Chapter 386 - 380_1
Xin’an City had been peaceful and stable under the governance of the former Magistrate, Mr. Chen, with clear administration and harmony between the officials and populace. The people lived and worked in contentment, and it could be described as a joyful land. However, not long after Magistrate Ceng Lu took office, he shattered this harmonious scene, beginning a campaign of extortion and exploitation that weighed heavy on the people, who voiced their grievances loudly. Yet Ceng Lu, relying on his connection with Empress Cheng in the palace, committed all manner of misdeeds without concern for his reputation or any hesitation, as his trusted managers grew fat with corruption on his coattails.
"Master, why are you so happy today? Have you encountered some good fortune?" Zhao Lingxiang became increasingly adept at gauging Master Wei’s mood. Seeing him return home beaming with satisfaction, she quickly approached with her swollen belly and said with a cheerful smile. When the master was in a good mood, he was not only more amicable but also much more generous.
Although Master Wei currently favored her, Zhao Lingxiang knew that flowers do not bloom for a hundred days, and after all her ups and downs, she understood the importance of tangible benefits. Money in hand provided confidence. Now with a child on the way, she had to plan for its future, save more for their household, so even if Master Wei’s favor waned, the wife could no longer bully her as before. For concubines like herself, having a child made a significant difference in status. After all, Master Wei’s favoritism was partially due to the child she carried.
"Of course, ever since Magistrate Ceng took office, I have been blessed with nothing but good fortune. If this continues, I will soon re-establish myself in Xin’an City. Actually, securing a foothold is a given; with this favorable wind, I will undoubtedly rise again, and our Wei Family is bound to regain our past influence and even surpass our former glory to become the premier merchant family of Xin’an City." Master Wei had long wished for the Wei Family to reclaim its past splendor, and now that he could see hope, how could he not be delighted and proud?
"It seems Magistrate Ceng truly holds you in high regard, Master. Your concubine wishes you early realization of your desires," Zhao Lingxiang said. Naturally, she too was pleased with Master Wei’s prospects, for her prosperity and that of her unborn child were tied to his success.
"Indeed, Magistrate Ceng is a young noble from Fugui Village with a strong patron in the Empress backing him. He spends all his time indulging in pleasure and luxury, unlike former Magistrate Chen, who was incorruptible. As long as we provide him with plenty of silver and beauties, there’s nothing he wouldn’t agree to. I have borne the humiliation in anticipation of this day. From now on, Xin’an City will be under my, Wei Xingye’s, control. Let’s see who dares to oppose me. Those ignorant fools will all be dealt with by me sooner or later," said Master Wei, his face showing a hint of vicious determination, his long-suffered frustrations fueling his desire for retribution.
"As Master says, those ignoramuses must be taught a lesson. Zhao Erhu and his wife once shamed me severely. This time, I will ensure that they witness my power," Zhao Lingxiang agreed.
When it comes to holding grudges, Zhao Lingxiang hadn’t forgotten the humiliation Zhao Erhu and his wife had put her through. Now that she had the chance, she was certainly going to return the favor. She didn’t wish to cause their ruin, but she wanted to flaunt her authority in front of them, forcing the couple to submit and eagerly hand over the recipe to her.