Uncle from a poor family

Chapter 770 is just an embellishment.
Sun You felt as if a huge weight had been lifted from his heart, and his whole body felt relaxed.

He sold his daughter, but for some reason, he felt incredibly at ease and hurriedly went to tell his daughter, who was waiting for him in Xishan, about this "good news."

When Sun Chengying learned that her elderly father had sold her for a good price after going out for a short time, she was shocked beyond words.

Not only was he shocked, but he also felt a deep disappointment in his family and was heartbroken beyond words—all his efforts over the years had gone down the drain and he had received no reward. Was the old man in front of him, who was happily telling him the situation, really his father?
"Father, do you know what you've done? Why did you treat your daughter like this... selling her to others like a commodity?" Overwhelmed with emotion, Sun Chengying burst into tears, her delicate face quickly becoming wet with tears.

Sun You originally thought he had accomplished something great.

But he regretted it as soon as he said it.

They only considered the practical interests of the family and didn't take their daughter's own opinions into account.

Then he thought of what Zhang Yanling had said: a daughter's marriage is entirely "arranged by parents and matchmakers." Why should he care so much about his daughter's thoughts?
No matter how well you plan, can you eat it?
Sun You put on a pitiful look and pleaded, "My dear daughter, you know the current situation at home. After I went to see the second young master of the Zhang family, I originally wanted him to be lenient and allow us to find a familiar family to run the mine together. That way, when the time is right, we can transfer the mine to that person and it will be considered an internal transaction without needing anyone else's consent."

Upon hearing this, Sun Chengying stopped crying and asked, "Isn't this a solution we've already agreed upon?"

"But they won't agree, what can I, as their father, do?"

Sun You sighed, "The Zhang family is selling coal mines on behalf of the imperial court. It was through my relationship with Zhang Guozhang that they gave us a certain discount, allowing us to acquire the mines at 20-30% of the market price. What an honor! If word gets out that we have acquired the mines, it will be considered a violation of the rules. How can they continue the bidding process then?"

"then you……"

Sun Chengying wiped away her tears, as if to say, even so, you can't sell your daughter for personal gain.

Sun Youdao said, "My original idea was to marry you into the Zhang family so you would have a good future, and then our two families would be related by marriage. But think about it, the Zhang family is very different now than before. They are of noble birth, so why would they just arrange a marriage for you? So I said, how about I let you go there as a concubine..."

"..."

Sun Chengying suddenly felt that her father was shameless. Going to someone else's house to be a concubine? The problem was, who would she be a concubine to? The two youngest members of the Zhang family weren't even married yet. Was she supposed to become Zhang Luan's concubine? Wouldn't that mess up the family hierarchy?
Sun You continued, "It's a pity that the second young master insisted that doing so would violate the friendship between fellow villagers and would be criticized by the world. He had no choice but to resort to this tactic... Otherwise, how could I, your father, take out five thousand taels of silver at once?"
"Here's what we'll do: if you really don't want to, go ahead first, and I'll redeem you once I've earned three thousand taels of silver from running the mine."

Sun Chengying trembled with rage, glaring at her father and questioning him in an icy tone: "If you sell your daughter into a living hell, even if you buy her back, will things ever be the same as before?"

Sun You pursed his lips and said, "Do you really think that Zhang Shi is heartless? The second young master said that after you go there, you won't have to be a concubine or a maid. You can go directly to Master Qin's place to learn a trade. He will let you go there and learn for three years. When the term is up, your father will take three thousand taels of silver to redeem you. He won't even charge interest."

"..."

Sun Chengying remained silent.

The old father not only sold her, but he did so with a clear conscience. He even paved the way for her future, ensuring she would have a good "home" in the future.
How could you, as the biological father, be so shameless as to betray your daughter?
Sun You asked, "My daughter, let me ask you this: isn't this the best choice right now? What better solution do you think there is?"
"You want your father to go out and borrow money to raise five thousand taels in a short time? Then let me ask you, what will the family use as collateral for the loan?"

