Chapter 357: Dream On

Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation

This was to prevent corruption and to establish credibility.

Let the donor know where their donations went, what they were used for, and who were they helping.

“The first batch of donations will be used on the soldiers in the military camp. If they become rich in the future, the donations will also be used for good deeds, such as building bridges and roads, providing for the elderly who have no children to support them in their old age, and giving food to abandoned children. Wherever there is a natural disaster, we will also send some care.”

Han Qiao picked up her teacup and took a sip of tea. Her voice was no longer as calm as before. She said firmly, “I call it charity.”

“Mercy and kindness.”

“It’s just that my strength alone is not enough. 1 need the full support of the ladies and madams of the various families. Many positions can be arranged for the ladies and madams to support.”

“Does that mean the higher the donation, the higher the position? Or do you mean something else?”

“It depends on what you give. Some people are especially eloquent. Even if they do not donate, they will be given a position suitable for their ability.”

They needed talents.

Madam Yun understood what Han Qiao meant.

The others also understood.

Everyone rubbed their fists and thought of donating something. It wouldn’t hurt their bones, and they could also gain a good reputation. It was a win-win situation.

For a moment, the atmosphere was good.

Heng Yi went straight to the point. After exchanging pleasantries, they talked about working together.

After buying some wood from the Yun family, the hundred carpenters had to start working.

The military camp would take care of food and wages.

The price of the wood had been negotiated for a few rounds. Both parties had a serious discussion and, thankfully, did not escalate in anger.

In the end, they negotiated a price that was acceptable to both parties.

After the deal was settled, they signed the contract.

The contract was signed not in Heng Yi’s name, but in the name of the imperial court. This was cooperation with the imperial court, which obviously raised the Yun family’s status and reputation. Therefore, although the deal was a loss to them, the Yun family signed it happily.

After signing the contract, they discussed the details and when to let the carpenters start working

As for the military camp, not only did they need carpenters, but they also needed stonemasons and bricklayers. Therefore, they had to recruit soldiers first and let these soldiers dig the land after. Now that the weather was hot, they could just find a place to live.

However, Heng Yi listened to Han Qiao’s suggestion and decided to build a small town there.

Han Qiao had already asked the broker house to help buy people. It didn’t matter where they came from. They only wanted men around 20 years old, girls around 15 or 16 years old, and families with skills.

What Han Qiao and Heng Yi meant was that if they bought them, they would register them and let them settle down there.

Every family was given some land and some necessities.

Men could do business or enter the military.

As long as the population was settled down, their new village would slowly become lively and prosperous.

Han Qiao asked the broker house for 500 men and 500 women. When the granny from the broker house received such a big order, she immediately went to arrange it.

After the business deal was settled, they still had to eat lunch at the Yun family’s house.

Several of the younger generations of the Yun family wanted to go to the military camp to gain experience.

Heng Yi said, “You can join the army. If you have the ability, it’s easy to make a name for yourself. 1 will also instruct my subordinates to pay more attention to you.”

These words reassured the Yun family again.

Heng Yi was much gentler to the Yun Family than to the Heng Family, and he was willing to take care of them.

For this reason, three of the younger generations of the Yun family were eager to join the army.

The Yun family kept toasting Heng Yi. They had just finished a big deal, so he had to drink more.

The womenfolk didn’t urge Han Qiao to drink but to eat. She drank rice wine, which was sweet and Han Qiao liked it.

After a meal, most of them were drunk.

When it was time to bid farewell, the Yun family sent them to the door. Zhao Huan hesitated for a long time before she went forward.

Han Qiao was slightly tipsy, and Duan Yue reached out to support her.

Zhao Huan stood for a moment and hesitated before decidedly, walking closer to Han Qiao.

“Sister-in-law.”

“?” Han Qiao narrowed her eyes.

From the time they met, to the time they ate, to the time they were about to leave, Zhao Huan did not say a word. What was she trying to do now?

Wasn’t it better to stay quiet?

“Sister-in-law, is Cheng’er alright?” Zhao Huan asked in a hoarse voice.

She couldn’t find an opening to ask her about this topic.

Especially when Han Qiao was being flattered and complemented left and right. She felt bad to interrupt the atmosphere.

It had only been two years, but the person she once looked down on was now someone she looked up to.

“Who are you?” Han Qiao asked coldly.

Cheng’er aside, she could still give Zhao Huan some dignity.

But, she wasn’t happy talking about Cheng’er here.

The child that she had painstakingly raised did not even know how to walk back then. Now that he could run and jump, he was happy all day long.

What was Zhao Huan asking?

Wasn’t she the one who abandoned her husband and son? If she really missed him, why didn’t she send some money, food, and clothes to Cheng’er?

Oh. She wanted to use Cheng’er to build a relationship between them.

But then, she would have to ask whether Han Qiao was willing to lend that olive branch.

Zhao Huan was stunned by the question.

Madam Yun already knew about her relationship with Han Qiao. She had thought that Han Qiao would give Zhao Huan some dignity, but she did not expect her to ignore Zhao Huan from the start.

Of course, it was also possible that Han Qiao didn’t want to return her son to Zhao Huan, and Zhao Huan wouldn’t want him either.

Before Zhao Huan remarried, she had not divorced her husband. She had been abandoned. Her son did not belong to her either. He was He Hong’s son and she had cut off ties with him. She could not have him even if she wanted him.

Moreover, this woman was also ruthless. She had been this way so long, and yet she had never seen her make the effort to see the child. With today’s question, everyone knew what Zhao Huan was trying to do.

However, Han Qiao didn’t extend her kindness.

“I, I…” Zhao Huan hesitated.

After remarrying, she realized that Master Yun did not love her at all, and her days in the Yun family were not so good.

Although she didn’t have to worry about food and clothing, she couldn’t get any respect. She couldn’t interfere at all when the eldest son and daughter-in-law of the Yun family were in charge. Master Yun had also said that she didn’t need to give him children.

However, she was still so young. If she did not have any children, how would she live in the future?

She originally wanted Han Qiao to back her up so that she would have more confidence in the Yun family. However, this woman was so cruel and put her dignity to shame.

What a cruel woman.

H 11

Han Qiao only glanced at Zhao Huan indifferently before letting Duan Yue and Shulan help her onto the carriage.

Zhao Huan wanted to say something more, but her mouth was covered and she was pulled back.

She struggled. When she saw who was covering her mouth, her eyes widened in disbelief.

No matter how bad she was, she was still her mother-in-law. Even if she was only a second wife, she was still officially married. How could she, a daughter-in-law, dare to do this to her?

Han Qiao pretended not to see this.

After getting into the carriage, she rubbed her forehead.

She drank a little too much.

Fortunately, there were two ice basins in the corner of the carriage, which dispelled the stifling heat within the confined space. Otherwise, she would’ve felt sicker.

“Madam, this servant will rub your forehead for you,” Shulan offered with concern.

“There’s no need. It’s been a hot day. My head is covered in sweat and dirty. We’ll talk about it after we return and take a shower.”

Even if they were maidservants, Han Qiao would not mistreat them.

Especially Shulan and Duan Yue, who were loyal and capable. They spoke and did things according to her wishes, and she gave them more and more responsibilities.

Han Qiao wanted to teach them more and put them in an important position.

H H

Shulan wanted to say that she didn’t mind taking care of Han Qiao, but she didn’t dare to say anything when she saw Han Qiao squinting and looking a little uncomfortable.

She sat quietly at the side.

When Heng Yi lifted the curtain, the two immediately sat in a corner.

Han Qiao raised her eyelids and glanced at Heng Yi lazily..