Reborn as the Blissful Wife in the countryside Chapter 1243: Add More Money

"On the very next day the bank commenced operations, Boss Hu himself made an appearance. He presented us with twelve thousand taels of silver, stating he desired no share, only to offer assistance to the local farmers." Young Master Dou, ever the shrewd negotiator, subtly highlighted Boss Hu’s generosity with silver, refraining from directly comparing it to the Xu Family’s contribution.

He concluded by emphasizing, "Boss Hu displayed not only great virtue but also remarkable thoughtfulness by directly providing silver. This saved us the inconvenience of dealing with silver notes, as farmers require actual currency."

Elder Xu’s countenance became rather complex upon hearing this. He wished to force a smile to ease the awkwardness, but his anger was too potent, leaving him with a decidedly grim expression.

Xu Zhao Ming quickly interjected on behalf of his family, "Young Master Dou, our Xu Family comprises numerous clan members and relatives, along with many employees and tenant farmers. These households also require silver for tax payments. My grandfather extended loans to them, hence our family’s silver reserves have significantly diminished. Consequently, we can only offer seven thousand taels in silver notes... Please do not perceive this as insufficient."

Elder Xu grew even more incensed by his grandson’s words. How could his cherished, scholarly grandson be compelled to swallow his pride and offer such an explanation to Young Master Dou?

This Young Master Dou was simply too overbearing. They had already provided the silver; why did he persist in belittling their family? Was there no end to his amusement?

Indeed.

Young Master Dou, swamped with recent activities, had been working himself to exhaustion, poring over accounts daily until his vision blurred. Belittling others provided him with a peculiar sense of satisfaction.

Gu Jin’an gently shook his head and addressed Elder Xu, "Young Master Dou possesses a certain temperament; please do not take offense, Sir."

As he spoke, his gaze shifted towards Young Master Dou.

Noticing Gu Jin’an’s signal, Young Master Dou instructed Dou Zhi to present several calling cards to Elder Xu. He said, "Take these, Sir. During critical moments, you may seek assistance from the Dou Family’s establishments or the local government offices using these."

He maintained numerous business interests across Jiangnan, and the government offices there were expected to accord him a degree of respect.

Elder Xu was deeply touched. Clutching the cards with trembling hands, he expressed his gratitude: "Young Master Dou, this old man thanks you."

And also Gu Jin’an...

"My good Brother An, Grandpa Xu is grateful to you."

Had it not been for Gu Jin’an’s intervention, Young Master Dou would not have so readily offered the Xu Family his calling cards.

This marital alliance truly bore fruit; even though the Xu Family was merely affiliated with Gu Dexing’s Yue Family, Gu Jin’an still extended them his consideration.

Elder Xu then gestured towards the two food containers on the table, stating, These are homemade nourishing tonics and some cakes for sustenance. Please partake before you resume your busy schedules."

Young Master Dou cast a glance and instructed, "Dou Zhi, take these to the rear courtyard for Brother Xing and the others to enjoy."

He had no intention of consuming them himself; who could say if food from the outside had been tampered with?

Elder Xu, being a perceptive individual, recognized that the matter had been resolved without Young Master Dou harboring any ill will. He took his leave, saying, "The bank has numerous affairs to attend to; I shall not linger any longer."

Precisely as he finished speaking, a contingent of government officials arrived at the bank’s entrance. Luo Wu entered, inquired for Young Master Dou in the adjacent room, and then proceeded directly inside.

After a brief observation of the Xu Family’s grandsons, deeming them trustworthy, he stated plainly, "Young Master Dou, Good Brother An, the Vice Magistrate of the Prefecture has arrived, and the County Magistrate requests your immediate presence at the county government office."

Young Master Dou closed his eyes and smacked his forehead. "Gu Jin’an, what kind of mouth do you have? You mentioned it just last night, and it’s happening today! I absolutely do not wish to go to the Prefecture!"

Gu Jin’an had mentioned the previous evening that Magistrate Gu would soon summon him to the Prefecture to discuss matters concerning the establishment of new banks in various regions. At that time, other Prefecture magistrates would undoubtedly return, and he would be unable to evade the summons.

