Reborn as the Blissful Wife in the countryside Chapter 1247: Two Slaps

~5 minute read · 1,355 words
Previously on Reborn as the Blissful Wife in the countryside...
Master Ouyang and his retinue arrive at the Prefecture to handle urgent matters concerning the Dou Ou Bank. They are met by Magistrate Gu, who briefs them on the situation with the investing families, including Elder Shen Si from the Marquis Rong’en Mansion, who is backed by the powerful Zongzheng and Ying Families. Master Ouyang convenes a meeting, asserting that increased investment and interest rates are impossible and that challenging the Emperor on tax issues leads to ruin. He presents two letters, one from himself and one from Old Master Ming, which have a dramatic effect on Elder Shen Si, leaving him pale and weakened.

Shen Si harbored a desire for both wealth and continued existence, but after perusing the two missives, the thought of requesting silver never crossed his mind.

The Shi family, residing in the Prefecture, could no longer contain their impatience. Old Master Shi cast a meaningful glance at Boss Fan, who then posed a question to Shen Si: "Elder Shen, what insights do the letters reveal?" They were clearly eager for the information, so a mere paling of fright was insufficient; an immediate verbal disclosure was expected.

Shen Si shot a furious glare at Boss Fan, barking, "Silence!" What right did a mere merchant possess to question him?

Though incensed, Boss Fan dared not display his ire, offering a placating apology: "My apologies, please restrain your anger, Elder Shen." Old Master Shi merely knitted his brows, compelled to suppress his vexation and impatience, and continued to wait.

The cultivated families of He'an and Linhe Prefectures, showing outward composure despite their internal anxiety, remained seated, feigning disinterest to avoid any potential reprimand.

Master Qi was also in attendance and, feeling apprehensive, discreetly tugged at the sleeve of Boss An beside him, seeking counsel on the appropriate course of action. Boss An nonchalantly flicked his sleeve away, maintaining an impassive demeanor.

Master Qi inwardly cursed, "How fortunate for you, Third Son An, to now disregard me. Just the other day, you were all smiles when discussing a potential partnership. Truly, a merchant's word is unreliable!" After directing his silent imprecations at Boss An, Master Qi covertly observed Gu Jin'an. When Gu Jin'an's gaze met his, Master Qi hastily clasped his hands in a gesture of respect.

Regrettably, Gu Jin'an completely overlooked him, feigning ignorance and appearing to roll his eyes as he turned away.

Master Qi felt a pang of despair. He perceived Shen Si and the others as callous, akin to wild beasts. However, the Shen family commanded the prestige of royalty and founding nobility, a standing his own Qi family could not rival. Thus, he was constrained to follow and play the part of a subordinate.

Shen Si, having regained his composure, clutched the letter and sneered, "Master Ouyang, this letter was penned by yourself to Elder Ouyang. Its success remains highly uncertain. Must you hastily alarm everyone in such a manner? Have your stratagems been exhausted, resorting to scare tactics?"

He continued, "And this other correspondence, the current head of the Ming family is Junior Minister Ming, rendering the letter from Old Master Ming utterly unreliable." For a decade, the Ming family had been a source of apprehension, largely due to the formidable Junior Minister Ming, infamous for his brutal methods that spared no one, not even high-ranking officials or members of the Imperial Family.

In stark contrast, Old Master Ming presented as a gentle and easily manipulated elder when compared to his formidable descendant.

Master Ouyang offered a smile and beckoned to Shen Si, "Come here."

Shen Si hesitated, reluctant to comply, but considering Ouyang Hu's esteemed reputation as a renowned Great Scholar and a leading figure among scholars, he dared not risk offending him due to the potential repercussions. He approached, looking down at the portly elder, and inquired, "Master Ouyang summons Shen; what profound wisdom do you wish to impart?"

Master Ouyang smiled, rose, and stated, "No profound wisdom, merely..."

With two swift, forceful slaps, Master Ouyang struck Shen Si twice. Then, with a resounding thud, he kicked the bewildered Shen Si to the ground. Looking down at him, Master Ouyang declared, "This is solely to impart a necessary lesson to you, who have behaved like a beast."

