Chapter 432: Chapter 254: The Righteous Merchant

“Righteous Merchant”

For the first time in his life, Zhao Minglang was kneeling on the ground, receiving an edict, and it was all because of the honor brought to the family by the most unreliable third son.

What did he do?

He actually received the Emperor’s personally bestowed plaque of “Righteous Merchant”. Hang it up, it must be hung up.

“Young Master, you’re truly amazing!”

Qingsheng was full of pride!

His master was indeed very capable, young and promising, earning such a great honor.

“Qingsheng, buy some firecrackers, some candies, and exchange for two baskets of Copper Coins. When the plaque is hung up, let the neighbors and passersby share in the joy.”

“Understood, Young Master!”

Qingsheng swiftly went about his tasks.

“Third Brother, is it really okay to be so high-profile?”

Zhao Minglang thought that since this was the Emperor’s territory, being too flamboyant might attract envy, no?

“With a sign personally bestowed by the Emperor, how can we not be high-profile?”

Zhao Minghua’s face was full of pride. He had put in a lot for this plaque, spending about a year in the process.

This was something he deserved.

If it weren’t for this plaque, his wealth could have at least tripled.

“Third Brother, what on earth did you do to make the Emperor grant you a plaque?”

“I didn’t really do much, just discovered on the road to Northern Desert with Nuannuan last year, while passing through the Han State, that they produced grain there, and prices were cheap. So, I stockpiled a batch…”

Zhao Minglang’s eyes widened: Is this something that his unreliable third brother could have done?

“Was all this your idea?”

He found it hard to believe.

Knowing one’s sibling’s nature, it was clear as day.

If he were that smart, their grandfather and father wouldn’t be worrying about him all the time.

Who would have thought, the most unreliable third brother actually did something so big, bringing honor to the family!

“No, it was Nuannuan’s suggestion to stockpile grain, and later selling the grain at a fair price to General Xia. I just followed her plan.”

“You really married a good wife.”

Zhao Minglang felt a twinge of envy.

The third brother probably had some luck all along.

The Emperor loves his firstborn, but the people love the youngest.

The third brother was the Zhao family’s youngest, doted on endlessly since childhood.

He was given whatever he wanted and never had to do what he didn’t want to.

Unlike the eldest brother, who had to learn Tangtou Song and identify medicinal herbs at three, and by five, was taken by grandfather to practice pulse diagnosis and prescription; or himself, who started school at three and had been studying ever since.

The third brother seemed to be born just to enjoy life.

Such a person somehow married a smart and capable wife, who could not only manage the household and educate the children but also offer strategic counsel.

How many incense sticks must the Zhao ancestors have burned for the third brother to be so fortunate?

“Indeed, marrying a virtuous wife brings prosperity for three generations.” Zhao Minghua didn’t hide his thoughts: “Look, it’s more than just three generations being blessed.”

Earning a plaque of Righteous Merchant bestowed by the Emperor, the family records could have a page dedicated just for him!

In the future, the Zhao family records would state that Zhao Minghua achieved feats in Changzhou in XX year and XX month, the Emperor personally granted the Righteous Merchant plaque, with great contributions from his wife Xiao Chunnuan… hmm, must have grandfather write it so.

“Second Brother, you should also marry a good wife.”

Suddenly remembered: “Second Brother, whose daughter is the girl you fancy?”

“No one.”

Zhao Minglang didn’t admit this time: “The leave I requested from the Mountain Master is over; I should head back to the academy.”

Zhao Minghua… Fine, go read your books.

Judging by your state, only by reading more and gaining scholarly fame could you win a girl’s favor.

This fool, wish him good luck!

“Young Master, the firecrackers are bought, and the Copper Coins are exchanged. Young Master, please look…”

“There’s no time like the present. Let’s hang the plaque today.”

Zhao Minghua said, “Come on, let’s hang the plaque.”

As firecrackers were set off, they hung the plaque, and the neighbors all came out to watch the commotion.

They only knew this haunted courtyard was bought but didn’t know it had such a significant origin.

It was actually an Emperor-bestowed “Righteous Merchant”.

“No wonder they aren’t afraid of the haunted villa. Surely they must have done many good deeds to accumulate such merit. A person of integrity fears no shadow; evil spirits dare not come close.”

“Exactly, if you don’t do bad deeds, you don’t fear ghosts knocking on your door.”

“Zhao Mansion? Never heard of such a person.”

“Perhaps you don’t know how this Righteous Merchant title was earned?”

“Saying it like you know?”

“Indeed, when General Xia led the army to quell the rebellion, the Changzhou rebels defended fiercely, using civilians as shields, putting General Xia in an unprecedented predicament.”

“The civilians inside the city and soldiers outside had no food. Later, this Mr. Zhao volunteered to sell his stockpiled grain at fair prices to the General, who then used it to lure the townsfolk to open the gates to survive, allowing General Xia to win without a fight. Hence, Mr. Zhao’s great contribution.”

“So that’s how it was.”

“But he didn’t sacrifice much; he sold at a fair price to General Xia, not donated.”

“You speak without thinking; it was tons of grain.” Someone spoke up for justice: “They are a small merchant family. That amount of grain might be their entire fortune. Had he not sold it at fair prices, he could have easily sold it for two or three times the price to desperate civilians, becoming one of the wealthiest in Changzhou without exaggeration.”

“However, he did not; he chose to sell at a fair price to General Xia, essentially relinquishing the opportunity to become a Changzhou magnate. Isn’t such a broad-minded person deserving of praise?”

“Indeed, Mr. Zhao’s great justice; he is a true Righteous Merchant.”

“Right, if it were me, I couldn’t have done what he did, watching money slip by; it’s not a common mindset.”

“Therefore, the title of Righteous Merchant, he fully deserves.”

The onlookers’ discussions warmed Zhao Minghua’s heart deeply.

These are the insightful and smart people!

Those who lack ability but still criticize how he should do things are either foolish or malicious.

“Congratulations, Mr. Zhao.”

“Congratulations to you too, come, have some candy, share the joy.” Zhao Minghua enjoyed interacting with such smart people, personally distributing candy while instructing Qingsheng to scatter lucky money.

At the gate of the Righteous Merchant Zhao’s mansion, people gathered in circles upon circles.

“Lucky money, hurry, Zhao Mansion is scattering lucky money.”

One told ten, ten told a hundred, a hundred reached thousands, and the Zhao Mansion’s gate became tightly packed.

Qingsheng grabbed the Copper Coins and tossed them out.

The crowd frantically scrambled.

“Mr. Zhao, wish you great wealth.”

“Wow, I grabbed so many Copper Coins, such a generous young master not flourishing would defy logic.”

“Mr. Zhao, wish your sons literary success in securing the top rank and military prowess as generals.”

Having benefited, they naturally spoke auspicious words.

“Thank you, thank you, and may you all prosper, healthy and safe.”

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep