The Country Maiden: Fields and Leisure-Chapter 1707 - 1701: The Best of Both Worlds

The next day, Gu Zikai from Yunzhong County received a handwritten letter from Wang Yongzhu.

Upon opening it, Gu Zikai doubted his eyes were playing tricks on him, rubbed them, and read it again.

Only then did he confirm that the letter indeed instructed him to find boars for breeding? And a considerable amount, a hundred of them?

Also, he was asked to introduce two mountain residents with experience in pig farming?

It seemed that his aunt, Old Granny Zhang, was quite intrigued after eating mountain pig and decided to raise pigs herself?

Gu Zikai felt that if Old Granny Zhang were before him now, he would likely kneel before her.

To want to raise pigs just because the mountain pig tasted good? What kind of spirit is this?

Moreover, where was he to find a hundred breeding boars?

Could it be that the first private matter he undertakes after assuming office would be to buy boars?

Gu Zikai felt his reputation was at risk, fearing people might secretly dub him the Boar County Magistrate in the future.

Phooey! He shook his head to dispel the strange thoughts from his mind.

Then, with a weary heart, he took the letter to seek out the omnipotent Master.

The omnipotent Master’s surname is Yi, courtesy name Mingshi. He was currently sitting in the official room, holding a teapot with his legs crossed, leisurely sipping tea as a student attendant read aloud official documents in their hometown dialect beside him.

Upon seeing Gu Zikai enter, the student attendant promptly stopped and paid his respects.

Gu Zikai waved his hand, signaling the student attendant to leave, and sat effortlessly beside Master Yi.

Master Yi, knowing there was business at hand,

set down the teapot, straightened his posture slightly, and slowly said, "Dong Weng, is there a troublesome matter?"

With a wry smile, Gu Zikai handed over the letter.

Master Yi took the letter, quickly read it through, and with a sharp glint flashing swiftly in his narrow eyes, couldn’t help but say, "Is this truly Lady Dingguo’s own handwriting?"

Gu Zikai nodded.

Master Yi picked up the letter again, glanced at it, and then said, "This is a good thing, why is Dong Weng troubled?"

Gu Zikai shared his concerns.

Master Yi laughed and said, "Dong Weng has overthought it. Now that Dong Weng has just arrived, those below do not know Dong Weng’s disposition and methods; even wanting to form good relations they cannot find a way, this is precisely the moment they are anxious. If Dong Weng puts forth this demand, it is rather appropriate and not too difficult a matter, it just allows for a look at the personalities of those below."

"Secondly, Lady Dingguo and the Madam wanted to raise these mountain pigs, surely they have their reasons. Though I only met Lady Dingguo briefly, I have heard much about her. It is said that back when she was still in the countryside, she had an impressive commercial acumen and methods. Subsequently, because of her commercial acumen, she established connections with the Lee Family, which was already on the brink of decline, yet revived as a result of Lady Dingguo’s involvement."

"Most famously, with Hongxiu Tianxiang, she acted as a bridge, drawing in the former Director of Imperial Medical Bureau, the Ninth Young Master Lee, and our Empress. Within half a year of opening, it snatched the limelight from the old established Rouge and Powder Shop of the Capital City. Such methods, such foresight, and acumen, she is indeed a legendary figure in the business world."

"Now that she’s expressed interest in raising these mountain pigs, it’s evident the mountain pigs have immense potential, worthy of her action. This is a golden opportunity, given the relationship between Dong Weng and Lady Dingguo, why not hitch a ride on this favorable wind? I see Yunzhong County is not large, nor does it have any famous specialties; it would still be some time before the trade routes open."

"In an unsparing remark, Dong Weng must also be thinking of making a mark, not merely relying entirely on the opening of trade routes. Therefore, this is indeed a golden opportunity, as Dong Weng ponders, not long ago, Lord Song brought a negotiation team to Yunzhong County, we served them mountain pig meat, and they praised it endlessly, wanting to buy more before leaving."

"Many of these people are from the Capital City, from notable families, and praised it thus; it seems the mountain pig meat would surely be welcomed in the Capital City. If we can truly achieve large-scale breeding of these mountain pigs, not to mention anything else, just offering it to the Emperor as a tribute would be an accomplishment—"

Gu Zikai understood Master Yi’s meaning.

He remained silent.

If he were to say he lacked ambition, he would not have requested to come to Yunzhong County.

Master Yi was indeed right; though he was grateful to Song Chongjin for arranging everything, in his heart, he hoped to achieve something of his own.

The opening of trade routes and exploration of gold mines were trees planted by Song Chongjin, and he came merely to harvest the fruits.

If he can truly do as Master Yi suggests, leveraging the mountain pigs, not only to benefit Yunzhong County’s populace but also to enrich his political accomplishments, it would be a dual benefit.

After pondering a while, Gu Zikai nodded, "Then I shall write back to the Wang Family Cousin now, and as for the boars, I must trouble Uncle Yi greatly."

Master Yi naturally agreed without hesitation.

Gu Zikai returned to his study, contemplated, and then penned a reply, having it swiftly delivered to Wang Yongzhu.

Wang Yongzhu was talking with Song Chongjin about the matters encountered during negotiations, the information Batu disclosed, and the token he provided.

Both had already drawn conclusions regarding Queen Ah Lan being Qi Le.

Wang Yongzhu couldn’t help but marvel, Qi Le truly had skill and ability; when the Prince of the Grasslands came to Great Chu, he had already married a Princess Consort, reputedly from a prestigious family, a significant aide to the Prince of the Grasslands in claiming the King of the Grasslands’ throne.

Unsurprisingly, once the Prince of the Grasslands ascends the throne, the Princess Consort would naturally become Queen Ah Lan.

Unexpectedly, Qi Le, a woman from Chu State, snagged the prize.

Surely, Qi Le’s path to becoming Queen Ah Lan was paved with blood and turmoil.

Batu’s words suggested that upon learning of Song Chongjin’s existence, Qi Le had investigated his background thoroughly.

Therefore, it’s safe to say Qi Le has deployed quite a few people within Great Chu.

Moreover, she could intervene in the commercial negotiation team, and according to Song Chongjin, both the leader and the deputy of the negotiation team seemed somewhat wary of her subordinates, proving her influence in the grasslands is not to be underestimated.

Wang Yongzhu grew increasingly curious about Qi Le and if given the chance, would certainly be interested in meeting her.

Regarding the changeable attitude of the people from the grasslands, it seemed normal to Wang Yongzhu.

Negotiating between two nations isn’t such an easy task.

Nonetheless, he reminded Song Chongjin that since pressure was to be exerted on the grasslands, mere words wouldn’t suffice; some gestures should indeed be made.

For instance, over the next few days, more interactions with merchants from the Western Region could be made, spreading word about Great Chu’s intent to open an exceptional trade route, connecting the lengths from Great Chu to the Western Region.

Let the grasslands know that Song Chongjin meant business, not just idle talk.