Rebirth: Making a Fortune in Ancient Times

Watching his nonchalant walk away, Xia Yu cursed inwardly, "Damn it, he only said half of what he meant. Who wrote that English sentence?"

Xia Yu had come out to get some fresh air, but now she was even more frustrated. She was extremely curious about who had written the English autobiography in Shen Jingheng's hand. Why would Shen Jingheng show it to her? Did Shen Jingheng have other people who had traveled from another time in his possession?

No matter how curious Xia Yu was, she couldn't ask these questions in reality.

Xia Yu wasn't the only one feeling frustrated. Zhang Haoran, who was drinking in the hall, had no idea when he had asked to learn Russian.

As soon as Zhang Haoran left the palace after the banquet, he was stopped by Qingmu.

"Lord Zhang, my master requests your presence!"

Slightly tipsy, Zhang Haoran was jolted awake by the cold wind and heard Qingmu's words, which made him much more sober.

Following behind Aoki, they arrived at Shen Jingheng's carriage.

"Lord Zhang, my master is waiting for you inside. Please!"

Zhang Haoran stepped onto the elaborately decorated carriage, lifted the curtain, and went inside, where he saw Shen Jingheng resting with his eyes closed.

Judging from his flushed cheeks, he must have drunk quite a bit tonight.

"Lord Zhang, please have a seat."

Shen Jingheng closed his eyes, rubbed his slightly dizzy head, and spoke to Zhang Haoran.

Hearing him say that, Zhang Haoran sat down somewhat nervously.

"You're going back to Zhongzhou Prefecture for the New Year, right?" Shen Jingheng suddenly asked.

Hearing this question so suddenly, Zhang Haoran was a little confused, wondering why this important person was concerned about his personal affairs. But after only a short hesitation, he respectfully replied...

"Your Excellency, it is only my mother and I at home now, and we will spend the New Year in the capital." Actually, that wasn't the only reason. Another reason was that he didn't have much money, and going back to his hometown for the New Year would be a considerable expense.

"No, you're going back to your hometown for the Spring Festival this year. And you'll stay there with Miss Zhang to learn Russian until the Russian delegation comes to Beijing next year. Your task during this time is to study Russian well."

"Huh?" Zhang Haoran looked puzzled after hearing Shen Jingheng's words.

“This was your own request. You learned Russian so that you could welcome Prince Lip’s delegation,” Shen Jingheng continued.

Zhang Haoran was even more confused, still not having fully processed what had just been said. When did he make that request? How come he didn't know?

Without giving him a chance to react, Shen Jingheng continued...

"An imperial decree and rewards will arrive at your residence tomorrow. Wait to receive the decree!"

After saying that, he waved to Zhang Haoran, who was still in a daze.

"It's getting late, you should go back and rest."

Then, Zhang Haoran got off the carriage in a daze.

Standing before the empty palace gates, Zhang Haoran felt a pang of despair. His family had neither carriages nor sedan chair bearers. He had arranged to return home together with a close colleague at the banquet, but Lord Shen had called him away for a talk, and his colleague had left before he arrived.

As Lord Shen's carriage rattled away, Zhang Haoran was left standing alone in the cold wind, bewildered. It would still be half an hour's walk to where he lived.

He pulled the cloak tighter around himself, trying to keep his body completely protected by it. Resigned, Zhang Haoran began to walk towards home.

They hadn't gone far when they heard the sound of a carriage again. Looking up, they saw that it was Aoki returning in his carriage.

"Lord Zhang, my master has asked me to escort you back."

"Thank you, Brother Aoki." Zhang Haoran didn't bother with formalities, clasped his hands in thanks to Aoki, and hurriedly stepped onto the carriage.

But once inside, they discovered that Shen Jingheng was not in the car.

"Brother Aoki, where is the master?"

"Oh, sir, you took another family's carriage and went back on the way. Otherwise, I wouldn't have been able to get back so quickly!" Aoki said to Zhang Haoran with a smile.

Shen Jingheng, who was sitting in another family's carriage, did not return to his own scholar's residence, but followed Grand Tutor Li to his residence.

She euphemistically called it "missing her son".

Upon arriving at the Li residence, he did not go to see Shen Luo, but instead followed the Grand Tutor to the study.

Shen Jingheng did not leave that day, but stayed overnight at Qingsong Garden, sleeping in the same bed as his son, Shen Luo.

Early the next morning, everyone started packing their luggage, including Li Taifu and Shen Luo, who were going back to Ming'an County for the New Year.

Just as Xia Yu was packing her things, Grand Tutor Li sent someone to call her to his study, saying he had something to discuss.

"You two pack up first, I'll be right back. See what Grandpa Li wants to see me about?" Xia Yu instructed her two maids.

"Yes, ma'am."

Xia Yu walked towards Li Taifu's study without encountering anyone along the way.

Upon entering the study, they did not see Grand Tutor Li, but instead saw Shen Jingheng writing at his desk.

"Lord Shen? Where's Grandpa Li?" Xia Yu asked.

"The Grand Tutor is out on business, so I asked you to come."

"Come here!" Seeing the person standing motionless at the door, Shen Jingheng had no choice but to beckon her over.

"Is something wrong?" Xia Yu asked, puzzled.

“Yes,” Shen Jingheng nodded.

Putting down his pen and rubbing his slightly swollen eyes, Shen Jingheng finally looked up at Xia Yudao.

"I need provisions! Enough provisions for an army of 200,000 for half a year."

Upon hearing his words, Xia Yu gasped in shock. The supplies were about to be used for a war.

"Where am I supposed to get so much food for you?" Xia Yu muttered. This wasn't just any food; it was enough for an army of 200,000 for half a year. Where was she supposed to get it?

"Can't you plant it?" Shen Jingheng asked.

Hearing his words, Xia Yu was so angry he laughed. Did he think he was Doraemon, able to reach into his pocket and have whatever he wanted?

"Uncle, it's winter. Where can I get so much food and fodder for you without anyone watching?"

Hearing Xia Yu's complaint, Shen Jingheng remained silent for a while before slowly saying...

“I know you have a way, just like the chili peppers that year. I can shield you from all the prying eyes and doubts, but I also hope that when I need it, you can do your best to help me.” Shen Jingheng looked at Xia Yu with a determined and sincere gaze.

Xia Yu scratched his head in frustration, unsure of what to say next. He was completely taking advantage of him.

"When do you need it? If it's too short, I won't be able to get it done," Xia Yu said, sounding somewhat deflated.

"Next March," Shen Jingheng said.

Where should I put it?

“Ding Chengxin will tell you, and then have Nineteen take you to him,” Shen Jingheng replied quickly.

Finally, Xia Yu asked again

Will they recruit soldiers?

"Yes, but don't worry. No one from your family will be on the list," Shen Jingheng assured Xia Yu, then continued...

"And I will send people to protect your safety."

"Okay, deal."