Chapter 429 - 423: Judging the Case
This case is truly representative; when the staff from Treasure Pavilion were summoned, Zhao Hanzhang’s toes curled slightly.
Oh dear, if this were in her world, as the involved party, she might be criticized for asking a few questions. Now, the case is handed directly to her for judgment. It seems she needs to establish a system to prevent officials from favoritism.
So the rule of officials serving in regions other than their hometown is great. For instance, Zhao Ming and she hold office in Xiping, where Zhao Family relatives are everywhere.
Thinking of this, Zhao Hanzhang couldn’t help but bow her head and chuckle. However, situations differ, and so do the problems and choices they face.
They also need to adapt to changing circumstances.
Now, she and the Zhao Family mutually fulfill and rely on each other, so Xiping is critically important, and the Zhao Family is crucial!
But she can’t solely rely on the Zhao Family; she needs to recruit more talents who can come from Ru Nan, Yu State, or even nationwide.
At this moment, her attitude towards the aristocrats coming to Xiping is pivotal.
Today’s case involves three parties: Zhao Hu, Fang Jing, and Treasure Pavilion, conveniently entrapping her.
She is not only the grandniece of Zhao Hu but also the mistress of Treasure Pavilion. It feels like she is being pushed towards Zhao Hu.
Smiling, her gaze calmly settled on the two staff present, gently saying, "Describe today’s situation truthfully."
The two staff members stiffened their backs and responded with bowed heads.
Zhao Hanzhang nodded in satisfaction. Seeing their unease, she proactively asked: "Who among these two distinguished guests entered the store first, at what time, and inquired about which products? Do you recall what was said?"
The staff must be clever and have a decent memory to work at Treasure Pavilion.
After steadying himself, Staff Member A began to narrate, "I remember it was Grandmaster Zhao Qi who entered the shop first; it wasn’t yet Si Zheng, so there were no customers in the shop. I greeted Grandmaster Zhao Qi."
Zhao Hanzhang couldn’t resist commenting, "Seventh Ancestor has such leisure time, coming to town as early as 7-9 a.m. in such cold weather to enjoy."
Zhao Hu replied irritably, "I came to urge Zitu to bring Zheng’er home for the New Year, so I had to start early. I happened to pass by Treasure Pavilion and saw that they had replaced all the windows with glass, allowing a view of the shelves inside. Out of curiosity, I went in to take a look."
He could always find Zhao Hanzhang anytime, and he himself already had a hunch that this year he might not be able to bring back his son and grandson to spend the New Year together.
So he first visited Treasure Pavilion.
Although Zhao Hu is old, he becomes more extravagant the older he gets. He always wants the best of everything he can afford. Upon seeing the brightness after Treasure Pavilion installed the glass windows, he naturally wanted to replace the ones in his own room and study.
Moreover, he has aesthetic OCD and is rather ambitious; since he wanted replacements, he naturally wanted the entire building done, as it would look better and more prestigious.
So he first carefully inquired about the manufacturing price of the glass windows and then noticed the model of a glass greenhouse on the table.
He then learned there was a type of house that could be made entirely of glass. It was known as Glass Workshop’s new creation, called Glass Type 35. It’s difficult to shatter but lets light through, making it excellent for winter plant cultivation.
Holding the glass greenhouse in his hand, he looked through it into the sunlight, watching the sunlight shimmer on the ground. He instantly forgot all about his son and grandson; all he could focus on was the glass greenhouse.
However, he wasn’t foolish; he knew glass wasn’t cheap, and though it differed by a character, it sounded expensive. So he began bargaining with the staff, even mentioning Zhao Hanzhang, trying to negotiate a better price.
As he was bargaining, Fang Jing arrived.
Now Staff Member B stepped forward to narrate, Fang Jing entered Treasure Pavilion around Si Zheng, almost half an hour later than Zhao Hu.
Upon entering, he immediately fancied the glass greenhouse Zhao Hu held, "Mr. Fang was straightforward, asking only a few questions before placing an order for the glass greenhouse. I served Mr. Fang, and he did not bargain, promptly agreeing to the price and giving a deposit..."
Staff Member B cautiously said, "As I was issuing a receipt and discussing with Mr. Fang the time the craftsmen would visit to build, Grandmaster Zhao Qi also came over, and upon hearing I gave the craftsmen to Mr. Fang, he became unhappy and then...they began to clash."
Zhao Hanzhang asked Zhao Hu and Fang Jing, "Do the narrations of the two staff contain any falsehoods?"
Fang Jing immediately replied, "No."
Zhao Hu said, "No, but that’s because I had more matters to discuss, which delayed placing an order. Clearly, I decided on the glass greenhouse first..."
Zhao Hanzhang raised a hand to stop him from saying more and said cheerfully, "Seventh Ancestor, business in the shop is conducted based on the order of deposit paid, not just verbal agreement."
Hearing this, Zhao Hu felt a surge of annoyance, ready to explode, but looking up to meet Zhao Hanzhang’s smiling gaze, he instinctively paused.
In that moment, Zhao Hanzhang smiled and said, "Seventh Ancestor, a guest is our honored one; what harm is there in letting him have this turn?"
Zhao Hu really didn’t want to yield, but facing Zhao Hanzhang’s smiling face, he felt that refusing might lead to unfavorable consequences.
Zhao Hu wasn’t particularly smart; otherwise, he wouldn’t always be disliked by Zhao Song.
However, he managed to become one of the wealthiest among Zhao Family members due to his keen intuition despite not being too bright.
It’s just that some intuition he wishes to ignore, while others he must address.
For instance, the intuition concerning Zhao Hanzhang at this moment was one he couldn’t ignore. Zhao Hu sat feeling vexed, saying nothing.
Zhao Hanzhang was satisfied and then turned to the staff, "Mr. Fang goes first. Since he’s already paid the deposit, start preparing the craftsmen."
"This time, Treasure Pavilion acted unjustly, failing to manage relations between two clients well, so both parties should receive a ten percent discount when negotiating."
The two staff exchanged glances and bowed in agreement.
Zhao Hu’s expression eased slightly, though he remained displeased.
However, Zhao Hanzhang first turned to speak with Fang Jing. She smiled, "How do you find this resolution, Mr. Fang?"
Even if Fang Jing was inclined to disagree, he had no choice but to bow and reply, "Governor Zhao is fair."
Word of today’s events would spread, and many would praise Zhao Hanzhang’s fairness, but on Zhao Family’s side, she would certainly face suspicion from relatives. It remained to be seen how Zhao Ming would handle this situation. Would he still stand unwaveringly by Zhao Hanzhang’s side?
Fang Jing bowed and took his leave.
Fuming, Zhao Hu got up and, unwilling to speak to Zhao Hanzhang, turned to leave.
Zhao Hanzhang sighed and asked, "Seventh Ancestor, aren’t you making the glass greenhouse anymore?"
Zhao Hu angrily replied, "Not anymore! I won’t buy anything from your Treasure Pavilion ever again!"