The Little Lucky Girl.

After receiving the imperial edict, Su Zhiyuan quickly packed his belongings and rushed to the capital overnight. Along the way, he gazed at the mountains, rivers, and fields along the way, his mind racing. He felt honored to report to the emperor in person, but also worried that his experience in governing a prefecture would be difficult to replicate perfectly in other provinces, as each province had its own unique characteristics.

After arriving in the capital, Su Zhiyuan rested briefly before being ushered into the imperial palace. He respectfully saluted Emperor Fengyuan, "Your Majesty, I, Su Zhiyuan, pay my respects to you. Long live your Majesty." Emperor Fengyuan looked at him gently and said, "My dear Su, please rise. I have summoned you today to understand more about your governance in Hongzhou. Please tell me in detail."

Su Zhiyuan took a deep breath and spoke slowly, "Your Majesty, when I first arrived in Hongzhou, I saw that the people were poor and in need of improvement. I know that education is the foundation of a prosperous nation, so I will start by establishing an academy to recruit talented teachers. Regardless of family background, anyone with talent and learning can teach or enroll. This way, the children of Hongzhou will be able to receive education, and in the future, they can serve the court or become local leaders, all of whom can promote the development of Hongzhou."

Emperor Fengyuan nodded slightly. "Yes, this is a long-term plan. What about developing water conservancy projects and reclaiming wasteland? What are some good ideas?" Su Zhiyuan replied, "Your Majesty, Hongzhou is crossed by a river, but floods are frequent and irrigation is poor. I have organized the people to build dams and sluices according to the terrain, and to dig ditches to tame the river water, which can both prevent floods and provide irrigation. As for the wasteland, a tax exemption decree was issued to encourage the people to reclaim it. The government also provided agricultural tools and seeds. Within a few years, the wasteland was transformed into fertile farmland."

When discussing the encouragement of commerce, Su Zhiyuan said, "Hongzhou has convenient transportation, so I have established a dedicated commercial area in the city, with unified management, lower commercial taxes, and guaranteed fair trade. Merchants from other places flock to the city, bringing with them rare treasures from all over the world, and also exporting Hongzhou's specialties to other places, which has naturally led to a prosperous economy."

Emperor Fengyuan listened intently, frequently asking questions, all of which Su Zhiyuan answered fluently. The other ministers in the court were also captivated by Su Zhiyuan's story, secretly impressed. Emperor Fengyuan concluded by saying, "Your Excellency Su's strategies are exemplary. I will compile them into a book and distribute them to all prefectures for reference. Your Excellency Su, please do not be complacent; continue to serve me and work for the well-being of the people." Su Zhiyuan thanked him and said, "I will do my utmost to live up to your majesty's grace."

Emperor Fengyuan gazed at Su Zhiyuan eagerly and said slowly, "My dear, you must be exhausted after such a long journey to the capital. While this capital is prosperous, its affairs are also complex and demanding. You should return to the posthouse for a few days to rest and recuperate, so that you can carefully prepare for your report to the capital." After a brief pause, a look of determination and trust flashed in his eyes. He then spoke loudly, "The governance of the prefectures and counties now determines the success or failure of our dynasty. The former Minister of Revenue, now advanced in age and no longer able to continue his efforts in state affairs, retired some time ago. I have observed that you have been quite effective in managing finances, promoting commerce, and reducing expenditure in Hongzhou. You possess unique insights and decisive actions regarding the people's livelihood and economy. Therefore, I have decided that you should succeed him as Minister of Revenue. I believe that with your talent and wisdom, you will bring new vitality and vigor to our dynasty's financial consolidation and economic revitalization."

Upon hearing this, Su Zhiyuan was initially startled, then overwhelmed with joy and a sense of mission. He hurriedly lifted the hem of his official uniform, knelt on both knees, and bowed respectfully, his voice trembling with emotion. "Thank you, Your Majesty, for your grace! I, Su Zhiyuan, am but the governor of a single prefecture, yet Your Majesty has not abandoned me and entrusted me with this important task. I will repay your kindness with my unwavering devotion. I will devote my utmost energy to my report, analyzing Hongzhou's experience in detail for reference by all prefectures. As Minister of Revenue, I will uphold justice and integrity, meticulously researching fiscal policies and streamlining the tax system, striving to ensure a prosperous treasury, thriving commerce, and a prosperous people. May Your Majesty be well and may our dynasty remain forever stable and peaceful."

