Transmigration: The Evil Mother-In-Law Is Actually Innocent!

Chapter 1787: Chapter 1787: Exorbitant Profits

The next day, Zhulan had no intention of meeting Luo Jia Qing. Since the child did not meet Chang Zhi, it wasn’t very meaningful for her to meet him. For now, the child’s family background is clear, and his future is promising.

Zhulan took Yu Wen and Yu Die to the academy. The academy is now very lively and no longer appears empty.

Upon arriving at the academy, they first went to see the expansion. The Ministry of Works was very efficient, having measured the land and begun expansion according to the blueprints.

After making a round and returning to the academy, Yu Wen asked, “Grandmother, I saw a large blank area on the blueprint. What do you have planned for that?”

Zhulan replied, “It’s for future activities.”

In modern terms, it’s a playground.

Yu Die said, “It takes up quite a bit of space.”

Zhulan smirked, “Yes.”

Yu Wen continued, “Grandmother, has the clothing you ordered for the academy arrived?”

Zhulan was actually not sure, and after asking the Female Officer, she learned that it would take a few more days. The clothes aren’t free; families with means can directly pay with silver. Those with financial difficulties can repay with a total clothing cost. Considering the students’ situations, the fabric for the clothes isn’t expensive.

Yu Die and Yu Wen went out for a walk, and when they returned, Yu Die said, “With more students, there are more agendas.”

Zhulan listened, “Did someone take advantage of the opportunity to approach you?”

Yu Die nodded, “Yes, since we come often, most of them know us, and some have ulterior motives.”

Zhulan wasn’t surprised. There is a gap between social classes in ancient times; it’s normal for some to try and bridge the gap. Even if they’ve passed the entrance exam, some still harbor intentions once enrolled. “Just keep a respectful distance.”

Yu Wen said, “Ms. Ji is really capable. She actually became a teacher, and the conduct of a teacher greatly influences the students.”

Zhulan had personally met Ms. Ji, “That’s why having someone to teach is important.”

When one falls into the abyss, having someone to pull them up makes a difference. Ms. Ji’s transformation was significant; the peace in her demeanor wasn’t fake. It makes sense; the Luo family’s reputation was ruined with their antics, and their current days are tough, so the resentment has faded.

In Chuanzhou City, Chang Zhi leisurely drank tea. These days, the gifts never stopped, ranging from coral ornaments to precious inkstones, even he, accustomed to good things, was impressed.

Invitations naturally kept coming. It’s said that since ancient times, heroes find beauties hard to resist. Participating in one social gathering meant a beauty would accompany him, offering him quite the spectacle.

The officials in the same room exchanged glances. These days, they were quite bewildered. Mr. Zhou seemed to be going through the motions of being the chief examiner; he didn’t inquire about Qiu Wei after arriving in Chuanzhou, only looked at the refurbished examination hall, then drank tea every day.

However, the tea was truly good. It’s said to have been brought from the capital by Mr. Zhou.

That’s true. Chang Zhi brought a lot of tea when he left the capital. How could tribute tea not be good?

After finishing a pot of tea, Chang Zhi stood up, “I’m going out for a walk.”

The other officials tensed, one stood up, “Sir, where are you headed? I’m familiar with the area, shall I lead the way?”

Chang Zhi, “Sure.”

Then, the official named Wang watched as Mr. Zhou headed straight to the entrance of the An Residence!

Mr. Wang was dumbfounded, “Sir?”

Chang Zhi didn’t answer, standing at the entrance watching, without ordering anyone to announce him, just staring at the An family’s house for a long time before murmuring, “The An family really has a huge estate.”

Mr. Wang replied cautiously, “They’ve been in Chuanzhou City for generations. The house is meticulously built. Would you like a look inside?”

Chang Zhi, “The An family is wealthy. Mr. An of the Ministry of Works made quite a splash going to the capital, throwing silver everywhere trying to squeeze into high-ranking officials’ living areas.”

Mr. Wang was taken aback, “You know the An family well?”

