Chapter 8 House Tax Change Identity
"This is the blueprint I drew for the signboard for Zhichunli. Take it tomorrow and have someone carve it according to the blueprint. Here are the instructions I re-drew as well. Go to Changqing Street and print two hundred copies. I'll need them in three days."
There were still some flyers left from the pre-opening ceremony that had not been distributed. Feng Xin thought it wouldn't be too late to make rubbings after they were used up. However, when he took a closer look at the newly drawn flyers, he found that they were inconsistent, so he didn't ask the reason and just did as he was told.
Lu Ting left Zhichunli at 11:00 am.
There is still some distance from Fenglin Lane to Cheng Mansion. Luo Yunchu's statue was used today, and he seemed unhappy. Lu Tingwan had not taken care of it all day, and only remembered it when she relaxed. She had to coax this Buddha, as it would be useful in the future.
***
The Ministry of Revenue in the imperial court is currently registering the tax revenue accounts of various cities and prefectures. This year's total tax revenue is 10% higher than last year's, but the property tax is half as much.
The Vice Minister of the Ministry of Personnel reported the matter to the Ministry of Personnel. According to the registration of the Ministry of Personnel, as far as Kyoto is concerned, a lot of houses in Kyoto were expanded to the outskirts throughout the whole year last year, and the overall construction area of houses increased, so the tax revenue should have increased.
In Hanzhang Hall, the court officials, both civil and military, were in separate rows. Emperor Guangjing Li Tingfeng's voice was heavy and seemed to carry a hint of fatigue. "Lu Pushe is in charge of the six ministries. Does he know about this matter?"
Lu Mingqian was the left servant of the Shangshu Province, in charge of the confidential matters of the six ministries, while Cheng Xianzhi was the right servant of the Shangshu Province, in charge of the cases of the six ministries. All important cases in the world went through Cheng Xian's hands.
In addition, Li Tingfeng intended to disperse the power of Empress Dowager Jiang's relatives and handed over the power of the imperial guards to Cheng Xianzhi. Since then, Cheng Xianzhi has been able to execute transfer orders at will.
Queen Mother Jiang once wanted to take back the power of the Imperial Guards, but the Emperor proposed to re-establish the post of Secretariat, taking advantage of the Queen Mother's serious illness and lack of time to govern the country. The court passed the proposal, and then Lu and Cheng competed for the post of Secretariat.
Just as Lu Mingqian was about to step forward to reply, Empress Dowager Jiang, who was behind the screen listening to government affairs, spoke first, "Your Majesty, Prime Minister Lu is in charge of the six ministries. I have already mentioned this to me in Jinhua Palace, and I was about to mention this to the Emperor at the court meeting today."
The ministers in the imperial court were whispering to each other, "Why is such an important matter reported to Jinhua Palace first instead of Guangling Palace?"
"The Empress Dowager is ruling the country from behind the curtain, but her hand is a bit too long." The censor whispered, but Li Tingfeng still heard it.
The face of the man who had been bedridden for many years became paler and paler. Cheng Xianzhi glanced at Li Tingfeng in the hall and saw that he was calm and composed.
"Since Her Majesty is aware of the property tax problem, she must have a plan in place. What are your thoughts?"
Queen Mother Jiang had a loud voice. Compared to Li Tingfeng, her voice seemed to be able to penetrate the stone walls of Hanzhang Palace. It was powerful yet nonchalant, as if she was not fighting or competing, but wanted to take it all in.
"Since Cheng Pushe has just gotten married, has he been busy with government affairs recently?" Queen Mother Jiang did not answer Li Tingfeng, but turned to Cheng Xianzhi.
Cheng Xianzhi nodded. "I am grateful to Your Majesty and the Queen Mother for granting me this marriage. I have found a good match. Serving the country and the people is my duty. It is not hard work."
"I heard that a few days ago, Cheng Pushe sent several carts of dazzling rouge and jewelry with great fanfare to Madam in order to make her smile. Is that true?" Queen Mother Jiang raised her armor slightly.
The news spread throughout Kyoto that day and reached the palace within half a day.
"Yes, my wife is virtuous. She only picked out a few things she liked and exchanged the rest for money as alms. It was I who was confused for a moment and behaved recklessly." He spoke carefully, seeming panicky but not panicking at all.
"Never mind. Being young and frivolous is not a sin. I've heard that the eldest daughter of the Minister of the Central Secretariat is the most gentle, respectful, frugal, and knows how to give advice. She's a sensible person." Queen Mother Jiang stroked her armor gently, paused for a moment, and then asked, "You and your wife have a deep affection for each other. Is the Second Madam serving you well enough?"
The chess piece placed by Queen Mother Jiang had not moved for half a month. Cheng Xianzhi had never thought that Lu Tingwan could be so patient. Instead, it was only when the Queen Mother mentioned it today that he remembered the person he had never met.
"Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty. This is very much to my liking."
"Since Cheng Pushe is concerned about court affairs, diligent in government affairs, talented but not overly talented, and shouldering a heavy responsibility, let Cheng Pushe fully investigate the issue of civilian taxation in the Ministry of Revenue. Lu Pushe is in charge of important affairs of the six ministries and should assist." Empress Dowager Jiang took the opportunity to put this difficult task in Cheng Xianzhi's hands, before the emperor could speak, so Lu Mingqian did not need to get involved in this muddy water.
Cheng Xianzhi nodded, his gaze fixed on the court boots, deep and profound like a pool of water, "I am fortunate that you have fulfilled your mission."
In the Ministry of Revenue office, Han Zhou stood with his hands behind his back, while Cheng Xianzhi entered the file, leaving only the Ministry of Revenue doctor by his side. He briefly summarized the housing tax in recent years. Cheng Xianzhi's face was indifferent and no emotion could be detected.
The doctor from the Ministry of Revenue was also a bit frightened when he replied. The young man had delicate features and was handsome, but just sitting there made people feel intimidated. This was closely related to the rumors about him in his early years.
After Cheng Xianzhi understood the situation, he sent the doctor away. Han Zhou, who had been silent the entire time, finally spoke up, "Sir, are you really going to take on this difficult matter?"
"Today in the court, the Emperor intended to let Lu Mingqian conduct a thorough investigation, but the Empress Dowager was busy putting this task on my shoulders. You can imagine how complicated the situation is. Otherwise, why didn't the Empress Dowager take on such a good task herself?" Cheng Xianzhi moved a file to the edge of the table and motioned Han Zhou to flip through it.
Han Zhou picked up the file and examined it carefully. Cheng Xianzhi then said, "Your father, when he was the Minister of the Ministry of Revenue, also investigated this property tax. However, due to the case of the traitor party, all the files were lost."
"On the eve of the palace coup, my father mentioned this matter to me." A trace of the past flashed across Han Zhou's brows and then disappeared.
This was the reason why Cheng Xianzhi asked Han Zhou to come to the Ministry of Revenue. At that time, the assistant minister of the Ministry of Revenue, Han Zhangling, was accused of corruption, and his family was confiscated. Later, he was involved in a case of a rebel party. Han Zhangling committed suicide in the Ministry of Revenue. People said that he committed suicide out of fear of punishment.
Later, fires broke out in Kyoto. Cheng Xianzhi rushed into the rebel army with the order to mobilize the imperial guards, shot and killed the rebel leader, and to avoid disaster, Queen Mother Jiang announced that she was seriously ill and unable to handle state affairs. Because of Cheng Xianzhi's contribution in protecting the emperor, it was natural for her to hand over the power of the imperial guards to him.
After suppressing the rebels, the Ministry of Justice assisted the Dali Temple in overturning the verdict. Han Zhangling was framed, but the person behind it failed to surface. In order to calm the situation, Empress Dowager Jiang put pressure on her and ordered the case to be hastily closed.
Han Zhou was therefore transferred from the Hanlin Academy to take up a post in Bashu. Cheng Xianzhi stopped him halfway on his horse. Standing in the shade of the trees, the man on horseback asked him if he was willing to stay in Kyoto and work with him on his great cause. From then on, Han Zhou became his advisor.
"I have to go to Jingzhao Prefecture soon, but I can't go as Cheng Pushe."
"But everyone in Jingzhao Prefecture knows you, sir."
"Change your identity."
Han Zhou understood and smiled.
Lu Tingwan went to Zhichunli at 11:00 AM. As she left Yansheng Hall, she caught sight of a figure and guessed it must be Cheng Xianzhi. She wondered if he wasn't staying at Yingyue Pavilion, but she was preoccupied with important matters and didn't give it a second thought.
Lu Tingwan ordered the shop assistants to distribute flyers during the busiest time of the market at noon. She stood on a high place, overlooking the customers gradually gathering inside and outside Zhichun.
Before the hour of Si, Zhichunli was already bustling with people, and the guests were eagerly waiting for Zhichunli to open its doors to welcome them.
After she had arranged everything, she asked the doorman to invite the guests in. The silk handkerchiefs were stored in the display cabinet on the first floor. According to the rules set yesterday, anyone who bought flowers before 9:00 p.m. would receive a silk handkerchief with different patterns.
After the hour of Si, there were only a few silk handkerchiefs left on the counter. Lu Tingwan called the maid to put away the remaining handkerchiefs. The store was filled with noise, and Lu Tingwan announced loudly.
"Dear guests, please be patient. Today's flowers are sold out. Yesterday, we promised you that anyone who came to buy flowers at 9:00 PM would receive a free silk handkerchief. The same will apply tomorrow. If you can't find one today, please come early tomorrow. Anyone who collects ten handkerchiefs will not only be recognized as a distinguished customer, but will also receive a special gift."
