Reborn: The First Rank "Madam"

C222 – You Two Have Such a Good Relationship

Zuo Shaoqing faced a straightforward decision. Firstly, he considered the trading company’s strength, the number of boats, and the workforce. Even if he were inclined, with only two or three boats, he couldn’t facilitate the deal.

Consequently, the remaining attendees were all affluent coastal merchants. Understandably, none contested this reality, recognizing their inability to match the other party’s resources.

The second condition stipulated that this venture wasn’t without cost. Aside from taxes, a share of profits was to be allocated to the government. Truthfully, this was originally a governmental responsibility, seeking assistance externally.

There were no objections. As merchants, they harbored skepticism toward windfalls, preferring not to accept offerings free of charge, fearing ulterior motives.

“Profit from the iron mine must be shared with the government. Essentially, ownership of the project should favor those willing to relinquish the most.” Zuo Shaoqing succinctly cast the lure. While some civil officials found the Prefect’s efficiency questionable, the majority concurred.

This was a significant sum. Wealth was abundant, yet officials dreaded destitution!

It wasn’t until the afternoon that the matter concluded. Zuo Shaoqing entertained the merchants with a smile, while the coastal merchant who didn’t contest wore a rueful expression.

They were more amenable than you were. The government extended an opportunity, why did you decline?

“Manager Wang, your generosity knows no bounds! Sixty percent—is it feasible for you to maintain such profits?” A rotund coastal merchant taunted Wang Xu.

Wang Xu, torn between worry and elation, maintained a neutral expression.

“Ah, Shopkeeper Sun, you’re aware of the current state of the Wang Family. Without full commitment, stagnation is inevitable.”

Observing Wang Xu’s demeanor, envy dissipated among the attendees. They offered words of consolation and encouragement outwardly, secretly hoping for the Wang Family’s misfortune.

After lunch, Zuo Shaoqing conversed privately with Wang Xu. Gazing at the despondent Manager Wang, he inquired with a smile, “No regrets, I hope?”

“Impossible,” Wang Xu replied anxiously. “I’m just concerned.”

Zuo Shaoqing dismissed the servants, poured tea for Wang Xu himself, and reassured the flattered Master Wang, “In truth, 40% of the profits suffice. As long as Boss Wang’s fleet avoids misfortune such as piracy or storms, their worries will dissipate.”

“Indeed, indeed. What business doesn’t carry risks? However…” Master, are you implying…?”

Zuo Shaoqing lightly tapped the table with his finger. “Given this is a state affair, it naturally enjoys tax exemption.” Zuo Shaoqing gestured toward the table. “Given this falls under governmental purview, it naturally enjoys tax exemption.”

Wang Xu, taken aback, mentally calculated. Finally, his apprehensions were assuaged.

“This matter doesn’t implicate me. Since my actions weren’t motivated by personal gain, and I didn’t exhibit favoritism toward the Wang Family, it’s solely due to Boss Wang’s earned opportunity. I’ll petition the imperial court to grant the Wang Family the title of imperial merchant.”

“Then, I am grateful for Lord Zuo’s counsel!” Wang Xu’s countenance broke into a broad smile, with faint tears shimmering in his eyes. The allure of this title was unmistakable.

After the yamen officials dispersed, Zuo Shaoqing remembered Lu Zheng wasn’t home, thus he didn’t rush back.

Luo Xiaoliu brought over food. Zuo Xiaolang had a simple meal with him, then was instructed to seek out the Grand Master to study writing, while Zuo Shaoqing continued his work.

Crane City’s winter wasn’t as harsh as the capital’s, but it surpassed Youuxi Town’s chill. Zuo Shaoqing’s study was warmed by charcoal, and he was draped in fox fur, making the cold more bearable.

“Looks like Lu Zheng won’t be venturing out during winter. There won’t be anyone to warm his bed!” Zuo Shaoqing muttered as he reported the bidding matter to the imperial government.

In his imperial report, he daringly proposed allocating half of the sixty percent earnings to the national treasury, while the remaining half should stay in Crane City to compensate for the lost taxes.

He doubted Zhan Yuanfeng would act so boldly.

Pondering the emperor, who always seemed jovial, Zuo Shaoqing couldn’t help but recall recent rumors. Speculation about the emperor being a prodigious intellect was on the rise, with various theories emerging.

He treated the matter as mere amusement. As for the individual being concealed, he had no curiosity. Hence, he was taken aback when he discovered the rumored figure was Cao Zongguan.

