Chapter 744 - 746: Currying Favor
Chapter 744: Chapter 746: Currying Favor
"Soap Workshop?" Mrs. Liang He breathed a sigh of relief. It didn’t conflict with the shop she was preparing to open.
However, the name ’Soap Workshop’ sounded somewhat familiar. She turned her head and asked the maid beside her, "I think I saw it on a gift list before, right?"
The senior maid hastily replied, "Madam, this item was indeed on the gift list sent over by the Gu Mansion previously.
"However, you had someone pack everything away into the storehouse at the time, and none of it was ever used."
"What kind of item is it?"
"This servant did take a few glances at it," a younger maid nearby chimed in. "That day, along with the gift list, Mrs. Gu also included a sheet of instructions. It is used for cleaning.
"Furthermore, it was categorized very meticulously, including variations for cleansing the face, washing hands, laundering clothes, and the like."
"Then go back and find it so I can take a look," Mrs. Liang He said. Reminded like this, she suddenly recalled that there was indeed such a matter.
It was just that on that day, she had felt they were all inconsequential items—perhaps merely some local specialties Jin Qianqian had brought over from somewhere—and hadn’t paid it any mind.
Until the second day, when this Soap Workshop quietly opened for business in East City. Some people bought a few out of curiosity to try, and from there, there was no stopping it. The originally obscure little shop gradually became bustling with activity.
"This place is still too remote. We’ve been selling soap for so many years, yet here it is still completely unheard of," Lichun said, looking at the account book. She couldn’t hide the smile on her face no matter how hard she tried.
"It’s because the distance between the two places is simply too far, and traveling merchants are reluctant to come this way.
"I think we’ll probably need to hire more people for our Soap Workshop. Otherwise, it won’t be long before supply fails to meet demand."
Minghai reminded Lichun from the side, "Later, let’s ask the masters if we should buy a few more older female servants."
Lichun deeply agreed. Holding the account book and the entire day’s earnings, she led her people back toward the mansion.
「Meanwhile, in He Xi County.」
Gu Wenheng didn’t expect that the moment he entered He Xi County, he would see Ning Yuchen.
"Mr. Gu, you’ve had a long and arduous journey. Please come this way."
"Where is your Lord Prefect?" Gu Wenheng asked.
"To answer you, Mr. Gu, Lord Luo went to inspect the terraced fields in various areas a few days ago and accidentally sprained his ankle. He is currently resting in his residence and was unable to come greet you, so he specially sent this subordinate to welcome you here."
The only reason Ning Yuchen could represent the Lord Prefect to welcome guests here was because he had taken the imperial examinations in the same year as Gu Wenheng and they had served in the Hanlin Academy together. Relying on this connection, he was able to bypass the Vice Prefect and take charge of receiving Gu Wenheng’s party.
Gu Wenheng immediately asked with concern, "Sprained his ankle? What did the doctor say? He must rest well."
"It was mainly because the mountain roads were too rugged. He wasn’t paying attention and sprained it. However, a doctor has already seen it, and it’s nothing serious. He just needs to rest for a few days, and he’ll be fine.
"Lord Luo has already prepared a welcoming banquet at the government office. My lords, please come this way." In order to show off his close relationship with Gu Wenheng, Ning Yuchen deliberately walked right beside him.
"Mr. Gu, it’s been some time since we last met. Have you been well?"
"Thank you for your concern. Let’s go see Lord Luo first!" Gu Wenheng replied.
A flash of humiliation and anger crossed Ning Yuchen’s face. Without even turning around, he could feel the mocking expressions of his colleagues.
He secretly hated Gu Wenheng for not giving him any face, but due to their difference in status, he could only swallow his anger and lead the way with a fake smile.
"Lord Luo," Gu Wenheng said as soon as he arrived at the government office, seeing Prefect Luo waiting at the entrance, being carried by several Government Officials. "I’ve troubled you to wait here."
The two sides exchanged pleasantries before entering the county government to take their seats.
