To get rich, first build roads. Thɪs chapter is updated by novelꜰire.net
This slogan spread throughout the capital in a single day, sparking heated discussions among many. Surprisingly, it wasn’t the high officials discussing it most fiercely, but the commoners and street vendors at the bottom.
Some of them were locals, but many were outsiders doing business here. A significant number came from remote, closed-off mountain villages. They were acutely aware that the lack of roads made access challenging, blocking many opportunities such as doing business, studying, or even getting married.
Because the roads were hard to travel, comings and goings were reduced.
"To get rich, first build roads."
Emperor Chu’s dragon claw lightly grazed the documents neatly arranged on the table, and there it was, this slogan.
"I didn’t expect your esteemed mother-in-law to have such insight." Emperor Chu was greatly surprised and looked at Song Zhiyuan, "Have you ever heard her mention anything ?"
Song Zhiyuan replied, "You know, my mother doesn’t have much education or knowledge, and she’s not one to concern herself with matters of state affairs at home."
"Yet, she knows to get rich, first build roads."
Song Zhiyuan sighed, "Perhaps she remembers the days spent in the mountains. Back then, to trade for something in town, we had to cross three hills and still find our way down the mountain. It was incredibly difficult."
During the decline of the Song Family, what hardships hadn’t they endured? They escaped famine, avoided war chaos, and even gnawed on tree bark. The Song father was unreliable; it was entirely up to Song Ci to manage the family affairs, allowing them to survive and even thrive to this day.
Emperor Chu also knew the Song Family’s past, saying, "You claim she lacks discernment, yet that’s not entirely true. Even though the lady socializes little and speaks seldom, when she does say something, it’s full of wisdom."
Song Ci: Thank heavens, Your Majesty deigns to speak, and I confirm I’m the heroine.
Song Zhiyuan also laughed, "Mother’s ideas are sometimes quite novel. Every time we listen to her, there seems to be two perspectives to every matter."
"It seems Prime Minister Song has deeply learned from her methods?" Emperor Chu raised an eyebrow.
Song Zhiyuan didn’t conceal his thoughts, saying, "Three people walking together must be my teachers. Listening to others’ opinions is no harm. Hearing them out, and if they are credible, we adopt them; if not, we avoid some detours."
"So, is your esteemed mother-in-law very pleased with your fourth brother’s marriage to the Commandery Princess? What does she think?"
Damn, the Emperor always wants to test me!
Song Zhiyuan’s heart skipped a beat, but he deliberately showed a hint of hesitation on his face.
Emperor Chu slightly raised his eyebrow, feigning indifference, saying, "What, hard to say? I’ll pardon you."
"Then I’ll speak, my mother is indeed delighted. You know, my fourth brother is neither scholarly nor martial, being the youngest, he’s quite spoiled, even becoming a wastrel." Song Zhiyuan couldn’t help but laugh, "My mother always says, my fourth brother is the most like our father, without skills or responsibility. So, a responsible wife must be found for him. Once the family splits after us, his household won’t be left unmanaged. That’s why she initially favored that niece from the Wei Family because of her abundant dowry and independence. But the kid disliked her looks, later fancying the one from the Shen Family, yet..."
Emperor Chu’s mouth twitched, good heavens, he actually sensed a trace of resentment, blaming me for snatching the bride away!
Prime Minister Song, you’re bold, you’re dismissed!
"Later, it was the Emperor’s grace to grant marriage to the Commandery Princess. My mother said, our fourth brother won’t have to worry for life, living up to his name of being blessed with wealth!"
He seemed to have discovered a subtle truth. It seems they find Prince Dingbei’s Mansion wealthy, carefree, and with a strong backing, sparing them decades of struggle, lying down to win?