Ordinary charcoal fire produces a lot of smoky and choking smoke. In winter, only families who cannot afford good charcoal would buy this kind of charcoal for cooking. However, using it for heating would fill the house with smoke, which is very choking.
Even ordinary charcoal fires can produce such warmth; Lord Chen was deeply tempted.
"Steward Liang, I wonder if anyone from the Imperial Household Department knows how to do this heating system?"
"What is this, sir?"
"My wife has been complaining for a long time that this winter has been unbearably cold. There are quite a few people in the house, and we've been constantly turning on the charcoal brazier. After a while, we're running out of fuel. That's why we saw that Steward Liang had pointed out a solution."
Lord Chen knew that since Liang Jiugong could tell him so much, there must be something to discuss about the heating system; otherwise, he wouldn't have found out anything today.
Liang Jiugong naturally didn't believe Lord Chen's nonsense about not having enough money for household expenses, but that didn't stop the two of them from having their own little schemes.
"Lord Chen, since you've put it that way, then of course we can discuss it. However, this heating system was installed by Her Majesty the Empress. When it was installed, farmers were hired during the off-season. Her Majesty the Empress paid them a lot of wages to avoid any criticism. Those farmers have done it a few times and are quite skilled. But we can't let them work for free, so what do you think about this matter...?"
Lord Chen immediately understood and said, "Of course we can't let people work for nothing. We should give them what they deserve. How about this, I'll have the steward buy what they need, and we'll give them two taels of silver per room. What do you think?"
These two ounces are pure wages, wages for labor, wages for hard work.
Upon hearing this, Liang Jiugong felt it was alright. Heating wasn't particularly difficult to set up, but he thought the price was negotiable.
"The Empress originally offered four taels per room."
Lord Chen understood again: "Then naturally we must follow the Empress's example, four taels per room."
Liang Jiugong smiled and said, "Alright, whenever you have time, I'll send someone to deliver them to your residence."
The sooner the better: "Tomorrow!"
Lord Chen wished he could install it today, but considering it was getting late and Liang Jiugong needed to make arrangements, he decided to do it tomorrow.
Four taels per room. Including the servants' quarters, there are about fifty rooms in the mansion for the master to entertain guests. Two hundred taels is not a small amount, but it is not much for Lord Chen.
Moreover, the heating system uses inferior charcoal, so the sooner it's installed, the more money you save. In the long run, it's more cost-effective to install heating.
"Alright then. Tomorrow is a day off, so I'll have someone go directly to your house. Please trouble you to inform the gatekeeper when you get back."
Lord Chen: "Of course. I'll tell them when I get back that I thank Steward Liang for this."
"You're too kind. Here, let me see you off."
Thank you.
On the way, Liang Jiugong added, "His Majesty and the Empress are concerned about the people's conditions. This winter is cold, and His Majesty and the Empress have been very worried about it!"
Upon hearing this, Lord Chen knew that Liang Jiugong was intentionally giving him a hint, probably because His Majesty had some plans but was not comfortable saying them.
He was very perceptive and picked up where Liang Jiugong left off, saying, "As subjects, we should share the burdens of His Majesty and the Empress. It is our fault for causing them worry. Is there anything we can do to help His Majesty and the Empress?"
Liang Jiugong was pleased with his understanding and said with a smile, "The only thing that needs to be done with heating is the materials. Just learn it carefully. You don't need too much knowledge, just a little more effort. There are many villages near the capital. Now that it's winter and the weather is freezing cold, they have no income. His Majesty and the Empress are worried that there might be a snow disaster like in previous years. If the people could have more income, even if the snow is heavy in winter, they would have an easier time, and His Majesty and the Empress would have less to worry about."
Lord Chen understood; the key points were the income of ordinary people and heating.
He thought for a moment and said, "Heating is a wonderful thing. Steward Liang, what do you say? Once the heating is installed, I'd like to invite my colleagues over for a small gathering. Such a good thing as heating should be enjoyed by my colleagues as well."
Liang Jiugong grinned. "You've got it! You've got it perfectly!"
But that's not enough.
"I've heard that Madam Chen comes from a merchant family?"
After another thought, Lord Chen said, "My family has some influence in the capital and we are Confucian merchants. Such things that benefit the people should be involved by some conscientious merchants. I will definitely discuss it with my wife later, and then we will definitely get all the merchants in the capital to do their part for the people."
Liang Jiugong was satisfied.
"It is truly admirable that Lord Chen has such a heart. His Majesty is most pleased with those who care about the common people. Lord Chen, we will have many more opportunities to interact in the future!"
Lord Chen was excited upon hearing this.
With his current official position, he can only occasionally interact with Liang Jiugong. Those who can frequently interact with Liang Jiugong are all close ministers of the emperor, and are not ordinary people.
Liang Jiugong's words clearly implied that he was likely to be promoted. Which official doesn't hope to rise higher and see more of the scenery above?
"Then I'll have to trouble Steward Liang to take good care of me from now on."
"Lord Chen, you're too kind. Let's look after each other."
"Yes, yes, we'll look after each other."
After Liang Jiugong escorted Lord Chen to the door, Lord Chen stopped trying to get close to him and establish a relationship: "Steward Liang, please wait."
"Shall I see Lord Chen off a little further?"
Lord Chen dared not presume any further and quickly replied, "How could that be! His Majesty cannot do without you. I will invite the chief steward to a banquet when I have time. Let's leave it at that for today and continue our conversation another day."
Liang Jiugong slapped his forehead: "That's true. His Majesty has indeed been away for too long. I won't see you off any longer. Please take care on your journey."
"Alright, see you later."
In conclusion, both sides were very satisfied with the conversation.
After returning, Liang Jiugong told Kangxi about it. Kangxi smiled and said, "You've become more and more clever by following the Empress. Not bad. You'll be rewarded. I remember you like pocket watches. The Empress sent some over. Go and choose two that you like."
Youqing didn't lack these things, but she would always send some good things to Kangxi as well. Between husband and wife, it's only right that you treat me well and I treat you well. But if one party doesn't give and the other only takes, it won't last long.
"This servant thanks Your Majesty and Your Majesty the Empress."
Kangxi laughed even more heartily: "You sly one."
The next day, just as dawn broke, someone knocked on Lord Chen's door. The gatekeeper had received word the day before and dared not delay. He opened the door, and upon inquiry, found it was the person the master had carefully instructed him to bring inside.
The group that came was led by Liang Jiugong's errand boy, and there were twenty or thirty others, all ordinary farmers from the vicinity of the capital, many of whom had worked on the cement roads in the capital.
Lord Chen met with them personally, was very courteous, and personally arranged accommodations and treatment for the twenty or thirty people for the next few days.
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