Published at 21st of March 2020 03:40:49 PM

Chapter 239

Itwasdark at night when Minglanarrived at the Ancient StoneEstatethedaybeforeyesterdayso she didnt see the situation in thisEstateclearly . However, in the morning when all the servants came to give obeisance to her, she felt something wrong immediately . As Wu Guang, the chief steward, made a gesture, all the stewards behind him all knelt down and kowtowed to Minglan . No one dared to chime in when the room was quiet and when they replied to Minglansquestions, their words were very organized and clearly stated .

There were only two explanations for this situation . Perhaps all these people in the Ancient StoneEstatehad prepared for this like Yao Yiyi had done when thereweresome significant leaders arriving at her workplace or shefaced a sanitary inspection . Or . . .

WhenMinglanproposed to measure the land, Wu Guang also agreed with a calm look . He even had two registers, onefor the land andthe other forthe tenants . The landlords also started to get busy in order to help him .

Minglan lowered her head .

Nothing could be kept secret forever in this world . Anymanservantor tenant could speak out what she had done in the Black MountainEstate . So she couldntrepeat her action herethis time . She could launch a surprise attack in the Black MountainEstate, but not the Ancient StoneEstate . Whatwasmore, shedidntintendto keep all those thingsshe had done in the Black MountainEstatefrom others either .

Unlike the Black MountainEstate, the Ancient StoneEstatehad been confiscated long time ago and already categorized as the imperial property for ten years . Now there was an imperial eunuch taking charge of thisEstatenow . Since thisEstatebelonged to the imperial family,no one dared to look into this place no matter what happened here .

Nonetheless, Minglan would like to know how many secrets therewerein thisEstate . She also wanted to see how long those people were able to present a false appearance of peace and prosperity . The Cui Brothers went to measure the landlikebefore and Gongsun Meng was ordered to visit the tenants . In the meantime, MInglan chatted with the Chief Steward .

. . . Steward Wu, I never realize you arearelative of Eunuch Wu whos in charge ofEstateDepartmentin the Palace . Pardon my rudeness before . Minglan said that with a warm smile .

I dont deserve this, Madam . Im just a remote relative to Eunuch Wu . But that title didget me a job . Wu Guang bowed to Minglan and said reverently, After His Majesty rewarded thisEstateto General Gu, Eunuch Wu has asked me to work in theEstateDepartment . However, I have worked in thisEstatefor so many years and already become close to the people here . If you and General Gu could accept me, I am willing to stay here and work for youtwo .

Its so nice of you to propose that . Sir Wu, but you arearelative of Eunuch Wu . Im afraid that others mightaccuseusofviolating the rules if I keep you here . I dont want that to happen . Minglan said that with a hesitant look .

Wu Guangtriedtoavoideye contactandsaidtactfully, Im flattered, Madam, you dont need to address me so politely . However . . . My uncle is on good terms with lots of the eunuchs in the royal palace . They all said that General Guisa heroic person who never sticksto trifles . Everyone is willing to make friends with him . So I dont think people would gossip aboutyourfamily issues .

That was a very sophisticated speech . Minglan smiled and held the tea cup up, saying, Your words make sense . I am just a woman, I need to talk about this with Master .

After three days, the Cui Brothers and Gongsun Meng came to report . The spies which had been sent by the Tu Brothers also brought back some news . As Minglan heard them reporting, she couldnt help but wrinkle her eyebrows . Then she ordered someone to call Wu Guang over .

After the small talk, Minglan said gently, I have thought about this . Our family has our own rules just like this country has its laws . Gu Family never hired any outsider to manage ourestates . Besides, you can ask any family in the capital if they have the guts to hire a steward who has worked in an imperialestate . After all, thats against the principle .

The look on Wu Guangs triangularand pale face suddenly turned sullen .

. . . Sir Wu, if I keep you here, not only will other people mockmefor having nosense of propriety,butthe elders in the Gu Family will criticize me . Minglan bantered with him smilingly while observing his face through thescreen . She bet he wouldnt be willing to sellhimself to the Gu Family .

Hearing that, Wu Guangs face turned gloomy, but he restored his calmness right away and sighed, Madam, you do have a point . However, the tenants still owe theEstatelots of rents and money . If those debts arent paid off, I dont know how to explain tomy superiors .

Minglan was a bit stunned, because she never realized this man would be so bold . Suddenly, she heard a sound behind the partition board on the side of the hall . Then she glancedinthat direction while saying, How much do they owe theEstate?

Wu Guang who had already prepared for this replied right away, The rents which they owed to theEstateduring these years add up to twenty thousand ounces of silver . Sometimes when they get sick and dont have the money to see the doctor, they would borrow some silvers from theEstate . This sum of moneyis around fifteen thousandounces of silver .

Minglan was shocked by him, asking, Sucha huge amount of money!

Alas . . . Wu Guang sighed in a loud voice on purpose, The most important thing is the money they have borrowed . I dont have that muchmoney, so most of the time they would borrow the money from the nobles . Actually, themansionwas rewarded to General Gu last year, so their rents should also be paid to the imperial family .

Minglan clenched her fist and gritted her teeth . After she had calmed down, she saidina reluctant tone, Now this is difficult . Steward Wu, please think of a way for me . . .

Hearing that, Wu Guang let out a sighof relief secretly, thinking, Shes just a young and timid woman after all . According to his observation over the last few days, he found that Gu Tingye didnt always interveneinthe general affairs . He also found that Gu Tingye adored this young madamso muchthat he agreedtomost of her decisions . Thinking of that, he said fawningly, Madam, please dont worry . As long as I am here, Ill handle all the affairs for you!

Minglan asked him to leave with a smile . Then shespreadher hands which had been scratched by her own fingernails .

The nextfewdays, she didntsaya word about her conversation with Wu Guang and still ordered someone to inspect theEstate . When Tu Hu and Gongsun Meng got super angry after they knew more about what happened here and wanted to make troubles for Wu Guang and those landlords, Minglan still held them back .

After two days, in the afternoon, Gu Tingye suddenly came back . After he had taken off his heavy armor and bathed himself, he sat on theheatablebrick bed in aninformal suit while holding the tea cup, . . . The armory is organized . The military drill seems great . Although those soldiers are still not as disciplined as thosecommanded by Old General Bo, they are still presentable now . I let them have a rest for half a day . Tomorrow, His Majesty would come to review the troops .

Minglan brought the fruit which had been washed by the well water . Hearing his words, she chuckled and said, All of this is for presentation . What if His Majesty really assumes that everything goes well in the army? Wouldnt it be a problem whenhe wants to use military forces?

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