there so we could work for free."
No one believed him.
Cheng Bu quickly looked at Lord Wen Ruiwen: "My lord, they don't believe it!"
Actually, everyone has noticed Wenrui.
After all, this middle-aged man looked like a scholar.
They are different from those who do manual labor.
Wen Rui said, "I am the manager of the mine in Gaoqing Prefecture. I can swear to God that what Cheng Bu, this young man, said is true."
"But there's one thing he didn't mention: he grew up in the mine. He started working in the mine at the age of eight and is now twenty-five. He's always been working in the mine."
"But he didn't live like this before he was twenty-four."
Cheng Bu was somewhat dazed.
He certainly didn't live like this before.
Back then, he didn't live like a human being at all.
Ever since their whole family was captured by Prince Wuyong and taken to the iron mine, they have lived a life of utter darkness.
My mother cooks and does laundry, and sometimes she gets bullied.
His father went down into the mine every day and died next to him.
He was only twelve years old at the time, and the mine manager simply picked up his father's hoe and stuffed it into his hand.
"Your father is dead, now you have a hoe."
Cheng Bu, who was originally just collecting ore, started mining.
She did this job until she was twenty-four.
Not many people left during that period.
His father, his mother, and his relatives from the same village all died.
In the entire village, only he and Ugly Girl remained.
Luckily, the ugly girl was ugly enough, otherwise she would have been taken out and sold long ago.
Of course, just like her mother, she was bullied for doing laundry and cooking.
Then came last year.
A lot happened last year.
The person in charge even organized them to fight with others.
But those people didn't harm them. Instead, they cooked a big pot of mutton and said, "Lord Su said you are unfortunate people and we can't fight you. Come and eat some meat."
That day, Cheng Bu and the others ate so much meat that they vomited it all up.
They initially thought this was a malicious scheme by the other party to kill them.
But when everyone wakes up, there will be doctors taking care of them.
They said it was their first time eating meat, and they would vomit if they ate too much.
At the time, an official named Fei Kaiyu scratched his head: "If the magistrate finds out, he'll definitely scold me."
He executed a perfectly good order incorrectly.
Anyway, from then on, Cheng Bu worked for Lord Wen and his men.
First, they seized other mines.
Then, the tasks at the mine were rearranged.
That Lord Su from who-knows-where set many rules.
For example, she set a rule that no one could go down into the mine for more than three hours a day, and no more than one hour at a time.
Or rather, the working conditions and wages of the entire mine were all determined by that person.
As Cheng Bu spoke, he seemed somewhat dazed.
It turns out that only a year has passed, how could he have forgotten all those painful things?
All he remembered was that he and the ugly girl had officially gotten married.
Ugly Mother still does laundry and cooks, but she's no longer bullied.
He still mines, but he manages to save up money.
It seems like there have been too many happy days, and I've forgotten everything that happened before.
Suddenly remembering this, tears streamed down my face.
His story convinced the people of Shanyang Prefecture to stop calling him a fraud.
At least Cheng Bu was a miner, or at least he used to be one?
The mining experiences he described were experiences that every miner in Shanyang Prefecture had gone through.
But since last year, it seems a bit fake.
They really are that good to them.
"Lord Su, is this Su Qing?"
Suddenly someone spoke up.
Cheng Bu didn't know.
Wenrui nodded slightly.
It's Su Qing!
The rules set by Lord Su?!
If it were her.
That makes it believable!
Cheng Bu and his group were far away in Gaoqing Prefecture and unaware of the situation, let alone this Lord Su.
But they knew it.
Shanyang Prefecture was right next to Guangle Prefecture.
But what is life like over there, and what is life like here?
Everyone knows the answer.
Besides, everyone knows about Lord Su Qing's reputation for helping the poor and weak.
"If you had said it was her earlier, we would have believed you."
"Yes, if you had told me earlier, she would have been in charge of that area too."
"When are we leaving? There's no work here, and the steward seems to be trying to escape. I can leave anytime."
"I can leave anytime."
Cheng Bu was completely baffled.
He was just cursing him as a liar.
Now everyone believes it.
Just because I heard the name Lord Su?
Why?
Not long after Cheng Bu returned to normal life, Gaoqing Prefecture did not publicize Su Qing's name extensively.
