The Country Maiden: Fields and Leisure-Chapter 1687 - 1681: Mutual Benefit

This matter, it was ultimately Ninth Master Lee who had previously been dependent on the Empress. If he brought it up, it would not be ideal.

Old Doctor Du was also not suitable, as there is a distinction between monarch and subjects after all.

Only Wang Yongzhu had the appropriate status, as the Empress would still need her help in many areas, not to mention the life-saving grace right before her eyes. How could she then indulge her family in seizing the benefactor’s industry?

Naturally, more caution and more reasonable compensation are necessary.

Otherwise, wouldn’t the perks go to the people of Duke Chengen Mansion for nothing?

Wang Yongzhu also considered that back when they invested in land in Jing County for the rouge and powder business, and the local people, flower farmers, were accustomed to planting flowers to sell to Hongxiu Tianxiang, supplementing their household income.

Moreover, there were those women workers recruited back then, and if they ceased this business, their income would be gone too.

For those people who rely on Hongxiu Tianxiang for their livelihood, what about their subsistence?

What’s to be done for them?

It’s better to keep Qingzhou Prefecture and Jing County, as the flowers produced in Jing County are roughly just enough.

Old Doctor Du and Lady Qi wouldn’t have to toil as hard as before, yet wouldn’t be without things to do, watching over Qingzhou Prefecture is sufficient for now.

Given Wang Yongzhu’s understanding of the Empress, when they retreat, the dividends and compensation given will not be small.

The silver coin is exactly needed for the open trade routes, with many places requiring funds, it’s timely.

Ninth Master Lee also understood that Wang Yongzhu stepping in would hold more prestige and speak with more authority. His reason for proposing it only after arriving in Chicheng County is naturally due to self-awareness.

Wang Yongzhu agreed so swiftly and straightforwardly, which allowed him to breathe a sigh of relief.

Just at that moment, the dishes were ready and served.

Everyone ceased speaking and joined the feast.

After the meal, they discussed matters concerning Qilidun.

After Wang Yongfu and the others returned, it truly was a grand homecoming.

They all wore brand-new silk robes, and the ladies had gold and silver in their hair, so noble!

Seeing this made the eyes of people from nearby villages turn red.

Only envying the Wang Family, for their fate is truly good, their ancestral tombs emit smoke.

Such a good daughter was born, married into a good family, and now not only the Wang Family but even Qilidun enjoys the reflected glory.

The Wang Family returned, sent back by the County Magistrate’s carriage, boldly displaying their presence for all to see.

People from nearby villages long anticipated this, and upon hearing the news, they eagerly rushed to Qilidun, gazing at the carriage and witnessing the pomp of the Wang Family, hesitant to approach.

Ultimately, though, the desire to bask in wealth prevailed, and they clustered at the Wang Family’s doorstep, unwilling to leave.

Lizheng saw this wasn’t proper, especially being an old-timer, noticed the Wang Family on this return had a different aura. The carriage and the accompanying individuals didn’t seem like ordinary coachmen.

Approaching to hear their courteous exchanges with Wang Family, always addressing them as "Sir", being very polite.

Growing more cautious.

Watching as the Wang Family politely sent off the coachman, he then approached to inquire and learned they were people under the County Magistrate, specially sent to bring them back.

Oh my goodness!

Lizheng was stunned on the spot!

Further questioning revealed Wang Yongzhu had been conferred some Madam title; the County Magistrate would pay her respect upon seeing her, very reverent.

Although Lizheng didn’t fully understand, and the Wang Family explained unclearly, it didn’t hinder his knowing Wang Yongzhu was more formidable than before.

Immediately making the decision to send those gathered at the Wang Family’s door back.

Just saying to let the Wang Family rest and then it’s not too late to inquire. 𝒻𝑟𝘦𝘦𝘸ℯ𝒷𝑛𝘰𝓋ℯ𝘭.𝘤𝘰𝘮

Others were unwilling to leave, but the Qilidun residents wouldn’t allow other villages to cause a ruckus in their locale.

With several strong men stepping forward, these people, having requests to make, even if unwilling at heart, had no choice but to depart.

After waiting two more days, estimating the Wang Family had likely rested well.

Returning to Qilidun, they heard that Miss Wang now had an amazing title, even more notable than the County Magistrate.

Growing ever more apprehensive.

Daring not to visit the Wang Family, they detoured to Lizheng’s house.

Carefully inquiring, they learned that Miss Wang didn’t oppose, but suggested they ask the Yingzi Gully steward of the big boss if they consented. If agreed, each village would bear their own costs, and contracts would be signed between them and the Yingzi Gully big boss.

Naturally, the conditions weren’t as favorable as those for Qilidun; everything was covered by the big boss, and dividends were received.

Someone was dissatisfied, murmuring why Qilidun managed it, yet they couldn’t.

When those words were spoken, not only did people from their village roll their eyes at them, other villages’ folks looked at them like fools.

Don’t they see that Qilidun is Miss Wang’s hometown? Because of Miss Wang’s favor, such good fortune ensued.

Wanting to benefit now, unsure if that’s possible, yet entertaining such notions? Lacking shame?

Fortunately, the majority weren’t foolish; upon hearing the meaning, they knew as long as Miss Wang didn’t oppose, there’d be seventy to eighty percent certainty.

Consequently, they returned cheerfully, discussing among their villages.

Requesting accompaniment from the three Wang Brothers and Lizheng of Qilidun to visit Yingzi Gully together.

Bearing in mind, with the Wang Family Brothers there, the big boss might afford them more consideration.

Upon arriving at Yingzi Gully, Wang Yongzhu had already dispatched Yao Da to communicate with Ninth Master Lee’s subordinates in advance.

Yingzi Gully had already received the news and was well-aware.

Upon their arrival, no trouble was given, and the arrangements were laid out directly.

Tea seedlings would be purchased by each village, and they could send people for free to train them in cultivation, care, tea picking, and tea making.

However, they must sign contracts, strictly adhering to their requirements in production; tea leaves would be purchased by grading.

Only tea that was unneeded could be sold elsewhere.

There were various detailed rules and agreements, but overall, it wasn’t too stringent.

Those villages’ initial plan was merely to grow tea for sale to the big boss.

Otherwise, lacking connections and channels, even if sold, the prices might be suppressed very low.

Therefore, they had no objection to Ninth Master Lee’s conditions, feeling they truly benefited, and signed the contracts eagerly.

Awaiting Ninth Master Lee’s men to transport the tea seedlings back, sell them to the villagers, and then send people to train them.

Given Ninth Master Lee’s ambitions, he naturally aimed to create a tea brand and empire.

Qilidun and Dahei Mountain’s soil and climate are suitable, with the Tea Mother Tree, given time, the tea industry will naturally establish a foothold with Cloud Mist Tea.

Even if nearby villagers don’t demand tea cultivation, he will subtly and gradually develop Dahei Mountain as his tea production area.

These villagers voluntarily proposing saved his effort.

This counted as mutually beneficial.

Thus, Ninth Master Lee specifically expressed his gratitude to Wang Yongzhu.