Chapter 318: Prince Jingzhou, the Kindhearted Man (Part 3)
Chapter 318 -178: Prince Jingzhou, the Kindhearted Man (Part 3)
Prince Jingzhou casually waved his hand: “No need for formalities. Is the city still peaceful today?”
The leading government official replied respectfully: “Replying to the Prince, everything is well. It’s just that…” He hesitated for a moment, his gaze sweeping over the group including Han Lei.
“Speak freely, they are esteemed guests of mine.” Prince Jingzhou puffed out his chest, his tone carrying an undeniable authority.
“Yes! Recently, the number of beggars in the city has increased sharply. I am concerned it might lead to trouble.”
Han Lei’s eyebrows furrowed slightly upon hearing this.
She’d already noticed a significant number of ragged beggars on the streets, and strangely, they all seemed to be moving in the same direction.
After the government official retreated, Han Lei hurried a few steps to stop an elderly beggar nearby: “Old man, please wait.”
The beggar stopped in his tracks, noticing her wealthy attire, his murky eyes filled with wariness.
Han Lei took a few copper coins from her sleeve and gently offered them.
“Take these coins. May I ask, I’ve seen many people heading in that direction, is there any particular reason?”
Seeing Han Lei’s gentle demeanor, the elderly beggar trembled as he received the coins, his wariness slightly reduced.
“You are kind-hearted, Miss. We are all heading to Canzhou. It is said that the King of Cangzhou has had a change of heart; homeless people who are willing to work are given houses and food upon reaching Canzhou.”
“Oh!” Han Lei understood instantly.
This must be Mr. Liu from the Youjia Inn, who started gathering beggars in the Capital City half a month ago, directing them to Canzhou for development.
Half a month passed, and now these beggars walking have arrived in Jingzhou one after another.
However, due to the Champion Marquis Mansion case resulting in Jingzhou’s lockdown, these beggars, including their group, might be temporarily unable to leave Jingzhou. They must find a way to notify Zhao Zun to prevent him from worrying.
“Thank you for letting me know.” Han Lei handed over a few more copper coins to the elderly beggar, “Be careful on your way.”
Returning to Prince Jingzhou’s side, Han Lei wore a proper smile on her face.
“Prince, I have just thought of one matter. The process of preparing those snacks served with wine is intricate and requires advanced preparation. As I am here preparing the shop, I cannot return home to supervise production, which may affect supply after opening.”
Prince Jingzhou was enthusiastically observing a closed shop along the street; upon hearing this, he turned his head: “Miss Han, what insights do you have?”
“I would like to use your carrier pigeon to inform my family to expedite the preparation of a batch of snacks served with wine for emergency use. Once the shop stabilizes, we can build a workshop locally in Jingzhou for mass production.”
Han Lei’s words were sincere, her eyes looking hopefully at Prince Jingzhou.
Prince Jingzhou clapped his hands and laughed: “Yes! This plan is brilliant! When we return to the mansion later, I will immediately arrange for the carrier pigeon for your use.”
He pointed at the closed shop in front of them, “How do you find this place, Miss Han? I remember it used to be a pawn shop. The location is excellent, and the size of both floors is appropriate.”
Han Lei carefully examined it. The shop is located at the corner of an intersection, with a two-story small building, an open space in front, indeed a good place to open a tavern.
She walked around the building once, having already formed a plan in her mind.
“Yes! It’s good. The backyard is quite spacious too, perfect for a kitchen and warehouse.”
Seeing her satisfaction, Prince Jingzhou was even more pleased: “Then it’s settled here! I will have someone ask the shopkeeper to handle the property deeds.”
Taking advantage of the gap while Prince Jingzhou was instructing matters to his entourage, Han Lei quietly pulled Dai aside.
She took out some copper coins, broken silver, and a few silver notes from her sleeve space, speaking in a lowered voice: “In the name of Prince Jingzhou, go purchase enough steamed buns and pastries to distribute to those beggars.”
Dai received the silver taels, somewhat puzzled: “Why is this?”
Han Lei’s gaze turned profound, with clear concern inside.
“These beggars are organized by Mr. Liu to go to Canzhou. Giving them some food and copper coins will let them make it to Canzhou.”
Dai was immensely moved, saying, “Miss, what great kindness!”
Just then, Prince Jingzhou turned his head and heard the remark, asking: “What great kindness?”
“Uh…” Dai froze.
It was Han Lei who reacted quickly, smiling and hurriedly rephrasing.
“Nothing, Prince. I am merely borrowing your name to offer steamed buns and copper coins to those beggars, which is why he called me kind.”
“Hmm?” Prince Jingzhou’s eyes showed a hint of disdain, “Why offer steamed buns and copper coins to beggars?”
Han Lei’s mind turned swiftly, articulating clearly.
“Prince. Being kind to others is being kind to oneself. Though you might perceive them as insignificant beggars, now that you are doing business, why not spare some food for them, to earn a good reputation. Someday, they might do some advertising for your business.”
Prince Jingzhou walked closer with furrowed brows, his eyes shifting between Han Lei and Dai, finally landing on the pack of silver taels.
Dai blinked, feeling Han’s explanation was somewhat far-fetched, internally praying that Han Lei’s reasoning could muddle through.
After all, he’d never seen any noble person give alms to street beggars unfounded, especially with such a large pack of silver at once.
Prince Jingzhou stared at the pack of silver but didn’t speak, seemingly pondering Han Lei’s words.
Prince Jingzhou didn’t respond, causing Han Lei to feel somewhat nervous. Just as she was about to speak, to further explain something, Prince Jingzhou suddenly burst into laughter.
“Hahaha, a fine ‘borrowing a flower to offer to the Buddha’! Miss Han not only excels in business but also in dealing with people, earning my admiration. You are right, though they are beggars, they each have a mouth that can spread word-of-mouth for my business.”
He then turned and summoned several attendants, instructing them: “You several, accompany this young brother. Bring more silver, buy more food to distribute to those beggars. Remember, it must be in my name.”
Dai’s heart pounded heavily, he glanced at Han Lei, accepted the task and went.
Prince Jingzhou looked at Han Lei, his eyes expressing further appreciation: “Miss Han, your move is excellent. Benevolence will bring future rewards.”
Han Lei bowed slightly: “The Prince praises me too highly. Everything is for the sake of the Prince’s business.”
Prince Jingzhou nodded repeatedly: “Well said! I increasingly feel partnering with Miss Han is a wise decision.”
He looked up at the sky, “It’s getting late, we should return to the mansion. Miss Han, do you want to use the carrier pigeon? I’ll arrange it right away.”
On the way back to the Prince Mansion, Prince Jingzhou eagerly discussed the tavern’s decor and future business strategies with Han Lei.
Han Lei responded while mentally contemplating how to write the letter to Zhao Zun.
When they passed a nearby street, the distant voices of grateful beggars resonated.
“Thank you, Prince Jingzhou, for your great kindness! We will surely remember it in our hearts.”
“Prince Jingzhou is virtuous! May the Prince’s family have peace and health.”
“Prince Jingzhou is a benevolent man! Surely good will be rewarded.”
Han Lei’s lips subtly curved into a smile, knowing that Dai and the others had started the charity work. Before the lockdown in Jingzhou is lifted, let Prince Jingzhou look after these beggars for Zhao Zun!
And indeed, hearing these voices, Prince Jingzhou also displayed a satisfied smile on his face.