When Su Qing was distributing land to various counties, he was still in the mine and naturally didn't know.
But he knew that the men from Shanyang Prefecture, who were also miners, seemed to be full of confidence.
Never mind.
Anyway, let's take them away first.
Mining is necessary everywhere, but Gaoqingzhou is a better option.
Overnight, the news spread to all the mines, large and small, near this mine.
Five days later, the already chaotic mine fell silent.
When the stewards, who were preparing to flee, discovered it...
Tens of thousands of miners have already left Shanyang Prefecture.
Those with families should bring their families; those without families should pack their bags and leave.
They went directly to Gaoqing Prefecture.
Both involve mining, but working under Lord Su offers greater security.
A large number of miners from Shanyang Prefecture fled.
The local garrison is under their jurisdiction.
However, these people colluded with the mine managers and relied on them to suppress troublesome miners.
At this moment, however, they dared not make a move.
Because they were also thinking about escaping for their lives.
He took too much silver.
As soon as the imperial envoy arrives, it will be a dead end.
In this situation, who would dare to stay any longer?
They guarded their minds, so you can't blame them for being greedy.
There was simply no food or salary available, but in order to support their families, they needed some income.
Of course, he felt guilty for swindling so much money from Lord Su.
But life goes on.
The problem is where these soldiers can escape to.
I heard that the stewards have already found a place and they're all heading towards the coast, saying there are many islands there.
As long as they hide up there, the imperial court won't have the energy to capture them.
With several million taels of silver at hand, one can live comfortably anywhere.
Several million taels of silver.
The guard glanced at the sword in his hand.
With this, there's no need to worry about not having money.
I simply did what I had in mind.
From then on, I really had to become an outlaw.
The chaos in Shanyang Prefecture can be imagined.
Taking advantage of their infighting, the miners had already fled to Gaoqing Prefecture.
Seeing this opportunity, Su Qing secretly contacted the new commander-in-chief of Yisong County several times.
The new commander-in-chief is thirty-seven years old this year. His name is Chai Kangning. He is in his prime and has a serious face.
Putting aside other factors, the Emperor's ability to judge people is quite good.
After Chai Kangning arrived in Guangyue Prefecture and took over the 160,000-strong garrison, he did indeed maintain a distance from the local authorities.
In his view, the former general was good in every way, except that he was too close to the local authorities.
This can indeed easily arouse suspicion.
No wonder the Emperor wanted to replace the former commander-in-chief.
However, after arriving in Guangyue Prefecture, Chai Kangning and the garrison minister Luo, who had also arrived with him, understood the situation.
Why did the former general and the former garrison commander both try to maintain a good relationship with Lord Su?
Because the imperial court doesn't provide rations or pay.
Last year was alright; we had some surplus grain in our accounts and could barely make ends meet with the supplies left by Eunuch Liang and Prince Zheng.
Moreover, when he first arrived, the Guangyue Prefecture provided his military pay, so it must have been on time.
However, the situation changed after the imperial court took over.
From the end of last year to July of this year, every time I asked the imperial court for grain and provisions, I only received evasive answers.
More importantly, they were asked to reduce the size of the army.
Even with troop reductions, provisions and pay are still needed.
Are we supposed to let them go back to their hometowns with the military IOUs?
Moreover, in the view of General Chai Kangning.
These people cannot be dismissed.
Shunchang Kingdom is not at peace, and these experienced veterans at our disposal cannot be easily dismissed.
If another tough battle comes, where will we deploy troops?
We can't just hire someone temporarily.
He was told to hold on until July, but the central government still urged him to persevere.
They said the autumn tax would be collected in August or September, and then salaries would be paid.
Upon hearing this, General Chai felt a wave of dizziness.
"Let's contact Lord Su," Eunuch Luo said helplessly. "She's generous; she can give us some things to tide us over."
I gave them some last time.
They'll probably give it to me again this time, right?
However, after several attempts to contact him, Magistrate Cui of Yisong County only said that Lord Su was very busy.
There was no further response.
But they watched as Gaoqing Prefecture started doing business with Guangle Prefecture.
The ore pulled from Gaoqing Prefecture was stored in Jiangbei County, and then loaded onto ships and sent to Guangyou County.
