flstandardbreds Chapter 137 Visit
Chapter 137 Visit
From then on, under Fang Heng's intentional or unintentional guidance and encouragement, Ying Shi gradually underwent subtle changes. She was no longer so weak, so timid, or so sentimental.
Although her changes were minor, Fang Heng was very pleased. Change was good; with the first step, there would be a second, and a third!
Zisu went to the Princess and told her about Wuliping.
"Your Highness, the environment of Wuliping is quite unique. It's not Jiangnan, but it has quite a bit of Jiangnan's characteristics. I have an idea to transform Wuliping into a mini-Jiangnan. Would Your Highness be interested in developing Wuliping together, or even the entire Zhangshu County?"
After much deliberation, Zisu decided that partnering with the Princess was the best way to develop Wuliping. That way, once the business flourished, she wouldn't have to worry about being envied by the royal family.
With the Princess as our powerful backer, we have nothing to fear from anyone!
Upon hearing this, the eldest princess immediately became interested: "Oh? To transform it into a mini-Jiangnan? Tell me about it."
Zisu: "First, we can utilize the numerous rivers, streams, and ponds in Wuliping and the surrounding villages, as well as the natural lake near the sunflower farm, to develop pond-dike agriculture and plant more lotus roots, turning Wuliping into an eco-tourism park to attract many tourists!"
The word "tourism" originated from perilla leaves, and is now almost universally accepted by those familiar with it.
Princess: "Hearing you say that, I'm really looking forward to it. Even if we don't make much money, it's worth a try if it can help the people of Wuliping change their lives! Tell me, how much money do we need for the initial investment?"
Zisu took out her business plan: "Your Highness, please take a look at this business plan first. If you think it's good, then decide whether to develop Wuliping together!"
"Oh, there's a proposal too? Let me take a look!" The princess took it, quickly skimmed through it, and couldn't help but feel very excited: "Great! Your idea is excellent! An initial investment of 50,000 isn't too much, it's quite good. How about this, I'll take 40% of the shares, you'll take 40%, and the old clan leader will get 20%, what do you think?"
Zisu: "I think it's fine, and the old patriarch shouldn't have any objections either. However, we still need to discuss it with the old patriarch to show respect!"
The Eldest Princess said, "That's only right. Since we're partners, we should respect each other! Otherwise, it will cause a lot of unnecessary trouble in the future!"
Zisu: "Thank you for your understanding, Princess. If you have no objections, let's prepare the contract now. I'll take it to Wuliping tomorrow to discuss it with the old clan chief and sign the contract!"
The Eldest Princess: "Alright, when it comes to important matters, we need to act swiftly and decisively. Dragging things out is unproductive! Let's go to the study now and work on the contract together!"
Jiang Shichang also arrived and helped draft the contract, making three copies. Zisu and the Princess both signed and stamped the contracts, and then Zisu took all three copies with her.
Hearing that her daughter was going to Wuliping again, Madam Yu couldn't help but feel very reluctant to let her go: "Zisu, how long do you plan to stay in Wuliping this time?"
Zisu: "Mother, I don't know. I'll probably stay for ten or eight days, maybe a little longer. It's the height of summer now, and Little Stone Pool is much cooler than the General's Mansion. So, if I enjoy my stay, I might stay a bit longer."
Madam Yu: "Actually, I want to go too, but if I leave, your father and your brother will be left without anyone to take care of them."
Zisu comforted her, "Mother, once Wuliping is developed, Father might retire and return to his hometown. Then, you can stay in Xiaoshitan as long as you want!"
Madam Yu: "That's true, but your brother needs to go to school. There isn't even a decent school in Wuliping."
Zisu: "Mother, with this development of Wuliping, I also plan to build an academy in the mountains. Then, I'll hire some teachers from the capital at high salaries, and my younger brother's schooling won't be a problem!"
A surge of joy welled up in Yu's heart: "Great! That's wonderful! Now our family can stay in Wuliping permanently!" To be honest, after being back in the capital for so long, she suddenly felt a little out of place. She actually missed the days in Wuliping, and even missed the days in Xiaoxi Village. She was quite unaccustomed to the excessive prosperity and crowds of the capital.
Alas, no wonder so many masters prefer to live in seclusion amidst mountains, rivers, and fields.
With fragrant pears in hand, Zisu, escorted by Shen Laihui, headed straight for Wuliping. Passing through Zhangshu County, Zisu visited the county government office to pay her respects to Fang Heng.
"Sir, Princess Yulin has arrived!" a yamen runner reported.
"Please come in quickly!" Fang Heng was overjoyed upon hearing this. He immediately put down what he was doing and personally greeted her warmly: "Welcome, Princess! Please come in quickly!"
Zisu: "Shall I not bother you?"
