Rebirth: Making a Fortune in Ancient Times

Two days later, the government issued a notice. The gist of it was that the newly recruited soldiers would be led by their respective village chiefs to assemble in front of the county government office the next day.

Upon receiving the notification, the village chief rushed to Zhang Youtie to discuss borrowing a horse-drawn carriage or oxcart.

Xia Yu's family naturally had no objections to this. They immediately lent out all five of their oxcarts, three mule carts, and three horse carts. With Zhang Youtie's permission, the village chief went to several other households to borrow oxcarts, which, combined with his own, was enough. With the oxcarts in hand, the village chief busied himself arranging for young men to drive them.

Finally, Zhang Youtie selected more than a dozen people who could drive from among his servants, thus saving the village chief from the trouble of traveling back and forth, and allowing him to have time to go home and spend more time with his son.

The time for parting always comes too quickly; Xia Yu and Liu Shi didn't go out the next day. Even so, the cries of the village women could still be heard in the courtyard. Although Liu Shi held needle and thread in her hands, she had no heart for doing anything.

"Alas, how many of them will ever return after going away!"

Xia Yu silently stayed by her mother's side, without saying a word. War is always cruel. Most of the villagers were fortunate to have his medicine, but those without it had an even slimmer chance of survival.

With this in mind, she focused her consciousness back into the space and began planting wheat. She wanted to grow more grains, so that at least the soldiers at the front could have enough to eat.

After some time, Xia Yu changed the frequency of delivering grain from five days to three days. She kept herself constantly planting, harvesting, planting, and harvesting grain without stopping.

Because Xia Yu spent her days teaching Zhang Haoran Russian and growing crops at home, she didn't notice the changes outside.

As expected, grain prices started to rise. Wheat flour, which had previously cost five coins per pound, first increased to six, then eight. By the time Xia Yu noticed this, wheat flour was already selling for thirteen coins per pound, and rice was practically unavailable. Fortunately, wheat flour was the main staple food for Xia Yu and her friends, so they ate very little rice.

"Dad, do we have enough flour? The war hasn't even started yet, and the grain has already grown so much! If the war really breaks out, will the people still have money to buy grain to eat?" Xia Yu asked Zhang Youtie, holding a steamed bun made from two kinds of flour.

"Sigh, cornmeal has gone up to nine copper coins a pound now. Many families in the village are eating wild vegetable dumplings again. They don't even dare to eat the little food they have left." Zhang Youtie was holding a fragrant steamed bun in his hand, but he felt like he couldn't swallow it.

"Is there enough food at the old house? There are many people over there," Liu asked Zhang Youtie worriedly.

“That’s enough. After the fourth son becomes an official, we won’t sell the grain from the old house anymore. If we’re frugal, we can make it through the year.” Zhang Youtie sighed again.

For a moment, the atmosphere at the dinner table became extremely dull.

"Don't think about it anymore, let's eat. Those things are beyond our control," Liu said, placing a piece of shredded radish and pickled vegetables on Zhang Youtie's plate.

After saying that, he looked at Xia Yudao.

"Are you heading to the capital?" It was already early March. The Russian delegation should have already reached the territory of Dahuai.

"Yes, in the next few days. An imperial decree should arrive from the capital." He then looked at Zhang Youtie.

"Dad, our family is large, and we consume a lot of grain. Tomorrow, let's go to the granary and see if there's enough grain left. If not, I'll put some more in before we leave." Xia Yu was always a little worried about not being able to stay by her parents' side all the time, fearing that something might have happened to them.

"it is good."

Just as Xia Yu had predicted, the imperial edict and ship arrived from the capital a few days later. Grand Tutor Li, Lady Wenfu, and Assistant Magistrate Zhang were all included in the edict. Changyun, who had to take the imperial examination this year, stayed home to study. Shen Luo, however, was going to go with them.

Having experienced a six-month-long trip last time, this time it was just a trip to Beijing, which made it much easier for both families to accept, and they weren't as reluctant to part as they were last time.

"Xiaxia, take good care of yourself. I'll come to the capital to see you once things are settled with your brother," Madam Liu said, holding her daughter's hand.

"Okay, Mother, if you're coming, please let me know in advance so I can pick you up at the dock."

"Mother will."

However, something happened before I left.

That was Liu Xiaocui's marriage to Zhang Haoran.

The Gao family sent an official matchmaker with betrothal gifts to the Zhang family to propose marriage.

The matter had been discussed beforehand, so Liu agreed without hesitation. The matchmaker was overjoyed, showering her with auspicious words. She had never even seen Liu Xiaocui, yet she described her as a beauty rarely seen in heaven and earth.

Xia Yu chuckled inwardly as she listened, and sighed.

'This matchmaker's mouth is even more unreliable than a man's.' Although my aunt is indeed very beautiful, it's really embarrassing that she can praise her without ever having met her.

Once again boarding the ship to Beijing, Xia Yu will have to call Zhang Haoran "uncle" when they meet again.

They arrived in the capital smoothly. As soon as they disembarked, they were greeted by a group of officials from the Court of State Ceremonial, led by Zhou Wenqing.

After exchanging a few pleasantries at the dock, Xia Yu took a carriage back to the Li residence. Grand Tutor Li and Zhang Haoran went to the palace to see the Emperor first.

In the Emperor's study

"Grand Tutor, you've worked hard. Are you still in good health?" The Emperor personally helped Grand Tutor Li up and asked gently.

"Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty. This old minister is in good health and can still eat two bowls of rice at each meal."

"Good, I can only be at ease when the Grand Tutor is well! Has Wenfu gone home yet?" the Emperor asked again.

"Your Majesty, that is indeed the case. Although she holds the title of a village lady, she is not an official appointed by the court and dares not enter without a summons."

"Yes, Grand Tutor is quite right. Prince Wenfu is indeed a man of great fortune!" the Emperor couldn't help but exclaim again.

After saying that, he looked at Zhang Haoran standing next to him.

"Minister Zhang, how's your Russian language learning going these past few months?"

"Your Majesty, in the past few months, Lady Wenfu has devoted herself to teaching me the language, and I have made great progress compared to before."

"Hmm, good. Very good. The Russian delegation will arrive in the capital in another half month. Today, I will make an exception and promote you to the position of Vice Minister of the Court of State Ceremonial. Don't let me down."

Upon hearing that the Emperor had exceptionally promoted him, Zhang Haoran was so overjoyed that he knelt down on the ground with a thud.

"Your humble servant is willing to serve you with utmost loyalty and devotion to repay Your Majesty's kindness and favor. I kowtow and thank Your Majesty for your long life."

His slightly trembling voice revealed his excitement. The emperor looked at the person kneeling on the ground and nodded with satisfaction.

After leaving the palace, Zhang Haoran bid farewell to Grand Tutor Li and then took a carriage to the residence that the Emperor had previously given him. His mother was already waiting for him there.

Pushing open the heavy gate, Zhang Haoran stepped inside and looked at the three-courtyard house before him. It was clear that the house had been recently renovated; however, having been uninhabited for several months, the flowers and trees inside had grown rather lush and needed some proper tending.

"Hao'er, let's hold your wedding with Xiao Cui here!" said Madam Gao.