They also brought back a large amount of supplies from places like Guangxi County and Nanjiang County.
Finally, it was transported to Gaoqing Prefecture and given to the people of Gaoqing Prefecture.
This back-and-forth made the 160,000 troops stationed in the middle extremely envious!
Moreover, it is visible to the naked eye.
This deal will continue.
General Chai's vision went black.
Everyone knows that the Guangyue Mansion is wealthy.
Gaoqing Prefecture also needs to rely on Guangyue Prefecture for its wealth.
Does that mean his soldiers are poor?
General Chai's resentment towards the imperial court grew deeper and deeper, which was inevitable.
Even so, he will still do his duty.
It was at this time that Su Qing took the initiative to contact him.
This surprised General Chai.
Those who met Prefect Su in Yisong County were even more surprised.
Just as General Chai was wondering, Su Qingxian cupped his hands and said, "There is something I need General Chai's help with."
What kind of help?
General Chai immediately frowned: "The military and the local authorities should not have too much contact, let alone offer any help."
He was supposed to say that, but Chai Kangning shut up and said instead, "Lord Su, please don't be so polite. Tell me what it is."
Su Qing said frankly: "In a few days, 30,000 to 40,000 miners from Shanyang Prefecture will pass through Guangle Prefecture on their way to Gaoqing Prefecture."
"Please, General Chai, do not obstruct us."
Thirty to forty thousand miners?!
General Chai was naturally aware of the ore dispute between Shanyang Prefecture and Gaoqing Prefecture.
They also knew that Prefect Su played a significant role in this matter.
In his view, these things were perfectly acceptable.
The price gouging by Shanyang Prefecture was indeed outrageous.
Unexpectedly, Gao Qingzhou still had his eye on the miners of Shanyang Prefecture and actually abducted tens of thousands of them.
Thirty to forty thousand people moved from Shanyang Prefecture to Gaoqing Prefecture, a frontier prefecture.
This matter is far too sensitive.
Moreover, these 30,000 to 40,000 people are likely to harbor resentment towards Shunchang State.
General Chai finally understood why Prefect Su had come in person.
If she doesn't come, I will definitely stop her.
General Chai, being a meticulous strategist, asked, "Did they travel this far without any obstacles?"
"The garrison commander of Shanyang Prefecture neglected his duties."
In fact, they had to pass through Guangyuefu, but General Chai did not mention this place.
After all, he still had something to ask for.
Speaking of the dereliction of duty by the garrison commander of Shanyang Prefecture.
Su Qingke then had something to say.
She explained how the guard colluded with the mine managers.
How to line one's own pockets.
How to embezzle the people's hard-earned money.
He also explained in detail how much silver he had swindled from her from Guang Le Fu.
When General Chai heard that the mine manager had at least eight million taels of silver, he frowned deeply.
Eight million taels.
No wonder they don't have military funding.
No wonder the imperial court has no money at all.
Whether it's tax revenue or local iron ore income.
The imperial court couldn't collect it all; it all ended up in the pockets of these kinds of people.
Such a rebellious and immoral act is against the principles of Heaven and is the act of a disloyal and unjust person.
How can they possibly have the nerve to serve the imperial court?
The garrison commander of Shanyang Prefecture was even more outrageous.
Not only did they ignore it, they also helped arrest the miners, leaving them helpless and desperate.
"The Emperor sent an imperial envoy to investigate, but they are in a state of chaos and have no time to deal with these miners who have barely escaped with their lives."
Su Qing gave these miners a very long definition.
It was both difficult and a hard-won escape.
General Chai could not refute it.
Sending them to Gaoqing Prefecture is indeed a way out.
But so many people are migrating.
If they really don't care, it's not the general's job.
As General Chai was pondering, he heard Su Qing say, "By the way, I heard Magistrate Cui say that the General has something to discuss with me?"
Having said that, General Chai could easily understand what Su Qing meant.
He didn't care about the miners who had escaped.
Su Qing will then provide him with some support.
General Chai didn't know how to answer.
But Su Qing wasn't acting out of personal gain; he was considering the well-being of the people.
He wasn't doing it for personal gain; he just wanted to pay the soldiers' salaries.