"Elder Shen!" Approximately seven-tenths of the individuals present rushed to Shen Si's aid, swiftly forming a protective cordon around him, preventing him from rising to attack Master Ouyang. The assembled officials, including Vice Magistrate Su, Judge Tang, and Magistrate Zheng, were rendered speechless. They questioned, inwardly, "What has gotten into you, sir? Has your time in the countryside emboldened you to such an extent?"

Magistrate Gu, however, was not taken aback. He possessed prior knowledge of certain incidents during Master Ouyang's travels. Master Ouyang, an avid traveler, had cultivated swordsmanship for self-defense and had once publicly executed a wicked individual abroad after witnessing a grave injustice.

Magistrate Gu discreetly wiped sweat from his brow, casting a sympathetic glance toward Elder Shen Si.

Having administered his 'lesson', Master Ouyang calmly wiped his hands and returned to his seat.

Seizing the opportunity while Elder Shen Si was incapacitated, Master Qi quickly scurried forward to bow before Master Ouyang, whispering, "Master Ouyang, we meet again; it is fate. You must aid me; I am innocent!" Having spoken, he hastily retreated to his seat, not sitting but facing the direction where Shen Si had been kicked, assuming an expression of concern.

Young Master Dou observed this display with a silent contemplation, thinking, "This Qi fellow must be the reincarnation of a turncoat, constantly shifting his allegiance."

Magistrate Gu intervened to restore order, personally assisting Shen Si to his feet. "Elder Shen, I implore you to calm yourself. We are all gathered here today to support the farmers of Great Chu. Let us all be seated and discuss this matter." His words were exceptionally diplomatic, earning appreciation from everyone present, including Shen Si.

Shen Si, recognizing the futility of confronting Ouyang Hu directly, swallowed his indignation and declared, "Ouyang Hu, do not presume upon your elder brother's influence among the scholars and within the Imperial Family..."

—• Ladies and gentlemen,• since Shen Si is unwilling to divulge the letter's contents,• let me find someone to read it to you,—• Master Ouyang interjected Shen Si's refusal,• took the letter from Shen Si,• and handed it to Master Qi.

—• Master Qi nearly fainted from apprehension,• gazing at Master Ouyang in panic• —• Are you deliberately trying to get me killed, sir?• How could I possibly dare to read such a correspondence?!

—• Boss An stated,• —• Master Qi,• since it is Master Ouyang's request,• read it forth boldly.•

—• If one desires Master Ouyang's protection,• shouldn't one pledge their allegiance at this juncture?

—• Scores of gazes in the chamber were fixed entirely upon Master Qi,• however, many individuals present possessed status,• thus they did not perceive Master Qi as a genuine threat,• their intense glares urging him to proceed with reading the letter posthaste!

—• Master Qi, with no alternative,• reluctantly took the letter,• his hands trembling as he commenced the reading• …

—• Well over a quarter of an hour elapsed,• before he finally concluded Master Ouyang's correspondence to Ouyang Hong,• and this singular letter alone managed to subdue everyone present.

—• Elder Sang from the esteemed Sang family of Linhe Prefecture expressed disbelief,• •Master Ouyang,• are you genuinely intending to cede Dou Ou Bank to the Emperor?• This is not exclusively your establishment,• and initiating a bank is no simple undertaking;• how can you simply relinquish it?

—• Furthermore...

—• Elder Sang Er cast a look towards Master Ouyang,• subtly reminding him,• •Such a precedent could potentially...• The Master comprehends.

—• Considering the Emperor's known proclivity for acquiring funds,• the offering of a bank might incite him to target all banking institutions within Great Chu,• and even commercial shops,• thereby causing substantial financial ruin for those affluent families.

—• The Court Ministers concur with augmenting taxes on farmers,• while deliberately omitting shop taxes,• stipulating that all court officials possess shops,• and any targeting of these businesses would result in the greatest personal losses for themselves.

—• Everyone tacitly safeguards their own enterprises,• yet Ouyang Hu proposes surrendering his bank,• an act of self-destruction rarely witnessed.

—• However, Master Ouyang declared,• •I am aware this is not an ideal solution,• but it is the only way to prevent you all from establishing additional banks to provide loans to farmers,• ultimately seizing their assets to settle debts,• such barbarous actions!•

—• Master Ouyang gazed upon them,• •Both courses of action are detrimental,• but relinquishing Dou Ou Bank to the Emperor inflicts harm upon yourselves;• only when you experience genuine pain will you cease your excessive behavior.•