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Seeing Jiang Junli’s face beaming with joy, the Crown Prince couldn’t help but raise an eyebrow. “What important matter has made you so delighted?”
And to be so attentive.
“With the conclusion of the Spring Imperial Examination, the results will soon be announced. Many students will have to undergo the palace examination, so Splendorous Garden naturally needs to prepare some necessities for the students,” Jiang Junli answered truthfully.
It was not just about providing necessities; it would also involve significant expenditure, almost ensuring that the students and their ancestors for generations would be cared for as if their every need was anticipated.
This expenditure was bound to flow like water…
A slight twitch appeared at the corner of the Crown Prince’s mouth.
Especially when recalling the bustling atmosphere of the city during the previous Spring Imperial Examination, the Crown Prince felt an urge to sigh and rub his temples.
However, there was no way around it. Despite Jiang Junli’s presence and the apparent abundance of funds, the money would have to be spent as necessary.
“Indeed,” nodded the Crown Prince, choosing not to dwell further, hastily boarding the carriage.
Jiang Junli did not linger near the examination hall, heading straight to Splendorous Garden.
Upon his arrival, the overseers of the estate were already waiting in the council chamber, each presenting detailed expenditure plans and budgets for the upcoming expenses needed for the students. Every item to be purchased for the students was meticulously listed for Jiang Junli’s review.
Each overseer carried thick ledgers filled with densely written characters, making Jiang Junli a bit dizzy just looking at them.
“These are all just small amounts of money. You have all worked by my side for many years, so feel free to make decisions on your own,” Jiang Junli dismissed the need for detailed scrutiny, waving his hand and instructing the overseers to handle the matters.
Upon hearing this, the overseers exchanged uncertain glances.
Each of their budgets exceeded a thousand taels, totaling around ten to twenty thousand taels altogether. Regardless of who held such a substantial sum, it was a considerable expense.
Yet, their master’s casual remarks made it seem as though it was merely a trivial amount!
It seemed almost as if money was no object to him!
However, upon further contemplation, it was quite customary. They had spent similarly in previous years, and what was different now?
The Jiang family was not lacking in funds!
After the overseers had processed this realization, they no longer found it surprising and proceeded to carry out their tasks as instructed by Jiang Junli.
Once everyone had dispersed, Jiang Junli felt a sense of quiet settling in. Sipping on the Longjing tea brought by one of his attendants, he casually inquired, “Has Scholar Song returned? Could you send someone to see if scholar Song is available?”
“Scholar Song returned a while ago,” Xinghe promptly replied, “but he may be busy at the moment.”
“Why is that?” Jiang Junli sat up attentively.
Could it be that due to the recent three rounds of the Spring Imperial Examination, Scholar Song was thinking of spending time with his wife and accompanying her for a couple of days?
“Just now, I saw Madam Jiang receiving bamboo from a vendor at the side entrance of Splendorous Garden. I assume Scholar Song is currently busy with bamboo weaving activities,” Xinghe explained.
Jiang Junli fell silent.
He was aware that before the Spring Imperial Examination, Scholar Song had been busy not only studying and seeking knowledge but also engrossed in bamboo weaving. Jiang Junli had even seen the exquisite bamboo paintings crafted by Scholar Song and praised his exceptional skill.
To witness a person of such literary talent engaging so earnestly in craftsmanship at this moment, maintaining such a calm disposition, was truly admirable!
Observing Jiang Junli’s prolonged silence, Xinghe tentatively asked, “Shall I inquire if Scholar Song is available now?”
“No need to disturb Scholar Song,” Jiang Junli instructed, raising his hand.