Chapter 437 - Why Didn’t You Rob Instead? (I)
Chapter 437: Why Didn’t You Rob Instead? (I)
The next day.
Liu She and Jiang Pengji changed into commoners’ clothing and wandered around the Xiangyang District.
Upon seeing the prosperous district, Liu She sighed with emotion. Sure enough, ordinary people could not compare to His Majesty.
“Are you tired? Do you want to take a break at a teahouse?”
Jiang Pengji took Liu She to have a look around the Xiangyang District. Although the Xiangyang District was not very prosperous currently, it would undergo a thorough change in a few months’ time. Even the once prosperous Shangjing City could not compare to it.
Jiang Pengji took the opportunity to exchange a lot of experience in governance with Liu She. Her father had a deep understanding of governance; he was practically omniscient. There were many things that she was unsure about, and he was able to make pointed remarks about them.
Jiang Pengji used to be the Leading General, but the Regimental Commander and a district magistrate were two completely different things.
In terms of governance, even if Jiang Pengji had insights beyond the times, she still had many things to learn.
“Okay… When I retire one day, I’ll come to the place where you govern and buy a house. That way, I can live out my retirement in peace.”
Jiang Pengji replied, “If you want to buy property, why do you have to purchase it with your own money? I have many land deeds here.”
A land deed cost only a penny. One could buy as many as he wanted.
They distributed the first batch of completed houses to a few subordinates. The remaining 50 houses were hers.
The construction on the second and third batches of houses was about to begin. Jiang Pengji certainly did not lack title deeds for houses and land.
Liu She was struck dumb. “Fortunately, the world in chaos now. Otherwise, someone would definitely impeach you.”
He did not have to think about what his daughter had done. The land titles that she mentioned were of questionable origin.
She was the district magistrate. She had the final say in all the internal affairs of the district government.
Who could say no if she wanted to buy the title deed for land?
Liu She walked across the flat, brick pathway. His clogs gave off rhythmic thuds that were crisp and nice.
“I find the people here to be pretty well-bred,” Liu She said. “There is no trash on either side of the street.”
“They’d be fined if they littered. The fine would be double that of the previous fine. There are trash cans on both sides of the street. They can throw their trash into the trash cans by taking a few more steps. If they feel like they’re not short of money, they can litter. I don’t mind as long as they’re rich enough to compensate the district government.”
Even if Jiang Pengji did not issue such a government order, there were few people that spit on or littered the streets. Bricks lined the entire street. Had they ever seen such a smooth and clean street in their lives? Trash was unpleasant to look at, after all.
Most of the places in the Xiangyang District were under construction. Very few areas had already been cleaned up.
With Jiang Pengji’s encouragement, many people had opened up roadside stalls, which brought some prosperity to the district.
There was no fine tea in the teahouse. She ordered two bowls of tea. The tea was a bit cloudy, but it smelled good.
“Although you’re governing for the first time, you’re doing a better job than me.”
Perhaps that was the talent that Amin mentioned.
Liu She shook his head. When he governed Hu County, he was thin to the bone, and Hu County only managed to show some signs of prosperity.
In just a month’s time, the Xiangyang District had already escaped from the darkness of the earthquake. There were even smiles on the people’s faces.
He was deeply impressed. He did not know if he was inexperienced, or if His Majesty was impressive.
Jiang Pengji said, “Like father, like son.”
Liu She knew that she said those words to make him happy, but he still could not help but feel proud.
He replied, “That’s right. We’re a family devoted to literature.”
The father and son were pleased, and they praised each other.
After finishing their tea and leaving two pennies behind, Jiang Pengji took Liu She to the brick-baking kiln.
“Father, I want to show you something.”
She asked someone to fence the kiln area, and a strict inspection was required.
According to Jiang Pengji’s plan, the baked bricks would become the “specialty” of the Xiangyang District in the future, so technical protection was very important.
They entered the area with her private seal. The closer they got to the kiln, the higher the surrounding temperature became.
