Chapter 771: The Female Marquis

Translator: Henyee Translations | Editor: Henyee Translations

Suddenly, the gold phoenix on Chu Qingzhi’s arm flashed, and she tapped it, hearing Tang Jinghong’s voice.

Qingzhi, two things. First, about the ledger, it has been handed over to the

Emperor. Tell Li Hua not to worry anymore.”

“The second thing is about ‘Ming.’ My people have found out that ‘Ming’ is called Xing Jinming, from the Xing family in Yong’an City of the eastern border. He has a stubborn personality and has made significant mistakes repeatedly, leading to his expulsion from the Xing family. Later, he joined a mysterious organization and started engaging in murder and looting.”

“Xing Jinming offended many people and was deliberately harmed, becoming addicted to a disease that can only be alleviated with opium. Because of this addiction, the organization kicked him out.”

“Due to this, Xing Jinming fell into depravity, resorting to robbery by any means necessary, until he was caught by the magistrate of Yong’an City.”

“The magistrate sentenced him to death, but due to the negligence of the jailers, he escaped and has been missing since.”

Listening to Tang Jinghong, Chu Qingzhi thought, it seems Xing Jindong’s words were true.

Now they could confirm the person was indeed Xing Jinming.

Not long after, the Emperor and others sent letters to Chu Qingzhi with similar findings.

Chu Qingzhi waved her hand, turning all the letters into ashes. Even though they identified the person as Xing Jinming, no one had found out why he ended up deep in the mountains behind Yun Village.

Something was brewing behind the scenes!

Yun Village.

At the village entrance, Chu Xujin happily informed Chu Qingzhi, “Fifth sister, the epidemic in Yun Village has been virtually eliminated.”

Once cured of smallpox, one becomes immune for life, eliminating further

concerns.

“Let’s pack up and leave.”

“Okay.”

Then, Chu Qingzhi visited Xia Village, where the villagers had also mostly recovered, bringing the place back to life.

Riding her horse, she checked the surrounding villages one by one. The traces of the epidemic had faded, and smiles returned to everyone’s faces.

The villagers accompanied Chu Qingzhi to the village entrance…

“Lady, we owe you our lives. Without you, who knows how many more of us would have perished!”

“Lady, we can’t thankyou enough. You’re a good person and surely will lead a smooth and successful life.”

Soon after, many villages erected temples in honor of Chu Qingzhi, where young and old paid their respects.

This development made some immortal beings envious. Chu Qingzhi, still a half-immortal, was already being worshiped, promising a high immortal rank upon her return to the heavens.

After the epidemic’s end, the Emperor issued a decree, granting Chu Qingzhi a fiefdom and bestowing her the title of Marquis.

A Marquis, entitled to the produce and wealth of a thousand households, including the right to manage the local population, essentially controlled a small territory.

Centered around Chu Village, a thousand households became Chu Qingzhi’s private property, along with the right to collect taxes and govern the land.

Chu Qingzhi became the first female Marquis in history, a feat highlighted by the official gazette, making her famous throughout Daling.

Suddenly a prominent landowner, Chu Qingzhi saw an influx of gifts from smaller landowners, who now recognized her as their superior.

Chu Qingzhi graciously accepted these tributes, surprised by her rise to possessing a fiefdom in ancient times.

Friends and business partners also sent gifts, resulting in Chu Qingzhi receiving an abundance of presents once again.

As winter approached in November, everyone prepared for the colder months. Chu Qingzhi bought cotton from the northern borders to make clothes and quilts for her family.

Business stabilized, and thanks to Zhuang Ziqian’s support in Wan City, their products sold well, with many merchants seeking purchases, exceeding everyone’s expectations.

Tissue paper became a trend among the upper class in the capital. With a steady stream of old customers and new orders, Chu Qingzhi began expanding the paperworkshop.

The brick kiln was already operational, producing high-quality bricks under the guidance of master craftsmen and Chu Qingzhi’s advice, perfect for the expansion.

The small cakes became popular in thousands of households, loved by adults and children alike and becoming a new trend in pastries.

All the parakeets had hatched. Chu Qingzhi installed a long pole outside her window where the parakeets often perched, thankfully quiet and well-behaved.

To everyone’s delight, Chu Xuyuan and Chu Xuyao passed the child scholar exam, both achieving first place. This accomplishment led to another grand feast in Chu Village, celebrated with three days of continuous banquets open to everyone.

The brothers received rewards from the school, including waived tuition fees and ten taels of silver each, becoming celebrities in both the school and

Shuiyun County.

The school’s principal even bragged about them in a letter to the national academy, making the Grand Scholar envious and wishing he could have such talents at the national academy.

After healing, Ling Yijiang, having nowhere else to go, joined Chu Village’s transport team, deciding to live a stable life for a while before considering his next move.

One day, Yuan Hongjun and Fan Yuru visited Chu Qingzhi’s home, with Yuan appearing slightly shy, “Master, I plan to take Yuru back to the capital and then ask General Fan for her hand in marriage.”

Chu Qingzhi was about to respond when Bao Linjiang and Rong Shiyu entered, “Master, we also plan to return to the capital.” He glanced at Rong Shiyu, “To ask the Prime Minister for his blessing.”

During the epidemic, they supported each other through various challenges, deepening their relationship.

Chu Qingzhi smiled, “Did you two coordinate this?”

Yuan Hongjun quickly clarified, “No, it’s just a coincidence. Master, we’ll return after handling our affairs.”

Chu Qingzhi nodded, “Go ahead, matters of a lifetime are important.”

After formally bidding farewell, they each left with their beloved.

Returning to her room, Chu Qingzhi stood by the window facing Tianhe Peak, taking a deep breath. The weather was cool, and the birds were reinforcing their nests in preparation for winter.

Suddenly, the door was knocked, and Wu Yaqing’s voice came through, “Qingzhi, may I come in?”

Chu Qingzhi turned around, “Come in.”

Wu Yaqing entered and immediately hugged Chu Qingzhi tightly, “Qingzhi, I m going to miss you so much.”