Reborn as the Blissful Wife in the countryside Chapter 1250: It’s Settled

Young Master Dou could no longer stomach it, and taunted, "Master Qi truly hasn't changed, even after not seeing him for ages. He's precisely the same as before."

There was no improvement whatsoever.

Master Qi felt quite awkward hearing this, but knowing he couldn't possibly offend the Dou Family, he simply feigned ignorance. He continued to smile at Master Ouyang, awaiting his reply.

Master Ouyang responded, "It is certainly possible, but my elder brother has grown old and does not often entertain visitors. Should your elder brother intend a visit, it might be my nephews or grand-nephews who would have the honor of hosting him."

Qi Chengfang displayed an interesting dichotomy. Towards those of lesser status, he adopted the pretense of a pristine lotus blooming atop a snowy mountain. Yet, when faced with individuals of higher standing, he transformed into a fawning sycophant, readily discarding all dignity and pretense.

Furthermore, Master Qi was not an inherently malicious person. He was merely inclined to seek advantages by ingratiating himself with powerful families. His elder brother, Qi Zhengfang, was also known for his integrity and modesty. Such a family would hardly dare to exploit the influence of the Ouyang Family for nefarious deeds.

Master Qi was ecstatic. "You are too kind, Master Ouyang. To have the opportunity to meet Lord Ouyang and the young masters of the Ouyang Family would be a tremendous blessing for our Qi Family!"

The 'Lord Ouyang' he referred to was Ouyang Hong's eldest son, who was two years senior to Ouyang Hu. This individual currently held the influential position of Minister of Rites in the Capital.

Young Master Dou, growing weary of Master Qi's incessant chatter, pulled him aside. "Master Qi, you should step aside."

One thousand taels of silver, and you believe it can yield such significant returns? Your scheme is far too meticulously planned.

Master Qi bore no anger, instead chuckling as he attempted to maintain his stance. "Young Master Dou, we meet again. What a remarkable coincidence."

Young Master Dou remained silent.

You are so remarkably lazy; you don't even bother to alter your flattering words. This is precisely what you murmured to Old Ouyang earlier, without changing a single syllable.

Master Qi presented an invitation. "We are old acquaintances, and it is indeed rare for Young Master Dou to visit our Prefecture. I am delighted and wish to host a banquet, hoping that both Young Master Dou and Master Ouyang will grace us with your esteemed presence."

Young Master Dou's face contorted, a clear urge to punch Master Qi evident. "Qi, you are scheming even against me! Unable to invite Master Ouyang directly, you use me as a stepping stone. You are truly something else."

Master Qi quickly interjected, "Young Master Dou, you misunderstand. That was not my intention at all. The banquet was originally planned with you in mind, and we merely invited Master Ouyang as he happened to be present."

Master Qi maintained his smile, offering the invitation with both hands.

Young Master Dou snorted dismissively. "I have no time. I will not be attending."

With that, he turned and walked away, retrieving a chair to sit beside Master Ouyang and assist him in sorting through the silver notes.

Master Qi seethed inwardly, yet he knew he could not afford to confront Young Master Dou directly. He understood that pressing the issue further could jeopardize the Qi Family's business interests.

Nevertheless, Master Qi redirected his attention to Gu Jin'an. He approached him, extending an invitation and repeating the same effusive words he had offered to Young Master Dou.

Gu Jin'an, showing no inclination to listen, accepted the invitation before Master Qi had even finished speaking. "I have taken the invitation, but I cannot guarantee I will be free to attend."

Master Qi felt a surge of frustration. You accept the invitation, yet utter such words? Is this not a slap in the face after offering a sweet treat?

However, he was aware of the reputation of the Gu Family—individuals so ruthless they would even deal with their own kin, a fact that instilled a sense of fear in him. Therefore, the only course of action was to smile and reply, "It is of no consequence. Should you be unavailable, I can always bring Brother Yun and Brother He to visit."

