Only then did Wang Shouzhe notice a girl of about thirteen or fourteen not far away. She was at an age when youth began to bloom, with two small braids, an oval face, and was quite beautiful and neat, her large, clear eyes blinking with great interest as she observed Wang Shouzhe. "You must be Sister Ruolei, right?" Wang Shouzhe cupped his hands in greeting. He knew that the Liua family’s direct lineage was quite prosperous in this generation, with the current Clan Leader, Liua Gaowang, having two sons and two daughters. His fiancée, Liua Ruolan, was the eldest legitimate daughter, and she had a younger legitimate sister, Liua Ruolei, beneath her. He hadn’t expected that Liua Ruolei would also come along on this trip. Well, not long ago, he had just experienced the thrill of being a brother-in-law in front of Chen Fangjie, allowing Chen Fangjie to fully taste the sensation of walking on thin ice. Now, it was his turn to be anxious as both his future brother-in-law and sister-in-law had arrived. "Ruolei greets Brother Shouzhe." Liua Ruolei hurriedly returned the salute, her demeanor proper, already showing some traces of a future accomplished lady. The term brother-in-law was still more of a playful title for now. As long as Wang Shouzhe and Liua Ruolan were not yet married, he couldn’t change the form of address casually. During the exchange of greetings and small talk, the Liua family’s Household Generals drove the carriage and sturdy horses off the ferry. Only then did Wang Shouzhe welcome them out of Dingpu Ferry. "Brother, let’s ride with Brother Shouzhe in his carriage. It would be a great opportunity to hear him talk about the customs and culture of Ping’an Town." Liua Ruolei tugged at Liua Yuanrui’s sleeve, suggesting. Clearly, Liua Ruolei was very interested in her future brother-in-law, Wang Shouzhe, and wished to interact with him more. Liua Yuanrui, though under sixteen, still had a somewhat youthful appearance but was quite experienced in handling affairs. He shook his head with a bitter smile and said to Wang Shouzhe, "Brother Shouzhe, please don’t mind. Our Ruolei has been pampered since childhood." "It’s no problem at all. Sister Ruolei is lively and charming, very lovable. Yuanrui, if you’re not bothered, please join Sister Ruolei in my carriage." Wang Shouzhe replied with a smile, "It’s perfect, as we, brothers, haven’t seen each other in some time. Let’s catch up." "That would be wonderful. I can also take this opportunity to learn from Brother Shouzhe." Afterwards, the three of them shared a carriage and headed back to the Wang Family’s Main Residence. The Household Generals from both the Liua and Wang families rode alongside, guarding them. Along the way, the three of them chatted idly about the scenery outside while enjoying melon and fruits. Liua Yuanrui was quite talkative as well, discussing topics ranging from the current pest disaster to disaster relief, and the potential long-term effects that might arise. Through this, it was evident that he had a solid understanding of various subjects. Although there were a few minor ideas with which Wang Shouzhe disagreed, it did not affect his positive impression of his future brother-in-law. The Liua family’s upbringing was indeed remarkable, incomparable to that of families like the Liu or Zhao Family. In Liua Yuanrui’s heart, however, he was rather surprised. He had interacted with Wang Shouzhe before, at a time when his character was introverted and he was not good at conversation. It was only his prowess in cultivation that had impressed him. It was due to this that Liua Yuanrui had some dissatisfaction with the engagement deep down. He always felt that with the abilities and talents Wang Shouzhe had displayed, even he was surpassed. How could he be worthy of his sister, Liua Ruolan? However, the engagement was decided by their Ancestor, and as a younger member of the family, Liua Yuanrui had no say in the matter, even if he was displeased. But to his surprise, in just a couple of years since they last met, this future brother-in-law had undergone a dramatic transformation. His words and actions were mature and steady, his demeanor calm and confident, seemingly exuding immense self-assurance. When discussing certain current affair topics, his thoughts were quick, and his logic clear. Often, with just a few words, he could grasp the essence and get to the core of the issues. Even listening to him, Liua Yuanrui felt enlightened, as if a weight had been lifted off his chest. "Brother Shouzhe’s insights are truly admirable," Liua Yuanrui said eloquently. "However, regarding what was mentioned earlier about not liberalizing grain prices, I find it hard to agree. From this pest disaster, one can already see the drawbacks of this national policy. If merchants have no profit to gain, why would they go through great lengths to transport grain from afar to sell? In my view, half of this disaster seems to be a natural calamity, for which the Purple Mansion Academy should take responsibility, and half is due to the error in the national policy. I believe that sooner or later, there will be changes in the national policies regarding grain prices." "Changes in grain price policies are possible, but even if they happen, they will only be minor adjustments," Wang Shouzhe shook his head and said. "Yuanrui, you only see the advantages of liberalizing grain prices, such as rapidly mobilizing grain during disaster years to quell the situation, but you overlook the greed of human nature. Once grain price fluctuations are completely open, large predators will inevitably enter the market, monopolize grain production, and manipulate grain price fluctuations. At that time, small noble families like ours, countless self-farming peasants, and thousands of other civilians will be at their mercy, unable to control their life or death." "Natural disasters don’t happen