Sun Chengying retorted, "So Father mortgaged his daughter and got three thousand taels of silver in return... Father, did you consider your daughter's feelings?"

Sun You stared at Sun Chengying with a bitter face for a while before saying, "My son, don't feel wronged. I'm asking you, have you ever considered how the family feels all these years?"

"Especially in the year or so since you came to the capital, you have become the head of the household business, handling so many transactions, but which one of them has made money?"
“If this were before, the family could have raised at least ten thousand taels of silver, let alone five thousand… Have you ever reflected on what the family has been through these past few days?”

Upon hearing this, Sun Chengying suddenly realized that she had unknowingly incurred the wrath of everyone at home.

Is the old father so keen on exchanging himself for silver because he feels he's not helping out at home, but rather quickly squandering the family fortune?
Perhaps feeling guilty for speaking too harshly, and feeling that he was about to part with his daughter but had still criticized her so harshly, Sun You continued, "My son, I'm not blaming you. Don't you really want to become a world-renowned merchant like that Master Qin? I don't think it's unfair of you to study under her for a few years."

"What if the daughter wants to get married?"

Sun Chengying asked, sobbing.

Sun You frowned slightly and said, "In the past few years, the family has been urging you to get married, but did you listen? Because of you, many things in the family have not been able to proceed! This is what your father thinks: in three years, you will only be around twenty years old, so it's not impossible for you to get married again!"

Despite saying that, Sun You already had a plan in mind.

Who says a father has to think about his daughter's marriage?
I've already sold you out; what's done is done. You're like water I've spilled; why would I care who you marry in the future?
Sending you away as soon as possible so your family can be relieved is the best outcome right now. I advise you, daughter, to be sensible and not cause trouble for either side.

“Father, I haven’t brought any substantial benefits to the family in the past few years, but I have at least been dutiful in managing the family business. Your heartlessness has truly chilled my heart.”

Sun Chengying almost wanted to cry, make a scene, and even threaten to hang herself, but she held back in the end.

Sun You said, "No matter what, this matter has been settled... I have signed a contract with the second young master of the Zhang family, and you will be a member of the Zhang family from now on!"

Upon hearing this, Sun Chengying immediately sensed that something was amiss.

Didn't we agree that it was just a temporary mortgage and that it would be redeemed later? But from what you're saying, it sounds like it's not a mortgage, but a one-time buyout.
Sun Youzai said, "The family will arrange for someone to help you pack your things, and we'll ask Master Qin to take good care of you later. We'll also need Master Qin's help with the mine operations in the future. With you there, it's like having another bridge for communication between the two sides. Daughter, in the future... please take good care of yourself."

At this point, Sun You began to wipe away tears, but they looked more like crocodile tears, lacking any sincerity, because the corners of his mouth were turned up, and he couldn't suppress them no matter what.

Seeing this scene, Sun Chengying couldn't help but wonder if her father was crying tears of joy because he felt he was about to be sent away and was finally free.
……

……

Zhang Yanling explained to Qin Zhao in person the matter of Sun Chengying going to study under Qin Zhao.

At this time, Zhang Yanling was on his way back to Beijing.

Qin Zhao and Zhang Yanling rode in the same carriage.

In this era, where men and women were strictly separated, it was completely unacceptable for single men and women to share a carriage. However, the problem was that Zhang Yanling had now become like a master behind Qin Zhao, so Qin Zhao didn't see anything wrong with doing so, and even used it to show that she had no reservations about Zhang Yanling.

After all, from any perspective, Qin Zhao becoming a front for the Zhang family, who are related by marriage, and following Zhang Yanling, who is in charge of the Zhang family, is not a loss for her.

"Second Young Master, you're making that Miss Sun feel utterly ashamed... With her pride and arrogance, how could she possibly be willing to learn the ways of business from me?"

Qin Zhao said with a smile.

She seemed to find it interesting too.

The thought of being able to subdue Sun Chengying and have such a proud and arrogant woman exist as his disciple made Qin Zhao not particularly resistant.

Zhang Yanling asked, "Master Qin, if you feel it's inappropriate, we can drop this matter. I'll find her another way out."