This was the advantage of knowing the location of the Gu Mansion. If he could simply arrange for his sons to meet Master Ouyang, the effort would surely be worthwhile.

Gu Jin'an listened and offered a simple reply: "Whatever."

"Qiao Xiaoer," Master Ouyang's voice resounded in the room, addressing the grandson of the esteemed Qiu Family in Linhe Prefecture. "Convey this message to your grandfather: 'The Qiu Family has been a noble lineage in Linhe Prefecture for centuries. Do not allow yourselves to be ruined by petty gains.'"

It wasn't merely the Sang Family of Linhe Prefecture; the Qiu Family was also involved. Old Master Qiu, unlike the head of the Sang Family, was avaricious and would undoubtedly seize any opportunity for profit.

Qiu Er listened, a smile gracing his lips. "Rest assured, Master Ouyang, I will most certainly deliver your message. While your words might sway my grandfather, influencing the Ying Family or the Zongzheng Family may prove more challenging."

After a moment's reflection, he added with a chuckle, "Upon further consideration, perhaps I should not have come at all. This is He'an Prefecture, and the noble families here maintain a watchful solidarity amongst themselves."

Having spoken, he bowed and departed, his dissatisfaction palpable.

Young Master Dou let out a sneer as he observed this. "Ha, a fool."

Are the local noble families in Linhe Prefecture insignificant? They are merely pawns for the formidable Rich Families. And with Young Master Ming Shaoqing holding sway in Linhe Prefecture, any local clan that dares to cross him will find themselves swiftly dealt with, their wealth confiscated and presented to the Emperor back in the Capital.

"Douzi, there's no need for further explanation. Go ahead and collect those silver notes," Master Ouyang stated. He had already dispatched a letter to his old acquaintance, Lord Yan San, tasked with persuading the local noble families in Linhe Prefecture. However, if they refused to comply, their subsequent fate would be of no concern to him.

Second Young Master Sang, after hearing their conversation, silently offered incense for the Qiu Family, having learned of their plight. Master Ouyang had made it abundantly clear that aligning with the Ying Family and the Zongzheng Family would lead to their doom, and the Sang Family had no intention of sharing their fate.

"Master Ouyang, this is a token from the Sang Family. Today's events were due to my family's oversight, and I hope Master Ouyang will not hold it against us," Second Young Master Sang conveyed.

Master Ouyang noted the Sang Family's contribution and remarked, "The Sang Family possesses kindness and benevolence; they shall undoubtedly be blessed."

Upon hearing this, Second Young Master Sang felt a surge of relief, immensely glad that Master Ouyang had not uttered any unfavorable words about the Sang Family to the Emperor, which could have brought about unforeseen disaster.

Bowing respectfully to Master Ouyang, Second Young Master Sang swiftly departed.

Master Ouyang and his associates worked diligently for an hour, finally concluding the donation drive. The outcome was truly remarkable, with dozens of individuals collectively contributing one hundred and sixty thousand taels.

Among the donors, Boss An and the Sang Family contributed the most, each exceeding thirty thousand taels of silver. The remaining contributions varied from one thousand to ten thousand taels, a sum sufficient to bring a smile to Master Ouyang's face.

With this considerable sum, their bank would be able to offer assistance to a greater number of farmers.

Magistrate Gu appeared pleased that Master Ouyang had successfully managed these influential local figures. However, he then added, "Master Ouyang, the magistrates from various Prefectures are awaiting your attention."

The magistrates from the Jianghuai Prefectures were anxious about tax revenues and were eager for noble families to establish banks. However, the banking models they envisioned differed significantly from Dou Ou Bank and carried the potential for serious future complications. Their only hope was for Master Ouyang to establish banks within their jurisdictions to provide support.

Young Master Dou, displaying visible annoyance, spoke plainly, "Wait for what? Can't you see Old Ouyang is exhausted? Magistrate Gu should send them back for now and we can discuss it tomorrow morning."