every year, but human-made disasters can occur at any moment." Wang Shouzhe’s expression was extremely serious. "When considering national policies, one cannot only focus on certain flaws. Moreover, even in disaster years, opening up grain prices would be a massive catastrophe. Greedy merchants would unscrupulously empty the pockets of civilians, even going as far as forcing them to sell their land, homes, and even their children." "This..." Liua Yuanrui seemed skeptical but didn’t want to dwell on the topic, so he changed the subject, "Brother Shouzhe, is that stretch of water ahead Zhuwei Lake? It’s my first time visiting Ping’an Town, so you must take me for a boat trip on the lake." Liua Ruolei had remained silent, but as she watched the conversation between her brother and Wang Shouzhe, she could sense that Brother Shouzhe was more confident and composed, calm, and dignified. Most of what he said was likely correct. It seems that Brother Shouzhe is even more outstanding than the rumors suggest. However, she was quite interested in Zhuwei Lake as well: "I also want to go play at Zhuwei Lake." Upon hearing that the siblings both wanted to go to Zhuwei Lake, Wang Shouzhe remembered that the Liu Family’s direct lineage had a different kind of affection for Zhuwei Lake. The second legitimate daughter of the Wang Family’s second generation—Wang Zhuwei—was married into the Liu Family’s direct lineage and bore two sons and one daughter. The current direct lineage is all of her descendants. Her esteemed position in the Liu Family was largely due to the fact that the three living Spirit Platform Realm ancestors of the Liu Family were all related to her—one was her son, another her grandson. And there’s another daughter, who is even more remarkable. That is Liua Xuanfu, one of the Double Beauties of Changning, who is renowned alongside Ancestor Longyan. It was widely speculated that Liua Xuanfu, who was developing smoothly in the Purple Mansion Academy, must have already reached the late stage of the Spirit Platform Realm. The rapid development of the Liu Family over the years was inseparably connected with the secret patronage and support from Liua Xuanfu. Therefore, Grandma Zhuwei, in the Liu Family, lived a life of prosperity and wealth. Sadly, in the year Ancestor Zhou Xuan died in battle, indeed the year Changlong Year 3095, upon hearing the news, Grandma Wang Zhuwei was overwhelmed with grief and ultimately passed away, joining Ancestor Zhou Xuan. She was eighty-seven years old. Let’s set aside the gossip for now. As the carriage advanced, they saw the bustling construction site by Zhuwei Lake. Liua Yuanrui was intrigued once again: "Brother Shouzhe, with so many work sheds set up, are you planning to build a villa by the lake?" Wang Shouzhe chuckled, building a villa was certainly not possible. Although the Wang Family’s financial situation had eased recently, plunging money into villa construction without reason was like having one’s head caught in a door. "Our Wang Family plans to dredge and fill the earth." Wang Shouzhe roughly explained the plan, such a massive project couldn’t be kept secret, nor was there any need to hide it. After listening, Liua Yuanrui was stunned on the spot. He quickly calculated in his mind, and his expression was filled with shock: "Brother Shouzhe, are you joking? Such an enormous project, the total cost must be no less than thirty thousand Qian Gold, and the manpower and resources involved are extremely substantial, you you you..." No wonder, such a gigantic project was comparable to the grand feats of expansion undertaken by each family’s ancestors. While some Black Tortoise Clans would organize tenant farmers or households during farm lulls to perform works like river dredging and land leveling to expand farm estate scope. However, that is ultimately a small endeavor, with limited scale, it’s a good year if a farmhouse could expand by tens or hundreds of acres. "Would such a grand matter be a jest?" Wang Shouzhe’s expression turned somewhat solemn. Liua Yuanrui’s body shook, his expression became complicated. Though he presented himself humbly and politely, inherently there was a not insignificant sense of superiority, he had come with a bit of the mindset of criticizing a future brother-in-law as a younger brother. The Liu Family was very powerful, and Liua Yuanrui himself was also exceptionally talented, having been praised many times by the ancestors in his family. He always thought that his sister, Liua Ruolan, would eventually marry beneath her into Wang Shouzhe. Unexpectedly, Wang Shouzhe inadvertently crushed his pride bit by bit. In terms of personal talent, vision, conduct, and realm of thinking, he couldn’t help but feel slightly inferior. Yet, the strong prestige of the Liu Family was his source of pride. Unexpectedly, now the Wang Family has launched such a huge expansion plan, involving over a thousand people and costing tens of thousands of Qian Gold. Such a project, even the Liu Family doesn’t dare initiate lightly. "Brother Shouzhe is merely two or three years older than me." Liua Yuanrui’s heart was filled with admiration and a bit of bitterness. At such a young age, the ’future brother-in-law’ has begun inheriting the family business, wielding actual power, initiating grand expansion projects, and laying the foundation for the family’s hundred years. Compared to him, Liua Yuanrui was on a completely different level. Not to mention Liua Yuanrui, even his brother, the current Young Clan Leader of the Liu Family, Liua Yuanhui, would likely find it hard to compare. "Brother Shouzhe is so impressive." Liua Ruolei also spoke joyfully, eyes shining, "He’s indeed much stronger than my little brother, who only talks strategy on paper." Liua Yuanrui’s face turned black; although Brother Shouzhe was indeed extraordinary, Ruolei, was there a need to disparage her brother so?