General Chai was at his wits' end when he thought about the army's pay.
The commander-in-chief has fallen to this level.
He had long understood Prince Zheng's suffering.
"Alright, sir, please rest assured," General Chai said. "These are all unfortunate people. Since they have a place to stay, we shouldn't stop them."
"Anyway, it's all Shunchang Kingdom's land."
Su Qing smiled and said, "That's true."
The two settled the matter.
General Chai's word is his bond, and there is no possibility of reversal.
Seeing this, Su Qing could finally move forward.
“I know that the garrison is struggling to make a living. They can’t even get enough to eat by relying solely on the grain grown by the army,” Su Qing said bluntly, which inevitably embarrassed General Chai.
no way.
Guangyuefu was the closest, and Prefect Su had stayed in the capital for half a year.
It wasn't surprising that she knew these things.
"So I plan to get eight million in grain and salary for the army."
The previous sentence was still awkward.
This sentence is full of question marks.
Even if you gave them all the tax revenue from Guangyue Prefecture this year, you still wouldn't have that much silver.
Wait a minute.
Eight hundred taels.
Su Qing nodded: "It's in Shanyang Prefecture."
"Prefect Su!" General Chai stood up abruptly. "What are you doing?!"
A dignified soldier, a man who has shed blood.
Want to become a robber?!
"Impossible!" General Chai said firmly.
Su Qing sighed, "Are you going to watch all this money flow overseas?"
What's the meaning?
Su Qing recounted the escape routes of these eunuchs and added, "The garrison commander of Shanyang Prefecture may well have had such thoughts."
“Those small islands along the coast, although they belong to Shunchang Kingdom, have not been assigned officials by the court for many years, and some have long since claimed to be kings.”
"This group of people went to seek refuge with the silver of Shunchang Kingdom, and they may have had the ambition to become kings."
General Chai's lips moved slightly.
He finally figured it out.
Prefect Su is too good at bewitching people.
If they take eight million taels of silver to a remote island overseas.
They really can't come back.
“This money comes from Guang, Le, and Shanyang. Can you bear to watch it flow out?”
"Instead of taking them to a deserted island, it would be better to provide food and pay to the 160,000 troops stationed there."
"They are the ones who protect our country."
If turning a blind eye to the escape of 30,000 to 40,000 miners is the first step in backing down.
Now, conspiring with Su Qing to obtain eight million taels of silver is the second step in their concession.
But Su Qing's words were all reasonable.
This matter is of great importance, and General Chai cannot make a decision on it directly.
Back in the army, looking at the soldiers under his command and then at the utterly helpless Eunuch Luo.
And then there's Su Qing's saying: "Opportunities are fleeting."
"The imperial envoy from the capital will arrive on July 26th."
"They will definitely leave before that."
It is now July 19th.
If we don't make a decision in the next two days, it will be too late.
General Chai thought of the grain and salary he had spent over the past six months, as well as Prince Zheng's advice.
Prince Zheng told him.
If there is any danger, you can trust Prefect Su.
Although she was cunning, she was wholeheartedly devoted to the people.
Can it really be trusted?
General Chai summoned his trusted confidants to discuss the matter.
Wang the clerk said directly, "Sir, what are you thinking about? Go get it."
As the general's advisor, Wang Shiye was as anxious as a military commander: "The army is short of food and drink, and morale is low."
"Are you really waiting for the imperial court to allocate funds after the autumn harvest?"
"Even if the funds are allocated, will it be enough for us? Will it be enough to cover our back pay?"
Also, winter is coming soon.
Last year, soldiers came to collect winter clothes, and the staff had to search through the inventory.
If it weren't for the strong foundation of our warehouse, there really wouldn't be any way.
What to do this year?
And will this year's Lunar New Year be just as shabby as last year's?
Many soldiers are complaining.
When Prince Zheng was in charge of things, Prefect Su was in charge.
They eat to their heart's content during holidays and festivals.
They really can't hold on any longer.
Leaving aside Master Wang, the same applies to the several deputy generals.
to be honest.
Being stationed in the military is already tough enough.
These deputy generals weren't having an easy time either, let alone the people below them.
Even if they don't care about the garrison, they still have to take care of their personal guards.
