Rebirth: Making a Fortune in Ancient Times

"Grand Tutor, Sister, are you really leaving?"

Dressed in the attire of a wealthy young master, Zhou Luo looked at the person in front of him with a face full of reluctance.

"Your Majesty," Shen Jingheng said softly to Zhou Luo, "the late Emperor arranged for ministers to assist in governing, which was a well-intentioned move to ensure the stability of the nation. However, once people taste the sweetness of power, they become addicted and unwilling to let go. Now that Your Majesty has gathered all the necessary people, it is the perfect opportunity to reclaim power. As the saying goes, 'To catch a thief, catch the king.' Only by using me to establish your authority can Your Majesty show those people your determination and the ultimate fate of those who oppose you. Besides, nominally I am only on sick leave, and I can return later. I have already made arrangements in the court. When the time comes, Your Majesty should simply act according to your own will without any reservations."

“Grand Tutor…” Zhou Luo’s eyes gleamed as he looked at Shen Jingheng with deep affection.

Sensing the emotion in Zhou Luo's gaze, Shen Jingheng's eyes also became slightly moist, but looking at Zhou Luo, who was almost as tall as him, he could only silently pat him on the shoulder twice.

After the two finished speaking, Xia Yu walked up to Zhou Luo and said...

"Luo'er, don't worry, I will write to you every time I go to a new place. I also want to take this opportunity to expand the family business further."

"Sister, are you short of money? If so, just tell me, and I'll give you a few more counties as fiefs." Zhou Luo was puzzled by Xia Yu's words, as he didn't think his sister was short of money.

"Sister wants to earn more money so that Luo'er won't lack funds when she wants to expand her territory. Luo'er, don't you want Da Huai to be the most powerful country in the world? Don't you want to see the day when all nations come to pay tribute?" The current territory of Da Huai is about the same size as the four modern provinces of China, so expanding its territory is very necessary.

"Ah!" Zhou Luo was astonished. He never expected his sister to have such high expectations of him. In an instant, he felt that he was too disappointing. Thinking that the Grand Tutor was going to leave the court temporarily, he felt empty inside, like a baby who had not been weaned.

"Sister, don't worry, I will definitely be a good emperor, make the country strong and prosperous, and expand the country's territory."

"Good, as expected of my brother Xia Yu, you have ambition. I'm looking forward to that day coming soon. From now on, let's each do what we're supposed to do and prepare for that day." Xia Yu's bold words stirred the hearts of the two men present.

"Sister, please take care on your journey with the Grand Tutor. I will also handle state affairs well and live up to your expectations, becoming a good emperor. I want you to be the most honorable princess in the world."

"Alright, a gentleman's word is as good as his bond!"

Xia Yu's words, "Expanding territory and bringing tribute from all nations," ignited Zhou Luo's ambition and also eased the sadness of their separation.

On the carriage, Xia Yu handed Tangtang, whom she was holding, to the wet nurse for care.

"You go to the carriage in the back first, I'll practice a few words with the master."

"Yes"

As they spoke, the wet nurse, carrying Tangtang, carefully got off the carriage with the help of the maids and boarded another carriage.

"What's wrong?" Shen Jingheng asked Xia Yu when the carriage started moving again.

"Although everything has been arranged in the capital, are you sure everything will be alright?" Xia Yu asked, still somewhat worried.

“There might be some minor problems, but the current emperor is fully capable of handling them. Besides, arrangements have been made in the capital. Otherwise, I wouldn't have taken you away from the capital like this. Don't worry. He's a child I raised myself, and I can't bear to put him in real danger. But as the ruler of the country, he must shoulder his responsibilities.” Shen Jingheng embraced Xia Yu, patting her gently in a reassuring manner. Shen Jingheng had confidence in Zhou Luo.

Zhou Luo indeed lived up to Shen Jingheng's teachings, surpassing his master in the art of rulership. After Shen Jingheng left the capital, he swiftly dismissed or demoted those regents who were unwilling to relinquish power. His reasons were perfectly reasonable, but he spared the families of these ministers. Not only did he not harm them, but he also offered them appeasement. It was a classic case of giving a beating followed by a reward.

Everyone can see through his scheme, but will you accept this offer? Refusing will lead to ruin, separation from your family, and the loss of your spouse and children. Therefore, you not only have to accept it, but you have to accept it with trepidation and gratitude. The emperor of today is already powerful and his plans are complete; he is no longer the naive child he was a few years ago.

