Chapter 84

Jian Shanchang's face changed, and the deeper he thought about it, the more his expression darkened.

If Huang Yourong and Shen Changmao ultimately refused to let Wen Guanliang off, no matter how many accusations and charges were brought against him, Wen Guanliang would certainly not meet a good end, and he would be unable to escape his responsibilities. However, as former disciples of Wen Guanliang, whether it was Jian Shanchang and Tong Huan, or Zuo Lanshan and Gu Quan, they would also be in trouble.

After all, every one of Wen Guanliang's crimes was closely related to them.

Thinking about this, Jian Shanchang asked in a serious tone, "Sir, do you mean that this time we should not only not seek any benefits, but also help Wen Guanliang?"

"There are no permanent enemies, only permanent interests." Zhao Junchen quoted a famous saying from the future and said calmly, "Since Wen Guanliang is no longer a threat, for our own sake, we should lend him a hand."

Hearing Zhao Junchen say this, although Jian Shanchang was still somewhat reluctant, he was a man who knew when to yield, and in the end, he nodded in agreement.

Seeing Jian Shanchang's expression, Zhao Junchen smiled lightly and said, "This afternoon, call Zuo Daren, Tong Daren, and the others to my residence. We need to make our intentions clear. Also, 'Yue Rong Fang' has been open for a month now, and everyone has shares, so we should distribute the dividends."

Hearing Zhao Junchen mention the dividends from 'Yue Rong Fang,' Jian Shanchang could not help but be delighted.

As a shareholder of 'Yue Rong Fang,' although he only held a 3% share, Jian Shanchang had been closely monitoring the business. Currently, the production of soap was handled by the inner treasury, and most merchants were still waiting for delivery. Although they all knew that the soap business was highly profitable and were eager to get involved, without the product, they could only wait.

However, 'Yue Rong Fang' never lacked supplies. Taking advantage of its exclusive operation, it had already opened branches in all the counties and prefectures of the Northern Zhili region, and even in important cities in Shandong and Henan provinces. Business was booming, and it was making a fortune every day. As a result, even with just a 3% share, Jian Shanchang could still receive a substantial dividend.

Seeing Jian Shanchang's barely contained excitement, Zhao Junchen smiled lightly.

Money, to Zhao Junchen, was something that could be had or not, and he did not place much importance on it. Although 'Yue Rong Fang' was making a fortune, Zhao Junchen saw it merely as a tool to win people's hearts.

From Jian Shanchang's expression, the effect was quite good.

While Jian Shanchang was fantasizing about how much dividend he would receive, Zhao Junchen pointed to a nearby tofu pudding stall and interrupted his reverie, saying, "Jian Daren, this is the place. The tofu pudding here is quite good. We've been eating rich food for so long; occasionally trying this simple folk dish should be quite refreshing."

Although Zhao Junchen spoke casually, looking at the greasy table and the noisy crowd around the tofu pudding stall, Jian Shanchang forced a smile and said, "Since you like it, Sir, I will certainly like it too."

Seeing Jian Shanchang's forced expression, Zhao Junchen shook his head and laughed, but he led Jian Shanchang to the stall.

The morning court session had ended late, so there were not as many customers at the tofu pudding stall as there had been the previous day. After Zhao Junchen and Jian Shanchang sat down, Zhao Junchen called out to Old Liu, "Old Liu, two bowls of tofu pudding and half a pound of fried dough sticks."

Although Xu Qingyan was somewhat arrogant, he always maintained his decorum in public. At this moment, he did not sit down but waited nearby, just like Wen Guanliang's attendant.

While Old Liu was preparing the tofu pudding and fried dough sticks, Zhao Junchen suddenly remembered his thoughts about the spring examination and asked Jian Shanchang, "By the way, how are the preparations at the Ministry of Rites?"

Emperor Deqing had transferred Jian Shanchang to the Ministry of Revenue a month ago, but in reality, Jian Shanchang had used the excuse of "handing over duties" to delay his transfer to the Ministry of Revenue. Instead, he remained at the Ministry of Rites, consolidating his power and making various arrangements to prevent the new Deputy Minister of Rites, Zhang Xuan, from dismantling the influence he had built up there.

After all, Zhang Xuan was a disciple of Huang Yourong, who was known for his greed for power.

In response to Zhao Junchen's inquiry, Jian Shanchang hurriedly said, "Sir, all the affairs and personnel at the Ministry of Rites are well-prepared, and there will be no room for any mishaps."

Zhao Junchen nodded and said, "If that's the case, you should take up your post at the Ministry of Revenue in the next few days. We can't keep delaying. However, before you go, you should make it clear to the people at the Ministry of Rites that as long as they work hard for me, I will not let them down. They should fight for their rights and not show weakness just because their opponents are of a higher rank. Even if they can't stay at the Ministry of Rites, I can find them good positions elsewhere."

Seeing Jian Shanchang nod, Zhao Junchen added, "Especially for the upcoming spring examination, I plan to use this opportunity to gather a group of talented people under my wing. So, our people should be involved in all related matters. Even if they can't play a significant role, they should at least be well-informed."

