Chapter 771: The Female Marquis


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions | Editor: Henyee Trantions


    Suddenly, the gold phoenix on Chu Qingzhi’s arm shed, 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, bing 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 simr 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 Vige.


    Something was brewing behind the scenes!


    Yun Vige.


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


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


    concerns.


    “Let’s pack up and leave.”


    “Okay.”


    Then, Chu Qingzhi visited Xia Vige, where the vigers had also mostly recovered, bringing the ce back to life.


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


    The vigers apanied Chu Qingzhi to the vige 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 sessful life.”


    Soon after, many viges 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 poption, essentially controlled a small territory.


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


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


    Suddenly a prominentndowner, Chu Qingzhi saw an influx of gifts from smallerndowners, who now recognized her as their superior.


    Chu Qingzhi graciously epted 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 ss 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 popr in thousands of households, loved by adults and children alike and bing 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 schr exam, both achieving first ce. This aplishment led to another grand feast in Chu Vige, 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, bing 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 Schr envious and wishing he could have such talents at the national academy.


    After healing, Ling Yijiang, having nowhere else to go, joined Chu Vige’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 n 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 n to return to the capital.” He nced at Rong Shiyu, “To ask the Prime Minister for his blessing.”


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


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


    Yuan Hongjun quickly rified, “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 Ie 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.”