Fang Heng: "No disturbance. Please wait a moment while I make some arrangements, and then we'll go home together. The sun is about to set, so let's stay at the garden tonight and leave tomorrow! From here to Wuliping, it's all rugged mountain roads. It's getting late, and it's really not safe."
Zisu looked up at the sky and readily agreed, "Alright, thank you then!" The reason she bought the garden in the county town was actually to have a place to stay, as staying in an inn was not a long-term solution.
Therefore, Fang Heng also reserved a room in both the second and first courtyards, so that Zisu and her entourage would have a place to stay when traveling to and from Wuliping.
Fang Heng settled Zisu in the reception room of the yamen and then sent a subordinate to the garden to inform his mother and sister that the Princess of Yulin was coming to visit. This would give his mother and sister some time to prepare, as first impressions are very important. He wasn't worried about his sister, but he was a little concerned about his mother, fearing that she might be feeling melancholic at home again.
After living in Zhangshu County for a while, my mother changed a little, but the changes were still subtle. Most of the time, she still looked worried, and even when she smiled, it seemed forced.
Fang Qiong was overjoyed to hear that Zisu was coming. She excitedly told the cook, "Aunt Xu, Princess Yulin is coming to my house for dinner. Hurry up and buy a chicken and a duck!"
Aunt Xu readily agreed, happily accepted the money, grabbed her vegetable basket, and hurried off to the market. She held the legendary Princess Yulin in high esteem, and was overjoyed to hear that the princess was coming to her house for dinner.
In Zhangshu County, there's a market that stays open until dark. Of course, those still selling things at the market that late are people from the county town.
Fang Qiong then instructed Uncle Xu, Xu Shan, and Xu Xiaoju: "Uncle, you and Xu Shan quickly clean the courtyard, and Xiaoju, carefully clean the guest room reserved for the princess, making sure it is spotless!"
Fang Qiong and her mother only brought one family member with them when they came to Zhangshu County this time, namely the Xu family of four. Xu Shan is fifteen years old and is Aunt Xu's son; Xiao Ju is twelve years old and is Aunt Xu's daughter.
The rest of her trusted subordinates were also taken out of the mansion, but they were all settled in the farms on the outskirts of the capital. Only Aunt Xu's family accompanied her to Zhangshu County. This family was brought from Ying's maternal home; they were all very honest and kind, and Ying's most trusted servants. Moreover, this family all possessed martial arts skills.
"Yes, Miss, I'll go right away!" Xu Xiaoju replied respectfully and hurriedly went to tidy up the room.
Princess Yulin was someone she greatly admired. Hearing that the princess was coming, a surge of joy welled up inside her. She seemed even more excited and happy than Fang Qiong.
Fang Qiong couldn't help but mutter in puzzlement, "Why is she so happy that the princess is coming?" Not understanding, she didn't think much of it and went to tidy up the reception room herself.
Although the house is cleaned daily, she was still worried about Zisu's upcoming visit, fearing that an untidy house might leave a bad impression. She knew her older brother adored Zisu and hoped to marry her. A bad impression would be disastrous!
She wouldn't let any opportunity to negatively impact her older brother's image slip by; she had to avoid it at all costs!
When Zisu arrived at the garden accompanied by Fang Heng, the gate was already open. Madam Ying, along with her daughter and the Xu family of four, had been waiting for quite some time.
Upon seeing Zisu, Fang Qiong excitedly rushed forward and tightly grasped Zisu's hand: "Sister Zisu, I'm so glad to see you again! I thought that after coming to Zhangshu County, I wouldn't have many chances to see you! Now that you're here, don't leave. I have so much to tell you. Tonight, let's have a good talk!"
Zisu: "Okay, no problem!"
Fang Heng introduced Zi Su: "Princess, this is my mother."
Zisu quickly stepped forward and respectfully performed a junior's bow: "Zisu greets Auntie, I apologize for disturbing you!"
"Not at all, not at all! I am overjoyed that the Princess could visit my humble abode! Please come visit me often when you have time!" The moment Madam Ying saw Zisu, she took a liking to her. Just as her daughter had described, she was beautiful and generous. Moreover, she seemed very kind and wise.
Zisu: "Okay, thank you, Auntie!"
Zisu then introduced them to Madam Ying: "Auntie, this is my bodyguard, Brother Shen, and this is my personal maid, Xiangli. Now that they are both free, they are my family!"
The reason she said this was because she didn't want Shen Laihui and Xiangli to be treated like ordinary servants; this was a matter of principle for Zisu. Wherever she went, she would introduce them this way upon first meeting. In her heart, she truly regarded Shen Laihui as an older brother and Xiangli as a younger sister.
"Greetings, Madam!" The two men quickly greeted her respectfully.
Ying couldn't help but nod secretly, praising in her heart: "Hmm, a polite master will train his subordinates to be polite as well."