Jian Shanchang nodded repeatedly, indicating his understanding.

In fact, if Zhao Junchen had not asked him to consolidate the power at the Ministry of Rites, Jian Shanchang would have taken up his post at the Ministry of Revenue long ago.

Among the six ministries, the Ministry of Rites was the most prestigious but also the most austere. At the Ministry of Rites, Jian Shanchang was constrained by the Minister Wan Rong and Deputy Minister Bao Wenjie, unlike at the Ministry of Revenue, where he had more power, more money, and a team of loyal subordinates, with Zhao Junchen backing him up. It was a much more comfortable position.

...

Just as the two were talking, Old Liu brought the tofu pudding and fried dough sticks to Zhao Junchen and Jian Shanchang. However, instead of leaving as usual, he stood in front of Zhao Junchen, as if he wanted to say something.

Seeing the outsider, Zhao Junchen and Jian Shanchang stopped discussing official matters and looked at Old Liu. Jian Shanchang frowned, clearly annoyed by Old Liu's presence.

Zhao Junchen, however, smiled and asked, "Old Liu, is there something you need?"

Old Liu nodded, his face showing a simple smile, and said, "Young Master, today's tofu pudding and fried dough sticks are on me. I want to thank you for your support of my business these past few days."

After a pause, Old Liu's face showed a hint of embarrassment, and he added, "However, for the next few days, you might have to eat at other stalls."

Zhao Junchen was slightly surprised but quickly understood and asked, "Is it because the New Year is approaching, and you are going home? Where is your home, and who is there?"

Old Liu's face showed a happy smile as he said, "My home is in Qu County, Northern Zhili. I have a son, a daughter-in-law, a grandson, and a granddaughter."

Zhao Junchen smiled and nodded, saying, "You have a full house."

As he spoke, Zhao Junchen turned to Xu Qingyan and called out, "Qingyan, find some red paper or red cloth."

Hearing this, Old Liu realized what Zhao Junchen was going to do and looked flustered, waving his hands and saying, "Oh no, Young Master, you can't do that, you can't do that."

Zhao Junchen just smiled without saying anything.

A moment later, Xu Qingyan found a piece of red cloth. Zhao Junchen wrapped some silver coins in it, stood up, and handed it to Old Liu, saying, "Old Liu, you work hard for your money, and I can't eat for free. You're old, and this New Year's red envelope is for your grandchildren. Please don't refuse my gesture."

Although Old Liu wanted to refuse, the sight of the silver coins, which were more tempting than the usual copper coins, made him hesitate. In the end, he reluctantly accepted the gift and thanked Zhao Junchen repeatedly.

On the other side, seeing Zhao Junchen's kindness to Old Liu, Jian Shanchang was thoughtful.

After Old Liu left, Zhao Junchen sat down again and, looking at the bustling street, murmured, "When one is busy, time flies. I didn't realize it was already close to the New Year. Ordinary families must be preparing for the New Year by now."

Jian Shanchang smiled and nodded, then asked, "Sir, what gift do you plan to give to His Majesty this year?"

For ordinary people, the New Year is a time of joy and reunion, but for officials, it has a special meaning.

After all, Emperor Deqing's birthday is on the first day of the New Year!

At this time, it is a great opportunity for officials to curry favor with Emperor Deqing, and Zhao Junchen's gifts to Emperor Deqing have always been the best.

For example, last year, on Emperor Deqing's 54th birthday, Zhao Junchen gave him a birthday robe adorned with 540 small pearls forming ten "longevity" characters, which Emperor Deqing loved dearly.

Hearing Jian Shanchang's question, Zhao Junchen nodded thoughtfully and smiled, "I have prepared a few."

"A few?"

Jian Shanchang was taken aback. Zhao Junchen's gift this year was not just one, indicating that it would be a grand gesture again.

However, although he was curious, Jian Shanchang knew better than to ask.

At that moment, a familiar voice came from behind them.

"Xu Brother, you really came."

Zhao Junchen turned around and saw Liu Zimin, with Liu Rui, looking surprised, walking towards him quickly.

After yesterday's conflict, the relationship between the brother and sister seemed to have returned to normal. Liu Zimin walked confidently in front, while Liu Rui, carrying a large package, followed cautiously behind.

However, after greeting Zhao Junchen, Liu Zimin actually pulled Liu Rui to sit next to Zhao Junchen, while he sat next to Liu Rui, leaving a seat between them and Zhao Junchen.

Clearly, Liu Rui did not expect Liu Zimin to do this. After sitting down, she, who had never been so close to a stranger, felt a bit flustered and lowered her head, her pale face turning slightly red. She no longer showed the stubbornness of the previous day.

Seeing this, Zhao Junchen looked at Liu Zimin thoughtfully.

Clearly, Liu Zimin had misunderstood Zhao Junchen's words yesterday, thinking that Zhao Junchen had some other intentions.