378, Eyeliner (8 updates)
“Shopkeeper!”
The manager softly called out.
Xie Zhinuan turned her head, her smile gentle, “Never mind, every pitiable person has their hateful side. I thought these people were pitiable and wanted to help them out if they were really good, giving them a job to lend them a hand. Now, it seems that my good intentions have gone unnoticed by all. Let it be, let it be, why say more!”
She shook her head with a sigh, “To speak further would be shaful!”
“Will we still look after these people?” the manager asked.
In one day, these hundred-plus people would consu flour, rice, and millet, which would cost over one tael of silver. The shopkeeper was wealthy, but this wasn’t the way to squander money.
Moreover, very few of these people were grateful.
“Let’s wait and see. So people genuinely have no other choice. I think even if we give them more, it won’t be for free this ti. I want them to earn their keep!” Xie Zhinuan had just finished speaking.
And then, it began to snow.
Feather-like snowflakes.
“Is this winter especially cold?” Xie Zhinuan asked.
The manager quickly agreed, “Indeed, extrely cold. Shopkeeper, what do you plan to do?”
“I need to think it over. Such a matter isn’t sothing I can handle alone. We need to have Magistrate Liu co over to discuss it!”
Soon enough, Magistrate Liu had been invited to ‘Kechanglai’, with Xu Xuanjin, Xuan Mu, and Wang Shaoyu accompanying him.
Since their last eting, Xuan Mu and Xie Zhinuan had seen each other a few tis, but had both kept their emotions in check. Even if Xuan Mu felt a strong love, he showed appropriate facial expressions. However, in his actions, he was quite suggestive, such as observing Xie Zhinuan’s dietary preferences and moving her favorite dishes in front of her, listening to her speak, and harmonizing with her, covering any gaps in her statents.
“Miss Xie ans to build a small village outside the town for the beggars, and you will provide the timber for the construction of this small village? The Governor’s Office will be responsible for the planning and then registering their households. If they have no family or reasons to return to their hotowns, they can settle here in Fengping County, and their household registration back ho will be removed?” Magistrate Liu asked.
“Many people probably won’t want to have their hotown registration removed. If we can make clear where they co from, give them a place here, once life becos bearable, they will leave on their own, will move out of that place on their own!” Xie Zhinuan paused slightly as she spoke, “Only those who are good-for-nothings… this ti we’ll trade work for housing, for food, so those lazy bones won’t have a way to slack off any longer!”
After reflecting for a mont, Magistrate Liu nodded in agreent.
Fengping County was affluent, and the Governor’s Office did have food supplies. Moreover, according to Xie Zhinuan’s intentions, this ti it wouldn’t be in her personal na but under the auspices of the Governor’s Office.
“Miss Xie, are you really not going to let the world know that this idea was yours?” Magistrate Liu inquired.
“There’s no need. In their eyes, I’m rely fishing for complints with my hypocrisy. I don’t want to explain myself, for the clean are clean and the dirty are dirty. If I were to worry about such reputations every day, I likely wouldn’t live long, I’d die of anger!” Xie Zhinuan said with a self-deprecating smile.
Considering her good intentions and how she was spoken of, if she had taken it to heart, she might indeed have been angered to the point of spitting blood.
Xu Xuanjin laughed, “It’s their loss, for not recognizing your true goodness. Our Miss Xie is genuinely kind-hearted, and one day, people will understand!”
“Well, we’ll talk about it then!” Xie Zhinuan said, and picked up her wine cup.
She gently clinked cups with Xu Xuanjin.
Afterward, she also toasted with Magistrate Liu, Xuan Mu, and Wang Shaoyu, “Now that matters are settled, I won’t linger. Please, enjoy yourselves, don’t waste this fine wine and food!”
Xie Zhinuan downed her drink in one gulp, set down her cup, and gracefully exited the private room.
“…”
Xuan Mu gazed toward the door, his eyes filled with affection.
Xu Xuanjin gave him a little tug, signaling him not to overdo it.
Xie Zhinuan belonged to Prince Kan, a fact known to all of Fengping County. Moreover, with Magistrate Liu, the Prince’s informant, in their presence.
Chapter 380
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