Those officials who were initially somewhat restless, seeing that the emperor, though young, was ruthless, had no choice but to settle down and submit. Otherwise, they would be the ones the emperor wanted to speak with.

Jiang Xile was riding high after marrying into the palace and falling deeply in love with the emperor. He had planned to host a banquet in the palace for all the noble ladies to demonstrate his approachable nature. However, he received news that the Princess Zhenguo had left the capital for a trip.

Because of the dowry issue, she harbored resentment towards Xia Yu. Although she was pleased that her wedding was personally presided over and organized by the Grand Princess, she still felt it wasn't enough. She was now the Empress, and even the Grand Princess had to pay her respects. She wanted to see Xia Yu bowing her head before her. But now that she had left the capital, what was the point of hosting a banquet for noblewomen? She just wanted to show off in front of the Grand Princess.

Everything she said in the palace was relayed to Zhou Luo's ears without missing a single word.

"Hmph, I didn't expect her to think she could rival her sister. It seems the Jiang family's daughters aren't as clever and insightful as the rumors say!" Zhou Luo uttered coldly while reviewing memorials. Changshou, overhearing his whisper, understood that the Emperor's feelings for the Empress weren't as the rumors suggested. From now on, everything would have to be done in accordance with the Eldest Princess's wishes regarding the Emperor's intentions.

While traveling, Xia Yu and his family would write letters back to the capital to let the capital know they were safe and sound, and also bring back some local specialties. During their travels, Xia Yu discovered many business opportunities, some of which involved cooperation with local big merchants, and others that he could start on his own with his own capital.

Zhang Youtie, who has been deeply involved in business development in Beijing, noticed many unfamiliar faces when he checked the accounts at the end of the year. Upon further inquiry, he learned that these were all businesses his daughter had done while traveling. In fact, Xia Yu would write to him whenever there were new business opportunities, but he only realized how much his family's business had grown at the end of the year.

Zhou Luo, who was attending court, saw the letter Xia Yu delivered and immediately clapped his hands and laughed.

"Sister is indeed my benefactor, the benefactor of Da Huai! Haha...haha..." The ministers below, seeing the emperor's uncontrolled laughter, knew that the princess's letter must contain very good news, but what could it be that could cause the emperor to lose his composure like this?

"Your Majesty, I wonder what good news the Princess Consort mentioned in her letter that has made you so happy?" a minister asked.

"When the Princess was observing the people's conditions outside, she discovered an iron mine, a large iron mine." Zhou Luo didn't mince words and announced this great news in court.

"Congratulations, Your Majesty! Congratulations, Your Majesty! Heaven blesses the Emperor!" Upon hearing that such a momentous event as the discovery of an iron ore mine had taken place, the ministers all knelt down to congratulate the Emperor.

"All of you, rise. All of this is thanks to the Princess. She is the greatest contributor to our Great Huai."

Subsequently, Zhou Luo dispatched his personally promoted confidants to lead troops to take over the iron mine and oversee its mining operations. After successfully handing over the mine, Xia Yu continued her journey. Over two years, Xia Yu finally traversed every inch of Da Huai. Finally, she chose a place with a pleasant climate and beautiful scenery to build a Rain View Manor. Meanwhile, Zhou Luo in the capital received a letter from Xia Yu.

"Luo'er, I've spent two years traveling all over the land of Da Huai. You've done a great job these past two years; the people live in peace and prosperity, and the country is at peace. I've now settled in Caiyun City and built a Rain View Manor. I love the climate here and plan to stay for a few years. I really hope you can come and see it for yourself. Luo'er, from now on, your sister will be your money bag. Whether you need food or money, just send someone to let me know... I'm fine, don't worry!"

After reading Xia Yu's letter, Zhou Luo climbed to the highest palace in the palace, looking in the direction Xia Yu had left, gazing into the distance. Sitting in this position, loneliness was inevitable.

(End of the book)

P.S.: This book is now finished! Thank you all for your support over the years. Your companionship has kept me going. Love you all! This is my first time writing a novel, and I've rambled on quite a bit. There might be some inconsistencies, so please forgive any mistakes and corrections. I love you all very much. *bows*