The eight million taels of silver that were within easy reach.
Why not take it?
It's not like we're robbing the national treasury.
What's there to be afraid of?
Some soldiers and officers had their heads down.
The imperial court misappropriated their military funds to build grand halls and gardens.
Why bother putting in so much effort?
Even if they can be loyal.
Where are my family?
Are we supposed to starve if we follow them?
When I was first transferred here, my family said that since this place is backed by Guangyuefu, life wouldn't be difficult.
Who would have thought that the Emperor wouldn't allow the Guangyue Prefecture to supply the military pay, but instead the imperial court would provide it?
What about now?
What about military pay?
He observed the expressions on his subordinates' faces.
General Chai gritted his teeth.
This job is done.
We must not let this money flow to the islands.
The meat needs to be thoroughly cooked in the pot.
But there was too much silver.
General Chai glanced at everyone's expressions and wasn't entirely reassured.
When General Chai contacted Prefect Su again, he said directly, "The silver can be obtained."
"But I need to entrust it to you for safekeeping."
Su Qing was somewhat surprised by these words.
She did want to take some of it, but she didn't expect that General Chai would give her all the silver to keep for her.
General Chai shook his head slightly: "I have too many men under my command, and many of them have never seen so much silver before. Taking it all at once will only cause chaos."
This is indeed a problem.
Su Qing then made her request: "I can provide them with their escape route and plan."
"Therefore, of these eight million taels, about two million should be kept."
"Leave it to the imperial envoy who is about to arrive."
Eunuch Liang arrived quickly.
Since it was Su Qing who called him, he couldn't let him return empty-handed, and he certainly wouldn't "disappoint" the Emperor.
This person is a bit greedy, but he is indeed very useful.
Su Qing helped him win back the Emperor's favor, so he naturally reciprocated.
After the Qionglin Banquet incident.
Since Eunuch Liang has already aligned himself with Su Qing, she won't let him down.
After Su Qing finished speaking, General Chai sighed, "Even the Emperor is eyeing this silver."
Seeing his reaction, Su Qing said directly, "Why don't we wait and see if the Emperor will think of you after making this windfall?"
General Chai hesitated for a moment, then nodded slightly.
I think so.
Two million taels of silver, and the autumn harvest is just around the corner.
It would be unacceptable if no money were allocated.
The plan was set.
General Chai acted swiftly and decisively.
He didn't need to set off personally; he only sent two deputy generals and five hundred elite soldiers, who traveled day and night, taking only back roads.
Deal with these eunuchs in charge.
These people are enough.
Next, we just wait for good news.
The eunuchs and others, burdened with a huge sum of money, were filled with unease.
Once they realized that Eunuch Liang was after them, they finally packed all their valuables and agreed to set off one after the other.
Their total assets over the years actually exceed eight million.
But things like houses are really impossible to take with you.
These eunuchs were still on guard against the garrison of Shanyang Prefecture.
They had frequent contact with the garrison.
They knew the other party had always coveted these gold and silver jewelry and real gold and silver.
So they maneuvered while trying to escape.
The garrison was truly fooled, thinking the eunuchs wouldn't leave until July 23rd.
But late at night on the 21st, a dozen eunuchs and hundreds of servants escorted large and small boxes and left under the cover of darkness.
On the 22nd day of the month, the wind was calm and the waves were still.
They disguised themselves as merchants, all dressed in shabby clothes, trying their best not to attract attention.
No one dared to stop for a moment; they ate and drank in the car.
Finally, around noon, they were far from the city of Shanyang Prefecture.
The farther they were from the capital, the more at ease they felt.
The leading eunuch took out a map: "Go from here, bypass Guangyue Prefecture, take a boat from here, and go all the way to Fujian."
"Let's buy an island near Fujian and become local tyrants ourselves."
Local tyrants.
Wouldn't that mean doing whatever you want?
It's time for these eunuchs to enjoy such a blissful life.
Everyone was eager to get started, seemingly imagining the wonderful days of being emperor.
The guarded servants suddenly became alert.
not good.
Horses came chasing after them.
No, it didn't chase after them.
Is it coming straight at us?
If they're not pursuers, then everything's fine.
Everyone still held onto their hidden swords.
