novelraw Chapter 88: A Perfect Match
Chapter 88: A Perfect Match
Chapter 88 A Perfect Match
There was a slight disturbance during the journey into the city, deviating slightly from the original plan, but the convoy eventually continued without stopping, arriving directly at Sihai District.
Xin Prefecture City had specially allocated a district for them, where their four families, along with their guards and followers, could all reside.
Within the district, the four families were separated, each with their own courtyards.
Feng Zai Ning and his grandmother moved into the courtyard belonging to their Feng family.
In the past, with their family's wealth, they would certainly not have thought much of such a place. But the situation was different now, and having an entire district to themselves was indeed a way to temporarily settle their hearts.
Grandmother Madam Wei sat down to rest and looked at the architectural and decorative style of the northern regions with much emotion.
"It's been decades since we last met..."
Madam Wei had actually been born in the northern lands. This time, she was among the first to relocate because she understood the culture and customs of the north better than anyone else in the Feng family.
"Having left the northern lands for most of my life, I return now and find I am no longer accustomed to it."As she grew older, her spirit had become somewhat weak.
Feng Zai Ning asked his grandmother to rest first, while he went to the prepared study.
A close confidant walked over. Seeing that no one else was around, he lowered his voice and said, "This place is too small."
Feng Zai Ning also felt it was small, but the situation was different now.
"At a time like this, having a place to live, a place that can accommodate us, is already very difficult to come by."
Following that, several more close confidants entered and relayed the information they had gathered to Feng Zai Ning.
For instance, regarding the expansion of houses.
If they wanted to expand, land wouldn't be a problem, but there weren't many building materials or craftsmen. Especially for building materials, a trip to the market would reveal that in Xin Prefecture City, apart from a few prominent figures who still had stockpiled materials, more than half had been reserved by Wanfu Garden.
Wanfu Garden had quite a few benefactors behind it, and no one was willing to directly offend such a large group of people.
This garden had also received the tacit approval of the Zhao family.
"We inquired about the situation of others who moved north this year. Compared to them, our place is the largest!" one of them said.
The Sihai District they were living in had already had a batch of houses built by the Zhao family. While they couldn't be compared to their previous living conditions, they were quite good in the current times.
The study gradually fell silent.
Feng Zai Ning sat there without speaking.
"Young Master?" someone probed tentatively.
Feng Zai Ning looked over, his eyes slightly沉 (deepened): "Building materials are just minor issues."
What he cared about at this moment was not some big house or large courtyard.
His greatest concern, traveling from south to north, was whether he could lead his clan to survive!
And, whether he could... advance the family further!
"We've been on the road, everyone is tired. Let's rest for two days first. Remind everyone not to say anything inappropriate!"
"Yes!"
Feng Zai Ning thought again of Treasure Bridge, which he had seen on the road.
He would indeed send people to inquire, but it was inconvenient to send too many people at this time.
Sihai District was bustling with activity.
The residents of the surrounding districts were very curious.
However, people were specifically stationed at the entrance of Sihai District to refuse visitors who came to probe.
That night, Feng Zai Ning had many thoughts and his mind was unsettled. Having arrived in a strange place, he thought he wouldn't sleep well, but his body was exhausted from the journey, and he surprisingly slept until dawn.
When he woke up the next day, he didn't dare to rest for too long.
"I expect many distinguished guests to visit today," he instructed the household servants to make ample preparations.
Thinking of the list he had seen before, Feng Zai Ning already had a plan in mind.
On this list, some items were marked with a special focus.
For example, former dignitaries, and also current new dignitaries. These people probably wouldn't deign to visit.
He would have to prepare generous gifts himself and go to pay his respects.
Among the new dignitaries in the city, he planned to start with the Shen family.
Just as he was thinking, the steward came to report that the Shen brothers, Shen Qing and Shen Liu, from the Shen family, had come to visit.
"..."
Feng Zai Ning thought he must have misheard.
