Tianliangyuan

Chapter 370 Wang Ruolan's Worries

After this incident, Madam Liu hated Xu Zhaozhao, but she hated Jiang Ning even more!

If it weren't for that vile woman Jiang Ning secretly seducing Liu Bo, how could Xu Zhaozhao have gotten hold of her?

In the end, it was all Jiang Ning's fault—that shameless, slutty woman who flaunted herself everywhere!

Xu Zhaozhao had a clear understanding of Madam Liu's feelings.

She has an incredibly clear understanding of people's hearts.

She was the one who prevented Liu Bo from returning to the capital, but the Liu family dared not offend her, so they naturally directed their anger at Jiang Ning.

Although Jiang Ning has a good background, she is still a step behind Xu Zhaozhao.

Therefore, Madam Liu couldn't swallow this insult, so she naturally wanted to find a way to deal with Jiang Ning.

As a member of an official's family, it wouldn't be difficult for Madam Liu to get in touch with either Princess Zhao Yue, the wife of Prince Zhong, or Princess An.

Moreover, Liu Anqing was the Imperial Censor, a figure many civil and military officials dared not provoke. Despite his low rank, he wielded real power and was the kind of person who was ordered to criticize and impeach others.

Therefore, Liu Anqing is someone that various forces want to win over.

However, because of this incident, the relationship between Liu Anqing and the Jiang family has quickly dropped to a freezing point. As for the Zhongwang faction?

Haha, Liu Anqing wished he could stay far away and never have to deal with anyone from the Prince Zhong's Mansion for the rest of his life.

It has to be said, Xu Zhaozhao's move was truly ruthless!

After learning that Liu Bo had left Beijing and promised not to return for three years, Xie Xiaolin was extremely satisfied with his daughter-in-law.

really not bad!

With such a virtuous wife, her son's future is sure to be bright.

With the inner quarters cleared, the men can focus more intently on fighting on the battlefield.

Even if they don't go to the battlefield, the infighting in the imperial court is still inevitable, and it may even be more brutal than on the battlefield. In particular, those civil officials who spout benevolence and morality are all masters of killing without shedding blood!

The matter was dropped, and Xu Zhaozhao also sent some tonics to Liu Yushuang before setting off for Lantian County.

This time, it was Wang Ruolan who accompanied her.

Zhang was in charge of household affairs and also had to take care of the heavily pregnant Princess Anhe.

Seeing that a town was about to be established, Wang Ruolan couldn't help but exclaim, "Money really does make things easier! The news of you borrowing one million strings of cash from Daxing Bank has spread throughout the capital. Now we can see the results. Not bad."

"It's quite a coincidence. Actually, I didn't have that much cash on hand, so I planned this place in several phases and built it slowly. But it just so happened to be here, so I had to give Lord Gu face. Now the town has two main streets running east-west and north-south, and the remaining alleys and streets will be handled by some of the smaller wealthy families. I can't make all the money myself."

Wang Ruolan laughed upon hearing this: "You're starting to sound more and more like your father."

Xu Zhaozhao laughed along, "That's right. Only when everyone can earn money can this place get better and better. If all the money goes into my pocket, how can others survive?"

The second and third phases of the project are currently underway, as the funds have been secured, so both phases are being carried out simultaneously.

Some shops have already started doing business.

Especially because it has the largest brewery and the largest weaving workshop in Lantian County, it attracts many merchants to come and purchase goods.

In addition, this place was originally a major transportation route, with many merchants coming and going, so naturally, it became popular.

Today, the town has three inns, two restaurants, two teahouses, and other establishments, and the offices of the wineries and weaving workshops have also officially opened.

In addition, there are several other jade jewelry shops.

Lantian County produces jade, and there were already several mines there. Now, jade mines have also been discovered in Xu Zhaozhao's mountains, so it's normal for there to be jade jewelry shops here.

"Mother, please look. That is the public office I reserved for the government. It will be responsible for maintaining order in the town and collecting taxes there as well. I am providing it to the government free of charge. Isn't that a great deed?"

Wang Ruolan tapped her forehead without saying a word.

As for the houses in the town, all the houses that have been built have been sold, and most of the houses that are under construction have also been sold. The remaining vacant land will not be able to be built until autumn.

"Zhaozhao, this area is so large, has the imperial court inquired about it?"

"Don't worry, Mother. This was originally a wasteland. I bought it later. We are committed to developing agriculture. I'm not stupid. We can't destroy fertile land to build houses."

"That's good."

Wang Ruolan was afraid that her daughter would go crazy with money and want all kinds of money.

Knowing that she still had a rational mind and knew where the bottom line was, I didn't ask any more questions.

“Mother, these three shops are next to each other, and the space is quite large. They all have backyards, so the managers or shopkeepers can stay here. This is something I specially reserved for you.”

Wang Ruolan smiled and shook her head: "I don't want it. I know you are filial, but I don't lack these shops. Besides, the wine, tea, fruit and so on that you send to the Marquis's mansion every month are a considerable expense. There is no need to leave this for me."

"Why must Mother treat me like a stranger?"

“It’s not that I’m being distant. It’s just that there’s really no need for that. I was even thinking of giving away some of my business after your three older brothers have children. I’m getting old and don’t want to manage things anymore. I just want to rest and enjoy my retirement.”

Since that's the case, Xu Zhaozhao knows what to do.

"Alright, I understand. Don't worry, Mother, I won't let you get tired anymore."

Wang Ruolan glanced at her: "You're not thinking of giving these three shops to your three brothers, are you?"

"Why not?"

Wang Ruolan's smile faded.

“Zhaozhao, you are capable and have plenty of money, which is a good thing. At least it allows you to live well and not have to depend on others. But money shouldn’t be spent like this, and family ties shouldn’t be maintained in this way.”

Xu Zhaozhao fell silent.

She actually understood everything her mother was saying.

The mother was worried that if she always gave her three older brothers benefits, they would become dependent on her or take it for granted, and if she stopped giving them benefits in the future, they would become dissatisfied with her.

But she felt that her three older brothers were not that kind of people.

Moreover, the three sisters-in-law are not the kind of people who are greedy for money.

“Mother, I know what you mean, and I understand. Don’t worry, it’s not just because they are my brothers. I’m giving these shops to them, and my three sisters-in-law will naturally find a way to send people to run them. The more bustling this place is, the better my shops will sell. I won’t hide it from you, I’ve already recouped my costs here, and I’ve even made a fortune.”

Wang Ruolan was stunned: "You've already recouped your costs so quickly?"