Elder Xu’s eyes gleamed. The Vice Magistrate of the Prefecture personally escorting Young Master Dou to the Prefecture? This was no small honor.

Luo Wu, indifferent to Young Master Dou’s displeasure, urged, "Young Master Dou, Good Brother An, please prepare yourselves swiftly and accompany me to the county government."

Gu Jin’an nodded and said to Young Master Dou, "Brother Dou, let us depart."

Since avoidance was impossible, it was best to address the situation promptly.

A look of clear displeasure crossed Young Master Dou’s face, but he could only nod, following Luo Wu and the others as they exited.

Elder Xu did not prolong his stay. He departed the bank, boarded his mule cart, and instructed Xu Zhao Ming, "Upon our return, convert three thousand taels of silver and remit it to Dou Ou Bank."

"Send more?" Xu Zhao Ming frowned, questioning, "Grandfather has stated that this era is unfavorable for earning silver, advising us to conserve funds for unforeseen circumstances?"

Elder Xu shot him a stern look. "Your naive outlook is apparent. Did you not hear that the Vice Magistrate of the Prefecture personally extended an invitation to Young Master Dou? This Master Dou is no ordinary merchant; following the establishment of his bank and his initiative to provide loans to farmers, he has transcended his merchant status and is now hailed as a righteous hero. Even scholars and eccentric individuals, who typically disdain others, refrain from branding him a profiteer. Such a protector, and our family has formed a connection through Brother Xing – we must nurture this relationship."

Elder Xu clutched the name cards bestowed by Young Master Dou. "What is the harm in parting with some silver? With these connections, those ruffians from the Prefecture and Jiangnan will find it difficult to suppress our Xu Family. Even offering ten thousand taels of silver to Young Master Dou represents a profitable investment."

"I understand. Your grandson shall attend to it immediately upon our return," Xu Zhao Ming affirmed, then inquired, "And what of my elder sister's dowry? Are we still planning to reduce it?"

Following the revelation of the tax matters, Elder Xu foresaw impending chaos in Great Chu. His intention was to hoard the family's silver, leading him to initially consider diminishing Xu Zhong’s dowry.

Elder Xu became visibly agitated, his hand raising as if to strike Xu Zhao Ming. "Reduce it? Your cousin has finally secured an advantageous match. How could we possibly diminish her dowry? Curtail household expenditures and your personal extravagance, but do not touch Miss Zhong’s dowry funds."

Xu Zhong now serves as the Xu Family’s crucial link to the Gu Family, the Ouyang Family, the Dou Family, and even the Zheng Family. To slight her now would be unthinkable.

The dowry must be substantial, ensuring Gu Dexing treats her with utmost respect. Consequently, should Great Chu descend into turmoil, the Xu Family can anticipate extensive protection from the Gu Family.

"The fiancé of Good Brother An’s second sister is Commander Qin, a favored general under General Guo. Even the young General Guo himself graced the engagement ceremony… Should Great Chu face adversity in the future, those wielding military power will be our true guarantors," Elder Xu imparted to Xu Zhao Ming, revealing his cunning, fox-like foresight as he elucidated these strategic alliances.

Xu Zhao Ming was struck with astonishment upon hearing this. "Grandfather’s foresight is truly remarkable."

Indeed, in contrast to the family-trained Protectors, the soldiers under Commander Qin and his direct ties to the Prefecture garrison represent the genuine strength capable of offering them refuge.

Elder Xu’s heart swelled with pride as he observed his grandson’s comprehension, deeming his months of personal tutelage worthwhile. He had successfully guided the young man away from naive foolishness and toward an understanding of harsh realities.

Nevertheless, Elder Xu issued a final instruction to Xu Zhao Ming: "Do not hasten to dispatch the silver. Prepare it, but await Young Master Dou’s return to the bank before presenting it. This will allow you to meet them and gauge the situation within the Prefecture firsthand."

An 'Old Fox'!

The words materialized in Xu Zhao Ming’s mind. Perceiving the disrespect inherent in the thought, he swiftly lowered his gaze, offering a silent apology, "Grandfather, I beg your forgiveness."