Chapter 798: The Fallen Family

Editor: Henyee Translations

This issue had existed ever since Chu Qingzhi was ennobled as a marquise controlling a thousand households. She had been pondering it for a while, and now with the official documents in hand, it was time to make a decision.

After much consideration, she decided to establish an institution similar to the government office, assigning specific individuals to manage the affairs of her fiefdom.

By allocating personnel and assigning specific duties, she could become a hands-off landlord. Otherwise, she would be overwhelmed with various responsibilities and have no moment of peace.

Chu Qingzhi thought to herself that her initial venture into business and opening workshops was solely for the purpose of seeking leisure and ease. Ironically, she now found herself trapped in a whirlwind of activities, becoming as busy as a spinning top.

Upon returning home, she set aside the official documents and began drafting an organizational chart. An office would certainly require a building, so resolving the housing issue was the first step.

Currently, the affairs of her fiefdom were addressed on a case-by-case basis, depending on who approached her. However, the villagers mostly went to the village head first, who would then collectively approach her, which wasn’t too troublesome.

But handling all matters personally was indeed burdensome.

After some thought, Chu Qingzhi put pen to paper.

While constructing buildings was easy, finding the right people for the job was challenging. The personnel required for these tasks needed to possess a certain level of political insight, the ability to balance various relationships, and the flexibility to address the villagers’ issues…

This proved to be a stumbling block for Chu Qingzhi. Where could she find such talented individuals?

“Take it slow,” she thought to herself. “Let’s build the office first.”

Suddenly, Li Qingyu called out from downstairs, “Qingzhi, someone is looking for you. Come down and see.”

Chu Qingzhi replied, “I’m coming, Mother.”

The visitors were the brothers Wang Yuanping and Wang Yuanlin.

Wlien Chu Qingzhi was ennobled as a marquise, she was required to incorporate a thousand households from nearby villages into her fiefdom, resulting in four villages being allocated to her domain. However, there was a shortfall of two households.

Having no other choice, the county secretary had to allocate two households from neighboring villages to make up the numbers.

The brothers were allocated out of necessity. Although they shared the surname Wang, they were considered outsiders in their village. When the county secretary discussed this matter in Wang Village, the villagers decisively chose to allocate the brothers out.

Unlike typical villagers, the brothers always appeared well-dressed, despite their poverty. Their clothes were clean and tidy, and they were both literate and well-educated.

Having lived in the village for three years, the brothers increasingly felt out of place and struggled to integrate with the village community.

Descending the stairs, Chu Qingzhi felt an intuition upon seeing the brothers for the first time: the right people for the job had arrived.

The brothers possessed the dignified and steady demeanor of individuals born into affluent families, standing upright with a determined and upright gaze, clearly capable individuals.

Upon seeing Chu Qingzhi, Wang Yuanping and Wang Yuanlin exchanged a glance, feeling a premonition… a wise leader!

They respectfully greeted, “We’ve come to see the Miss.”

Chu Qingzhi invited them in, “Please, come inside.”

Following Chu Qingzhi into the hall, the trio sat down, with the brothers as guests.

The county secretary had not informed Chu Qingzhi about the Wang brothers, but she had noticed their unique situation while reviewing the registry. Their distinct circumstances, being the only individuals from a separate village, caught her attention.

Chu Qingzhi initiated the conversation, “You can speak freely about your visit.” Initially, the brothers wanted to request Chu Qingzhi to replace them with two other households, as they had finally settled down and did not wish for any changes. However, upon meeting her, their perspective shifted, and their dormant ambitions were rekindled.

Or perhaps, with the support of the young lady before them, they saw a chance to revive their family.

Behind Wang Yuanping and Wang Yuanlin stood over fifty family members, constituting a significant and complex family. A large family implied financial resources, and the county secretary agreed to the villagers’ plea to include the brothers in Chu Qingzhi’s domain, a gesture of goodwill. If it were just the brothers, the county secretary would not have consented.

Wang Yuanping, after some thought, discarded his prepared speech for a new proposition, “Miss, with your newly granted fiefdom, you’ll undoubtedly need people to manage affairs. We, the brothers, volunteer to serve diligently under your command, hoping for your endorsement.”

Chu Qingzhi, who could read faces, instantly recognized their quality. “What

can you do? Are you capable of managing my fiefdom’s affairs?”

Wang Yuanping exchanged a look with Wang Yuanlin before delving into their family history…

Their grandfather, Wang Feng, was a high-ranking official, the Imperial Secretary of the fourth rank, serving directly under the emperor and managing court affairs, enjoying great prestige.

However, their family’s fortunes waned following the emperor’s demise, culminating in Wang Feng’s death.

Their father, Wang Ming, lacked Wang Feng’s wisdom and fell victim to political machinations, leading to the imprisonment and execution of all family members holding office.

This tragedy unfolded three years ago, when Wang Yuanping and Wang Yuanlin had just passed the imperial examinations. Due to their family’s disgrace, they were barred from further exams, their years of hard work rendered futile, and they were expelled from the capital.

Having lived in the capital for generations, they found themselves without a refuge, turning to Wang Village, the homeland of a loyal servant, for shelter and stability.

Unexpectedly, their situation worsened recently due to their family size, resulting in their forced relocation.

The decline of such a prominent family evoked pity.

Regardless of the past, life must go on.

After hearing Wang Yuanping’s story, Chu Qingzhi asked, “Are you both scholars?”

Wang Yuanping nodded, “Yes.”

Ironically, their scholar status now barred them from the imperial examinations, rendering their years of diligent study pointless.

Chu Qingzhi remarked, “Passing the examinations shows exceptional perseverance and ability. I acknowledge your efforts.”

Pausing, she changed the subject, “Are you truly willing to work under my command?”

Wang Yuanping stood, bowing respectfully, “Yes, we will dedicate ourselves to resolving your concerns.”

Chu Qingzhi clarified, “Working for me is relatively easy; there are not many rules. As long as you fulfill my tasks, fame, fortune, and authority are negotiable. However, failure to meet expectations will cost you my trust forever. Have you considered this carefully?”

The brothers were taken aback by Chu Qingzhi’s astuteness. Despite her youth, she quickly grasped their intentions.

Realizing this, they grew even more earnest, “We understand!”

They sought nothing but fame and fortune, and with Chu Qingzhi promising these for good performance, there was no hesitation.

Her willingness to employ them, recognizing their potential, earned Chu Qingzhi their admiration, “When can you start assisting me?”

Wang Yuanping replied, “Anytime.”

Chu Qingzzhi contemplated, “Then, go back today, arrange your family affairs, and come find me early tomorrow.”

Wang Yuanping affirmed, “Yes, Miss.”