Chapter 725 - 498: Preparing to Leave

Chapter 725: Chapter 498: Preparing to Leave

Time flew by, and the year-end was approaching. During this period, the busiest were Jiang Hu and the second lady; almost every day, someone visited them.

Especially after the cassava harvest, a large amount of cassava starch was sent to the Capital City, and Liu Ze’s sweet shop also opened as scheduled, receiving great acclaim.

Originally, cassava starch was white, but because it was white, it was easier to dye into various colors and flavors.

This snack, which can be made into various colors, became immensely popular as soon as it emerged, particularly among wealthy madams and young ladies who adored it the most.

Alongside the sweet shop, various potato dishes also opened their doors.

When everyone learned that these potatoes and cassavas were discovered and promoted by Jiang Wei, the bustling Marquis of Agricultural Affairs estate became even more crowded.

Besides various officials and dignitaries, countless merchant tycoons also visited, all with the purpose of exploring the unknown prospects that the Jiang family might discover in the future, which could bring immense profits.

For a period, Jiang Wei chose not to leave the house. But whenever he did, he would always encounter all sorts of people, compelling him to stay home all day.

This winter, with the rise of sweet and snack shops, the Jiang family’s status in people’s minds rose another notch.

Even the Liu family didn’t escape the frenzy. Nearly every day, crowds gathered at their gateway, hoping for a share of the profits from the sweet and snack shops.

This forced Liu Ze and Xiaoxue, who initially planned to stay at the Liu family until they left the Capital City next year, to take Little Bun back to their parental home.

At least this way, they could deter a portion of people from coming forward to disturb them. Plus, Little Bun’s grandmother and uncle often visited the Jiang’s residence.

Before the New Year, the second lady sent a gift to the palace in the name of the Marquis of Agricultural Affairs estate—a cross-stitch depicting hundreds of birds paying respects to the phoenix.

Honestly, it wasn’t technologically sophisticated or high-class, as it was jointly stitched by several female members of the family, even Zhou Ying helped.

Nonetheless, its novelty couldn’t be denied, for the stitching method was unique, seen for the first time.

The colors were also bright and vivid, sprinkled with some gold powder, from afar it looked radiant and very conspicuous.

The most important thing was its auspicious symbolism—hundreds of birds paying homage to the phoenix, an honor only the empress could claim under the heavens.

Of course, trading a cross-stitch for a heap of rewards was indeed worthwhile.

For the next two months, nothing different happened with the Jiang family, as people still schemed to forge connections with them.

Invitations for Jiang Hu to dine and drink, invites for the second lady Zhou Ying to flower shows and tea parties, while Xiaomi led a recluse life, either lying on the bed out of boredom or spending half a day in her personal space.

She simply didn’t want to deal with those people.

Zhou Ying, however, managed the social scene with deftness among the madams and young ladies, earning Xiaomi’s admiration. She truly embodied the grace of an official’s daughter, unlike her, a simple country girl.

But during this period, the most intriguing thing was the rumors of the Jiang family’s adopted son being engaged to the fourth young lady.

Wei Ziang had been preparing for months in this bustling frenzy, yet why had the wedding matter seen no progress?

Many speculated privately, some even whispered whether it was off, prompting direct and indirect inquiries with Zhou Ying.

But Zhou Ying easily sent them away.

Moreover, Wei Ziang hadn’t moved out of the Jiang family, only visiting his neighboring estate occasionally, never staying overnight.

Despite the oddity, onlookers felt the situation hadn’t soured.

Perhaps preparations were ongoing.

This matter was soon overshadowed by the upcoming Imperial examinations as scholars readied themselves for a lifetime opportunity to showcase their learned skills and make their mark.

Having reached this stage meant one was already an erudite and talented individual. Yet, simply possessing such qualities wasn’t enough, as passing the Spring Examinations was only the start, participating in the palace examination marked the real beginning.

The Jiang family finally enjoyed some peace, but as Jiang Yu entered the exam hall, Jiang Hu and Wei Ziang ventured into the palace.

Coming to the Capital City was easy, yet leaving wasn’t a matter of mere desire.

Fortunately, they had already found the best excuse and reasoning upon arrival.

The Jiang family, of course, had relied solely on their fieldwork for their rise and merits. Staying in the Capital City, cooped up in the marquis estate, served no purpose; only in the fields could they apply their true value.

The Jiang family’s wish to return home was understandable, especially since everyone knew that remaining in the Capital City hadn’t benefited anyone or built any meaningful connections.

Thus, the Jiang family’s decision to leave faced little opposition; as they left, no one gained favors nor did others benefit.

For Wei Ziang, things were a bit tricky since people from the Ministry of War hoped he’d stay in the Capital City to make cannons.

But Wei Ziang was well-prepared, presenting a previously drafted plan to the emperor, explaining in detail how expanding maritime trade could bring substantial benefits to the Xuyu Dynasty.

Xuyu Dynasty had records concerning the sea, acknowledging realms beyond their lands.

However, such books remained rare treasures, only seen by a few who knew about these matters.

Wei Ziang learned about this after joining the Ministry of War, through conversations with colleagues. It was also why he drafted the plan.

Most importantly, Xiaomi had been researching large ships based on books, making some achievements, as Liu family’s second large ship had already launched; this was known throughout the Capital City.

Otherwise, why was the Jiang family in such high demand when a single large ship could generate countless profits? Moreover, Liu’s family possessed direct shipbuilding crafts and blueprints.

Not only the Jiang family but Liu madam’s craftsmen were deemed incredibly valuable.

Wei Ziang stayed in the Imperial Study Room for a full hour, successfully gaining permission to leave the Capital City, even suggesting that if needed, some craftsmen could be taken along.

However, he declined this for now, choosing to address it once settled.

Meanwhile, as they prepared, Liu madam handed over maritime region data to the Jiang family.

Thanks to the Jiang family, Liu madam’s business had grown significantly over the years, spanning the entire nation; obtaining such data posed no challenge.

Not only Liu madam, even the emperor specially ordered documents compiled and sent to the Jiang family, recommending suitable places for their ventures.

As these tasks concluded, the Spring Examinations results were released, followed closely by the palace exam. This event allowed Jiang Yu, this seemingly "low-key" eldest son of the Jiang family, to gain significant attention!

[This Chapter in the Capital City is finally over; I know it’s been painful to read and write about. Goodbye, Capital City — never again!]