Even women who travel through time can become prime ministers and nobles.

Chapter 169 Xiao's Money Shop

Shi Wanxia walked ahead with Shi Qing, looking around with a happy expression, glancing at this and that every now and then. Suddenly, several burly men blocked their way.

"Young lady, where are you going?" one of the burly men asked with a malicious grin, revealing a mouthful of yellow teeth.

Shi Wanxia's heart tightened, and she instinctively shielded Shi Qing behind her. She tried to remain calm and said, "We're just out for a stroll, we'll be back soon."

“Going back? That’s so boring! Why don’t you come have a few drinks with us brothers?” another burly man said, reaching out to pull Shi Wanxia.

Shi Wanxia quickly dodged and said, "Don't do anything rash! I'm the female registrar of the county government, I have an official position!"

"A female official? Who would believe that! There has never been a woman holding an official position since ancient times. Young lady, can't you come up with a better excuse?" The burly men burst into laughter.

Seeing that the situation was not good, Shi Wanxia turned around and tried to run away. However, the big men quickly surrounded them and trapped them in the middle.

Just then, Cui Zhihao arrived with his guards. Seeing the scene before him, he rushed over and shouted, "Outrageous! What are you doing? Let them go!"

The burly men were enraged when they saw someone meddling in their business. They released Shi Wanxia and Shi Qing and pounced on the man.

Cui Zhihao was agile and quickly knocked the burly men to the ground. He turned to Shi Wanxia and Shi Qing and asked, "Are you alright?"

Shi Wanxia looked at Magistrate Cui gratefully and said, "Thank you, sir, we are alright."

Magistrate Cui smiled and said, "Why are you being so polite with me? Guards, take these three back to the county office. After Miss Shi and I finish our official business, we'll go back and interrogate them."

It was late summer when she got up. She had been so focused on looking at the small commodities that she forgot she had important business to attend to.

Oh no... I messed up on my first day at work, what am I going to do?

Choi Ji-ho looked at the girl and was momentarily flustered and at a loss for what to do, but he didn't blame her.

“Miss Shi, since you are alright, please come with me!” Cui Zhihao’s gentle voice brought Shi Wanxia back to her senses.

He immediately jogged to catch up with Magistrate Cui. With a smile in his eyes, he finally understood why his nephew was willing to risk being expelled from the family to take her as a concubine.

This girl is really interesting. Unfortunately, Wenzhu doesn't know that since he is the heir recognized by the family, how can he be influenced by personal feelings?

This girl may seem gentle, but she has her own opinions. How could such a girl be willing to be a concubine?

Cui Zhihao strolled leisurely, looking every bit the elegant gentleman traveling the world, which made Shi Wanxia frequently turn around to steal glances at him.

Cui Zhihao was reserved and gentle, his smile as warm as a spring breeze. Shi Wanxia recalled the classic line, "A gentleman like jade, unparalleled in the world!"

There's never a shortage of handsome men who could cause trouble! After seeing him like this, I almost developed a love-struck mind!

Shi Wanxia patted her cheeks lightly, muttering to herself, "Shi Wanxia, ​​don't be silly. This is your boss. Men will only slow down your ability to draw your sword."

"Does this man's job matter? I am the only female official in this era, even if I am just a low-ranking official of the ninth grade!"

Cui Zhihao looked at the girl in confusion, wondering what she was doing. "Miss Shi, hurry up and follow us. Ahead is a money exchange under the name of the Lanling Xiao family."

"The Lanling Xiao family is one of the four great families of Yan Yue Kingdom. They own numerous banks, pawnshops, and pharmacies!"

"Although it cannot compare to the Wang family's business in Taiyuan, it is still a major source of tax revenue for Xinyang."

"Today, I brought you here so that you could get acquainted with the manager of this place. After all, you are in charge of the taxes for the entire Xinyang."

Shi Wanxia nodded obediently and followed Magistrate Cui into Xiao's Money Shop.

The Xiao family's money exchange occupies approximately 400 square meters, with a spacious and bright main hall. It is decorated in an antique style, and there are many waiters running errands inside.

Many wealthy merchants and noble families deposited their money here. The shopkeeper, with his sharp eyes, spotted the county magistrate and immediately got up to come out from behind the counter to greet him.

"Your Excellency, I pay my respects to you. What brings you to my humble bank? Someone, brew some of my treasured tea, and have the kitchen prepare some delicious dishes. Your presence today is a great honor for my humble establishment!"

The innkeeper, with a fawning expression, stepped forward and bowed respectfully. He then led the magistrate to the VIP room, noticing a beautiful woman beside him.

I've always heard that our magistrate comes from the Cui family of Qinghe and is not interested in women. Why is he bringing a woman with him on official business today?

The innkeeper carefully poured tea for the magistrate and the woman. "Sir, young lady, what should I call you?"

Cui Zhihao disliked the old man intensely, staring intently at Miss Shi. This old scoundrel was too presumptuous.

His face darkened, and the atmosphere around him instantly became oppressive. The shopkeeper realized his mistake and immediately stood up, bowed, and apologized.

Cui Zhihao raised his hand to stop him. "Alright, enough with the formalities. This is Miss Shi, the female registrar of Xinyang County, in charge of tax collection. You must not neglect her just because she is a woman."

“Miss Shi has official documents and credentials. Do you all want to bear the crime of disrespecting an official of the imperial court?”

Upon hearing this, the shopkeeper broke out in a cold sweat and repeatedly knelt down, begging for forgiveness. Shi Wanxia felt somewhat uncomfortable. Just as she was about to get up and help him up, Cui Zhihao stopped her, realizing his rudeness, and immediately withdrew his hand.

“Miss Shi, you are now an official. Since ancient times, the social hierarchy has been scholars, farmers, artisans, and merchants, with merchants being the most lowly. Therefore, you are worthy of their kowtow.”

Shi Wanxia was indeed feeling somewhat uncomfortable, sitting as if on pins and needles. Cui Zhihao thought she wasn't used to her current status yet, so he gestured to the shopkeeper to get up quickly.

"Xiao Qi, manager of Xiao Family Bank, greets Lord Shi. As a woman, you have become the first female official in our Cangling Kingdom. I suppose you must be a very learned and knowledgeable person."

Shopkeeper Xiao wasn't stupid. He knew the status of the Cui family of Qinghe; the current prime minister was the head of the Cui family. Even his master wouldn't dare to offend the Cui family, let alone someone like him who was of lowly status.

Cui Zhihao had given them enough pointers, and waved for them to hand over the account books. After Miss Shi checked them, she would calculate the taxes to be paid. Miss Shi would then be responsible for following up, but the workload was enormous, and it was uncertain whether she could handle it.

Manager Xiao respectfully withdrew, led his men to the storeroom to retrieve the account books, and sent someone to fetch the ordered writing brushes, ink, paper, and inkstones to deliver to the private room.

"Xiao Li, send two clever maids to serve him. That person is someone even the master can't afford to offend, so they must serve him carefully."

"If you displease the master, I will take your dog lives."

Xiao Li readily agreed and personally selected suitable staff. He also oversaw the food preparation in the kitchen. No mistakes could be tolerated.