The Fierce Farm Girl Has A Secret Space

Yang Ruxin's gaze flickered for a moment. She had heard of overseas merchant ships long ago. Back when she was admiring the plum blossoms at the Shen Family estate, she had witnessed their extravagant use of glass to decorate the Warm Pavilion. At the time, Wei Yao had even volunteered to ask her father if he could procure some glass for her. However, the Wei Family's connections were limited, so they couldn't manage it.

She had also thought about asking the Eighth Prince, but later became so preoccupied with other matters that she forgot.

Now, Hao Jian had brought her a pocket watch. Could this mean he had access to Western objects like glass?

Hao Jian saw Yang Ruxin's expression and knew the gift had hit the mark. His grin became even brighter. "Sis, if there's anything else you like, just let me know and I'll help you get it. I've heard they also have sound-making boxes, needles that can point south, and other amazing things from over there..."

Yang Ruxin raised her eyes. "Do they have that transparent, colorless glass? It's also called glass."

Hao Jian blinked quickly a couple of times. "Sis, you want that?"

"Can you get it?" Yang Ruxin raised her brow slightly.

"I'll have to ask my father." Hao Jian scratched his head awkwardly.

"Alright then." Yang Ruxin nodded. "Go ask him. As long as you can get it, silver won't be an issue... Thanks for the gift; I really like it."

Hao Jian's eyes lit up. "Glad you like it, Sis."

"By the way, do you know which merchant family's ship your family invested in?" Yang Ruxin handed the item to Du Man to hold before chatting with Hao Jian as they walked.

"My dad did tell me that. It's the Meng Family's ship." Hao Jian looked rather smug. "Let me tell you, this time four ships set sail, but two were lost along the way. My father's investment was in the one that made it..."

"The Meng Family?"

"Yeah. The Meng Family is now the top leader in Jiangnan's maritime shipping." Hao Jian's face was filled with envy. "So many people want to invest in their ships, but they don't accept anyone without connections."

Yang Ruxin appeared deep in thought.

"My dad also said, even though the Imperial Court hasn't officially opened maritime shipping, the officials in the southern regions just turn a blind eye. Some even hold shares themselves..." Hao Jian leaned closer to Yang Ruxin while speaking. "The maritime shipping and canal transportation in Jiangnan are controlled by the four major families. In the past, the Chu Family and Duo Family were evenly matched, but later, the Duo Family withdrew, the Chu Family declined, and then the Meng Family rose to prominence... Sis, I heard the Meng Family has someone powerful backing them."

Yang Ruxin stopped walking and looked at Hao Jian. "Do you know who's backing the Meng Family?"

"They say it's someone connected to the Crown Prince..."

"The Crown Prince?" Yang Ruxin frowned.

Hao Jian nodded. "That's why the Meng Family's ships aren't inspected by the Governor's Office. They ship our tea, silk, and porcelain overseas, and I've heard the prices triple or quintuple over there. Meanwhile, the goods they bring back are mostly transported directly to Beijing, where the prices are even higher. Just look at this pocket watch; it's selling for a thousand silver taels each in Beijing, and you can't even get your hands on one..."

"Alright, got it." Yang Ruxin felt uneasy but didn't say anything further. Instead, she laughed and patted Hao Jian on the shoulder. "Why have you lost weight?" She changed the subject.

"My cousin said if I can slim down to less than 150 pounds, she'll marry me..." Hao Jian suddenly became bashful, scratching his head.

"Ah, the power of love. Not bad..." Yang Ruxin nodded. "Keep it up. Believe me, you'll definitely win the beauty's heart in the end."