Magistrate Gu Jinli happily received the letter like a treasure and said, "Thank you, Master Ouyang and Elder Ouyang, for your help."

If it weren’t for the Ouyang family’s involvement, as a fourth-rank magistrate, dealing with the Ying Family, Zongzheng Family, or even Shen Si would be impossible for him.

Magistrate Gu handed the letter to County Magistrate Zheng, knowing he was a collateral branch of the Zheng Family.

After reading it, County Magistrate Zheng’s eyes lit up, and he exclaimed, "Great! The citizens of Great Chu are indeed fortunate. Not only do they have the Emperor’s assistance, but also silver donations from various families in the Capital. The future will definitely be better."

Ah, phew!

Young Master Dou almost rolled his eyes. You really know how to talk, praising without mentioning anything else. You’ve taken flattery to a new level.

Master Ouyang glanced at Young Master Dou, giving him a look that suggested, "You should learn from County Magistrate Zheng."

Young Master Dou was unimpressed and directly rolled his eyes at Master Ouyang.

Master Ouyang was infuriated and stopped paying attention to Young Master Dou. He turned to Magistrate Gu and said, "Lord Gu, this matter is settled. The Dou Ou Bank in the prefecture is running smoothly; please keep an eye on it in the future. We plan to leave for Tianfu County early tomorrow. There’s no need for a farewell banquet; I’m old and prefer a peaceful life. I hope Magistrate Gu can continue to keep my residence discreet."

"Is Master leaving so soon? Won’t you stay a few more days?" Magistrate Gu expressed regret, knowing he couldn’t persuade Master Ouyang to stay. He said, "Don’t worry, there won’t be anyone foolish enough to seek you in Tianfu County."

Master Ouyang nodded, "Thank you, Magistrate Gu."

Young Master Dou seized the opportunity to speak, "Magistrate, if Boss Fan comes seeking your help, please tell him one thing from me. I, Dou Ke, forgive past grievances and am willing to acquire his family’s business."

Magistrate Gu laughed, "Since Young Master Dou has spoken, I will certainly assist."

Boss Fan was too impatient, hoping to become an imperial merchant through relations with the Zongzheng Family, but the Zongzheng, Ying, and Shen Families were repelled by Ouyang Hong and his allies. Now, the Emperor sides with Ouyang Hong, leaving Boss Fan only to be vented upon by the Zongzheng Family.

Magistrate Gu touched the jade pendant on his waist, contemplating acquiring some of Fan Family’s assets during their downfall.

"Thank you, Magistrate Gu." Young Master Dou made a gesture of gratitude, looking like a merchant eager to acquire Fan Family’s assets.

After lingering for a moment, Magistrate Gu and the others soon became busy.

An hour later, all of He’an Prefecture knew that Marquis Rong’en had been berated by the Emperor, Young Master Dou’s stepmother had been beaten, and the Emperor forbade anyone from opening new banks to exploit farmers under the guise of lending money.

Suddenly, He’an Prefecture became lively, with people distressed over taxes rushing out to gossip about the Shen Family, Mrs. Dou Meng.

As for the Emperor’s decree against new banks, few mentioned it, mainly because His Majesty is the Emperor, and they dared not gossip.

But Marquis Rong’en and Mrs. Dou Meng were different. Being rebuked by the Lord Emperor, they gossip freely about the two families.

Eventually, somehow, a romanticized gossip emerged about Marquis Rong’en and Mrs. Dou Meng.

It was said that Mrs. Dou Meng had met Marquis Rong’en in her youth and pledged lifelong commitment. But being a royal family member and a descendant of the Founding Princess, Marquis Rong’en was unattainable for Mrs. Dou Meng, a concubine daughter.

Ultimately, Marquis Rong’en had no choice but to marry a noble lady, while Mrs. Dou Meng, suffering for years, married Manager Dou as his secondary wife.

"Hahaha, which storyteller made this up? I want to reward him, a thousand taels to him." Young Master Dou laughed heartily, almost doubled over with laughter. "Such talent, pairing Marquis Rong’en and Meng Shi together! Do they even know that Marquis Rong’en could be her father?"

Yet, he found the rumor amusing and likable.

Despite being young, Feng Lian knew how to connect with Daqing, Xiao Sui, and others, gathering the gossip. He reported, "I don’t know who spread it, but everyone in the prefecture is talking about it, even claiming Marquis Rong’en and Mrs. Dou Meng had eloped but failed, leading to his marriage with the current Duchess Rong’en."

"Hahaha, eloping?!" Young Master Dou almost died laughing. "What creativity, such great creativity; no wonder this is a place where storytelling thrives."

Gu Jin’an looked at Young Master Dou and reminded, "Mrs. Dou Meng is your father’s wife. Aren’t you afraid of being ridiculed when this rumor spreads?"

People might urge your father to become open-minded!

Young Master Dou: "Ha, ridicule? This is Meng Shi’s joke, not mine. Spread it freely, spread it to the Capital. Let Meng Shi be humiliated and my father mocked in public!"

Evidently, the conflict between Young Master Dou and Manager Dou ran deep. Gu Jin’an, hearing this, decided not to pursue the topic, shifting to another matter, "I heard the Fan Family has assets in many places. Once they fall, I’d like to buy some of their manors, nothing too fancy, but they must be in Zhili and the Capital."

No matter the Emperor’s temperament, as long as Great Chu stands, he still seeks official position, requiring some assets in Zhili and the Capital.

Young Master Dou raised an eyebrow, saying, "Aren’t you a scholar? Why are you, like me, eyeing Fan Family’s assets?"

Gu Jin’an: "Do scholars not need to eat? I’ve known hunger; I never want to eat tree leaves again. I want both official position and silver."

"Great! I admire scholars like you. Those who disdain silver make me want to beat them." Young Master Dou agreed readily.

...

Upon hearing the rumors in the prefecture, Boss Fan was frightened, rushing to find the Fifth Young Master of the Zongzheng Family.

But Zongzheng Qin had already been bound by someone sent by Lord Zongzheng to be taken to the Capital.

When he heard the rumors circulating in the city, Zongzheng Qin initially thought they were false, intending to write a letter questioning Magistrate Gu for allowing such rumors to emerge.

However, before finishing his letter, the housekeeper from the Zongzheng Family arrived, bound him without a word, and threw him into a carriage.

Boss Fan, witnessing the scene, was terrified, realizing the rumors must be true as even the Fifth Young Master was captured.

Fortunately, Boss Fan was shrewd enough not to confront Zongzheng Qin, instead quickly ordering the driver to return home, hastily opening his private vault, and retrieving sixty thousand taels in silver notes to send to Magistrate Gu.

Magistrate Gu did not accept them, saying, "Boss Fan, associating with the powerful isn’t easily escaped; take care of yourself."

He ordered the government official to kick Boss Fan out.

Magistrate Gu was right; once entangled with power, escaping is nearly impossible. 𝚏𝗿𝗲𝐞𝚠𝕖𝐛𝗻𝗼𝐯𝕖𝚕.𝚌𝗼𝗺

Boss Fan was found dead the following morning before dawn by those dumping night soil.

He died miserably, with dozens of knife wounds and all his possessions gone, appearing like a robbery-homicide case.