Chapter 277 - Chapter 277: Too Much!
Chapter 277: Too Much!
Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Herlyee Translations
Although Official Ji’s tone was very calm when he said this, Ji Zhao could still hear the coldness hidden in it.
“I think you’re right.” Ji Zhao smiled and continued, “Although it’s lonely at the top, the Sun family is still at the top! If the Wind and Moon Restaurant insists on opening opposite Hongxing Restaurant, I’m afraid you can’t do anything about it, right?”
Ji Ting’an could not help but look at her again. “What are you trying to say?”
“I am not talented, when I heard this news by chance, I was a little dissatisfied.
After all, the Spring Breeze Pavilion opened by me is next to the Hongxing Restaurant. If the Wind and Moon Restaurant really succeeds in opening directly opposite the Hongxing Restaurant, it will be harmful to my Spring
Breeze Pavilion. Therefore, I have a suggestion. I hope you can listen to it?”
“Just say it!’
“Dingyuan County’s geographical location is special, and it’s also the border between Yunchuan Prefecture and Guichuan Prefecture, so there’s an endless stream of merchants coming and going. Therefore, the taxes that Dingyuan County pays to the imperial court every year are only more and not less. However, with too much money, it’s inevitable that some corrupt officials will be born. I don’t think you’re aware that when Official Ma moved, he secretly transported six large boxes. As for what’s in the boxes, I believe you know, right?”
‘What are you trying to say?”
“Official, do you want to make a political achievement in Dingyuan County? It’s not only beneficial for taxation, but also for the welfare of the people.” Ji Zhao raised his head and looked at Ji Ting’an, who had a complicated gaze, with a faint smile. “I’m all ears.”
“I’m stupid, but I’ve heard my husband mention it by chance. The reason why the Imperial Court collects taxes is firstly to fill the national treasury in case of emergencies. Secondly, it’s for the civilians. If the people are stable, the world will be at peace.” Ji Zhao continued, “Ever since you came to Dingyuan County, you’ve forcefully suppressed the brothels. It can be said to be a lightning strike, but sometimes, the more you suppress it, the fiercer the rebound. Official, I feel that it’s better to block it than to let it go? Although you hate places like brothels, you have to admit that these brothels pay more and more taxes every year.”
“The two places that the wealthy merchants and squires who travel between the north and south love to visit the most are restaurants and brothels.
Because of this, the taxes paid by these two places are not small every year.” “You mean that I shouldn’t punish these brothels?”
“No.” Ji Zhao shook her head. “Ci’an Hall in Dingyuan County has been in disrepair for a long time. Those lonely old people and homeless children living in Ci’an Hall only have two meals a day. Sometimes, they can’t eat their fill. When it rains, the roofwill leak. Last December, several old people who were not in good health froze to death…”
“I just think that you can find an excuse to increase the taxes of the brothels and then put this money where it should be used. For example, repairing Ci’an
Hall or repairing the canal to do something that benefits the people.”
Ji Ting’an understood her plan and was a little surprised.
He did not expect a woman like Ji Zhao to think of such a perfect solution.
Just as that master had said, Dingyuan County was his blessed land!
There were indeed crouching tigers and hidden dragons here.
“I will seriously consider your suggestion.” After some thought, Ji Ting’an’s tone was filled with admiration.
“This is just my humble opinion.” Ji Zhao smiled and bowed. Then, she held Shen Yao’s hand and walked out of the county office.
In the blue sky, white clouds rolled and floated with the wind.
The air was filled with the faint fragrance of hibiscus flowers, making one feel refreshed.
Shen Yao looked at Ji Zhao, who was eating candied hawthorn beside him, his eyes filled with amazement.
“Try it?” Ji Zhao smiled and brought the stick of candied hawthorn to his lips. “It’s very sweet!’
Shen Yao took a bite and raised his eyebrows.
It was indeed very sweet.
The two of them walked across the three-hole bridge hand in hand and arrived at the famous Green Jade Pavilion.
The glass counter in the hall on the first floor was neatly arranged with various silver jewelry. It was dazzling to the eye. Before Ji Zhao could admire it, Shen Yao brought her to the second floor.
The first floor of the Green Jade Pavilion had silver accessories; the second floor had gold accessories and various styles of headwear; and the third floor had all kinds of jade.
Shen Yao took a fancy to a golden phoenix hairpin at a glance.
“Take this out. ‘
“Sir, you have good taste!” The shopkeeper hurriedly praised, “This Phoenix Seeking Mate is the newest style of our shop. Sir, you don’t have to take a closer look. The wat the phoenix on this golden hairpin spreads its wings and flies is lifelike. The tassel pearls that fall below are even more plump and round!’
Shen Yao nodded slightly, then carefully inserted the golden phoenix hairpin into Ji Zhao’s hair.
“Do I look good?” Ji Zhao suddenly looked sideways at him and smiled brightly.
“Yes.”
Her smile was bright and dazzling, easily tugging at Shen Yao’s heartstrings.
Ji Zhao naturally did not miss the stunned look in Shen Yao’s eyes. She turned her face away shyly and said to the shopkeeper with a smile, “I wonder if the shopkeeper can take out a bronze mirror?’
“Madam, wait a moment!”
The moment she smiled just now, even the shopkeeper was stunned.
Apart from this golden phoenix hairpin, Shen Yao also chose a set of beautiful ruby headpieces for Ji Zhao.
“It’s about time, right?” Ji Zhao hurriedly tugged at Shen Yao’s sleeve, trying to end his shopping spree.
“Ah Tao, don’t worry. I brought enough money with me when I went out.” Shen Yao smiled and rubbed her face. He then chose a beautiful pearl bracelet for her.
Ah Tao’s skin was fairer, and she often cooked, so it was more convenient to wear pearls than gold.
Moreover, pearls were rare nowadays, and their price was almost the same as gold.
Ji Zhao did not expect Shen Yao to be so generous when buying jewelry.
“Ah Tao, I really want to marry you, so these betrothal gifts are all proper etiquette.”
In the end, Shen Yao chose a pair of coral earrings in the shape ofwater droplets for her before stopping.
“Alright, let’s go back, okay?”
Ji Zhao felt a headache coming on when she saw Shen Yao walking up to her with the bags.
She deeply suspected that if Shen Yao’s financial strength was enough, he would definitely make this Green Jade Pavilion his own!
When they returned to the Shen residence, Zhao Lanhua looked at the jewelry that Shen Yao had bought for Ji Zhao and could not help but frown.
Ji Zhao’s heart sank when he saw her expression.
Shen Yao must have bought too much. Was Mother a little unhappy?
“Mother, actually, I also think Shen Yao bought a little too much..
“Too much?” Zhao Lanhua held her hand and said earnestly, “Ah Tao, I have to criticize Third Brother later. This is too little! Also, why didn’t you buy the three golds? Why did you buy pearls?’
“Mother, Shen Yao chose so many pearls because I like pearls..” Ji Zhao quickly explained, “And this is enough! I’m already very happy!”