"Who? Which Shen family?"
The steward was also very excited: "The Shen family of Madam Shen from the Zhao family!"
The Shen family was a new power. Although they had been merchants before, their status was greatly different now. In Xin Prefecture City, they could openly confront someone from the Zhao family's collateral branch.
When he had previously gathered information, he had heard that the Shen brothers were somewhat arrogant and haughty.
Now, for those two to come in person, and to be the first visitors of the day!
Amidst his excitement, there was also a sense of caution.
Although he didn't know the other party's intentions, it was indeed beneficial to his own plans.
Soon, the Shen brothers were welcomed in.
Feng Zai Ning wore a sincere and enthusiastic smile on his face.
Then he discovered that the smiles on the faces of the two Shen brothers were even more sincere and enthusiastic than his own.
Feng Zai Ning: ???
Shen Qing and Shen Liu, the brothers from the Shen family, were truly excited at this moment.
They had gathered information that the four families residing in Sihai District were all previously involved in maritime trade and were very wealthy!
The four families were led by the Feng family, so they sought out the Feng family first.
If the Feng family alone could fill the remaining financial and grain deficit, they wouldn't need to approach others.
The previous day was not suitable, so they began preparations early in the morning. As soon as the district gate opened, they rushed over.
Meanwhile.
In Jingxing District, Wen Gu was also calculating the time.
The two from the Shen family should be taking action by now. Related to their wallets and reputation, they would certainly be very active. They had been busy recently and would definitely not miss the wealthy households in Sihai District.
The first day to make friends, the second day to discuss business, and within three days at most, they would bring people over.
He Da told Wen Gu, "There are new arrivals, inquiring for information in Jingxing District. Those people look like they often bask in the sun, a bit dark-skinned, but not like ordinary villagers."
Wen Gu asked, "How many people?"
He Da was uncertain: "About two or three? Perhaps there are others we haven't discovered."
Wen Gu thought to himself: two or three isn't enough for anything.
He said, "No need to pay attention to them, handle it as usual."
He Da didn't pay much attention either.
Their place had never lacked people inquiring. At first, it was locals, then the new residents who had moved north. Almost everyone had sent people to gather information.
Jingxing District seemed as peaceful as ever.
Another day passed.
Indeed, as Wen Gu had guessed, the Shen brothers had first visited the Feng family on the first day to express their goodwill and had also discussed Wanfu Garden.
Feng Zai Ning followed the topic and showed interest.
The two sides hit it off immediately, and within two days, they were discussing profit sharing.
Feng Zai Ning's intention to participate in the Wanfu Garden project was out of interest, but also a test, and a way to integrate into Xin Prefecture more quickly and establish new connections.
It was just a small amount of money, and they had plenty of money certificates in hand now.
After agreeing on the profit sharing, the Feng family could directly cover the shortfall in money and grain.
However, Shen Qing stated, "We still need to go to Jingxing District to inform them."
When discussing the Wanfu Garden project, there were some questions Feng Zai Ning couldn't answer, so he had to seek clarification from Wen Gu. He also wanted to bring Wen Gu the good news that "the deficit has been filled."
Feng Zai Ning had wanted to meet the new dignitary overseeing Treasure Bridge. During his conversation with the Shen brothers, he had also attempted to probe and guide the conversation.
Although Wen Gu was just a small district head, everyone knew his status was unusual. He was not only Zhao family's cousin but also highly valued by the Zhao family's power holders, rightly considered a "new dignitary."
Therefore, on the third day of the meeting between Shen and Feng, they went to Jingxing District together.
"Don't we need to write a formal inquiry first?" Feng Zai Ning asked.
"No need for such trouble. We are close with Wen Gu, very familiar with him. There's no need for such formality. Besides, he usually works there, so we can go directly." Shen Qing said.
The three, with their followers, arrived at Jingxing District.
Feng Zai Ning looked at the plaque that read "Jingqing Public Office."