After drafting the imperial decree and sealing it, he awaited the next day to dispatch it to the capital. Along the way, he needed to arrange some matters, ensuring they were transported back before snowfall impeded travel.

Zuo Xiaolang had fallen asleep beside him in the study by midnight, softly snoring, providing a sense of solace in the night’s silence.

“Master San, should we head back?” Luo Xiaoliu nudged open the door, entering while seeking warmth near the brazier.

“Yes, let’s depart.” Zuo Shaoqing gathered his belongings, lifting the slumbering figure, extinguishing the oil lamp, and exiting the study.

Exiting the cozy inner chamber, the drastic temperature change tempted Zuo Shaoqing to retreat. Fortunately, he had arranged for a carriage instead of a sedan chair for the winter. The charcoal brazier inside had already warmed the carriage, providing comfort upon entry.

At this moment, he disregarded any disturbance the carriage might cause in the dead of night; Prefect’s well-being took precedence!

A fortnight later, the imperial court once again issued a decree extolling him. Not only did it commend him as an impartial official, but it also lauded his honesty and rectitude.

It was a relief that the emperor still remembered his status as the Wife of Duke Zhen. Yet, he couldn’t fathom why he was troubled. He harbored no desire for a lofty title, deeming it merely an empty honor.

When Prefect received the accolade, Crane City Palace would bask in glory. Compared to Prefect Lin, who hadn’t received an imperial decree all year, the Left Prefecture was inundated with edicts and rewards from the moment he assumed office.

Only Zuo Shaoqing shuddered upon hearing “honesty and rectitude.” Ever since becoming Prefect, the constant influx of gifts through various channels had filled his coffers rapidly. If Zhan Yuanfeng caught wind of this, he might order his family’s wealth to be confiscated.

Yet, upon reflection, that seemed improbable. Considering Lu Zheng’s character and his substantial contributions to the army, Zhan Yuanfeng wouldn’t likely pursue such trifling wealth, would he?

Unlike Lu Zheng’s previous voyage, Zuo Shaoqing lacked the luxury of daily visits to the port this time. Instead, he stationed guards there around the clock, awaiting immediate updates.

Despite being consumed by his duties, he fretted incessantly about Lu Zheng day after day. Wrapped in his thick blanket late at night, he pondered Lu Zheng’s whereabouts. Was he enduring the cold? Was Ann safe?

“Ah…” Zuo Shaoqing sighed, running his fingers through his hair as he toyed with his brush.

“What troubles you, my lord? Is there a matter weighing on your mind?” He Min presented him with a written document.

“The new year approaches in half a month, yet Master Lu has not returned. If he delays further, he won’t make it back to the capital in time.”

“This official recalls Master Lu’s intention for you to return to the capital ten days earlier. Upon his return, he will hasten back on horseback to reunite with you.”

Affixing the official seal onto the document, Zuo Shaoqing returned it to He Min’s custody. “How could I bear not seeing his safe return?”

He Min’s lips curled into a genuine smile as he commended, “The bond between you two is truly remarkable!”

Previously, when many speculated that Zuo Shaoqing might be forsaken by Master Lu or replaced by a newcomer, few envisioned them growing old together.

Considering Duke Zhen’s proclivities for polygamy, this was hardly surprising.

Yet, Zuo Shaoqing’s enduring favor with Master Lu, even on the day of their wedding, defied expectations. Their affection surpassed that of a typical couple, with no signs of a new bride in Master Lu’s chambers.

Reflecting on it, finding a lifelong companion meant shared interests mattered more than gender!

However, such notions remained theoretical. Even if one leaned towards same-sex attraction, few possessed the audacity of Master Lu, willing to challenge societal norms and familial expectations.

Zuo Shaoqing arched an eyebrow, his radiant smile nearly blinding. “Absolutely!”

He Min intended to jest, but his playful mood dissipated upon witnessing Luo Xiaoliu’s hasty entrance, accompanied by Zuo Xiaolang’s ungainly dash.

Zuo Shaoqing cast a stern glance at Zuo Xiaolang. After all this time, why couldn’t he shake off this behavior?

“Master… Grandpa… He’s returned…” Luo Xiaoliu stammered.

Zuo Shaoqing’s heart skipped a beat as he seized him, demanding clarity. “Speak clearly!”

Luo Xiaoliu grinned foolishly. “Master Lu has returned… My family’s Yinyi has returned too…”

With a swift whoosh, Zuo Shaoqing vanished from the hall.

Luo Xiaoliu hesitated briefly before scooping up Zuo Xiaolang and chasing after him!