Chapter 437 – Why Don’t You Go Rob? (Part 1)
The next day.
Liu Zhi and Jiang Pengji changed into the ordinary clothes of common folk and strolled around Xiangyang County.
As he gazed at the bustling county town, Liu Zhi couldn’t help but feel amazed; the emperor’s methods were truly unparalleled.
“Father, are you tired? Should we take a break at a tea house?”
Jiang Pengji showed Liu Zhi around Xiangyang County. Although it didn’t seem very prosperous at the moment, from her plans, it was clear that in a few months, this county town would undergo a complete transformation, surpassing even the former capital.
Seizing the opportunity, Jiang Pengji exchanged numerous governance insights with Liu Zhi. Her father had deep knowledge of governance and was almost omniscient; for every doubt she had, he could pinpoint the solution in an instant.
Jiang Pengji had previously commanded a legion, but being a legion commander was a completely different concept from being a county magistrate.
In terms of governance, despite Jiang Pengji’s forward-thinking insights, there was still much that needed to be learned with humility.
“Alright… Once you retire, I’ll buy a house in your jurisdiction for you to enjoy a peaceful retirement.”
Jiang Pengji replied, “If you want to buy property, there’s no need for you to spend your own money; I have plenty of land deeds here.”
One penny per deed, and there’s as many as you want.
The first batch of completed houses had handed out a few to her subordinates, leaving over fifty units for her.
The second and third batches were about to begin construction, and Jiang Pengji wasn’t short on land deeds at all.
Liu Zhi was speechless, “Lucky for us the world is in chaos; otherwise, someone would definitely accuse you.”
He didn’t need to think to know what his daughter’s getting at; the land deeds she spoke of probably had dubious origins.
She was the county magistrate; she called all the shots regarding internal matters in the county office.
If she were to buy back land deeds for a penny, who could dare to object?
Liu Zhi stepped on the level blue bricks, his wooden clogs creating a rhythmic tap tap sound that was both crisp and pleasant.
“I notice the common people here are quite cultivated,” Liu Zhi commented, “There’s no filth at the sides of the streets.”
“There’s a fine for littering, and each fine doubles for every offense. There are trash bins along the road; a few more steps, and you can throw it away. If someone is rich enough to not care about fines, they can throw it wherever they please, as long as their wealth can compensate the county office—I’m not picky.”
Even without Jiang Pengji’s decrees, the occurrences of littering or spitting had decreased significantly. The entire street was paved with blue bricks; when had they ever seen such smooth and clean surfaces? How unpleasant it would be to see unsightly litter!
Most places in Xiangyang County were under constant construction, with a few areas already tidied up.
Encouraged by Jiang Pengji, many families opened small stalls along the streets, bringing some prosperity to the county.
The tea house didn’t have much good tea. She ordered two bowls of coarse tea, the color slightly murky but not unpleasant in smell.
“Though it’s your first time managing, you’re doing much better than I did.”
Perhaps this was what Amin meant by talent.
Liu Zhi secretly shook his head; after years of managing Hujun, he had nearly worn himself to the bone, barely achieving a semblance of prosperity. Now, after just over a month, Xiangyang County was shaking off its era of turmoil, with smiles returning to the faces of the common people.
He felt deeply touched.
Was it that he was too inept or the emperor too exceptional?
Jiang Pengji said, “Like father, like son, right?”
Liu Zhi knew she was trying to flatter him, yet he couldn’t help but feel a little proud.
“That’s certainly true; it’s a matter of family heritage.”
The “father and son” duo indulged in a bit of self-praise, effectively complimenting each other.
After drinking tea, they set down two coins, and Jiang Pengji took Liu Zhi to see the brick kiln.
“Father, I want to show you something.”
She had someone cordon off the brick kiln area, and all entries and exits required strict inspection.
According to Jiang Pengji’s plans, blue bricks would become a “specialty” of Xiangyang County, so protecting the technique was crucial.