Shen Liu introduced, "My cousin wrote the plaque!"
Feng Zai Ning's eyes held a bit more respect.
Shen Qing walked over to the guardhouse and knocked on the window: "Old Luo, open the door!"
Feng Zai Ning's gaze lingered on the windshield for a moment before moving on, his focus on the doorman inside.
The sharp, scrutinizing gaze that swept over him at that moment was certainly not that of an ordinary gatekeeper.
Upon entering the public office's courtyard, Feng Zai Ning commented, "This person doesn't seem simple?"
Shen Liu gave him a look that said, "Your eyesight is good," and replied, "He's retired from the Patrol Division."
Feng Zai Ning had inquired before coming here, knowing the nature of Xin Prefecture's Patrol Division.
He felt a pang of annoyance in his heart. The gifts he had prepared for today were still too meager!
Shen Qing and Shen Liu, familiar with the place, found the scribe's office.
However, only Cheng Zhi and Little Brother He were working inside.
"Where is Wen Gu?" Shen Qing asked.
Cheng Zhi bowed and replied, "The Foreman went to Qingyun District across the street. Shall I send someone to fetch the Foreman?"
Shen Qing thought for a moment and then asked, "How long will he be back?"
"Not too long." Cheng Zhi thought of Wen Gu's words from this morning, looked at the sky, and said, "He should be back within an hour."
"Then there's no need to search for him. He must be doing something over there. We'll wait here first," Shen Qing said.
Shen Liu explained to Feng Zai Ning, "Jingxing District is open to the public, but Qingyun District currently has restrictions. There are several kilns inside, and some technical secrets are involved, so it's being managed quite strictly for now."
The scribe's office was not a suitable place to linger, and the reception area was too boring.
Shen Qing asked, "Is Pei Jing here?"
Cheng Zhi replied, "Yes, Young Master Pei came over this morning."
"Then let's go find Pei Jing, it's warmer over there."
Exiting the scribe's office, Feng Zai Ning asked, "Who is Pei Jing?"
Shen Qing said, "Pei Jun's younger brother. Do you know Pei Jun?"
Feng Zai Ning: "...Chief Officer of the Patrol Division."
How could he not know! He had just highlighted him on the list not long ago!
Seeing Feng Zai Ning's expression turn serious, Shen Qing chuckled and said, "Hey, don't worry. Pei Jing is Pei Jing, he's different from his brother. He also invested in Wanfu Garden. I told you this yesterday."
Feng Zai Ning thought to himself: But you didn't say he was here!
If he had known, he would have made some preparations in advance, at least prepared another small gift.
For the first time, he profoundly realized how unreliable the legendary unreliable Shen brothers were!
Across the street in Qingyun District.
Daoist Master Qingyi had just finished making a new "magic artifact." Once the Taoist temple was built, he could offer it to benefactors and believers in exchange for some "merit."
Upon hearing that Wen Gu was coming, Daoist Master Qingyi quickly handed the object in his hand to a Taoist acolyte and waved his hands rapidly.
The acolyte was also experienced and asked no questions, taking the item and running to the warehouse.
If Foreman Wen didn't fancy what Master had refined, it would be fine. But if he did, he would very likely employ the "Give it to me!" tactic.
What's more, every time Foreman Wen offered a reason, it was impossible to refuse.
Afterward, the Master would regret it.
After a few repetitions, it had become the current reaction.
Daoist Master Qingyi returned to his room empty-handed and didn't have a good look at Wen Gu.
Wen Gu had come to Qingyun District in the morning and first toured a few kilns to check on the progress before coming here to leisurely drink tea.
When Daoist Master Qingyi arrived, Wen Gu asked, "Have the gifts I asked you to refine been completed?"
Daoist Master Qingyi asked, "What gifts?"
Wen Gu looked over.
Daoist Master Qingyi thought for a moment and remembered, "Oh, you mean the gifts for learning a craft. They are being made, being made!"