Qin Zhao remained noncommittal, then asked with a smile, "Does the Second Young Master think Miss Sun is worth three thousand taels of silver?"

This is a very pointed question.

To exchange Sun Chengying for three thousand taels of silver, do you really think this woman is made of gold from head to toe? No matter how you look at it, Sun Chengying is not worth that price.

Without even thinking about it, it's clear that the Sun family will have a hard time redeeming their daughter in the future, unless the Zhang family spreads some rumors outside to make the Sun family consider their reputation in Shilin and the local area, and they might give in... But the idea of ​​the Sun family having to come up with three thousand taels of silver all at once still seems unrealistic.

Moreover, there is a drawback to doing this. These rumors will not only hurt the Sun family, but also put the Zhang family in a bad reputation for taking advantage of others. It would be better to keep quiet. The result would be... a loss of three thousand taels of silver for nothing.

Zhang Yanling laughed and said, "My father has always felt a bit apologetic about my sister's broken engagement and wanted me to compensate the Sun family. Five thousand taels of silver was just a rule I set, to tell the Sun family that no matter how great the favor, five thousand taels was the maximum I could offer! But I never expected that the dignified Sun family would be unable to even come up with five thousand taels of silver now. It's quite unexpected!" "Yes, I never expected the Sun family to decline so quickly either."

Qin Zhao also sighed, "Back when I partnered with the Sun family in the grain business, they were one of the top families in Hejian Prefecture. Their accounts alone easily exceeded ten thousand taels. I don't know how they've managed to manage things these days, their assets have shrunk so much! However, if we let them sell all their land, they might be able to raise five thousand taels."

Zhang Yanling shook his head and said, "Land is the foundation of a family business. I don't think the Sun family would dare to touch the land, no matter how unwise they are. I won't push them too far and risk infamy. Since the Sun family can't come up with cash, we'll use our daughter to pay off part of the debt, and the rest will be an extra favor. I don't care whether the Sun family is willing to redeem the daughter or not. The key is that the rules haven't been broken."

Qin Zhao exclaimed, "The Second Young Master's considerations are thorough; I admire him greatly."

Zhang Yanling smiled and looked at Qin Zhao, saying, "Since she used to learn from you, you don't need to give her too much face in the future. Just discipline her strictly in the name of your teacher."

"And what happens after you finish your studies?"

Qin Zhao asked, "Does the Second Young Master intend to keep him by his side as an assistant?"

Is that necessary?

Zhang Yanling countered with a question.

Qin Zhao nodded.

These days, it's not uncommon for officials or powerful people to cultivate women into business associates, acting as their front men.

After all, women are relatively easy to control. In this agricultural society, women who lose their support find it difficult to make a living in the city, and no matter how much wealth or resources they have, it's all for naught.

But this is just the way most people think.

Someone like Zhang Yanling, with his vast wealth and powerful connections, could act with impunity. Given his extraordinary abilities, it seemed unnecessary for him to cultivate women as his front men.

To Zhang Yanling, women were at most just embellishments; how could he possibly want them to be on the main stage?

……

……

Unsurprisingly, Qin Zhao bought the largest coal mine in Xishan for a high price of 62,000 taels of silver.

This price truly surprised the merchants in Beijing...

Even if Zhang Yanling's mine looks good, it's not a long-term prospect. What if the court's policies change or the Zhang family loses power? Wouldn't all the money invested now be wasted?
This doesn't even take into account the potential for reduced production or major flooding accidents that could force the mine to close down.

Everyone thought Qin Zhao was incredibly foolish; this woman was simply wasting money.

But no matter what, anyone who hears about this will marvel at how Xishan is a place that produces gold nuggets. It also tells the world that the Zhang family is amazing, not only can they produce golden eggs, but they also have people supporting them. The merchants of Huizhou have spared no effort in helping them.

By the next day, Xishan had sold thirteen coal mines, raising a total of 460,000 taels of silver.

When the news reached the capital, the young emperor was so surprised that he could hardly contain his delight when Qin Ji personally told Zhu Youcheng the good news.

