By a twist of fate, the illegitimate son of the Marquis's family marries the county princess.

Chapter 281 The Gentle Zhou Shiyue

Zhou Shiyue was always known as a greedy and stingy person, only taking in money and never giving it out. Other government offices would always find it extremely difficult to get approval from the Ministry of Revenue for any business they wanted to do. Zhou Shiyue was very stingy, and he would haggle over even a single penny.

But compared to Wen Zongji, he felt that he was terribly gentle.

At least he's a thrifty person, not a cheat.

Of course, Wen Zongji did not have any intention of cheating anyone.

But Zhou Shiyue had experienced a lot, and after listening to Wen Zongji's words, he was certain that someone would lose both their house and their money in the future.

Seemingly seeing through Zhou Shiyue's thoughts, Wen Zongji said, "Sir, no matter what happens in the end, at least while they are still paying off the debt, the house truly belongs to them. There is no need to worry about rent increases, nor about how their descendants will be able to stay in the capital if they are not capable enough."

Do those who buy houses not know that they might lose both their property and their money in the future?

They're all officials who've been in the bureaucracy for a long time, how stupid could they be?

But the willingness to take risks despite knowing the potential consequences is naturally because the benefits are also equal.

Looking across the entire capital city, which house allows people to pay in installments, and even allows installments for ten or twenty years?

Zhou Shiyue nodded: "You're right."

He was just expressing his feelings, but in reality, he had already silently calculated in his mind how much benefit this residential building could bring to the Ministry of Revenue and whether it could alleviate the tension in the national treasury.

The answer is—yes!

Zhou Shiyue smiled and said, "As expected of you, Zongji, I knew you could solve the Ministry of Revenue's current predicament."

Wen Zongji said, "You flatter me, sir. In fact, the amount of silver that can be obtained immediately from this residential building is limited; it is more of a gradual, long-term investment. I have also thought of a way to quickly obtain a large amount of silver."

Zhou Shiyue immediately asked, "What?"

Wen Zongji took out another map and said, "This is the West Garden. I have carefully reviewed the files and found that there is an empty plot of land on the east side of the West Garden that has never been used."

Zhou Shiyue thought for a moment and said, "The West Garden was expanded before. This open space was originally allocated to the West Garden during the expansion. However, during the actual construction, in order to make it neat and beautiful, this open space was not used. But considering that the West Garden may be expanded again in the future, it was not used for other purposes."

"What? You're eyeing this vacant lot?"

Wen Zongji nodded without hesitation: "This humble official intends to build ten small courtyards on this vacant lot. They don't need to be large, just one courtyard will do. This humble official has calculated that this vacant lot is just enough."

"His Majesty goes to the Western Garden to escape the summer heat every year, which is common knowledge in the capital. Once the courtyards are completed, the Ministry of Revenue can hold an auction to publicly auction these ten courtyards, and I believe there will be buyers."

Zhou Shiyue laughed: "It's not just that some people will buy it!"

There are people willing to pay a high price to buy it!

During Emperor Shun'an's summer retreat at the Western Garden, all ministers had to go there to report on official business.

This open space to the east is near one of the entrances to the West Garden.

Even if it's just one of the entrances, and not the one you use often, there's still a chance of encountering a helpful person.

And as long as there is this possibility, there will be people willing to pay a lot of money for it.

This would indeed allow the Ministry of Revenue to suddenly possess a large amount of silver.

Zhou Shiyue had probably already heard about the allure of auctions.

Zhou Shiyue laughed heartily: "It's fortunate that I brought you to the Ministry of Revenue. I don't know how your brain is structured, it's so useful."

Wen Zongji cupped his hands and said, "This humble official dares not accept such praise. This humble official is merely offering a suggestion. There is much to be done in this matter, and we must also consult with Your Excellency and all colleagues in the Ministry of Revenue."

The residential building project requires purchasing land first, which necessitates communicating with the residents still living in that alley, and then cooperating with the Ministry of Works.

However, if the land in Xiyuan were to be used, Emperor Shun'an's opinion would need to be sought.

Zhou Shiyue waved his hand: "These are all minor matters. You've given such a good suggestion; if we don't handle it well, wouldn't we be utterly useless?"

Zhou Shiyue pondered for a moment and said, "I will entrust the matter of the residential buildings to others, since it involves dealing with the Ministry of Works. As for the matter of the West Garden, I will leave it to you."

This was an idea that Wen Zongji came up with. If it were all handed over to others, it would inevitably be suspected of stealing credit.

Given Wen Zongji's special status, he was the most suitable person to deal with the palace.

Wen Zongji did not refuse: "This humble official will obey."

Zhou Shiyue felt much better when he thought that getting these two things done would greatly relieve the pressure on the Ministry of Revenue: "Tonight, after you finish your shift at Wangchun Tower, I'll treat you to a drink."

Wen Zongji nodded in agreement.

……

When Wen Zongji returned to the county princess's mansion, Rui Ge'er had already been taken back to sleep by the wet nurse.

He only drank a few glasses of wine today, mainly chatting with Zhou Shiyue to improve their relationship.

Pei Rujing knew that Zhou Shiyue had invited him, so she didn't say much, only asking, "Didn't you see Rui-ge'er today?"

Wen Zongji went to work very early, and now he's only coming back at this time. He really hasn't seen Rui Ge'er all day.

Wen Zongji said, "I was just about to go see him."

I'll go with you.

After saying that, the two went to the side room together. The wet nurse quickly got up to greet her and was about to say something when Wen Zongji interrupted her: "Don't disturb Rui-ge'er."

He and Pei Rujing tiptoed to the bed and saw the little person sleeping soundly.

The little figure is fair and tender, with its chest rising and falling slightly. Its two little hands are placed on either side of its head in a surrender gesture, a very interesting pose.

Wen Zongji, who had just finished a day's work, couldn't help but feel his heart melt when he saw this scene.

The two new parents watched Rui Ge'er for quite a while before leaving the room.

Pei Rujing said, "I think I can already see your shadow in Rui Ge'er."

She couldn't see any resemblance between Rui Ge'er and her, but he did resemble Wen Zongji.

Wen Zongji feigned arrogance: "I'm so handsome, wouldn't it be great if you looked like me?"

Pei Rujing smiled and said, "In that case, Rui-ge'er can marry a good wife just by virtue of his face."

Wen Zongji narrowed his eyes: "Does my wife mean you're only attracted to my looks?"

Pei Rujing shrugged: "Obviously... ah~"

Before she could finish speaking, Wen Zongji picked her up and threw her onto the bed.

"It seems necessary to help my wife recall my other good qualities."

The night was deep, and the intimate atmosphere inside the room was equally intense!