Chapter 600: Chapter 602: A Sentimental Moment
Hua Shunming’s words were merely self-comfort. He knew he had slapped everyone in the face this time, and they certainly wouldn’t take it lying down.
Empress Zhou reminded him, "Holy Emperor, these civil servants care most about saving face. Having been made a laughingstock this time, they will surely try to get back at you somehow.
"I worry they will cause trouble for you next."
Hua Shunming’s earlier excitement dissipated significantly at this moment.
’The Empress has a point.’ He just didn’t know where these people would make their next move. It seemed he also needed to make some preparations in advance.
This was a game of wits. Since it had already begun, he would not back down.
He didn’t continue gloating. After giving a few instructions, he left the harem with the Chief Eunuch and headed for the study.
＆
Ancient Wen Heng had no idea how the news of his impending departure had gotten out. Starting the day before yesterday, people had been constantly leaving gifts outside the government office.
The first person to be spotted immediately turned tail and ran, not forgetting to shout loudly that this was to thank the Lord Prefect for all he had done for the people over the years.
This was like a spark. Where there was one, a second followed, and soon there were more and more such incidents.
Outside the Prefect’s Office, dense rows of baskets could be found every day.
Some contained a few bundles of green vegetables, others had dried seafood, and some people even caught a chicken or a duck and put it in a basket.
As soon as Ancient Wen Heng learned of this, he had people stand guard outside.
But the common people wouldn’t let them refuse. They would always manage to turn around, drop the items, and run away.
And that wasn’t all. The local gentry, officials, and wealthy merchants also joined in, with the value of the thank-you gifts getting higher and higher each time.
Seeing that these people could not be dissuaded, Ancient Wen Heng had no choice but to borrow a few clerks from Jin Qianqian, as well as the government office’s accountant, and have them sit directly at the entrance.
Every single item received, no matter how small—down to a single needle or a thread—was registered and appraised.
Everything was listed on an inventory sheet, and a daily tally was compiled and posted on the public notice board.
All these items were converted into their value in Silver Tael and designated as funds for future repairs to the city walls.
Only then did the common people understand that the Lord Prefect truly did not accept gifts. Even items that were forced upon him would be used for the construction and betterment of Lu City.
This magnanimity and love for the people were deeply ingrained in their hearts. For the next hundred years, no official would ever surpass him.
In private, however, Ancient Wen Heng was not as calm as he appeared on the surface.
He hugged Jin Qianqian and bawled his eyes out. "I suppose I’ve finally been a Lord Qingtian.
"Even if there’s no trace of me in the history books later on, I feel it was all worth it."
Jin Qianqian could understand his intense emotion. When she first heard the news, she too had been deeply moved in the back courtyard.
She had witnessed Ancient Wen Heng’s dedication over these past few years. To receive the love and respect of the people here was what he deserved.
Jin Qianqian hugged him back, patting his back. "There’s still a long future ahead. If we can make a suitable difference with our humble strength, then let’s keep at it.
"Even if we can’t be immortalized in history, we can still have a clear conscience."
"Right, we must have a clear conscience.
"But half the credit for my achievements belongs to you, Madam.
"If Madam hadn’t supported me with all her heart, it would have been very difficult for me to achieve this."
Although Jin Qianqian was touched, she didn’t want to linger in the sentimentality. She changed the subject and teased, "Hearing such a corny line from you is actually a little scary.
"Didn’t you say we’re one and the same? Acting so formal all of a sudden is really awkward."
Ancient Wen Heng replied, "...Can’t you just let me be sentimental for a moment?"
"...You should just go back to normal. Seeing you like this is making me a little nervous."
...
Hearing the sounds of laughter and teasing from the inner chamber, Lichun and the others tiptoed even farther away.
＆
Tianfu Restaurant, Lu City
In the largest private room on the top floor, Ancient Wen Heng was waiting with He Gaofei and the other two men.
"Once we can’t work alongside Mr. Gu anymore, we’ll only be able to dream about the food at Heavenly Restaurant." Wu Yichen was feeling sentimental about everything now.
Ancient Wen Heng replied, "Gentlemen, you all should have amassed some personal wealth over the past few years. Besides, as far as I know, my wife’s Tianfu Restaurant has opened many branches. You can still afford to treat yourselves."
He Gaofei laughed and pointed out, "Our Mr. Wu just thinks it’s a pity he won’t be able to freeload on any more free meals.
"After all, whenever we go out with Mr. Jia, we always get the best service and the most meticulously prepared dishes.
"It’s not just Mr. Wu who’s reluctant to let that go; we all feel the same way."
Ancient Wen Heng shook his head with a smile. "So, it turns out that in your hearts, I’m just an accessory. What you gentlemen truly value is the food at this restaurant.
"Have I been flattering myself all this time? I guess the little gifts I prepared for you in advance don’t need to be given out then."
He Gaofei and the others’ eyes lit up. They knew very well that the man before them was not short on Silver, so anything he gave would naturally be extraordinary.
"No, no, the one this subordinate is most reluctant to part with is Mr. Gu," Lu Shenggen said, walking over and nudging Wu Yichen aside. "You, sir, have helped us build our political achievements and taught us the ways of being an official. If it weren’t forbidden, I would want to follow you forever."
Wu Yichen hadn’t expected Lu Shenggen to be so cunning, jumping ahead to claim credit. "Mr. Gu, don’t listen to his nonsense. Just the other day, I heard his wife muttering to him that no matter what, he had to get a post in Shangjing this time. She said she would accept it even if it wasn’t a promotion.
"And our devoted Mr. Lu has already agreed."
"Mr. Wu, you actually eavesdrop?" Seeing Lu Shenggen’s flushed face, He Gaofei joined in on the fun.
"How is that eavesdropping? The back office is only so big, and the two of them weren’t exactly trying to be discreet. I couldn’t have covered my ears in time even if I wanted to, so I couldn’t help but overhear a bit."
Lu Shenggen wished he could rush over and clamp a hand over his mouth. He really had no idea what other careless things he might have said that this man had overheard.
"Mr. Wu, you’ve gone too far now. I heard you arguing with your wife the other day, and I never said a word about it. This is a bit unfair of you."
Lu Shenggen knew he couldn’t let them go on.
Originally, their families lived close together, and with the back office being small, there really were no secrets between them.
They could have moved away, but in the previous year, they had all been bachelors here and had gotten used to the arrangement. In fact, they felt that living close allowed them to look out for one another.
Later, when their families arrived, they thought that staying together would help them all get used to life here.
As for the downsides, they had simply ignored them.
Now that Wu Yichen had been the first to pull back the curtain, they realized that none of their families had any secrets in the others’ eyes.
Ancient Wen Heng didn’t want them to keep bickering. If they got into a real fight, he would be the one to clean up the mess.
"It seems you really aren’t interested in my little gifts. In that case, I’ll just have someone put them away."
How could that be possible? The three of them shouted in unison, "We’re interested, we’re interested!"