Zhu Youcheng asked with a curious look, "Does that mine really have such great magic that so many merchants flock to it?"

Even Li Rong and Xiao Jing, who were standing nearby, found it unbelievable.

The imperial court did nothing but send Zhang Yanling to Xishan for a walk, giving him the authority to act expediently, without even asking the court to spend a single penny... As a result, before the first batch of coal mines was even sold, it had already earned nearly 500,000 taels of silver.
Adding to the salt tax of about 1.2 million taels that Zhang Yanling had already reported to the Ming government treasury, it means that Zhang Yanling brought nearly 2 million taels of silver to the court from these two matters. It can even be expected that the figure will greatly exceed 2 million taels after the first batch of coal mines are sold.

Everyone thinks that Zhang Yanling's ability to make money is too strong; he's practically worth half a country on his own.

Qin Ji smiled and said, "When I first heard this, I also found it hard to believe, but the silver has already begun to be deposited into the treasury. Since the young imperial uncle has reported it this way, there shouldn't be any discrepancies. However, the young imperial uncle said that some of this silver may be used for mining new mines, as well as for... casting cannons, repairing rivers, and so on..."

"Let him be!"

Zhu Youcheng readily agreed, "This is money that Yanling raised himself, so it's best if he distributes it as he sees fit."

Seizing the opportunity, Li Rong hurriedly stepped forward and suggested, "Your Majesty, since the young imperial brother-in-law is so good at making money, he should be given an official position."

Zhu Youcheng smiled and waved his hand: "No need to rush, Yanling is still just a child. Actually, I have always hoped that he can study hard... Now that he has done so many practical things for the court, I really don't know how to reward him."

At this point, Zhu Youcheng couldn't wait to get up and return to Kunning Palace to tell his wife the good news.

Qin Ji added, “Your Majesty, there are actually two mines with the best conditions. The young imperial uncle has no intention of transferring them to the private sector. He plans to have the Imperial Household Department send people to operate and mine them themselves. In addition, even if the private sector temporarily takes over these mines, they will still have to pay taxes to the court every month. This is truly a long-term business.”

"Haha."

Zhu Youcheng smiled broadly and said, "That's exactly right. That's why I think Yanling is so thoughtful. Now that you mention it, I actually want to go to Xishan to investigate in person and see what's really going on."

Li Rong hurriedly advised, "Your Majesty, the Western Mountain area is rife with miasma and its inhabitants are of mixed character. It is really not advisable for you to go there."

Qin Ji also said, "Yes, Your Majesty, it will be fine if we, your servants, go and check on your behalf."

"Ah."

Zhu Youcheng nodded and asked, "Has Yanling returned? Is he still staying in Xishan?"

Qin Ji said, "They've already returned to the capital. After returning, they immediately went to oversee the cannon casting. It's said that the cannon casting workshops in the capital are working at full capacity every day. With ample financial support, the morale of the craftsmen has been boosted. It seems that they all know that if they succeed, they will earn money."

"Ugh!"

Zhu Youcheng sighed, “Whether they are artisans or common people, they are just trying to make a living. If they can support their families, why shouldn’t they work hard? Go and tell Yanling to come to the palace when he has time. I have missed him terribly since I last saw him a few days ago.”

Several eavesdroppers nearby were filled with envy.

Look at how well the brother-in-law and brother-in-law get along; it's so sweet and loving, I can't help but envy them.

They became closer than blood brothers, practically sworn brothers, helping each other and treating each other with sincerity...

Li Rong asked again, "Your Majesty, should we bestow rewards upon the young imperial brother-in-law?"

"This one……"

Zhu Youcheng pondered for a moment, then shook his head and sighed, "Yanling is a child who lacks nothing. I don't even know what to reward him with. But what I'm giving my father-in-law won't be too little."

"You need not worry about this matter; I will arrange it accordingly. Alright, I am going to see the Empress. The remaining tasks are yours to handle. If there are any difficult matters, we can discuss them when I return."

(End of this chapter)