Chapter 102: A lot has changed
Zhao Yan observed his expression and asked gently, "Can you read? If so, and since you're brave and probably strong, I'd recommend a place for you."
Then he continued, "I don't have any bad intentions. I just thought that since there's a good opportunity, I should give it a try. The government office is looking for a constable, and I see you're tall, so you might be suitable. Anyway, it's better than going out hunting every day."
Yu Jian, "But I heard that those constables are hired through backdoors and need to pay some money. It's useless even if I sign up."
Zhao Yan smiled and said, "You've forgotten that I'm a high-ranking official. This might have happened before, but I'll personally send someone to oversee the registration this year. Don't worry, just go. Of course, you might be thinking, since I'm a high-ranking official, why not just let you in directly? Why go through all this trouble? But I want to say, even though I'm just a small constable, this is a matter of a family's livelihood. I can only be as fair and just as possible, and within a certain range, I'll make it convenient for you."
Yu Jian looked at him in surprise after hearing this, "Really?"
"Of course. I'm an official and my words are binding. Don't worry, I'll send someone to take you to register tomorrow."
Yu Jian now felt that this guy didn't look so annoying. He believed that he could do the job of a constable. Although he was young, he knew that his parents were worried about the money he would need to marry a wife in the future.
At this time he asked, "If I become a constable in the future, can I make a lot of money? Then my parents won't have to work so hard."
Zhao Yan couldn't explain the connection between being a constable and making a lot of money. He simply said, "If you do anything well, money will naturally follow. If you want to do your job well, you need to privately learn some of the skills associated with being a constable, such as how to assist the relevant officers in handling cases, how to advance the case progress, and how to catch criminals. All of this requires learning, which means that you'll have to find books to read when you get home. Are you willing to do that?"
Yu Jian understood what he meant, "I'm not afraid of hardship. I can do it."
Zhao Yan smiled comfortably. "Okay, I'll cover all your textbook and study expenses from now on. But I want you to keep it a secret. This is something we did before. When you make a lot of money in the future, you can pay me back if you want."
Yu Jian didn't expect him to say this. The boy's mind worked quickly and he said angrily, "You are trying to bribe me and want me to speak well of you in front of my aunt. I heard from people here that you are still thinking about getting back together with my aunt. But my aunt doesn't agree..."
The boy's unique arrogance and awkwardness made his words a little funny.
Zhao Yan didn't refute him and said with a smile, "I do have such thoughts, but you know. Your aunt is not an ordinary woman, so I just want to impress her with my sincerity. You are her family, and I also hope that you can live a better life to the best of my ability."
"So what you just said was true, and you didn't say it to please my aunt?" The boy was still very alert.
"No." Zhao Yan shook his head.
Then he said seriously, "I sincerely hope you can accept my advice. This money may be a small sum for me, but it may be an opportunity for you. When I was eighteen, I encountered a similar opportunity. At that time, I had not yet passed the imperial examination and was deep in thought at the academy every day. My mentor suggested that I go to Lushan Academy, firstly to relax and secondly to reflect on the purpose of the imperial examination. So I went there, met many friends there, and gained knowledge that I had never had before."
The young man listened attentively. He never expected that the person who was like an enemy in the past would now tell him these past events here.
His voice continued gently, "If I hadn't listened to my teacher and seized the opportunity to study abroad, I might not have achieved what I have today. So, I hope you can accept this. A gentleman doesn't care about one's background. Throughout history, countless students who received financial support have remained resolute throughout their lives, leaving behind unique skills that will be passed down through the ages. No one would accuse them of being soft-hearted, but would only admire their resilience despite their poverty!"
Wen Sheng's words still left a mark on the boy's heart. He sat quietly on the stool, thinking about what Zhao Yan said.
At that moment, the boy, who only knew how to eat, drink, and play, seemed to have grown up all of a sudden, and seemed to understand that one's life should have a purpose. Although he was not well educated, he knew that even if he could not become as great as a great man, he should at least protect his family and provide them with a prosperous life.
After a while, the boy's voice came, this time firm, "Okay, I'm willing to give it a try."
Zhao Yan smiled and said, "You will definitely not regret it."
…………
Inside the house, Wang Shuniang occasionally glanced outside and replied to Yu, who was stoking the fire, "I see that Zhao Yan isn't as arrogant as you said before. He's chatting with us now, so he's quite easy to get along with."
Yu replied, "Maybe he's gotten older and has changed a bit. Three years ago, when I took Yu girl there, he didn't want to pay attention to us."
"Maybe he wants us to speak well of him in front of Huatang. I heard from people in the county that Mr. Baili is also deeply in love with Huatang." Wang Shuniang said while cooking.
Yu Hui sighed, "It's not a good idea for her to be alone. It's okay now, but when she gets old and we're gone, who can she rely on?"
"Yeah, if Zhao Yan really changes, I think it's fine. As for Hua Tang choosing someone, she can make the decision herself. Anyway, she has the confidence now, and her skills can support her family, so she should choose carefully."
In fact, they all understood that in the past, Zhao Yan would not be so warm with them. This was all because of the relationship with Hua Tang. But as a family member, she also wanted Hua Tang to find someone worthy of entrusting her life to. It was not safe to be alone.
By the time the sun was setting, the meal was finally ready. There was free-range chicken from home, eggs from the farm, newly grown choy sum, some pickled radish, a pig's trotter and soybean soup, and a variety of seafood. The table was completely filled.
Zhao Yan sat down with them. Yu Jian, being the younger one, blurted out, "Is it New Year's Eve at home?"
Zhao Yan also said a few compliments to express his gratitude.
Afterwards, he ate a full bowl of rice and savored each dish carefully. Under Yu Jian's surprised gaze, he accompanied Yu Hui to drink a few glasses of wine until there was not much food left, and then he put down his chopsticks.
Wang Shuniang was very happy. She was a little worried that Zhao Yan would not be used to eating these, but Zhao Yan was quite considerate. It seemed that her cooking skills were very good.
After finishing his meal, Zhao Yan was about to go back, so he said goodbye to his family. At this time, Yu Jian no longer disliked him as much as before, and said, "If you have time next time, you can come over..."
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