He paused and then defended himself, "The color matching is not easy, I've failed a few times."
Before Wen Gu could ask further, he complained as if venting, "I don't understand. In this day and age, what's the use of you spending time learning calligraphy and painting?"
As he spoke, he observed Wen Gu's expression.
If someone else were doing this, the Daoist master would think that person was a fool with nothing better to do.
But when it came to Wen Gu, he always felt that this "dog scholar" was brewing some mischief.
Wen Gu calmly replied, "Work and rest are balanced for self-cultivation and nurturing the mind."
Daoist Master: I don't believe you!
"Why learn calligraphy and painting? You should learn tea ceremony. It can be used when the tea house in Wanfu Garden is built."
Wen Gu didn't continue this topic with him but said, "Besides the gifts for learning a craft, there are also year-end gifts. Hurry up!"
Daoist Master Qingyi was only responsible for one part of it. The other processes were completed by specialized craftsmen.
The craftsmen had been working hard on the research, but Daoist Master Qingyi would often slack off.
Wen Gu watched the time, drank his tea, and offered some words of encouragement.
At this moment, someone from Jingxing District came to deliver a message.
"Someone from Feng family in Sihai District has arrived?" Wen Gu's voice was neither high nor low.
Daoist Master Qingyi looked up.
Wen Gu put down his teacup: "There are distinguished guests over there. I'll go over first."
"Wait!"
Daoist Master Qingyi called out to him.
The muscles on his face twitched slightly due to excessive contemplation.
The Daoist master called for a Taoist acolyte: "Bring the newly made evil-warding gourd."
A colorful gourd, carved with evil-warding runes, was handed to Wen Gu.
"Keep it at your public office for now. It will be safer with someone guarding it."
Daoist Master Qingyi had also been paying attention to the four prominent families in Sihai District. Perhaps in the future, they would all be his major clients. As the saying goes, you can't catch a fox without sacrificing a goose.
Wen Gu looked at the precious gourd in his hand, knowing what the Daoist master was aiming for: "They believe in the Goddess of the Sea and the Buddha."
Daoist Master Qingyi thought to himself: That's why they should be exposed to the influence of our Taoist magical artifacts even more!
Wen Gu returned to Jingxing District with the box containing the precious gourd.
He first went to Pei Jing's place and gave him some colored glass beads for a puzzle.
Then, accompanied by the Shen brothers and Feng Zai Ning, he went to the reception room.
In front of them, as if casually, he took out the precious gourd from the box and placed it to the side as an ornament.
Then, while their attention was diverted, Wen Gu steered the conversation back, expressing his welcome to Feng Zai Ning.
He welcomed the Feng family of Sihai District to officially join the Wanfu Garden benefactor group!
The group discussed the construction of Wanfu Garden for a while.
Feng Zai Ning had matters to attend to at home and took his leave.
Wen Gu also gave him an access pass: "Next time you come, you can enter the public office directly."
Shen Qing and Shen Liu, having just resolved a troublesome matter, wanted to find some entertainment and did not stay long.
After they left, Cheng Zhi brought over a delicate wooden box.
This was the gift from Feng Zai Ning's first visit.
The box was not large, but it was evident that the craftsmanship was exquisite.
Inside were nine pearls and coral beads of considerable size.
However, compared to the jewels inside, Wen Gu preferred the box itself.
After playing with it for a while, Wen Gu prepared a return gift.
He asked Chang Shun to escort Cheng Zhi and deliver the return gift to Sihai District.
In the evening, before the district gate closed, Feng Zai Ning received the return gift at home.
*Thump!*
A wooden box was placed on the table. It wasn't particularly exquisite, but the materials were decent, and it was somewhat heavy.
Feng Zai Ning opened it with curiosity.
The box was divided into two layers.
The upper layer contained a glass writing knife with a smooth, leaf-like texture.
The lower layer was full of food ration tickets.
They were stamped with the crimson seal of "Jingqing Public Office."
(End of this chapter)