As soon as these words were spoken, the restaurant suddenly became lively. The guests all looked up, their eyes fixed on Lu Tingwan upstairs. Someone asked loudly, "Is there a special gift? Shopkeeper Jiang, what exactly is this special gift?"
"Yes, Shopkeeper Jiang, what is this special gift?"
Lu Tingwan stroked the porcelain vase with his fingertips and said mysteriously, "Since it's a special gift, how can we let you know in advance? It would lose its mystery. We have a one-month limit. Those who collect ten handkerchiefs will receive a special gift from our store. As for what it is, please stay tuned."
When the guests heard this, although they were curious, they had no choice but to give up.
"What could this special gift be?" Aunt Miao came early to buy flowers. She held the silk handkerchief in her hand and looked at it carefully. The fragrance on the handkerchief was quite pleasant.
Behind her was Aunt Miao's sister, who came with her. She leaned in and whispered, "Ten handkerchiefs in exchange for a premium brand, plus a special gift. Doesn't that mean I can get this gift if I come here once on the tenth day at 9:00 a.m. to buy flowers?"
"This is what Manager Jiang means." Aunt Miao nodded and carefully put the handkerchief into her arms.
"But if Shopkeeper Jiang just prepares some worthless item, wouldn't it be a waste of our early morning efforts for the past ten days?"
"We spent ten days' worth of money on flowers, which isn't much in total. Do you expect the gift to be gold or silver? I guess it must be related to these flowers." Aunt Miao speculated secretly.
As she was speaking, someone reminded her, "That's right, but Aunt Miao, you don't have to watch the store anymore? The shopkeeper is going to deduct your wages again."
Aunt Miao slapped her forehead and exclaimed, "Oh no! I left without wiping the table. I have to go back quickly."
Lu Tingwan listened to the guests' conversation, the corners of his lips slightly raised, and a hint of deep meaning flashed in his eyes.
As soon as the flowers were delivered to Zhichunli, Lu Tingwan picked out the most blooming peonies, mixed them with roses and green branches, made a bouquet and placed it in a porcelain vase.
Feng Xin couldn't help but ask: "Sir, what will you use to make this gift after a month?"
"As for this gift, it's not here yet. We'll have to wait and see." She admired the gorgeous bouquet in her hand and was very satisfied.
Lu Tingwan turned around and said to the person behind him, "Feng Xin, close the shop and go to Changqing Street."
"What are you going to Changqing Street for?"
"It's a gift for Young Master Luo." Lu Tingwan picked up the bouquet of flowers. "Just consider it as payment for his statue."
"A bouquet of flowers, would Mr. Luo be satisfied?" Feng Xin was skeptical. Luo Yunchu didn't have a close relationship with them.
But Lu Tingwan didn't think so. These flowers were carefully selected by her, and they were the best gift she could give him. Luo Yunchu was not short of money, so the more expensive the things were, the less sincere he would be. Besides, she didn't have that much money to buy expensive items as gifts for him.
"It's the thought that counts." She held the porcelain vase and walked lightly downstairs and out of Zhichunli.
Luo Yunchu lived in Changqing Street. When he had nothing to do, he would stay in the mansion, or go out to inspect the shops, or negotiate the lease with the tenants in the shops. It took Lu Tingwan a long way to walk from Zhichunli to Changqing Street. After the time of Si, the number of people on the street gradually decreased, and the carriage could move faster.
She was dressed in men's clothes, but her delicate features could not be concealed. She was particularly eye-catching on the street holding a vase of flowers.
Moreover, Zhichunli has become very famous in Fenglin Lane and even Changqing Street in the past two days. Everyone has heard of the shopkeeper Jiang, and those who have been to Zhichunli also recognize her.
A stall owner who recognized her approached and asked, "Manager Jiang? Where are you going, Manager Jiang? Why don't you come into the stall and have a cup of tea?"
Lu Tingwan declined the offer, "Business is booming, and Jiang has something important to attend to, so I'll definitely come back another day to patronize you."
There is nothing wrong with having a cup of tea, but if Lu Tingwan sits down and doesn't reveal some information about the mysterious gift, he will definitely find it difficult to escape.
Just as she was talking to someone, the curtain of a carriage passing by on the street was lifted by a feather fan and called out to the young man holding the flowers, "Manager Jiang?"
Hearing the voice, Lu Tingwan turned sideways and faced Luo Yunchu in the window. Luo Yunchu nodded at her.
Half of her face was hidden behind the porcelain vase, revealing a section of her features that contrasted beautifully with the flowers in her arms. The corners of her lips were slightly raised, and her smile was like a spring breeze, captivating.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
