Chapter 193: Financial Backing

Chapter 193

Financial Backing

One night, after Ye Tianpeng had gone to bed, Nie Ying took out a wooden box and handed it to her husband. Kang Wang, who was about to retire for the night, was surprised to see his wife offering him the box. Nie Ying smiled and said,

"This is a special gift that Sister Nie Shuang asked me to give you."

Today, a messenger from General Song had delivered gifts to celebrate the birth of the young prince, along with a letter from Nie Shuang.

"We’ve already received the gifts for Ye Tianpeng. Why is there something for me as well?"

"Open it, and you’ll understand, Your Highness."

Curious, Kang Wang opened the wooden box to find it packed with promissory notes.

"What...what does this mean?"

He looked at Nie Ying in astonishment. She smiled warmly and explained,

"Sister Nie wants you to know that she fully intends to keep the promise she made to you. Please accept this token of her support."

Kang Wang didn’t immediately respond. He picked up one of the promissory notes, all worth tens of thousands of taels, stacked together in neat piles.

"With such a vast amount of money, how can I possibly accept this? Furthermore, the Yong An Hou has always remained loyal to the Emperor, refusing to take sides in court politics. If I accept this, it would compromise the neutrality of the Song family,"

Kang Wang refused sternly, aware of how this money could greatly aid his ambitions, yet not wishing to burden his friend’s family.

"This money didn’t come from the Song family, it all comes from the tea trade."

Even though she had explained this, Kang Wang remained uneasy.

"This is money earned through the hard work of your sister. How can I accept it? While I may have goals, I am not willing to achieve them by any means necessary. I don’t want to cause her any trouble."

"As expected, Sister Nie knew you would say this. She specifically asked me to tell you that she hasn’t forgotten the promise she made. Your ambition is noble, and she wishes to be the wind beneath your wings."

Kang Wang recalled that she had indeed said those words before. He hadn’t expected a young woman, not yet twenty, to fulfill her promise so completely. While the Zheng family fully supported Kang Wang, they were a family of scholars. Despite having many disciples, who became officials in high positions, they were modest and lived a reclusive lifestyle. Wealth was not their strength, and their long-term plans were focused on cultivating people, not generating money. Without financial backing, their plans would be slow to bear fruit.

Kang Wang himself was a leader with a strong sense of morality. Though Huangjing City and Nan Fang province were prosperous, he had no intention of using the state treasury for personal gain. With this sum of money from Nie Shuang, his and the Zheng family’s plans could be advanced much more smoothly.

As he pondered over this, Nie Ying handed him a scroll.

"This is a list of businesses in the capital that have trade relations with Xiangyun Tea House. During her time in the capital, Sister Nie forged connections with these establishments. Many are owned by powerful families, some by noble families. Through business ties, she has formed alliances with influential families, both in terms of trade and mutual benefits. They are all now our allies. Should you require any assistance, you may seek it through Xiangyun Tea House in your capacity as a business partner."

Kang Wang was astonished when he received the scroll and unfurled it to examine the contents. It was a list of significant families in the capital, many of which typically stayed out of business themselves but employed trusted managers to oversee their enterprises. It was hard to believe that Nie Shuang had managed to establish connections with these powerful families in such a short time during her stay in the capital.

"Sister Nie has always admired and agreed with your methods, Your Highness. This is a letter she asked me to give to you."

Lastly, Nie Ying handed him a letter. Kang Wang carefully read the letter.

Nie Shuang’s handwriting wasn’t particularly elegant, but the strokes were bold and confident. The letter was filled with suggestions. Nie Shuang emphasized the importance of education and trade, believing that if Kang Wang supported these two areas, it would lead to tangible progress for Huangjing City and the Nan Fang province. Although Huangjing City already had academies, they were mainly for those aspiring to become government officials. She proposed creating basic schools for the children of ordinary citizens so they could learn to read and write, and providing financial aid for talented but impoverished individuals. In doing so, Huangjing would become a city filled with knowledgeable and capable people. On the subject of trade, she pointed out that prosperous empires throughout history had always promoted commerce. Cities with thriving merchants attracted wealth and invigorated their economies, fostering competition and improving the quality of life for the people.

As Kang Wang read her letter, he began to form a clearer picture in his mind. Although she used some terms he didn’t fully grasp, he could see the broader vision. He carefully folded the letter, his expression full of respect and admiration.

"Yingying, your sister is truly remarkable."

Nie Ying smiled at her husband.

"Sister Nie agrees with your decision not to compete with Rui Wang and Jun Wang. They have strong supporters in high-ranking positions. Political battles in royal court are not your strength, but building a solid foundation through the people’s trust is a more sustainable path."

"Yingying, don’t you wish for Jun Wang to become emperor? After all, he is your cousin, and the Mu family is still your family. If you ever want to reconcile with them, I will support you."

Nie Ying shook her head.

"Family is not about blood alone. As long as there is love and affection, those who aren’t related by blood can be even closer than family. My family is Sister Nie Shuang and you, Your Highness."

"I know you have no desire for a life in the inner palace, and I just wish to have only you by my side. I will receive Nie Shuang’s help and follow her advice to bring prosperity to the people. As for everything else, let fate decide,"Kang Wang said as he embraced his wife. The two of them fell asleep in each other’s arms, content and at peace.