Chang Zhi replied, “Oh, I’ve heard a few things from my daughter, but not too much.”

Mr. Wang swallowed. Mr. Zhou has only one daughter, that would be Magistrate Anhe, a girl from the Zhou Marquis Residence is quite something, and there’s also a Princess Qin!

Chang Zhi stood at the An family’s door, and the head of the An family quickly came to the gate to greet him after receiving the news.

The An family’s large residence in the capital is now handled by the second wife.

An Er said, “Sir’s visit graces our humble abode; please, come inside.”

Chang Zhi stood motionless, “I’m not here as a guest. I merely came out of curiosity to see how wealthy the An family is. Indeed, very wealthy.”

An Er’s palms were sweaty. He heard his third brother say Mr. Zhou had already arrived in Chuanzhou, clearly aware of his guilty conscience, fearing Mr. Zhou came not only to be the chief examiner, so he prepared many gifts to give to Mr. Zhou.

Of course, there was another consideration. His elder brother entered the capital without networking connections. If he could connect with Mr. Zhou, things would go more smoothly for his elder brother in the capital. Marquis Zhou is a trusted minister of the two dynasties and well trusted by the Royal family.

Unfortunately, the gifts were returned. Fortunately, Mr. Zhou didn’t accept anyone’s gift.

An Er couldn’t understand why Mr. Zhou suddenly mentioned wealth when he wasn’t visiting, feeling very agitated inside while still maintaining a smile on his face, “Just generations of accumulation.”

Chang Zhi nodded, then turned and left briskly, leaving a dumbfounded An Er.

Mr. Wang was also flabbergasted, yet carefully followed, “Sir, do you want to go somewhere else?”

Chang Zhi walked with hands behind his back, “No rush, visiting house by house.”

“House by house?”

Chang Zhi smiled, “Yes, I’m getting familiar with the places.”

Mr. Wang, “!!”

But why get familiar without accepting any gifts?

That night, many in Chuanzhou struggled to sleep, as Chang Zhi indeed visited house by house. When tired of walking, he sat in the carriage, visiting all the households he should, standing at the door if he didn’t go in.

Ding Jue felt very complicated, “Did he do it on purpose?”

“Isn’t it obvious?”

Ding Jue, “But why?”

“I’m too idle.”

Ding Jue didn’t believe a word, maintaining a stoic face, continuing to keep an eye on the official!

Chang Zhi laughed heartily, “Playing with them a bit, since they’re always trying to send beauties.”

Ding Jue still didn’t believe it. However, he was in a good mood. It served these people right to be scared out of their wits.

Indeed, Chang Zhi wasn’t just playing around. He was deliberately adding psychological pressure. Only by drawing all eyes to himself could the private arrangements proceed more smoothly.

Ding Jue received the pouch, “Sir, this is today’s silver and coins.”

Chang Zhi opened it, revealing the silver notes, “There are six fifty-tael notes. Today we hauled in three hundred taels.”

Ding Jue felt uneasy, “Sir, is it alright for me to take silver money like this?”

Chang Zhi, “They’re probing for my news through you. What’s wrong with selling them information?”

These people assumed Ding Jue was his young servant. As they sought information, they’d approach Ding Jue, assuming he came from the capital. Nobody actually investigated Ding Jue.

Ding Jue, “Since arriving in Chuanzhou, I’ve accumulated fifteen hundred taels.”

He was shocked; one thousand five hundred taels aren’t just fifteen hundred coins, and it’s only been a few days!

Chang Zhi took fifty taels from the pouch, keeping the rest, “So lucrative, if someone probes, don’t refuse.”

Ding Jue looked at the silver notes, “I’ve received plenty already.”

In recent days, the official gave him two hundred taels; he was dazed!

Chang Zhi laughed, “This is the last time I’ll give you silver money. There won’t be anymore.”

Ding Jue understood that any remaining silver wasn’t lining the official’s pockets. The official had plans for the silver, and Ding Jue deeply admired him for it.