Chapter 97 Yu Cai: Sealing My Heart and Locking My Love - Look at Peng Xiucai!
Yu Cai's words greatly surprised Ye Li.
He frowned and asked, "Brother Cai, when did this happen?"
That was so sudden!
Yu Cai continued with a wry smile: "My father asked my father to help me find a suitable candidate. Yesterday afternoon, my father went to my house."
“He really put a lot of effort into finding one for me these days.”
"However, the man he found was a widowed military officer from the prefectural city."
"...A martial arts graduate?"
Ye Li was shocked.
No, Wu Fulang's requirements aren't just that someone is educated, comes from a good family, and is a good person.
Why did County Magistrate Yu find a military officer for him?
They're all successful candidates in the imperial examinations; how could Yu Cai possibly control them?
Isn't this just messing around?
Ye Li's doubts were clear, so Yu Cai explained, "Over the years, he has always felt sorry for me. He felt that my father's request was unfair to me, so he took it upon himself to find a good match for me."
"This...this shouldn't warrant going after a martial arts graduate, right?"
Ye Li still felt that County Magistrate Yu's actions were somewhat absurd.
Seeing his expression, Yu Cai knew that he didn't quite understand these things, so she explained, "A candidate who passed the military examination has a much lower social status than a candidate who passed the civil service examination."
"Military candidates are not allowed to seek official positions, and the amount of tax-exempt land they can own is only half that of civil candidates."
"Moreover, a civil official can become a teacher in a private school or find a job in the county school that is not of official rank, but a military official has few options."
"However, we are not worried about food and drink."
Upon hearing this, Ye Li suddenly realized that this sounded similar to the Wu family.
So, was Magistrate Yu's matchmaking not considered a case of randomly pairing people up?
But what exactly is going on here?
Seeing Ye Li hesitate, Yu Cai gave a wry smile and continued, "Because of the special circumstances in our county, the imperial court allocates a sum of money every year, instructing the county magistrate to recruit and train local militia."
“My father, as the county magistrate, was in charge of this matter. This martial arts graduate wanted to find a job as an instructor among the local militia. So my father wanted to arrange it.”
As soon as he finished speaking, Ye Li nodded inwardly, realizing that County Magistrate Yu's actions made some sense.
Although this is a typical "phoenix man" configuration, County Magistrate Yu is also very fond of his son.
Moreover, Yu Cai doesn't demand a lifetime of companionship; she just wants to part ways amicably in the future.
Just as I was pondering this, Yu Cai said again, "When my father introduced me, he didn't tell the truth. The martial arts graduate thought I was slightly lame, but it didn't affect my daily life."
"As a result, he secretly went to Banxianju. He found that I was limping badly, so he gave up his job and returned to the prefectural city."
Ye Li: "..."
When Yu Cai recalled the situation yesterday afternoon when he learned about this, his nose tingled and his heart was filled with bitterness.
Embarrassing.
That's so embarrassing.
But you can't blame that martial arts graduate.
This kind of thing is all about being willing.
Seeing that he was about to cry, Ye Li hurriedly said, "Brother Cai, a matchmaker's words are deceitful. I once heard a joke that a matchmaker introduced a young man to someone and said that the man was eight feet tall. But when the young man met him, he found that the man was eight feet tall when he jumped."
Yu Cai: "..."
This joke was truly novel to him.
The sound suddenly entered his ears and instantly drew his attention.
But his eyes were already brimming with tears.
He was caught in a dilemma, unsure whether to laugh or cry.
Seeing that his jokes had an effect, Ye Li pressed on, "And another thing, the matchmaker introduced the young man to someone who had worked for the government, but guess what?"
"...What's wrong?"
Yu Caiwen's curiosity was piqued.
Having eaten government food, doesn't that mean you've worked in a government office before?
Ye Li didn't keep them in suspense and said directly, "So, the 'government meal' the matchmaker mentioned was actually 'jail food,' and that man had been to prison!"
Yu Cai: "..."
After staring at Ye Li for a moment, he couldn't help but smile and ask, "Where did you hear all this from?"
I overheard it by chance when I went to town to play a few years ago.
Ye Li made up an excuse.
He said these things partly to amuse Yu Cai, and partly to explain things on behalf of County Magistrate Yu.
Then he added, "Brother Cai, you're good-looking. County Magistrate Yu probably wants you two to meet first. Maybe he'll take a liking to you after you meet."
"Besides, it's not like you have no one to serve you. Wealthy families don't lack servants. Perhaps in Magistrate Yu's eyes, this is not important."
Seeing that Yu Caishou's smile had faded and his expression was dejected, he quickly comforted him, "Of course, I don't know the situation, I might have said something wrong."
"But there are so many people in the world. With your qualifications, you're bound to find someone you like."
"Furthermore, that martial arts graduate doesn't even dare to show his face; who knows what he looks like?"
"There's no need to let this affect your mood; it's not worth it."
Not worth it?
Yu Cai pursed his lips; he knew all too well that it wasn't worth it.
What saddened him was that this incident shattered his illusions.
The martial arts candidate who wanted to find a job turned down the excellent position because he looked down on him.
He really had no choice but to follow his father's instructions and search downwards.
Actually, when he first heard the requirements set by his father, he felt that he was being wronged.
He may be a little lame, but he's rich.
He's not bad-looking either.
Surely it's not just about being educated, coming from a good family, and being a good person?
But through this experience, he understood.
It's true that if someone's circumstances are acceptable, they won't even consider him.