Entering the kiln with a private seal, the heat intensified as they approached.
Even though it was still the hot summer, Liu Zhi was soon sweating profusely.
“What’s so special?” Liu Zhi inquired curiously.
Upon learning that Jiang Pengji had arrived, the brick kiln master hurried out to greet them, and she waved him off, signaling that there was no need for excessive formality.
“How did the items I had you fire recently turn out?” Jiang Pengji asked as they walked.
“We’ve completed six batches, but most of the products are subpar. We barely managed to assemble three sets,” the elder said, revealing an expression of pain, “According to your orders, we destroyed the defective items, and the remnants are being guarded by dedicated personnel to ensure not a single secret leaks out.”
“Three sets? That’s a bit better than expected.” Jiang Pengji pondered. “Show one set to the Old Patriarch.”
“Understood, just a moment, my lord.”
Upon hearing that, the brick kiln master let out a sigh of relief and wiped the sweat from his face.
Doing work for the lord yielded plenty of benefits; recently, the lord had generously rewarded him with a land deed.
According to plan, that should be the second batch of completed houses.
Now his whole family eagerly awaited the completion of the first batch as the second batch began construction.
Just based on the appearance of the first batch’s houses, how many people envied their sudden fortune?
Having caught the lord’s eye due to his years of experience, this family was now living well.
The brick kiln master carefully retrieved a long box, then meticulously opened it.
The audience was expecting some rare treasure, but inside lay a beautiful glass tea set.
【I love you all】: 666, the streamer really made glass!
【Old Driver Alliance】: Indeed, it’s glass! Although the purity isn’t very high, it’s exquisite. According to the tropes in novels, this thing could be worth a lot, and the key is that the cost is low; one set could sell for tens of thousands of coins. Who here isn’t afraid of that profit!
One coin equals one thousand coins, approximately the value of one tael of silver.
What does tens of thousands of coins even mean?
Robbing a bank isn’t that crazy!
【Little Angel】: #Chin in hand, I’m curious about who the streamer plans to con with this glass.
【Hawthorn Stick】: Of course, they’re looking for naive rich folks, either from Dongqing or some fool from Beijiang.
This thing called glass, the people nowadays had naturally never seen it, let alone this beautiful kind.
Translucent and lovely.
“What’s this… what’re the costs?”
Liu Zhi revealed an astonished expression, somewhat entranced, but quickly regained his composure.
“Very low.” Jiang Pengji didn’t mention a specific amount; instead, she pointed towards the brick kiln behind them with her thumb, smiling brightly, “While we were firing bricks, we made these as well. Father, how much do you think they should be worth?”
Liu Zhi pondered, “An invaluable treasure. Are you showing this to me because you want to gift me a set?”
“Naturally. But isn’t Xiangyang County rather poor? Right now, grain and provisions are in short supply; I wonder if Father could help me with something?” Jiang Pengji cheerfully pulled out a rounded small bowl that was a fraction of the size of a woman’s palm, holding it between her fingers—it looked stunning in the light, “I’ve heard that in Beijiang, the wealthy are very wealthy, with fine horses and cattle, and they spend without a second thought. To flaunt their noble status, they love collecting rare treasures. Is that true?”
Liu Zhi understood her intention; she wanted him to help sell it. He replied, “That is indeed true, but ordinary items wouldn’t catch their eye. As for this… no doubt it would attract the fancy of the noble people in Beijiang. How does Lan Ting plan to price it?”
“How about fifteen thousand coins?”
Liu Zhi was so shocked he almost dropped the glass cup.
Fifteen thousand coins?
That’s wealthier than robbing a treasury!
“Daughter, are you sure you didn’t add an extra zero by mistake?”
“If cash and silver can’t be exchanged, I wouldn’t mind trading for equivalent fine horses, cattle, or even furs.”
Jiang Pengji spoke nonchalantly, showing no signs of concern about the enormous price she just spouted.
This was no simple case of asking for a high price; even lions couldn’t open their mouths that wide!
