CHAPTER 1597: CHAPTER 1597: VISIT

The tax revenues in Zhangzhou Province remain at the bottom because the uncultivated lands used for growing medicinal herbs are exempt from taxes for three years. After another two years, tax revenues will rise.

Although tax collection is low, the people of Zhangzhou Province trust the Government Office; each has one or two acres of uncultivated land to grow medicinal herbs. After calculations, they have some Silver Coins in hand, ranging from over one tael to a few hundred wen.

With some Silver Coins in the hands of the common people, Zhangzhou Province seems less lifeless this year.

The Emperor looked at this with satisfaction because the success of one province means it can be replicated. Adapting measures to local conditions, as long as the right path is found, can make the lives of the people more prosperous.

Old Lord Liu stood straight, ignoring the envious glares.

Many regretted letting the Liu family take the lead. Looking at the data on the Zhezi, it is so impressive that even those who react slowly understand that if it continues, Zhangzhou won’t remain a poor province. What an achievement!

Zhou Shuren was also relieved. Growing medicinal herbs was Liufeng’s idea, and he felt proud. He had a good eye in choosing a grandson-in-law.

After the morning court session, Old Lord Liu was surrounded by people offering congratulations, and Zhou Shuren also received many.

Li Zhao’s tone was somewhat sour, "Your vision is truly keen."

Initially, when the eldest Zhou granddaughter married beneath her, who didn’t mutter a few words, especially since she married into a family with a widowed mother. Who discusses it now?

Zhou Shuren stroked his beard with a somewhat smug expression, "Nothing can be done. I just have a good eye."

Wong Ju wasn’t envious. His son-in-law was also decent, but as for a grandson-in-law, he didn’t even have a granddaughter yet!

Zhou Shuren and Old Lord Liu exchanged smiles; this was a win-win for both families. Entering into a marriage not for help, but not to drag each other down—such strong familial relations as the Zhou family’s are rare!

Therefore, more attention was focused on Yu Wen. In just a few days, Su Xuan came to the main courtyard carrying a stack of invitations, "Mother, take a look?"

Zhulan looked up from the painting she just bought, "So many?"

At a glance, there were over a dozen invitations.

Su Xuan said, "These are today’s invitations. The one on top is a tea-tasting banquet from the Duke of Yongan’s Residence."

Zhulan put down the painting and picked up the Duke Residence’s invitation, "Although the Duke Residence has always been low-key, it is still a Duke Residence. The accumulated wealth is unknown, and Zhuo Guyu’s reputation has risen significantly this year. Many desire to form alliances with the Duke Residence."

Su Xuan nodded, "Yes, the last time at the Qin Prince Residence, Lady Qin was overly enthusiastic, setting traps several times. The attending wives understood her intentions, and although it wasn’t widely spread, they knew the Duke Residence’s mindset. I truly don’t wish to accept these invitations."

Zhulan put down the invitation, "There’s no escaping it. If you avoid today, you can’t avoid tomorrow. The Duke Residence wouldn’t dare to act too excessively."

Su Xuan, sensing her mother-in-law’s confident tone, asked, "Why not?"

Zhulan dismissed the maids and signaled Su Xuan to come closer and spoke softly, "Because the Retired Emperor doesn’t favor the Duke of Yongan’s Residence, and your father-in-law is highly valued by the royal family. The Old Duke wouldn’t dare to offend your father."

Su Xuan reacted quickly and got angry, "So they want to use my daughter as a stepping stone?"

Zhulan smiled, "After the Retired Emperor’s serious illness, his health actually improved."

This meant the Retired Emperor could live longer, which surprised Zhulan. Finally, Shuren firmly told her that the Retired Emperor seemed to have let things go, and his health truly improved.

Su Xuan added, "The Old Duke is anxious for his grandson."

"Wrong, he is anxious for the Duke Residence."

Having risen to their status from grassroots, how deep and strategic are their minds. In those days, they abandoned the Retired Emperor to protect themselves. It’s no wonder the Retired Emperor holds a grudge. The neglect of the Duke of Yongan’s Residence over the years is proof. If it weren’t for the protection due to their founding achievements and without any major faults, the Duke Residence would’ve ceased to exist long ago.

