In the study, with tasks piled high on the desk, Zhao Jiaqi rubbed her forehead, unsure where to begin.
She glanced at the land lease contract for Qingjiang Prefecture. Originally over ten thousand mu, upon learning she intended to rent it, the farmers there had strived with all their might to reclaim wasteland. Within days, Qingjiang Prefecture had an additional several thousand mu of reclaimed land.
Calculated by the households and population of Qingjiang Prefecture, this amounted to about two mu of reclaimed land per family. It wasn't a large amount, but if the population grew, perhaps more wasteland could be cleared.
Twenty-one thousand mu of land. Now that autumn had arrived, it was too late to plant anything. As long as the ground didn't freeze, she could till it and apply fertilizer according to her methods. Then, next year, she could truly showcase her skills.
Of those around her who were skilled in farming, only her father and eldest brother truly understood her methods.
These two had followed her and grown winter vegetables, so they understood fertilization and tilling.
She decided to entrust the task of tilling and fertilizing to her eldest brother and father. Placing the contract aside, this matter was resolved.
What remained was the matter of merchants moving into the trade city. Pondering this, she decided to summon those she was familiar with for a meeting.
"Wangcai, Wangcai!"
Qiufen, who was outside the study, heard her mistress calling for Wangcai. She pushed open the door and said, "Mistress, Wangcai was called away by the Prince. Da Zhuang is here."
"Have Da Zhuang inform Murong Sheng, Leng Xiyuan, Peng Shuo, Dong Ziheng, Xie Kun, Li Chuang, Li Sisi, and Fan Xiaofeng. Also, invite Wang Lifeng. Tell them this Princess Consort is treating them to dinner tonight."
After Qiufen relayed the message to Da Zhuang, she went to the kitchen. Zhao Jiaqi remained in the study, writing and drawing at her desk as time ticked by. Those invited also began arriving one by one.
Upon seeing Fan Zehao, their faces lit up with joy. Xie Kun, supporting his father-in-law Wang Lifeng, entered the manor and was the first to greet him, asking, "Brother, I'm practically making three visits now. When will you sell me the Ji residence?"
Fan Zehao was bewildered by the question. "If I remember correctly, weren't you intending to buy the Qian residence? Why the change?"
In just a few days, his target had shifted again?
Xie Kun chuckled. "I took a look at the Ji residence. It's many times grander than Qian's. I thought I'd buy a better one to show filial piety to my father-in-law!"
Wang Lifeng, hearing this, was overjoyed, feeling his efforts were not in vain.
Fan Zehao gave Xie Kun a meaningful look and said, "The land deed and house deed are with my wife. If you want to buy it, just find her."
"I know, I know. My Princess Consort makes the decisions at home. I'll go find her now." After speaking, Xie Kun pushed his father-in-law towards Fan Zehao and, with familiarity, headed for the back courtyard.
A servant was lighting lanterns in the manor when he saw Xie Kun stride into the main courtyard and loudly exclaim, "Sister-in-law, I'm here!"
"I want to buy the Ji residence!"
Zhao Jiaqi was startled by his hoarse voice and was about to reprimand him when she heard Xie Kun state his intention to buy the Ji residence.
A smile immediately bloomed on her face, her lips curving. She recalled how he had recently instigated Fan Zehao to visit such places for entertainment.
Since he had so much money, she shouldn't waste it. If she didn't charge him a little more, it would be a disservice to herself.
"Help me to the front hall. I need to properly meet Brother Xie. He's my god of wealth!"
Qiufen pursed her lips and chuckled. Judging by the Princess Consort's broad grin, Xie Kun was likely about to be fleeced. Her mistress held grudges.
She supported the Princess Consort's arm as they slowly walked to the front hall. Seeing Xie Kun so spirited, with his eyes gleaming, she knew this fellow had been prospering lately.
"Brother Xie is here, please sit."
Xie Kun was impatient and waved at Zhao Jiaqi. "I have something on my mind and can't sit still. I'm here to buy the Ji residence. How much?"
Still so impulsive, Zhao Jiaqi spun her eyes and held up one finger.
Xie Kun froze, looked around to ensure no one else was present, and whispered mysteriously, "A thousand taels?"
His heart bloomed with joy. His sister-in-law truly cared for him.
Zhao Jiaqi smiled sweetly and shook her head. "One hundred thousand taels."
Suddenly, Xie Kun felt as if he had been struck by a heavy blow. His head buzzed, and his voice involuntarily rose.
"What? One hundred thousand taels? Is that mansion made of gold or piled with silver? It's so expensive!"
Zhao Jiaqi blinked her long eyelashes and said, "You're half right. This mansion has excellent feng shui. It's said that before the Ji family bought this land, their family wasn't very prosperous. Since they established their residence here, their wealth has grown exponentially. It's a good spot, and others are clamoring for it, but I haven't sold!"
Xie Kun frowned, looking at Zhao Jiaqi, and felt something was amiss.
"Is it truly a treasure land of feng shui?"
He asked Zhao Jiaqi incredulously. She nodded repeatedly. "If Brother Xie doesn't believe me, then don't buy it. Go buy the original Qian residence. That place is cheap, only five thousand taels!"
Five thousand taels?
The Qian residence was a four-courtyard estate with rockeries, lakes, and pavilions, and it was being sold for so cheap?
"Why?" Xie Kun stretched his neck and asked Zhao Jiaqi curiously.
He still hadn't realized he had fallen into Zhao Jiaqi's trap and was pondering the reason.
Zhao Jiaqi suppressed a smile, lowered her head, and sighed, "That residence is greatly inauspicious, bringing bad luck. That's why the official just… Now it won't sell for even five thousand. Shall I sell it to you cheaply? I remember you initially wanted to buy that residence!"
Upon hearing "greatly inauspicious," Xie Kun, a businessman, immediately felt uneasy and shook his head. "No, I wouldn't want it even if you paid me. Who would want such a cursed place!"
"Then, what does Brother Xie mean?"
Xie Kun thought of one hundred thousand taels and felt a pang of heartache.
But the residence was auspicious, and living in it would lead to immense wealth. He now felt that one hundred thousand taels wasn't that expensive.
"Alright, one hundred thousand taels it is. However, I didn't bring enough bank notes today. How about I have someone deliver them tomorrow?"
"No problem!"
Xie Kun, successfully duped, felt he had bought a great place for a large sum and happily walked out. As he reached the doorway, he suddenly realized something was amiss.
He turned back and asked Zhao Jiaqi, "Qian was only punished and sent to be a slave, but Ji Shiyi was beheaded. If this is considered an inauspicious house, shouldn't it be the Ji residence?"
Zhao Jiaqi faltered. How had this person suddenly become so enlightened?
Her cerebrum and cerebellum worked in tandem, searching for an excuse. After a moment, she calmly said, "Ji Shiyi was not only corrupt but also sent people to attack the manor. This was treason, an unforgivable offense. If he hadn't committed these acts and had lived peacefully for the rest of his life, accumulating wealth daily, it wouldn't have been impossible."
"What, Brother Xie, are you trying to follow in Ji Shiyi's footsteps?"
Xie Kun's face immediately turned pale. He hastily waved his hands. "No, no, no. I'm just an honest man... a reformed businessman. I would never do anything illegal or bring shame to Brother Fan. You can rest assured. Well... I'll be going now!"
If he lingered any longer, he might find himself in prison. Who knew that his first meeting with Fan Zehao was different from this?