It was still a hot summer day. Liu She’s head was sweating in just a short while.
“What is it?” Liu She was curious.
Upon knowing that Jiang Pengji had arrived, the craftsman of the kiln hurriedly rushed out to greet her. She waved her hand to indicate that there was no need for courtesy.
“How’s the thing that I asked you to bake a while ago?” Jiang Pengji asked the craftsman of the kiln.
“I’ve baked six batches, and most of the finished products are not ideal. I’ve barely put three of them together.” The old man looked as if he was in pain. “In accordance with your request, we destroyed the defective products, and then we assigned someone to guard the residue. No secrets will ever be revealed.”
“Three? It’s better than expected,” Jiang Pengji pondered and said, “Take one out to show it to this gentleman.”
“Sure. Give me a moment.”
The craftsman of the kiln heaved a long sigh of relief upon hearing what she said. He wiped away the sweat from his face.
There were many advantages to working for the Lord. The Lord generously rewarded him with a title deed some time ago.
According to the plan, it was a house from the second batch of completed houses.
His whole family was waiting eagerly for the completion of the first batch of houses, and for the construction of the second batch of houses to begin.
Many people envied their luck. The first batch of houses was nice.
The Lord favored him for his years of pottery experience. His family was now living a good life.
The craftsman of the kiln carefully held a long case and opened it cautiously in front of the two.
The audience in the streaming room thought that it was a rare treasure. They did not expect to see a glass tea set inside.
Woai Nimen: “Wow. The Streamer actually created glass!”
Laosiji Lianmeng: “It’s indeed glass! Although its purity isn’t very high, it’s very delicate. It looks pretty valuable. The key thing is that it’s cheap. You can sell a glass set for millions of strings of 1,000. The profit margins are incredible.”
A string of 1,000 cash was equal to 1,000 copper coins, which was equivalent to about one tael of silver.
What was the notion of millions of strings equaling 1,000 cash?
Even robbing a bank was not as drastic as that!
Xiaotianshi: “#cuppingmycheeks. I’m curious about who The Streamer wants to rip off with the glass.”
Shanzhatiao: “She’ll definitely defraud the rich, who are silly. They’ll either be the local tyrants of Dongqing, or the fools from the Northern Borderline.”
Of course, the people in the current era had never seen glass––not to mention that the glass was really beautiful. It was exquisitely carved and delicate.
“How much does it cost to produce this?” The glass stunned Liu She. He was obsessed with it, but he soon regained his normal composure.
“The cost is very low.” Jiang Pengji did not reveal the specific figure. She just pointed her thumb at the brick-kiln behind her and said with a smile, “It forms while we bake the bricks. How much do you think it’s worth?”
Liu She muttered, “It’s invaluable. Do you mean to gift me a set by showing them to me?”
“Of course. However, the Xiangyang District is too poverty-stricken. There’s even an insufficient amount of food. I was wondering if you could help me out.” Jiang Pengji took out a small, round bowl that was a few times smaller than a woman’s palm. She grinned and held it with two of her fingers. It was very pretty under the light. “I heard that the rich in the Northern Borderline were very wealthy. They rear gallant horses and cattle, and they don’t even frown when they spend money lavishly. In order to highlight their distinguished statuses, they like to collect exotic treasures. Is that true?”
Liu She knew her intentions upon hearing her words. It turned out that she wanted him to sell it. He said, “It’s true, but they won’t take a fancy on ordinary objects. It’s no doubt that the aristocrats from the Northern Borderline will inevitably pursue it. What will you price it at?”
“How about 150,000 strings of 1,000?”
Liu She was so shocked that he almost dropped the glass cup.
150,000 strings of 1,000? Money houses were not even that profitable!
Daughter, are you sure that you haven’t added an extra zero?
“If it can’t be exchanged for gold or silver, I don’t mind exchanging it for gallant horses, cows, sheep, or fur of the equivalent value,” Jiang Pengji said nonchalantly.
It was not daylight robbery. It was on a much greater scale!