Su Xuan stood up and paced back and forth, "They play their cards well."

Her father-in-law being so prominent within the royal family was something she’d become numb to over the years. If her father-in-law extended a helping hand, the Duke of Yongan’s Residence could escape their plight. Thinking about the calculations involved made her angry.

Su Xuan held onto the Duke Residence’s invitation, "Yu Wen and I will attend the banquet."

"Yes, there’s no need for us to hide. Acting as if we’re afraid. Just do what feels right; An He is the Magistrate and shouldn’t compromise herself."

The larger the ruckus, the more pleased the Emperor would be.

Su Xuan felt relieved and then noticed the painting, "Mother, this painting isn’t one we have at home, is it new?"

Zhulan nodded with a smile, "Yes, Chang Xhong bought it and had a young servant deliver it back."

Su Xuan examined the painting of Xue Mei closely, "It’s excellently done."

Zhulan chuckled, "Yes, Five taels of silver."

Su Xuan was surprised, "So cheap?"

Among the paintings her mother-in-law owned, this was the least expensive. The most expensive was her brother-in-law’s paintings, which were being collected by more people, but unfortunately, her brother-in-law didn’t paint as often, and the prices kept rising.

Zhulan said, "Chang Xhong bought it. He probably knew the person. I think it’s good and want your brother-in-law to take a look."

Su Xuan wasn’t particularly interested in this, but her mother-in-law was especially fond, "Mother, then I’ll be heading back."

"Alright."

In the evening, when Zhou Shuren returned and saw the painting, "Was this also bought at the Painting shop?"

"Chang Xhong bought it from Gu Sheng."

Hearing Gu Sheng’s name again, Zhou Shuren asked, "He also paints?"

"According to Chang Xhong, Gu Sheng received the favor of a Graduate from his hometown who taught him to paint. The tuition he’s been earning back home was from his paintings."

Zhou Shuren stroked his beard, "He indeed has some opportunities."

Zhulan nodded, "I’ve heard from Chang Xhong that recently Gu Sheng has sold three paintings and saved some Silver. He recently rented a small courtyard independently, moving out of the mixed quarters."

Zhou Shuren was surprised, "Is our son so attentive to him?"

Zhulan replied, "This person has decent scholarly knowledge, and your son wants to associate with him more."

Zhou Shuren didn’t involve himself in his youngest son’s friendships. Having been personally taught and raised by him and Wu Ming, it was too difficult to deceive Chang Xhong.

The next day, Chang Xhong took his brother-in-law in a carriage to find Gu Sheng. The alley was too narrow for the Hou Residence’s carriage, so they had to stop at the alley’s entrance.

Jiang Sheng had never been to this place but knew of it, "Every year, Graduates coming to the capital for exams rent the courtyards here."

Because it’s near the examination location for the imperial exams.

Chang Xhong exhaled, "It’s so cold today."

Jiang Sheng looked at the young man beside him, "You’re wearing so much and still feel cold?"

"Yes, brother-in-law, let’s walk faster."

"Alright."

The two quickly reached the small courtyard’s entrance following the young servant’s directions. The young servant stepped forward to knock on the door, and after a while, Gu Sheng opened it, "Come in, gentlemen."

Knowing they were visiting, Chang Xhong had sent a young servant to notify the day before. Entering the courtyard, which wasn’t large, it was peaceful for one person, "It’s nice here."

Gu Sheng had bought tea leaves the day before and had brewed them early, personally pouring tea, "It’s peaceful by myself."

Jiang Sheng’s gaze fell on the table, which had paintings on it. He hesitated but didn’t stand, "I saw your paintings yesterday."

Gu Sheng sat up straight. He knew of this Zhou Hou Residence’s son-in-law, though he hadn’t seen his paintings, but had heard many people liked them. He also enjoyed painting, "Please guide me."

Jiang Sheng smiled, "I can’t say it’s guidance, but we can discuss and exchange thoughts."

At that moment, there was another knock on the door, and Gu Sheng apologetically got up. Opening the door, he saw Mr. Ji, "What brings you here?"