Chapter 384 - 378_1
"When will we arrive at Xin’an City? Traveling by road every day is killing me with exhaustion," Ceng Lu, a spoiled and pampered young man, was used to being held in high regard like an ancestor at home, where he had never suffered. Despite the efforts of his servants to make the journey as comfortable as possible, it was incomparable to the comforts of home, making the young master a bit resentful. Even his cousin felt the same, questioning why she didn’t secure him a good position in the Capital City, forcing him to travel all this way to a minor government post in a small city.
"Master, please bear with it a little longer. We’re only three days away from Xin’an City. Once we arrive, you’ll dine on delicacies, and there will be plenty of people courting your favor with generous gifts of silver. This bit of hardship will then seem worthwhile," said the young servant by Ceng Lu’s side, who was elated to accompany his master on this assignment. It was thanks to his shrewdness that he was selected to travel with the young master. As the young master’s confidant, he could get involved in anything and had endless opportunities to acquire silver, a prospect much more promising than staying at home.
Hearing his servant’s words, Ceng Lu mused, "I wonder what Xin’an City is like, and whether it is a land ripe for the picking. It would be such a waste if my efforts ended up in this insignificant place without any rewards."
"Rest assured, master, there’s plenty to be had. I’ve heard that the new Magistrate of Xin’an City is so foolish that he’s only focused on his achievements and hasn’t pocketed a single coin. Instead, he has allowed the merchants and stubborn locals to grow fat and prosper, which sets us up perfectly to butcher the fattened calves. Just wait, master, as soon as we arrive in Xin’an City, people will come bearing silver and beauties for us," the servant reassured him.
"That’s true. My cousin does care for me somewhat. Since she managed to secure this position for me, it must be worthwhile. We’ll have to make a big splash this time and show her what I’m capable of," Ceng Lu declared with confidence.
Thinking of his cousin, who was as beautiful as a blooming flower, Ceng Lu’s thoughts drifted to their childhood together. Their families had always intended for them to marry when they were of age, but then she was selected to join the Court. Although parting with her was hard, considering the benefits that came with her becoming part of the Court, his attachment soon faded. After all, with enough money and power, what beauty couldn’t be his?
Unlike Minister Chen, who aimed for career achievements, Ceng Lu was purely interested in making silver and casually completing his three-year term to enhance his resume. With the Empress in the Court related to him, he didn’t have to worry about climbing the ranks. No sooner had he arrived in Xin’an City than he started enacting bold reforms, delegating all matters to his close Manager and servants.
Procurement was always a profitable task in any Government Office, offering ample opportunities to benefit from kickbacks. Ceng Lu’s closest servant laid eyes on this job the moment he arrived and immediately summoned someone to inquire about it.
Zhao Erhu quietly acquired the eighty acres of good farmland from Landlord Zhang. Combining this land with his original holdings, Erhu and Lin Yue had been busy with the spring planting, hiring several permanent workers and discussing the purchase of a couple of servants.