Reborn as the Blissful Wife in the countryside Chapter 1246: Silver or Your Life?

"Oh, Master Ouyang, you’ve arrived! Please accept my humble greeting!" Su Vice Magistrate stammered, excitement rendering his words jumbled. It was no wonder Young Master Dou had kept them waiting for half a day; he had gone to invite Master Ouyang!

Now that Master Ouyang was present, the Vice Magistrate felt assured that those noble families and influential local clans would surely be suppressed. He felt so relieved that he was practically floating as he walked.

Master Ouyang, without wasting any pleasantries, directly stated, "Lord Su, no need for such formalities. The Prefecture's affairs are urgent; let us depart immediately."

"Yes, yes, we'll set off at once!" Su Vice Magistrate replied. He considered inviting Master Ouyang to share his carriage, but upon noticing the splendid carriage adorned with gold and silver carvings, prepared by Young Master Dou, he wisely kept his suggestion to himself.

County Magistrate Zheng had also received instructions from Magistrate Gu to head to the Prefecture. Recalling the Gu Family's considerable influence, he brought Luo Wu along to provide an escort and demonstrate their presence in the Prefecture.

As for the matters within the county government, they were temporarily entrusted to County Magistrate Fang and County Captain Jiang. County Magistrate Zheng had also requested Jiang Dahu's assistance to oversee affairs at the county government office.

"All lords, cease your dawdling! Let us depart quickly!" Young Master Dou boomed. With his command, the convoy soon began its grand procession, leaving the county behind and heading towards the Prefecture.

Embarking on swift horses, they traveled day and night, arriving at the Prefecture on the afternoon of the third day. Without a moment's rest, they proceeded directly to the Prefecture Government Office.

Magistrate Gu was already awaiting their arrival and, upon seeing Master Ouyang, exclaimed with overwhelming joy, "Master Ouyang, you have truly saved my life!"

The Ouyang Family was held in extremely high regard, revered by scholars across the land. Facing Master Ouyang, Magistrate Gu felt he could only address himself as a junior, not daring to assume the role of host.

Master Ouyang, having endured two days and nights in a carriage under the sweltering heat, had nearly succumbed to heatstroke. Fortunately, the Convenient Medicine provided by Gu Jin’an had sustained him. Seeing Magistrate Gu, he inquired, "Have those individuals arrived?"

Magistrate Gu responded, "They have been here for several days, patiently waiting. They mentioned that once Young Master Dou arrived, they were to seek an audience at the Shen Family's separate courtyard."

The Shen Family was related by marriage to the Founding Princess – they were the Dong Family, proprietors of Chushen Pharmacy. Due to this connection, Prince Consort Shen was granted the title of Marquis Rong’en, though it was not hereditary and would diminish over three generations.

Currently, their residence could still be referred to as a Marquis Mansion, but once the current Marquis passed, it would be downgraded to a Bo Residence.

Master Ouyang scoffed, "The Shen Family, as part of the imperial lineage, actually meddling in this affair... truly foolish!"

By draining Great Chu's resources in such a manner, were they not fearful of the Emperor's wrath, potentially leading to the confiscation of the Shen Family's assets?

The Founding Princess was long deceased, and the Emperor was known for his ruthlessness; he would show no leniency to relatives.

"Who from the Shen Family has come?" Master Ouyang inquired.

Magistrate Gu replied, "It is Elder Shen Si from the Marquis Rong’en Mansion."

Elder Shen Si? A mere illegitimate son, yet he dared to demand an audience!

Master Ouyang declared, "Go inform Elder Shen Si that in two hours, Young Master Dou and I will meet with everyone. Inform him it pertains to the Dou Ou Bank's shares. If he wishes to attend, he must hurry; we will not wait beyond the appointed time."

He then added, "Magistrate Gu, swiftly notify the other families. Let us resolve this matter promptly."

"Promptly?"

Magistrate Gu was taken aback. "Master, you are a Great Scholar; why do you speak such common vernacular?" However, realizing the current circumstances were not the time for such discussions, Magistrate Gu immediately dispatched messengers to summon the families intending to invest in the bank.

"Master Ouyang... the Shen Family is merely a pawn; behind them stand the Zongzheng and Ying Families. These are the truly formidable ones," Magistrate Gu cautioned after escorting Master Ouyang into the government office.

Master Ouyang listened and simply nodded, stating, "I understand."

"Understand? Just those two words?"

Magistrate Gu was deeply concerned. These two families were no ordinary powers, and he feared Master Ouyang might not be able to subdue them.

However, Master Ouyang seemed disinclined to elaborate further, forcing Magistrate Gu to suppress his unease.

Master Ouyang was utterly exhausted. While Magistrate Gu attended to notifying the relevant parties, he changed his attire, consumed some pastries, and took a brief respite.

Two hours later, Ah Song roused Master Ouyang, presenting him with a bowl of dissolved medicine. "This is the Gu Family's awakening pill. Take a few sips to invigorate yourself."

Master Ouyang accepted the bowl, drank a few mouthfuls, and shortly thereafter, rose and announced, "Let us proceed."

"Yes," Ah Song confirmed, then opened the door for Master Ouyang.

Young Master Dou, Gu Jin'an, County Magistrate Zheng, and several others were already in the courtyard, offering respectful salutes as Master Ouyang emerged.

"No need for formalities; let us go and meet them," Master Ouyang stated.

Young Master Dou remarked, "Old man, they've dispatched quite a delegation; don't let us down."

Master Ouyang chuckled, "Rest assured, today you will not be disappointed, only surprised."

And Master Ouyang certainly delivered. Facing a room filled with dozens of people, he showed no hesitation and immediately seized control of the narrative before anyone could utter a word. He sat down and declared, "You may deposit your silver with the bank; we will accept any amount. However, investing in the bank to increase interest is absolutely impossible."

"As for seeking a partnership to establish a new bank, I advise you to reconsider. Regardless of whether the forces behind you are members of the royal family or noble houses, those who provoke the Emperor on the matter of taxation will inevitably face confiscated property and extermination."

Master Ouyang then produced two letters, placing them on the coffee table. "These two letters, one from myself to my elder brother, and the other from Old Master Ming to me, are for all of you to read."

A wave of shock washed over everyone. To be permitted to view the letters? What could they possibly contain? Curiosity mingled with apprehension towards the Ouyang Family, leaving them hesitant to act.

Elder Shen Si sneered, seizing the two letters. "Since Master Ouyang permits it, I shall oblige and read them."

Elder Shen Si was seething with resentment. His father had always favored him, promising him significant assets even if the family title couldn't be passed down. However, his elder brother wielded too much power, controlling the family's enterprises for years, denying him any access.

This venture presented a golden opportunity for him to invest in the bank, accrue interest from the farmers, and seize their properties as repayment if they defaulted. Yet, Dou Ou Bank refused his participation.

Master Ouyang's sudden appearance felt like a further blow, inciting him to violently overturn a table in a separate courtyard out of sheer frustration.

However, both the Zongzheng and Ying Families had assured him that as long as he stood against the Ouyang Family, their banks would permit his investment.

Indeed, the Zongzheng and Ying Families had no intention of investing in Dou Ou Bank; they preferred to establish their own institutions and amass wealth independently.

Elder Shen Si recognized the formidable influence of the Zongzheng and Ying Families. Aligning with them promised considerable wealth without the need to defer to the Ouyang Family.

Thus, Elder Shen Si dismissively opened the letters. But upon reading both, his face drained of color, his legs grew weak, and he slumped into a chair.

The onlookers were stunned. Witnessing Elder Shen Si's drastic reaction, they realized the letters must contain something truly extraordinary.

Master Ouyang took a sip of tea, his gaze fixed on Elder Shen Si, and inquired with a smile, "Having read them, how do you feel? Do you prefer silver or your life?"