The sound of clattering from outside signaled the arrival of a government officer.
The people of Taoyao Square, hearing the commotion, rushed to the entrance to join the excitement.
The government contingent came closer and finally stopped at the door of Taoyao Square.
"Boss Su, come out quickly..." An older woman rushed into the shop and said to Su Yaoguang, who was busy by the shelves, "Lord County Magistrate is here, standing at your shop’s entrance!"
"Lord Chen is here?" Su Yaoguang was surprised and walked out in large strides.
When she saw County Magistrate Chen standing at the door of Taoyao Square with a group of constables, she hurriedly greeted him, "Greetings, Lord Chen."
County Magistrate Chen helped her up, "Boss Su, Su Da, Bodhisattva Su, please rise quickly. You are now the goddess in the hearts of the people; I cannot accept your courtesy!"
"Lord County Magistrate, please don’t say that, it makes me feel embarrassed," said Su Yaoguang. "Why have you come..."
"All of you at Taoyao Square have done such a great deed, benefiting the people and saving lives. On behalf of the city’s residents, we bring you this plaque, hoping you will accept it."
Zhang Zhaodi and others looked at the plaque, trying to recognize the words, "The second word in ’What kind of family’... What is it?"
Zhang Pandi and Jia Chunni shook their heads.
Several pairs of eyes turned to Zhang Yingdi, who smiled and said, "A family of benevolence."
"There is also the government seal on it," Wang Huanzhi explained from the side.
"That’s great, I have to think about where to hang it," Zhang Zhaodi was overjoyed.
She noticed Zhong Lanhua and Jiang Yihuan standing at the entrance of Fenghua Pavilion, raising her head proudly in their direction as if in victory.
"My Lord, how many plaques are there, do all the major shops have them?" Zhang Zhaodi asked.
"Certainly not," County Magistrate Chen replied, "The promises made to all major shops before will be fulfilled as agreed, but this plaque is only qualified to be accepted by Taoyao Square."
"My Lord, you overpraise us, we just did what we should," Zhang Zhaodi was even happier. "I believe anyone else would not refuse to save lives in such a situation."
The onlooking crowd applauded and cheered.
Not everyone has such understanding in the face of great difficulty. Taoyao Square’s benevolence was not just a small kindness; it was a great act of righteousness that saved lives.
Amid the festive drumming, the government people carried the plaque inside. County Magistrate Chen spoke at length, praising Taoyao Square’s benevolence and declared that the government would focus on supporting such righteous merchants. Should the shop encounter any troubles, they were to inform the government, who would respond immediately.
This statement almost explicitly told others that Taoyao Square was under the protection of the government, and those who were blind enough to cause them trouble would have to answer to the government first.
"What are you so proud of?" Zhong Lanhua said mockingly, "When Xiao Ci passes the imperial examination, he will surely become a great official, and our Fenghua Pavilion’s backing will be much greater than theirs."
"Mother..." Jiang Yihuan looked at Zhong Lanhua, "I want to settle my engagement."
"What do you mean?" Zhong Lanhua asked, "Didn’t we agree before? If Xiao Ci passes the Scholar exam this time, we’ll settle your engagement. If he can’t even pass as a Scholar, what’s the use of waiting? You might as well marry Steward Qian’s son, Qian Yongqiang, early."
"Xiao Ci has been a bit cold to me lately," Jiang Yihuan said, "I’m worried that someone with the surname Wen has captured his heart."
"Impossible. After all, you are a maiden, and that Miss Wen is a fallen woman. No man in his right mind would choose her over you."
Jiang Yihuan was still uneasy.
Nevertheless, Zhong Lanhua’s concerns were valid. If Xiao Ci could not even pass as a Scholar, marrying him would only lead to hardship.
Su Yaoguang and others hung the plaque in the main hall of the shop, making it visible as soon as one entered.
This was their honor, and it deserved to be displayed proudly.
After sending off the government people, Su Yaoguang and others brought out a batch of new goods on sale, allowing their new and old customers to share in their good fortune.
"Everyone, we have limited quantities, so each item is only offered twenty times, and once they’re sold out, there won’t be any more."
A few days later, Taoyao Square officially reopened, and Zhou Wangshu returned to the academy to continue his studies.
On the day Zhou Wangshu returned to the academy, Su Yaoguang personally escorted him there.
"Miss Su, our academy has a polo match today, and since Wang Shu is back, let him participate. Do you want to stay and watch him play?" Zhong Chushan asked.
"Would my presence interfere, or affect his performance?" Su Yaoguang asked, looking at Zhou Wangshu.
She knew Zhou Wangshu’s academic performance at the academy was mediocre, and his skills in the six arts of a gentleman were average, with nothing particularly outstanding. If Zhou Wangshu didn’t want her to watch him play polo, she could conveniently find an excuse to leave, sparing him any embarrassment.
"Not at all, the academy is open to the public today, and students are allowed to invite their family to watch. See, people are already arriving."
Su Yaoguang looked towards the entrance and indeed saw more and more family members entering the academy, searching for their relatives. Among the crowd, she saw Jiang Yihuan as well.
Su Yaoguang leaned closer to Zhou Wangshu, "Do you want me to stay?"
Zhou Wangshu raised an eyebrow and said arrogantly, "As you wish."
"I’m just worried that it would embarrass you," Su Yaoguang said, "If you fall off the horse or get hit by the ball and start crying with me there, it would be awkward for both of us."
Zhou Wangshu: "..."
He lightly pinched Su Yaoguang’s ear, "Keep your eyes wide open, I’ll win, and you’ll see."
"Alright, alright, Young Master Zhou," Su Yaoguang coaxed him as if he were a child.
Zhong Chushan and Chen Buyu exchanged a smile.
Zhou Wangshu had to change into his riding outfit and discuss strategy with his upcoming teammates, both Chen Buyu and Zhong Chushan took him away.
As Zhou Wangshu emerged in his riding outfit, he faced Xiao Yanci in his white uniform.
Xiao Yanci didn’t expect Zhou Wangshu to return to the academy so soon. He observed Zhou Wangshu’s red riding gear, a sarcastic look flashing in his eyes.
The match had two teams: Xiao Yanci led the White Team, Zhong Chushan led the Red Team. However, with Zhou Wangshu back, Zhong Chushan directly handed the leadership to Zhou Wangshu.
No one in the academy knew Zhou Wangshu’s true abilities, but Chen Buyu and Zhong Chushan had witnessed his prowess. Now, the businesses of the Zhong Family and the Chen Family both bore Zhou Wangshu’s touch, and business had improved significantly, almost like money rolling in.
The members of both teams appeared on the polo field.
In the distance, the spectator stands were already filled with people.
As soon as the participating members entered the field, many started cheering their names.
Zhou Wangshu scanned the crowd for Su Yaoguang’s figure, but he couldn’t find her.
Chen Buyu and Zhong Chushan noticed this as well.
"Did Miss Su leave?" Zhong Chushan said, "Or is she so afraid of seeing Wang Shu lose that she didn’t want to stay to watch his match?"
Visit and read more novel to help us update chapter quickly. Thank you so much!
Use arrow keys (or A / D) to PREV/NEXT chapter