The simple reception actually made the smile on Gu Wenheng’s face even more sincere.
Prefect Luo had the food and dishes cleared from the table, then had the account books from recent days placed on top. "This subordinate’s body truly is somewhat disappointing, to have an accident on such an important day. I hope for your forgiveness, Mr. Gu. These account books have been prepared for some time. Please review them."
Gu Wenheng instructed the Gu Family Brothers who had followed him to move the account books aside to calculate them, before making small talk with Prefect Luo.
"I’ve long heard that He Xi County has many mountains and few villages. Coming all this way, I have truly been astounded."
Gu Wenheng thought about their journey here. Sometimes, for two whole days, they couldn’t find a village to lodge in, and they had to travel through the wilderness for two consecutive days. He felt deeply moved by this.
"Sigh, this is also a matter of distress for this subordinate. As soon as winter begins, the wild animals from the mountains occasionally run down and ravage the farmland. In previous years at this time, the various government offices were endlessly busy.
"This year, thanks to your blessing, Mr. Gu, you brought in the Border City Commander to help clear out some of them, allowing the commoners here a chance to catch their breath."
Prefect Luo spoke these words with utmost sincerity. In previous years, this time of year gave him the biggest headaches, but this year was actually much more relaxed.
"In that case, when the time comes, I will submit a memorial to the throne, requesting that the Border City Commander lend a hand to manage the situation every year from now on," Gu Wenheng said.
Hearing this, Prefect Luo struggled to stand up and bow. "Mr. Gu, you are immensely kind. This subordinate thanks you on behalf of the commoners of this region."
Gu Wenheng quickly supported him to sit back down. "Lord Luo, you do me too much honor. Taking charge on behalf of the people is fundamentally our duty..."
Ning Yuchen continuously cast sidelong glances in their direction. Gu Wenheng truly gave him no face at all. From the moment they met and exchanged greetings to now, Gu Wenheng treated him like a complete stranger.
When he first took office, he had mentioned to his local colleagues more than once that the Inspector General, Gu Wenheng, used to work with him. With Gu Wenheng acting like this now, how was he supposed to get along with these colleagues in the future?
He gnashed his teeth in secret resentment, but he still had to look for an opportunity to step forward and ingratiate himself.
Seeing that the two were having a great conversation, he took a pot of tea from a small official and personally walked over to refill their cups.
Gu Wenheng simply treated him as a serving small official, fully focused on discussing the progress of the terraced fields with Lord Luo.
Finding a gap to insert himself, Ning Yuchen suddenly spoke up when they paused. "Mr. Gu, I wonder if you’ve corresponded with Brother He Nan?
"It’s a rare chance for us to be stationed in the same area. Going to Dao Province all by himself must be a bit lonely for him."
A look of displeasure flashed across Gu Wenheng’s face, but he said, "In this world, separations and reunions happen every day.
"Mr. He is also faithfully executing his duties for the Holy Emperor in Dao Province. Lord Ning, you absolutely must not speak such nonsense."
Ning Yuchen didn’t expect that instead of closing the distance between them, he would be met with a reprimand. The smile on his face could barely be maintained. "Yes, it was this subordinate speaking nonsense."
Prefect Luo glanced up at him and spoke up to smooth things over. "Lord Ning, my body is incapacitated, so I must trouble you to entertain the other lords."
Ning Yuchen knew this was an out being offered to him. He lowered his head and hastily complied.
Once Ning Yuchen left, Prefect Luo finally said, "I heard previously that Lord Ning was on quite good terms with you when you were both in the Hanlin Academy, so this subordinate thought of having him entertain you, Mr. Gu."
"We are mere nodding acquaintances," Gu Wenheng said, not intending to say more. He changed the subject and asked about the government affairs of He Xi County.
Prefect Luo smiled. Instantly understanding the deeper meaning, he followed Gu Wenheng’s lead and continued his briefing.
Gu Wenheng stayed in He Xi County for a few days, then led his people to the border city to express his gratitude to the Border City Commanders.