A dozen or so fast horses galloped past.
Everyone breathed a sigh of relief.
The grass and trees seem like soldiers; everyone is on edge.
The night of July 23.
The dozen or so eunuchs staying at the inns along the way had just fallen asleep.
The humble inn was then surrounded.
Gold and silver captivated the eunuch's heart, but in the dead of night, terror struck, claiming his life.
Author's Note: I highly recommend my upcoming novels: "Help! I'm Surrounded by Ancient Chinese Male Protagonists!" and "Transmigrated to Become a Master Chef".
Please save this! Love you all!
Help! I'm surrounded by male high school boys in ancient Chinese style!
Su Wen woke up to find that he had transmigrated.
Not only did she time travel, but she was also surrounded by all sorts of handsome young men in ancient style.
? ? ?
Am I surrounded by ancient-style male high school boys?
Among the crowd, only one man with a gentle face had impatience in his eyes, as if he had seen something dirty.
When Su Wen remembered everything, he was completely numb.
The original owner of this body was a cannon fodder female supporting character in a book. Because she loved her fiancé, she disguised herself as a man and entered the Imperial Academy, wanting to stay by his side.
Unexpectedly, this only made the other party dislike him more, but he couldn't say anything because of the marriage agreement between the two families.
Once her original fiancé passed the imperial examination with top honors, he naturally went to the Su family to annul the engagement as soon as possible.
The Su family was ridiculed in the capital for a long time as a result, and later the whole family was imprisoned and exiled until they died on the way to exile.
Before he died, the original owner of this body was crippled in both legs and froze to death on the roadside.
Thinking of his tragic future, Su Wen kowtowed to God several times.
She'll stay away from her ex-husband from now on!
I will absolutely not bother you again!
In the darkness, the ex-husband vaguely heard his own name, and then the word "entanglement," and his eyes grew increasingly impatient.
But in the following months, the person who had promised to harass him only became close to other people.
He was very close to the youngest son of the general, the eldest son of the minister, and the illegitimate son of the marquis.
Instead, they avoided him like the plague.
Why is she so nice to every man?
She disguised herself as a man to come to the Imperial Academy, wasn't it for him?
While her ex-husband was filled with remorse, under the pear blossom tree at the Imperial Academy, Su Wen was kissed on the cheek by that illegitimate son who only knew how to play the victim.
Just as the ex-husband was about to step forward, Su Wen jumped eight feet away, panicking and saying, "I don't do homosexual things!"
As she spoke, she ran behind her, just in time to see her ex-husband looking at her with a sinister gaze.
Su asked: ? Did I encounter a ghost today?
The ex-husband and the illegitimate child exchanged a glance, both of them showing determination in their eyes.
Su Wen himself said: I just want to pass the imperial examination with top honors so that I won't be exiled!
I really don't want to have any fetishes with you guys who like to dress in ancient styles!
ps: ps
1. The male lead is from ancient times and already knew the female lead was disguised as a man. It's a 1v1 relationship, and he's not her ex-husband.
2. Later on, the ex-husband will gradually regain his memories of his past life, but his attempts to win back his wife will fail.
3. Early stages involve taking the imperial examinations; later stages involve becoming an official, farming, and punishing scumbags.
Transmigrating to Become a Master Chef
Just as Chef Su Su was about to open his tenth chain restaurant, Private Kitchen, he was hit by a flowerpot falling from the sky and transported to another world.
She had barely opened her eyes when her stepmother forced her to marry. Naturally, Su Su refused and secretly left the village.
Upon arriving in the county town, Su Su found herself with no relatives or friends. After looking around, she decided to set up a small stall near the county government office for safety reasons.
What kind of hooligans and bandits dare to cause trouble in front of the constables!
Su Su smiled at the cold-faced constable who came to eat every day, and said, "Please come again, sir!"
The cold-faced constable paused, then said in a low voice, "Don't say that."
Holding the freshly baked pastries, Su Su thought to herself, "In order for you constables to protect me, of course I have to say nice things!"
The constable picked up a snack and took a deep breath: "Don't flirt with people."
Huh? Was she flirting? I don't think so.
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Food + Detective
Food is the main focus, with crime-solving as a secondary element.
Mini cookies
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