Springtime Farming: A Happy Wife At Home

Chapter 2282: Zhao Shu and Taotao Go to Hangzhou

If Zhao Shu hadn’t been implicated, Prefect Fu wouldn’t have unjustly seized all the Zhao Family’s properties under the pretext of “rebellion.” Now, it was time to reclaim what rightfully belonged to him.

These properties should rightfully return to Zhao Shu. Even if they had changed hands, they needed to be returned to their original owners.

Shao Yunduan might not have been a business expert, but he wasn’t clueless either.

Zhao Shu hadn’t just suffered financial losses because of him. After being forced out of Hangzhou, they not only lost their enterprises but also the substantial income these businesses would have generated if they had operated normally.

Even just recovering his assets was a daunting task for Zhao Shu.

Yet, with Shao Yunduan’s support, his business prospects would undoubtedly improve.

Zhao Shu was deeply touched. It was rare for his brother-in-law to show such kindness!

Feeling flattered, Zhao Shu shook his head repeatedly, smiling gratefully. “No, no need to go through so much trouble! I hope we can reclaim the assets. I’ll cover the costs myself. If we can’t retrieve them, then so be it. There’s no need to trouble you, Fifth Brother.”

Shao Yunduan raised an eyebrow. “Certainly, it’s not a trouble.”

“But…”

“Let’s proceed with that plan!” Qiao Xuan interjected with a smile. “Even if reclaiming all the properties means facing losses, we must look ahead for a smoother future!”

Shao Yunduan was doing this for Taotao’s sake.

Just because Zhao Shu seemed indifferent didn’t mean his loyal stewards and shopkeepers didn’t care. Nor did it mean the Zhao clan as a whole didn’t care.

Understanding Shao Yunduan’s intention, Qiao Xuan tried to reassure him.

Seeing Qiao Xuan echo his sentiments, Zhao Shu smiled shyly and agreed. He couldn’t help but feel indebted to them…

Evidently, Zhao Shu and Taotao had long discussed returning to Hangzhou City. Both missed the place dearly, so they bid farewell to Qiao Xuan and the others, departing the following day.

Upon reaching Hangzhou, they visited Zhang Wenshu and handed over the letter penned by Shao Yunduan.

If Lord Shao merely sought to reclaim property for his brother-in-law, Zhang Wenshu would likely oppose, deeming it foolish. However, given Zhao Shu’s implication by Shao Yunduan and his significant contributions, it was only just for him to reclaim what rightfully belonged to him.

There was no need for Zhao Shu’s men to intervene. Zhang Wenshu took direct action.

Upon arriving in Hangzhou City, Zhang Wenshu swiftly stabilized the situation. He dealt decisively with troublemakers, even resorting to executions to placate the public and restore calm. Simultaneously, he effectively intimidated those with malicious intent.

His fair and efficient approach quickly endeared him to the people.

Despite most of Zhao Shu’s shops being under Prefect Fu’s control, they promptly ousted the stewards and shopkeepers Zhao Shu had dispatched, taking over the shops themselves.

Some disgruntled individuals left quietly, knowing better than to provoke further.

Others, however, voiced their grievances, accusing officials and merchants of collusion in oppressing the common folk. They claimed they were given no recourse, even declaring their desire to end their lives in despair.

Zhang Wenshu ordered their arrest and publicly disclosed the situation, ensuring justice was seen to be done. Those responsible were punished and expelled from Hangzhou City.

Upon learning the truth, the commoners showed no sympathy for the troublemakers. Instead, they applauded Zhang Wenshu’s actions.