Emperor Fengyuan raised his hand slightly, signaling Su Zhiyuan to stand. "Please stand, my dear minister. I have high hopes for you. The road ahead is long and arduous. Please return to the inn and rest well. After you report on your work, I still have many matters to discuss with you."

Su Zhiyuan thanked the emperor again and slowly exited the hall. He looked up at the sky, the sun of the capital bathing his face. He felt a mixture of anxiety about the challenges ahead and a lofty ambition to share the emperor's concerns and serve his country. On the way back to the posthouse, he began to silently ponder the key points of his report and the direction of future reforms in the Ministry of Revenue. He was determined to live up to the emperor's trust and expectations, to write his own glorious chapter in this important new position, and to contribute to the prosperity of this vast empire.

Inside Prince Zhan's mansion, Murong Ye had just received news that his future father-in-law, Su Zhiyuan, would soon be taking up a new post in the capital. A flicker of joy and determination flashed across his deep eyes. Without hesitation, he summoned Yingyi and, with a firm and unquestionable tone, instructed, "Yingyi, Lord Su's appointment in the capital is a matter of great importance. You must immediately secure a residence for the Su family. Choose a location with convenient transportation and a tranquil environment. The scale of the residence must be commensurate with Lord Su's status and position. Do not be impolite. Carefully select all furniture and decorations. Complete this task as quickly as possible." Yingyi complied, vanishing in an instant, heading off to carry out his mission.

Murong Ye turned and walked towards the study, picked up a pen, dipped it in ink, and wrote furiously on the letter. "Qingbao, I'm glad to see you. I heard the good news today that my father-in-law will be staying in Beijing to take up the position of Minister of Revenue. This is an honor for the Su family and a blessing for us. I have arranged for Yingyi to buy a house for my father-in-law, and you will have a place to stay when you arrive. I have also arranged for servants to clean your princess's mansion!" After writing, he carefully folded the letter, put it in an envelope, sealed it with wax, called a confidant, and quickly delivered it to Su Qing.

Inside the new house, sunlight filtered through the carved window lattices, casting a shadow on the neatly arranged pear wood tables and chairs. Several famous paintings and calligraphy hung on the walls, adding a touch of elegance. In the corner, a shelf in the old museum was neatly arranged with exquisite porcelain and antiques, each displaying elegance and refinement. Murong Ye paced with his hands behind his back, his eyes filled with satisfaction. After a slight nod, he left without further delay, rising and heading to the inn to greet Su Zhiyuan.

Inside the inn, Su Zhiyuan was dining with his personal servant in the lobby downstairs. Seeing Murong Ye approach, he hurriedly stood up to greet him. Murong Ye stepped forward, bowed, and with a smile on his face, he said respectfully and warmly, "Uncle Su, upon learning that you were staying in Beijing to take up your post, I hastened to prepare a house for you. This house is located in a bustling area of ​​the capital, yet it is quiet within the bustle. The surrounding facilities are complete, and travel is extremely convenient. I have personally taken care of the layout of the house, and it has been carefully arranged according to your status and position, hoping that it will suit your wishes. Now that everything is ready, please come and take a look. If there are any deficiencies, I will immediately rectify them. You can move in today and settle down as soon as possible. After all, this inn is only a temporary resting place, and it will not be as comfortable as your own house."

Su Zhiyuan was filled with gratitude when he heard this, and he hurriedly said, "Okay, Prince Zhan, thank you for your trouble. This house must have cost a lot of money, and I must give you the money. How can I let you spend it?"

Murong Ye quickly waved his hands, his eyes sincere, his words earnestly responding, "Uncle Su, you're being too formal. Qingbao and I have already been granted marriage, and you'll soon be my father-in-law. It's my duty as a son-in-law to show my love for you, my father-in-law, and it's not right for me to accept money. Please don't mention this matter anymore, just stay here peacefully."

Seeing Murong Ye's firm attitude, Su Zhiyuan did not force him to do anything, but secretly remembered this favor in his heart. Afterwards, Murong Ye led Su Zhiyuan and his personal servant to the new house. Along the way, Murong Ye introduced the house in detail, and Su Zhiyuan nodded in praise. After arriving at the new house, Su Zhiyuan was attracted by the scene in front of him and was very satisfied with the layout and decoration of the house. Su Zhiyuan turned to Murong Ye and said, "Your Highness, this house is really great. I like it very much. Thank you for your hard work." Murong Ye smiled and said, "As long as uncle likes it, I am satisfied as long as uncle can live comfortably in the capital."