Chapter 741: Chapter 741A Test
Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation
Granny Yu was waiting at the palace gate. When she saw them enter, she immediately smiled and greeted them with a simple bow. “Masters and madams, please come in. The Empress has been waiting for you all since early in the morning.”
“Thank you for leading the way, Granny Yu.” Zhou Ying smiled.
Granny Yu smiled and led them to the rear palace. On the way, she even briefly understood the situation in her hometown.
As soon as they arrived at the entrance of the Jinhua Palace, where Consort Xian lived, she came out to welcome them.
“Greetings, Consort Xian.” Everyone immediately stepped forward and bowed.
“Cousin brothers, cousin-in-law, and auntie, please get up. There are no outsiders here.” After Gu Wanning finished speaking, she helped Zhou Ying up personally.
Mrs. Liu felt extremely sour when she saw this, but she had also heard that Gu Wanning could get to where she was today because of the help of the couple, so she could only suppress this discomfort.
After entering the house, Gu Chengrui introduced them to Gu Wanning.
After Gu Wanning greeted them individually, she asked someone to show them a seat.
She looked at Mrs. Liu and asked, “Eldest Aunt, I heard that Grandma’s health is not good. I wonder how she is now?”
“She’s getting on years and isn’t as strong as before.” Mrs. Liu replied.
When Gu Wanning saw this, she beckoned for Chun Xi to take out two identical gold hairpins and hand them to her. “I can’t head back to pay my respects, so I’ll have to trouble you to take care of Grandma in the future. It’s a small token of my appreciation. I hope you like it.”
“Consort Xian, you’re too kind. Don’t worry, we’ll definitely take good care of the old madam.”
No matter what, she was someone who had seen the world. With one look, she knew these two hairpins came from the famous Dexing Building in the capital. They were much more expensive than ordinary gold hairpins.
“As long as you like it.” After Gu Wanning finished speaking, she asked Gu Chengen and the other two about the clan’s situation.
The three of them also asked her about her situation briefly. The main thing was to express their willingness and let her speak if there was anything in the future.
When they were almost done chatting, the Emperor walked in.
“What do you think?” The Emperor asked Gu Chengsi after briefly understanding the situation between the three of them. “I’ve read your answer sheet. What do you think the country needs to develop the most other than agriculture?”
Gu Chengsi clenched his fists nervously because he knew the Emperor was giving him a chance on Consort Xian’s account.
If he performs well, he might be a.s.signed an official soon. Otherwise, he would have to wait for a long time.
Thinking of this, he pondered for a moment. He thought of the new article last year that forced marriage at an age and replied, “I think it’s manpower.
“No matter if it’s agriculture, commerce, the military, or any other industry, it depends on manpower. Without the manpower to work and create, it’s all empty talk.”
“Any more?” The Emperor nodded.
“There is also business. Only when business is prosperous as soon as possible can people’s lives improve.
“Just like the pier in our Qingshui Town.
“Once the dock opened, not only did the town become active, but even the poor could earn some money to support their families.”
“Scholars, farmers, merchants, and businesses support each other.
“How should I put it? It should be said that each has its own use.
“Scholars, farmers, and workers could form a country, but if people wanted to exchange what they needed and wanted to live a good life, they could not do without merchants.
“Just like the tea industry, it would be even more difficult for us to drink tea without merchants.
“There’s also rice and silk from the south. Without merchants, it would be difficult to transport them to the north.
“I feel that merchants are a bridge connecting all the country’s corners.
“With them, we can feed a large number of people..”