Capítulo 150: Gifts from the Prime Minister's Mansion
The Ghost Festival is one of the most important holidays in the Tianxuan Empire. During this time, it's a grand event for the Tianxuan people, who gather to celebrate, drink, and enjoy themselves.
This day was also when Zheng Tao and his companions planned to investigate Zhang the Benevolent's gift-giving to Wang Hua again.
Fu Qing was already hiding in the treetop in the courtyard of Wang's mansion. His body was concealed by the canopy, and with his Martial Emperor-level cultivation, no one could detect him unless they deliberately climbed the tree to check.
He extended his divine sense outward, observing the bustling crowds on the street, especially the dense throng at the gate of Wang Hua's mansion.
Everyone knew that during festivals, Zhang the Benevolent would visit Wang's house with gifts, and when Wang Hua inevitably refused them, Zhang the Benevolent would distribute the gifts to the people.
So, every year during festivals, many people would gather at Wang Hua's gate, hoping to receive a share of Zhang the Benevolent's gifts to improve their household's living conditions.
Zhang The Benevolent's gift-giving had been a tradition in the capital for many years. Initially, Wang Hua would not even let him in, keeping the door shut and ignoring him.
But Zhang the Benevolent's persistence paid off. He not only distributed the gifts to the public but also donated large sums to the country, earning a great reputation.
Some people even petitioned on Zhang the Benevolent's behalf, hoping that Wang Hua would meet him and accept his gifts to fulfil his desire to repay a debt of gratitude.
Eventually, Wang Hua compromised, opened the door, and allowed Zhang the Benevolent to enter.
He treated Zhang the Benevolent like an old friend, chatting with him and listening to his holiday blessings, but he never accepted his gifts.
Sometimes, when Zhang the Benevolent insisted, Wang Hua would throw the gifts out and drive him away.
This story has been repeated many times over the years and has become a traditional spectacle for the Tianxuan people.
Many people came for the distributed gifts afterwards, while others came just to see Wang Hua lose his temper.
Fu Qing's divine sense continued to extend, covering several nearby streets.
Finally, he spotted Zhang the Benevolent's convoy heading toward the mansion.
Zhang The Benevolent was a dignified middle-aged man, slightly plump, with sharp eyes, indicating his shrewdness.
A horse-drawn carriage followed him, carrying a batch of items. From this distance, Fu Qing couldn't tell exactly what they were or how many there were.
Most of the pedestrians on the street recognized Zhang the Benevolent's convoy and greeted him warmly, "Hey, Zhang, off to give gifts to Wang Xiang again?"
Zhang replied cheerfully, not putting on airs despite his wealth, "Yes."
"Come on, Wang Hua has never accepted your gifts all these years. In the end, you always give them to us. Why not just save the trip and hand them out now?" someone joked.
Zhang's expression turned stubborn but not angry, "No way, the gifts are for Prime Minister Wang Hua. Whether to distribute them to you is his decision."
"If it were my stuff, I wouldn't give you even a piece of paper. Don't forget, I'm a businessman!" Zhang the Benevolent said exaggeratedly.
Everyone laughed, "Yes, you're a great businessman, as cunning as they come."
After some banter, the crowd dispersed, making way for Zhang's convoy.
Despite the jokes, Zhang still held a positive image in their hearts.
If not for Fu Qing's belief that he was a spy for a rival nation, this man seemed like a friendly and eloquent shopkeeper.
Gradually, Zhang arrived at the mansion gate.
He got off the carriage, adjusted his attire, and knocked on the door himself.
His visit was a familiar sight for Wang Hua's household. Normally, the tightly shut door would be opened to welcome Zhang on this day.
There were no servants in the Wang household; all chores were handled by the family. It was Wang Hua himself who came to open the door.
"Greetings, Prime Minister Wang. I wish you and your family happiness and health!" Zhang the Benevolent respectfully knelt and saluted when Wang Hua opened the door.
Wang Hua raised his hand to stop him, "How many times do I have to say it? We are all human beings; there's no need for kneeling."
"A man kneels to heaven, earth, parents, and benefactors. It's only proper!" Zhang the Benevolent laughed heartily but didn't insist because if Wang Hua didn't want him to kneel, he truly wouldn't be able to.
Seeing Prime Minister Wang in person, the crowd outside also bowed in respect: "Greetings, Minister Wang. We wish you happiness and well-being, and a harmonious family."
Wang Hua smiled and clasped his hands in return: "Your happiness is my happiness."
He then led Zhang inside, watching as Zhang's attendants moved the gifts one by one into the courtyard.
Wang Hua said calmly, "How many times have I told you, I won't accept these gifts. Why go through the trouble? If you really want to give them, wouldn't it be easier to directly hand them to the people?"
Zhang laughed: "Prime Minister Wang, you have your principles, and I have my choices. I'm a businessman; how can I give things away for free?"
"Once the items are placed in your home, they are yours. If you don't want them, and I distribute them to the people, then it's no longer my gift but yours."
"You business folks always believe in these superstitious things." Wang Hua glared at him in mock annoyance. "What did you bring this time?"
"Hehe, Prime Minister Wang, today I brought you seven volumes of martial arts manuals, sixteen sides of freshly slaughtered pork, thirteen strings of East Lake pearls, and six second-grade medicinal pills. Happy Ghost Festival to you." Zhang said respectfully, clasping his hands as he spoke.
With a wave of his hand, his attendants brought in the items and placed them in the courtyard.
Hiding in the treetop, Fu Qing meticulously noted down the quantities.
Since it became customary for Zhang to distribute the gifts to the people, the items he brought each time were always what the people needed.
Food, martial arts manuals, medicinal pills, and valuables were all helpful to the people, and Wang Hua was happy to see it happen.
During the festival, people wanted to eat well, hence the pork.
Ordinary families' children needed martial arts manuals and medicinal pills for their cultivation, so Zhang prepared those too.
Poor families needed valuables to improve their lives, and even one pearl could allow them to live comfortably for a while.
His thoughtfulness in considering every aspect was commendable.
After Zhang's attendants finished moving everything, Wang Hua nodded, "Alright, is everything here? I'll take them."
"Thank you, Prime Minister Wang."
"Now, I will give these items to the townspeople. Happy Ghost Festival to everyone! May your families be happy, and all your wishes come true." Wang Hua waved his hand, and all the items that Zhang the Benevolent had painstakingly moved into the courtyard were casually tossed out.
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