0p0 Chapter 580 So that's how it is!
Chapter 580 So that's how it is!
Duanmu Chuze was taken aback, then asked with a hint of amusement, "Why are you suddenly concerned about this? Aren't you thinking about preparing for your girls' school?"
Mu Xin Nuan glared at him, "Can't you speak properly? I think you're getting cocky because everything's going well for you outside?"
Duanmu Chuze laughed heartily, put his arm around her waist, and led her into the house.
"I just returned to the manor when the gatekeeper told me that Madam He had come to talk to you about buying the school?"
"Hmm. She said there weren't any good locations left, so she lowered herself and came to me for help. Ah Ze, I just wanted to ask, how come your houses in Xingwen District are selling so quickly? According to our plan, shouldn't the school be the slowest to sell? How come it's selling so fast?"
"It's quite interesting, actually. After I had the recruitment notice posted, I made a point of telling a few important officials that the library in Xingwen District would be open to local scholars and students free of charge. In addition, I will, as the Prince of Chang Le, make an exception every year to select some outstanding talents to directly participate in politics."
Mu Xin Nuan suddenly realized, "So that's how it is!"
The fact that the library was open to the public free of charge naturally attracted genuine scholarly families. And the fact that Prince Chang Le personally selected talented individuals was tantamount to giving many students a direct ladder to the imperial court.
No wonder these houses sold so quickly.
"However, Magistrate He should have received the news long ago, right? Why is he only now trying to buy it?"
"Hehe! After I released this news, I naturally had to raise the housing prices a bit. Anyway, these noble families don't lack money, so they might as well send it to me to do some good for the people."
Mu Xin Nuan was stunned, not understanding.
Duanmu Chuze reached out and lightly flicked her smooth forehead, laughing, "The He family is short of money. They can't come up with that much cash right away. So naturally, they have to prioritize selling to those who pay in cash."
"The He family's silver? You mean that since the Lu family successfully submitted to us, the Xie family in the capital has had fewer sources of income, and the He family can only offer more tribute?"
"On one hand. On the other hand, the main problem is the discord between the two branches of the He family. They've been arguing endlessly about whether the money should come from the eldest or the second branch. You've met the eldest son of the He family; he's really useless. If it weren't for the old master still being alive, the two branches might actually have started fighting."
"From what I heard from Madam He today, it seems that this is for the sake of the He family's clan school. Shouldn't the He family contribute the money?"
"That's true, but you have to understand, Prefect He can't stay in Yanzhou forever. If we make him pay a large portion this time, how could he be willing? Besides, the Xie family in the capital is also pressing for money. How can he possibly keep up?"
Mu Xin Nuan pouted, "I never thought that even a prefect would be short of money."
"Alright, is there anything else you want to ask, Nuan?"
"In that case, wouldn't all our initial plans be insufficient to meet demand? What a waste of such a great opportunity to make money."
Duanmu Chuze chuckled again. His wife was clearly someone who had no interest in gold and silver, yet she could say such things. How amusing!
"Don't worry, the construction of Xingwen District has only just begun, and we've not only recouped the budgeted amount but also made a considerable profit. I've already allocated 100,000 taels to Chang Le Fang. This will also boost the morale of the laborers and soldiers."
Mu Xin Nuan nodded. Because of these two major projects in Yan, nearly 10,000 people in Yan had the opportunity to work, eat, and earn money.
This solved a major problem for the Yan region.
If these two projects are completed, it will take at least another two years. By then, the Prince of Chang Le may have other ideas.
Mu Xin Nuan suddenly felt that her decision to marry him was absolutely brilliant.
I can even foresee that my life will become richer and more fulfilling in the days to come.
"By the way, if I'm setting up a girls' school, could you also provide me with some houses or lodgings?"
"You've already planned everything?"
Mu Xin Nuan shook her head. Because it was a girls' school, and considering the potential for gossip, she was currently only writing and drawing by herself, not daring to disturb anyone. In case things didn't go well, she, as the Princess of Chang Le, wouldn't lose too much face.
"I was just thinking that your Xingwen District will not only face no obstacles, but will also receive the support of countless people. But my girls' school will probably face many more difficulties. The main pressure and resistance will come from you men."
Mu Xin Nuan's mood suddenly dipped again. "A Ze, you're different. But for most men, I'm afraid they wouldn't want their wives or daughters to always be out in the public eye."
"Silly girl, all you need to do is identify the students you want to recruit, isn't that enough?"
Mu Xin Nuan was a little dumbfounded and didn't understand.
"Ladies from noble families can be excluded immediately!"
Thinking about it this way, Mu Xin Nuan seemed to understand somewhat.
"That's right! I'll just recruit some girls from poor families first. Then, I'll teach them to read and write, and also teach them some proper etiquette and manners for women. This way, it will be beneficial for them when they get married in the future."
"Exactly! I know you want to offer many courses, but don't rush, take your time. You have to eat a steamed bun one bite at a time; if you swallow it whole, you'll choke to death!"
Mu Xin Nuan nodded. "Thanks to your reminder today, I've been too fixated on this. Let's go to the flower hall; it's almost time for dinner."
Considering that Fang was about to give birth, she ate all her meals in her own courtyard.
During dinner, Madam Fang dined with her daughter in the courtyard. The others went to the flower hall.
Li Haoran naturally accompanied his mother.
The atmosphere was quite nice as the four of them dined together.
After the digestive tea was served, Mu Xin Nuan smiled and said, "Big cousin, do you find it a bit difficult to get around Xingwen District all by yourself?"
Li Haoran shook his head and said in a tone of great respect and worship, "Your Highness has arranged everything in an orderly manner. The other officials and I each performed our duties and cooperated very well. There are no problems."
Seeing that her son was becoming more and more ambitious and no longer just admired martial arts, Liu felt relieved.
"Thank you, Your Highness, for taking good care of Haoran these past few days. He is much more composed than before."