Read Novel Full Chapter 963 - 69: Recruiting Female Workers
Chapter 963: Chapter 69: Recruiting Female Workers
Before the Dragon Boat Festival, Liang Run’s wife, Mrs. Jiang, brought their son and daughter into the palace to pay respects to Lady Liang.
When Zhao Yao was nine years old, Liang Run finally married, not to the daughter of an official or wealthy family from Yangzhou, but to a descendant of Prime Minister Jiang from the previous dynasty, who had been wrongfully exiled to Lingnan.
In the previous dynasty, the Jiang Family was a well-known official family, having produced three Prime Ministers and a Grand Commandant, along with many officials of the third or fourth rank. Unfortunately, they encountered an incompetent emperor, and Prime Minister Jiang was wrongfully accused, leading to the family’s exile to Lingnan. From then on, the Jiang Family declined.
Soon after the Jiang Family was exiled to Lingnan, the previous dynasty fell into chaos. Although Lingnan was far from the mainland, it was still affected by the turmoil, causing many deaths. Initially, few survived the journey into exile, and the subsequent chaos meant few Jiang Family members survived. Fortunately, after the establishment of the Great Zhou, the turmoil gradually subsided, and Lingnan became more peaceful. The Jiang Family settled in Lianhua Prefecture in Lingnan and gradually multiplied over the years. Today, the Jiang Family is considered a prominent family in Lianhua Prefecture, with significant local influence and respect.
When the Great Zhou was newly established, the late emperor rehabilitated many wronged from the previous dynasty, including Prime Minister Jiang. Unfortunately, Prime Minister Jiang had long passed away and did not live to see the restoration of his honor. The late emperor decreed that Jiang’s descendants be allowed to return to the capital, but they declined the offer.
The Jiang Family had long distanced themselves from the capital and were living well in Lingnan. To them, Lingnan was their true home, and they did not wish to return to the capital and get embroiled in its intrigues. After experiencing the trauma of exile, the Jiang Family was fearful, truly fearful, seeking not wealth or high position but only peace and safety.
The late emperor, upon learning that the Jiang Family did not wish to return to the capital, did not insist. Instead, he issued a gracious decree appointing Prime Minister Jiang’s great-grandson as the Governor of Lianhua Prefecture.
The Jiang Family was grateful for the emperor’s decree and diligently safeguarded Lianhua Prefecture. Over the years, they managed the region meticulously.
Perhaps the Jiang Family’s luck had run out in the previous dynasty, as the surviving descendants in Lingnan did not inherit their ancestors’ intelligence or abilities. They were mediocre, lacking the extraordinary wisdom of the forebears. Although they stewarded Lianhua Prefecture, they did not achieve remarkable success. Among the twelve prefectures in Lingnan, Lianhua Prefecture was only of average status.
The late emperor initially believed that Prime Minister Jiang’s descendants might achieve great things in Lingnan, as Jiang had once done, but was disappointed when their governance skills fell short. He lamented this, and thereafter paid no more attention to the Jiang Family in Lianhua Prefecture.
After deciding to come of age and be ennobled, Zhao Yao sent Liang Run to Lianhua Prefecture to find Prime Minister Jiang’s descendants. Subsequently, they pledged allegiance to Zhao Yao.
Liang Run frequently visited the Jiang Family, gradually becoming acquainted with Miss Jiang. Initially, Miss Jiang was not of age, and Liang Run hadn’t considered marrying her. Later, when she came of age, her parents, seeing her affections, asked if Liang Run was interested in marrying their daughter.
Initially, Liang Run regarded Miss Jiang as a little sister. Even after she came of age, he still saw her as a sister. However, in time, he noticed that she had matured and grown into a young lady, gradually developing feelings for her. Both having affection for one another, they naturally married.
Although Mrs. Jiang did not inherit the exceptional intelligence of her ancestors, she had a knack for business. Aided by Liang Run’s tutelage, she had already become an excellent businesswoman.
Over the years, she primarily managed businesses related to women, such as cosmetics, jewelry, silks, and satin. Her ventures not only opened branches in many parts of the Great Zhou but also in numerous places in the Western Regions.
This time, Mrs. Jiang entered the palace primarily because their family was about to depart for Lingnan. Secondly, because her shop had launched a new product, she made a special effort to present it to Lady Liang.
"Didn’t Xiao Shi ask you to stay inland? Why are you heading to Lingnan again?" Lady Liang looked at her nephew and niece, who were eating snacks, her heart unwilling to part and somewhat concerned. "The two children are so young, can they endure the long journey to Lingnan?"
"Your Highness, don’t you remember? Last year, they traveled with us from Lingnan to the capital." Mrs. Jiang replied with a smile, "When they were two or three years old, they even accompanied us to the Western Regions. They are quite sturdy and won’t be tired out by the journey."