The Country Maiden: Fields and Leisure-Chapter 1682 - 1676: Sealing the Pact with a High Five
In recent years, Yao Da and Shitou have unconsciously developed differing roles.
Yao Da is more focused on managing the inner courtyard, overseeing the food, clothing, and usage of the entire household, as well as procurement and matters related to the estate.
On the other hand, Shitou oversees Wang Yongzhu’s external business dealings and interactions with various merchants.
The shops and estates over in the Capital City are entrusted to be managed by members of the Gu Family, but come year-end, the Gu Family sends dedicated stewards to Chicheng County to verify accounts, requiring both Shitou and Yao Da’s involvement, as one person cannot manage it all.
It’s akin to one being the external steward and the other the internal steward.
Both have grown accustomed to managing their respective areas, especially since Wang Yongzhu’s business has grown significantly these past two years, with Shitou essentially at the helm.
Even Jinhoo, after coming to Chicheng County and studying under Shitou for half a year, invested with Wang Yongzhu, taking a sum of Silver, and started with small businesses.
In these two years, he took a bold step by acquiring a batch of goods and embarked westward with merchants from the Western Region.
In recent years, Shitou has also nurtured several promising young stewards, each capable of handling affairs independently, allowing him to take the role of Chief Steward and oversee matters from the back.
Others might wish for leisure, enjoying the pleasures of family life.
But for Yao Da and Shitou, their families were long destroyed, leaving them with the sole goal of vengeance.
People have advised them to look forward in life, suggesting that even in seeking revenge, one need not spend their life in solitude?
They are still relatively young; why not start a family, have a wife and children, and have someone to rely on in old age? At the end, shouldn’t someone be there to send them off?
Yet, both refused.
To them, without avenging their great grudge, they cannot move past the nightmare of past years to embrace a fresh life.
They even fear that a spouse and children might weaken their resolve for vengeance.
Moreover, the concern is, if revenge succeeds, it’ll be alright, but if not, they will die trying, united with their family in the afterlife.
If they have new family members, they cannot bear to implicate them.
Being solitary is more liberating!
In recent years, Duke Qiguo’s power in the Imperial Court has diminished, losing its former prestige.
Yao Da and Shitou have secretly caused many small troubles for the Duke’s Mansion, with frequent issues arising at his estates and shops.
The Duke’s Mansion’s profits have significantly shrunk due to their efforts.
They know this is all thanks to Wang Yongzhu and Song Chongjin, making their revenge imminent.
They have no other desires, only to think of repaying Wang Yongzhu and Song Chongjin’s kindness.
In recent years, they no longer live like rats avoiding the light, hiding their names and dodging around.
They stand confidently before others, without fearing for their lives.
Moreover, Wang Yongzhu has given them the utmost freedom and trust, akin to a knight’s loyalty to a confidant. Though they aren’t scholars, unable to say eloquent words, in their hearts, their lives belong to Wang Yongzhu and his wife.
Shitou and Yao Da live more dignified lives than most chief stewards, feeling indebted, always wishing to do more for Wang Yongzhu and his wife to ease their conscience.
Thus, despite knowing the uncertainty and potential risks of opening the trade route, even the first journey might mean no return, Shitou volunteered.
He couldn’t think of a better way to repay Wang Yongzhu and his wife.
Their external business can be handled by newly trained stewards, and with Jinhoo returning soon, his involvement ensures no major issues arise without Shitou.
Additionally, Yao Da’s oversight of the inner courtyard allows Wang Yongzhu to be relieved from focusing heavily on the household.
Thus, they quickly decided.
Wang Yongzhu asked no further questions, always showing the greatest respect for Yao Da and Shitou.
Moreover, from deep within, she felt Shitou was more suitable for the task, not merely because she interacted more with Yao Da, but because Shitou managed her business and dealt with some of Song Chongjin’s affairs.
If he goes to the grasslands, Shitou might adapt and execute his assigned tasks better.
Having chosen someone, Wang Yongzhu did not elaborate, merely instructing Shitou to prepare himself.
※※※
In Chicheng County, Wang Yongzhu already began preparations, with Ninth Master Lee on his way.
The Capital City. Gu Family.
Upon receiving Wang Yongzhu’s letter, Gu Changqing read it and summoned Gu Zikai, handing him the letter to peruse.
Gu Zikai took the letter, glanced at the beginning, his expression shifting.
He quickly scanned through the letter before looking at Gu Changqing.
Gu Changqing half-closed his eyes, rhythmically tapping his fingers on his leg, before speaking after a long pause, "You’ve read the letter. What’s your opinion?"
Gu Zikai’s eyes sparkled with eagerness: "Father, it’s my cousin and her husband’s goodwill, and a rare opportunity. I wish to go!"
Gu Changqing opened his eyes and looked at Gu Zikai: "Have you prepared yourself? Over there isn’t like in the Capital City or Jing County, even though it’s stable now, the frontier of Saibei is fiercely spirited. If you open the trade route, with Great Chu and the grasslands trading, people are diverse. Who knows if agents or those with hidden agendas might blend in, provoking our Great Chu."
"Or if Yunzhong County indeed has gold mines, how would you handle it? Have you figured it all out? This trip is both an opportunity and a challenge! Success means a broad path! Failure—" Gu Changqing left the sentence unfinished, giving Gu Zikai a meaningful look.
Gu Zikai bit his lip, "If I go to Yunzhong County and can’t relieve the Imperial Court’s burdens or benefit the people, I’ll resign and return to the Capital City, and be a laid-back scholar in the Hanlin Academy or a teacher at the Academy, never stepping out of the Capital City again!"
Gu Changqing gave Gu Zikai a deep look: "Very well! Then a term of three years! If you can ensure Yunzhong County’s stability and the people are well-fed within three years, that’ll be satisfactory! Otherwise, you should obediently return, continue your quiet research at the Hanlin Academy, and refrain from engaging in these matters!"
The father and son exchanged looks, sealing the pledge with a clap!
Gu Zikai eagerly returned to his courtyard, pondering over what to pack and who to bring.
Though Gu Changqing set such a wager with his son, when Song Chongjin went to Chicheng County, he recommended people for support. Now that it’s his son’s turn, how could he truly watch indifferently?
He quietly selected the most seasoned Master candidate, then penned a letter to be delivered.
