Chapter 164: Plaque
Sounds of knocking and hammering came from outside, the kind of commotion only made when officers from the government office mobilize.
People from Peach Blossom Workshop heard the noise and ran to the doorway to join the lively scene.
The government office’s team drew closer and closer, finally stopping at the doorway of Peach Blossom Workshop.
“Boss Su, come out quickly…” An aunt ran into the shop and said to Su Yaoguang, who was busy in front of the shelves, “County Magistrate is here, standing at your shop’s doorway!”
“Magistrate Chen is here?” Su Yaoguang was surprised and strode out.
When she saw Magistrate Chen leading a group of constables standing at the doorway of Peach Blossom Workshop, she hurriedly bowed: “Greetings, Magistrate Chen.”
Magistrate Chen helped her up: “Boss Su, Great Benefactor Su, Su Living Bodhisattva, please rise quickly. You are now the goddess in the hearts of the people, and I cannot accept your courtesy!”
“County Magistrate, please don’t say that, I’m embarrassed.” Su Yaoguang said, “What is this…”
“Everyone at Peach Blossom Workshop has done such a great good deed, benefiting the people and saving the suffering. We represent the people of the entire city to present this plaque, hoping you will accept it.”
Zhang Zhaodi and others looked at the plaque, carefully discerning the characters on it: “What kind of family is it, what’s the second word?”
Zhang Pandi and Jia Chunni shook their heads.
Several pairs of eyes turned to Zhang Yingdi, who smiled and said: “A family that does good deeds.”
“There’s also the government office’s official seal on it.” Wang Huanzhi explained from the side.
“This is great, I need to think about where to hang it.” Zhang Zhaodi was overjoyed.
She saw Zhong Lanhua and Jiang Yihuan and others standing at the doorway of Fenghua Pavilion, and proudly tilted her head toward them, striking a victor’s pose.
“Lord, how many of these plaques are there? Do all the major shops have them?” Zhang Zhaodi asked.
“Of course not.” Magistrate Chen said, “The conditions promised to the major shops before are being fulfilled as agreed, but this plaque is one that only Peach Blossom Workshop qualifies to receive.”
“You flatter us, Lord. We only did what we should have done.” Zhang Zhaodi was even happier. “I believe if it were anyone else, no one would stand by and watch death happen.”
The surrounding people clapped and cheered.
In the face of great disaster, not everyone has such awareness. Peach Blossom Workshop’s kind deed is not a small favor, but a great righteousness that saves lives.
Amid the sound of gongs and drums, the government office people carried the plaque inside. Magistrate Chen said many words praising Peach Blossom Workshop’s good deed, and declared that the government office would pay special attention to such benevolent merchants. If the shop encountered any trouble, they should just report it to the government office, and they would rush over immediately to handle it.
These words were just short of openly telling others that Peach Blossom Workshop had the government office’s protection, and those without eyes should not cause them trouble anymore, or the government office would be the first to object.
“What’s there to be proud of?” Zhong Lanhua said sarcastically, “Once Xiao Ci passes the exam and gets an official position, he will definitely become a high official. Our Fenghua Pavilion’s backer is much greater than theirs.”
“Mother…” Jiang Yihuan looked at Zhong Lanhua, “I want to settle the marriage engagement.”
“What do you mean?” Zhong Lanhua asked, “Didn’t we say before? If Xiao Ci passes as a xiucai scholar this time, we will settle your marriage engagement. If he can’t even pass as a xiucai scholar, what is there to settle? Just marry Manager Qian’s son Qian Yongqiang early.”
“Xiao Ci has been a bit cold to me lately.” Jiang Yihuan said, “I’m worried that the one surnamed Wen has stolen his heart.”
“Impossible. You’re at least a pure young lady, while that one surnamed Wen is a broken shoe. Any man with a bit of brain wouldn’t choose her over you, would he?”
Jiang Yihuan still felt uneasy.
However, Zhong Lanhua’s concern was also valid. If Xiao Ci couldn’t even pass as a xiucai scholar, she would only suffer if she married him.
Su Yaoguang and others hung the plaque in the main hall of the shop, visible as soon as one entered the door.
This was their honor, so of course they had to show it off well.
After seeing off the government office people, Su Yaoguang and others brought out a batch of new goods for discounted sale, letting both new and old customers of their Peach Blossom Workshop share in their joy.
“Everyone, our goods are limited in quantity, so we can only bring out twenty pieces of each, until sold out, no more after that.”
A few days later, Peach Blossom Workshop officially opened for business, and Zhou Wangshu returned to the academy to continue his studies.
On the day Zhou Wangshu returned to the academy, Su Yaoguang personally escorted him there.
“Young lady Su, our academy is holding a polo match today. Wangshu is back just in time—have him play. Do you want to stay and watch him play polo?” Zhong Chushan asked.
“Would it be inappropriate for me to stay here? Would it affect his performance?” When Su Yaoguang asked this, she looked toward Zhou Wangshu.
She knew Zhou Wangshu’s studies at the academy were mediocre, and his six arts of the gentleman were also mediocre, with almost no outstanding qualities. If Zhou Wangshu didn’t want her to stay and watch him play polo, she could use it as an excuse to leave, sparing him from losing face.
“No, the academy is open to the public today, and scholars can invite their family members to watch the match. Look, people are already arriving now.”
Su Yaoguang looked toward the doorway and indeed saw more and more family members entering the academy, searching for their relatives everywhere. She also spotted Jiang Yihuan in the crowd.
Su Yaoguang leaned close to Zhou Wangshu: “Do you want me to stay?”
Zhou Wangshu raised his eyebrow and said arrogantly: “Up to you.”
“I’m mainly worried about you losing face.” Su Yaoguang said, “If you fall off the horseback later, or get hit by the ball and cry, if I’m there, not only will you be embarrassed, but I’ll feel ashamed too.”
Zhou Wangshu: “…”
He grabbed Su Yaoguang’s ear and gently twisted it: “Watch closely later. I’ll win for you to see.”
“Alright, alright, Young Master Zhou.” Su Yaoguang coaxed him like coaxing a child.
Zhong Chushan and Chen Buyu looked at each other and smiled.
Zhou Wangshu was going to change into his riding outfit and discuss tactics with the upcoming teammates, but he was pulled away by Chen Buyu and Zhong Chushan.
Zhou Wangshu came out after changing into his riding outfit and happened to meet Xiao Yanci, who was wearing a white riding outfit, face to face.
Xiao Yanci didn’t expect Zhou Wangshu to return to the academy so soon. He eyed the red riding outfit on Zhou Wangshu, a mocking look flashing in his eyes.
This time they were divided into two teams. Xiao Yanci was in charge of the white team, and Zhong Chushan was in charge of the red team. However, with Zhou Wangshu back, Zhong Chushan directly handed over the command to Zhou Wangshu.
Everyone in the academy didn’t know how truly formidable Zhou Wangshu was, but Chen Buyu and Zhong Chushan had seen it. Now, both the Zhong family’s industry and the Chen family’s industry had Zhou Wangshu’s touch, and the business was much better than before, making it fair to say it was raking in gold daily.
The two teams of men and horses appeared on the polo field.
The audience seats not far away were already full of people.
As soon as the competing members entered the field, many people immediately started shouting their names there.
Zhou Wangshu also searched for Su Yaoguang’s figure in the crowd, but he didn’t find her.
Chen Buyu and Zhong Chushan also noticed.
“Could it be that Young Lady Su went back?” Zhong Chushan said, “Or does she really fear seeing Wangshu lose, so she doesn’t want to stay and watch his match?”
