allonlinenovel Chapter 225 The Zhong Family's Fame
Chapter 225 The Zhong Family's Fame
Three days later, Song Changwei came to the door of the Zhong family as agreed and asked to see Minister Zhong.
Today, Song Changwei changed into a slightly more decent robe. Although the material of this robe was much better than that of ordinary people, it was not good enough in the eyes of the Zhong family.
However, Song Changwei was not intimidated by this. He walked up to Shangshu Zhong and talked to him in a dignified manner. This made Shangshu Zhong have a better impression of this young man who came from an ordinary background but was very talented.
In addition, Zhong Xuemei hinted at her feelings and said that she would not marry anyone but Song Changwei, so Shangshu Zhong reluctantly agreed to the marriage.
Soon, Song Changwei became the son-in-law of the Zhuang family and lived with Zhong Xuemei in her yard. From then on, the three sisters of the Zhong family all had a home.
Although Shangshu Zhong used to be in a high position and had great power, he always felt a little regretful because he had no son.
However, he never expected that his unremarkable eldest daughter would find such a successful son-in-law for him. Minister Zhong's reputation seemed to have been improved a lot, and he looked very happy all day long.
The next step is to wait for Zhong Xueying to give birth to the prince's eldest son, and then successfully ascend to the throne as the prince's consort. Then the Zhong family's status as the number one family in the Great Sheng Dynasty will be further consolidated.
However, people are most likely to make mistakes and be caught when they are at their most successful.
Just three months after Song Changwei entered the Zhong Mansion, Shangshu Zhong was suddenly reported by someone for embezzling official silver for disaster relief.
It is quite normal for court officials to be reported to the emperor, let alone a new noble like Shangshu Zhong, who would be more likely to arouse jealousy, so it is inevitable that some people would be jealous and make false accusations.
But this time the emperor didn't know what had happened. He actually ordered a thorough investigation and finally got the evidence.
So the next day in the court, the emperor severely reprimanded Shangshu Zhong and directly fined him three years' salary.
Although this punishment may not seem painful, it is indeed a big blow to the reputation of Minister Zhong, who now claims to be the head of the Great Sage's first family.
Because most of the officials in the court now are the prince's followers, and everyone follows the lead of Minister Zhong.
But now even such a small matter could be discovered by the emperor, and as a result, Shangshu Zhong's prestige among the people has become much worse.
People began to think, if the prince ascended the throne one day, with the ability of Minister Zhong, would they be able to make some money? Would the emperor find out something?
So after this incident, the number of officials who came forward to curry favor with Shangshu Zhong decreased significantly.
Even the few adults who used to visit frequently have reduced the number of times they come for facial recognition, citing poor health as an excuse.
The Zhong family, which used to be bustling with people, suddenly became deserted.
A few days later, rumors spread throughout Kyoto that Minister Zhong was short of money and had a rage in his own study.
When these rumors happened to be heard by Song Changwei, the son-in-law of the Zhong family who was out collecting folk songs, he "happened" to let the rumors slip while chatting with Minister Zhong and revealed the news to him.
"Humph! This is sheer nonsense! My Zhong family is a wealthy and powerful family, how could I be so worried about such a small matter? This is sheer nonsense!"
Song Changwei stood respectfully aside, his face full of regret.
"I shouldn't have told my father about these awful things. I made him angry for no reason. I am guilty."
Minister Zhong was very satisfied with his son-in-law Song Changwei. Hearing that he cared so much about himself, he felt relieved.
He sat in the chair for a while, calmed down his anger, and gave instructions to Song Changwei.
"Tomorrow you spread the news that the Zhong family is not short of money, so that those unruly people will shut up."
"Father, I have a plan. I wonder if I should tell you or not?"
"speak"
"If our Zhong family wants to show off its financial strength, why don't we distribute porridge outside the city? This will not only shut those people up, but also spread the good name of my father's kindness and love for the people to the people."
Minister Zhong nodded, his frown relaxed, and he highly praised Song Changwei's proposal.
"Mei'er was right about you, Changwei, you are a good person."
"Thank you father for the compliment."
Song Changwei acted quickly. Within a few days, a free porridge stall was built outside the city, and Song Changwei, the son-in-law of the Song family, personally served porridge.
When the poor people in the area dozens of miles around heard that the Shangshu was distributing porridge for free, they came to get the porridge. In a short time, Shangshu Zhong's reputation for virtue spread throughout the capital.
Minister Zhong was delighted and valued Song Changwei even more. He began to bring him to his side and train him carefully, taking him to various occasions.
Song Changwei's status in the Zhong family naturally rose, and he gained the trust of Shangshu Zhong.
But Prime Minister Song could no longer sit still, as he knew that Song Qingwan must have been behind this.
If Song Changwei were to rely on himself, he would never be able to achieve such an effect, so he angrily went to the villa outside the city to find Song Qingwan.
Song Qingwan has had a lot more free time recently. She doesn't have to do everything by herself, so she has been able to see doctors in other hospitals to improve her medical skills.
Even if Song Qingwan plays power games, medical skills are still what she values most, and Song Qingwan has always believed that the profession of doctor is something that one can learn throughout one's life.
So when Prime Minister Song stepped into the gate of the villa, Song Qingwan was sitting on the swing in the courtyard reading a book.
Prime Minister Song looked at Song Qingwan in front of him, and in a trance he seemed to see Pang Lingyan from the past.
The same scene happened when he first met Pang Lingyan.
A swing, a girl, a book, and the years are peaceful.
But now, many years have passed, everything has changed, and Lingyan has long left him.
Prime Minister Song shook his head to get rid of these thoughts, knowing that he should not think about it anymore. There was no possibility for him and Pang Lingyan to be together in this life. He had chosen his own path and could not blame others.
"Wan'er? With the Zhong family being so popular, won't it disrupt our plans?"
When Song Qingwan heard Song Chengfeng's voice, she closed the book, got off the swing and stood still.
She had already expected Song Chengfeng to come. Given Song Chengfeng's character, it was rare for him to persist for so long.
She smiled calmly, her eyes full of calmness, as if everything was under her control.
"Father, why are you so anxious? In less than three months, the Zhong family will be in great trouble."
"How to say?"
"Father, do you know that flattery is the most deadly? Minister Zhong's ability and character are not worthy of such a reputation. Do you think it will backfire after a long time?"
Song Chengfeng was puzzled. He didn't understand, shouldn't reputation be more helpful the better it is spread?
Song Qingwan did not keep the person in suspense and reminded him patiently.
"Father, do you know what month it is now?"
"May, you mean?"
"The rainy season is coming to the south. The Imperial Astronomical Observatory has already predicted that there will be a lot of rain in the south this year. Father, what do you think the emperor will do?"
Song Chengfeng suddenly realized, and the look in his eyes when he looked at Song Qingwan was inadvertently filled with a bit of admiration and fear.
With such a keen mind, it would be very easy for Song Qingwan to harm someone.