Chapter 1394 – Southern Prosperity, The Autumn of Chaos (Part 20)
The outside world waited for the spectacle, but who would have guessed that on the day of registration, the wealthier merchants nearly trampled the threshold of the registration office.
“Is there really such a thing as money that burns a hole in one’s pocket in this world?”
“Tsk tsk, the thoughts of the rich are beyond our comprehension as common people. Hundreds of thousands of coins just tossed away like that—how can they not feel pain?”
Some people were puzzled, while others maliciously speculated and spread rumors.
“Hey, maybe Lan Ting was aware no one would show up and especially hired a troupe from the theater to do a guest appearance.”
While some gossiped, naturally, there were those who came forward to refute it.
“What guest appearance from the theater? Which of you hasn’t seen a performer from a troupe? I just sneaked a look, and guess who I spotted? My former boss is here! My old boss is the head of the Chen family business, and he’s done a ton of business—rice shops, fabric stores, taverns… That fabric store just two streets down on the left is run by him, catering exclusively to nobles.”
“Hey! Give it a rest! You, a barefoot roughneck, have seen the big boss of the Chen family?”
The surrounding common folk mocked him, and the guy’s face turned beet red with anger, but he was at a loss for words.
Meanwhile, the so-called wealthy person in the eyes of the commoners—the big boss of the Chen family—also obediently lined up according to the rules to register.
He looked left to see familiar faces from the business world and right to see old rivals, feeling overwhelmed and uncertain.
Not only was he troubled; his old acquaintances and rivals were too.
With many wolves and too little meat, there were only two slots available, but four to five dozen competitors.
It seemed victory could only be snatched through financial might!
Many bit their teeth secretly, planning to bleed a bit to seize a spot, but to their surprise, the overseer said this was just the first stage.
Everyone was confused. This was only the first stage?
The overseer continued, “Though it’s called the branch academy, it is essentially the same as the main academy. Students from the branch are also future pillars, and their reputation cannot be tarnished, so selecting an honorary dean must be done with utmost caution. Wealth is secondary; the most important thing is the concept of ‘integrity.’ Wealth should be acquired rightly. Engage in fair profit, manage within bounds, and compete fairly—no illegal or unethical behavior that harms the common folk…”
Once they secured a slot, it would basically mean they were half a noble family; even if their offspring couldn’t enter the official ranks, they would still be respected.
Jiang Pengji’s meaning was clear—
“I’m not interested in your money; I care more about your reputation. If your reputation is poor, no matter how rich you are, you can hit the road!”
The crowd was both excited and on edge, unable to help but rack their brains to recall if there were any illegal activities in their businesses.
Some merchants quickly made fortunes through shady deals, while others expanded their businesses slowly through honesty and hard work.
Hearing the overseer’s words, many merchants silently breathed a sigh of relief and wore significant smiles.
However, another group found it disheartening, wishing they could rewind time and strangle their dark pasts in the cradle.
The overseer said, “We will send messengers to investigate quietly, so please do not commit fraud.”
Everyone looked pale.
Without finding a way to cheat, how could they pull a fast one? The overseer hinted at Jiang Pengji’s plans to support merchants, and although she hadn’t allowed merchants into the official ranks, everyone saw hope, naturally not daring to ask for more, happily waiting for news at home.
As long as they got through the first hurdle, it indicated that the remaining competitors were all good businessmen operating with integrity.
With the government’s endorsement, they could also gain goodwill among the common folk, a sure win.
The outside world looked on in confusion.
They never thought there really were prodigal children with money burning a hole in their pockets—more than one, in fact—lining up to give Jiang Pengji their coins!
Moreover, Jiang Pengji was picky, and those who didn’t meet the criteria had no chance to beg her to take their money.
How infuriating!
After a selection process comparable to a talent show, Jiang Pengji weighed various conditions and finally chose two families as the lucky ones for this event.
The Chen and Sun family businesses were selected.
The Sun family was overwhelmed with joy, with the retired old boss leaning on a cane, trembling as he went to worship their ancestors, crying and laughing, making one worry about his health. The reaction from Chen’s side wasn’t any calmer; they not only worshipped their ancestors but also held a three-day banquet, welcoming everyone regardless of status. Even a line of beggars could enter to feast.
Jiang Pengji personally met with the two, discussing the location of the branch academy, making both heads of the families so nervous they could barely speak, their limbs trembling.
The entire process involved Jiang Pengji suggesting, and the two responding with, “Yes,” “Good,” “No problem,” “Whatever you decide, Lan Ting can call the shots…”
In front of Lan Ting, they just had to follow along; they didn’t need to bring their brains.
There was a small episode regarding the land for the branch academy.
The land belonged to Jiang Pengji, but both families still needed to pay her to purchase it, paying a hundred years’ worth of rent all at once.
Since it wasn’t prime farmland, the price was cheap, and over two hundred acres didn’t cost much.
The idle spectators in the livestream felt particularly sorry for these two naive men; it was obvious Jiang Pengji was scamming them!
The ones being scammed had to smile cheerfully, cleaning their own necks and the big knife, nervously awaiting Jiang Pengji to do them in.
【Grapes】：Can’t bear to watch, these two truly are the best honest men of the year!
The idle folks felt sorry for them, but the two were overjoyed, reveling in their fortune.
Jiang Pengji said, “Regarding the matters of the branch institute, once the regulations are set, I will send someone to contact both of you. If you have any opinions, do feel free to voice them. If all goes as planned, the branch should begin construction on an auspicious day next month, with an estimated completion date around the middle of next year… You’ve invested quite a bit, and it’s easy to overlook the education of the junior generation… If there are any promising juniors in your family, why not try sending them to the branch to take a look…”
Hearing this, the two were so moved they nearly shed tears; their hearts finally felt at ease.
Just as they finished investing, they were already seeing the hope of a good harvest.
Jiang Pengji sent off the two teary-eyed middle-aged men, and before she could enjoy a moment of peace, someone outside reported that Liu Zhao was requesting an audience.
“Eldest Sister, Eldest Sister, please save your little brother!”
Liu Zhao dashed over, throwing himself toward Jiang Pengji like a fledgling bird, but she coldly dodged and casually tripped him.
Liu Zhao stumbled without surprise.
He pitifully said, “Eldest Sister…”
Liu Zhao’s eyes were filled with “You are heartless, unreasonable, causing trouble”; what happened to sibling love?
Jiang Pengji said, “Spit it out, what’s the matter? Could it be you’re out of pocket change again?”
Liu Zhao said, “In your eyes, is little brother really such a worthless character? This is a very urgent matter!”
“Speak plainly.”
Liu Zhao said, “Father is coming! The letter just arrived, and he’s on his way here!”
Liu Zhi?
Jiang Pengji frowned, “Father is coming? Why hasn’t anyone informed me?”
Liu Zhao said, “Eldest Sister, weren’t you busy with important matters? Little brother had to wait half an hour just to see you.”
Jiang Pengji stood up and dusted off her sleeves, calmly saying, “I’ll go see Father; do you want to come?”
Liu Zhao shivered, looking miserable as he said, “If Father asks about little brother’s previous runaway marriage, Eldest Sister, you must cover for me.”
Jiang Pengji said, “Don’t worry; I’m watching over your life; no one can take it away.”