His older brother is right. If he gets married, he'll be asking for trouble after having had enough of the good life.
Thinking of this, a look of annoyance appeared on his face, and he said, "Last time, I used your words to shut my brother up, but it turns out that I was wrong."
"My older brother really meant well for me."
“…Cai-ge! Don’t be so pessimistic.”
Isn't there also a scholar named Peng?
But Ye Li had some doubts, so he asked, "But Cai Ge, tell me first, since County Magistrate Yu specifically told you about this, what are his plans next?"
If you didn't intend to, why bring this up and upset Yu Cai?
Upon hearing this, Yu Cai let out a long sigh and looked at Ye Li: "He wants me to see if there are any suitable scholars among them."
“Those in our county who have practiced martial arts are not suitable.”
"He specifically told me about this to curry favor and prove that he really cared about me."
Ye Li was somewhat speechless: "This..."
Why would you cause trouble for Yu Cai just to claim credit?
Yu Cai looked down at the blue bricks on the ground, his expression somewhat blank: "Over the years, he has always wanted to do something for me. In the past, he would buy me fabric and jewelry and give me money during festivals."
"When they learned that I wanted to open a shop this year, I exchanged the lease for a semi-vacant shop with someone."
“But my father said he was afraid, afraid of more retribution.”
“Because back then my father scolded him, saying that everything was retribution, and if he continued to be ungrateful, he wouldn’t even be able to keep his official position.”
“My father said that he was nice to me because he wanted to keep his official position.”
Ye Li: "..."
It's very complicated.
He was about to remark that County Magistrate Yu had actually fulfilled some of his responsibilities as a father, that human nature is a very complex thing and cannot be simply defined in black and white terms.
Unexpectedly, was County Magistrate Yu afraid of facing further retribution...?
While they were speechless, Yu Cai looked over and said, "Li Ge'er, do you know? Actually, back then, he and my father initially maintained a semblance of decorum."
“My father did not get along with my grandparents. Ever since he became a centurion, my grandparents have become arrogant and bossy towards my father. They even set up rules like those of wealthy families, such as serving him meals and washing his feet.”
“My father had never been treated like this before, so he had a big argument with him.”
"He left my grandparents in our hometown so that my father wouldn't have to suffer anymore."
"But who knew we would encounter bandits."
"...Did he ever complain about Uncle Wu back then?" Ye Li asked hurriedly.
Yu Cai shook her head: "Maybe he didn't have time to complain, because as soon as he got the news, the woman he took went crazy and started hitting me. My father was so angry that he scolded her."
"He was in the wrong, and even if he felt resentful afterward, he was too ashamed to say it."
Ye Li: "..."
He's probably going to suffocate.
Serves them right.
Yu Cai sighed and continued, "He was probably afraid of being accused of being ungrateful, or he was genuinely grateful for the Wu family's kindness. In any case, he was quite respectful to my father back then."
"If it weren't for the bandits, my family would be like countless other official families in this world, with wives and concubines, legitimate and illegitimate children all mixed together."
"Looking back now, those days were not only boring, but also exhausting."
“I don’t want to guess why he’s so good to me, and I don’t want my children to go through the same thing. I don’t expect the temporary pleasure my father talks about anymore; it’s too exhausting.”
"It's better to be alone."
He has already behaved himself.
He really behaved himself.
His despondency evoked not only sympathy but also heartache in Ye Li.
To be honest, Ye Li and Yu Cai got along quite well.
Although Yu Cai was the son of a county magistrate, he never put on airs or acted superior in front of his country husband.
Moreover, with such a high profit margin on taro paste, he had no worries whatsoever because Yu Cai was there; Yu Cai would definitely protect him.
Although Yu Cai learned how to make taro paste, she did not leave him behind and sell taro paste separately at Banxianju.
Therefore, both publicly and privately, Ye Li hopes that he can be happy.
Such a fine young man deserves to be happy!
There's no time like the present, let's just make it clear today.
The fastest way to help someone who has just broken up with their boyfriend get over their heartbreak is to introduce him to someone new!
So Ye Li immediately said, "Brother Cai, let's take a look at the scholars in our county. Maybe there's someone suitable."
But Yu Cai shook her head: "I'm not reading it. Isn't there an old saying that unfaithful men are often scholars?"
"But there's a pretty good one right now."
"...Who?" Yu Cai looked at him curiously.
Ye Li pointed towards the front yard: "It's Peng Xiucai."
"Scholar Peng?"
Yu Cai was extremely surprised, her eyes almost wide open.
Scholar Peng?!
Ye Li nodded seriously and said, "Brother Cai, I'm not just trying to matchmake people. He has a degree, is good-looking, and isn't slovenly. It's just that his family is a bit poor."
"Keren is very diligent. She's used to serving tea and water, so she won't be unfamiliar with taking care of you at all."
His explanation was so logical and persuasive that it reminded Yu Cai of the time when Peng Ximing had come to his door to answer the call.
Yu Cai looked at him in disbelief: "Brother Li, did you specifically ask Jiang Ji to tell him that Banxianju is hiring?"
That's when I started thinking about matchmaking?
Ye Li nodded again: "It was me. However, I didn't say a word about anything else, so he doesn't know about it."
"Right now, only you, me, and Jiang Ji know about this. You can observe it whether you want to or not; it won't affect anything."
Yu Cai: "..."
He frowned and pursed his lips; the matter was too shocking for him.
He was completely unprepared.
Peng Xiucai?
Li Ge'er actually thinks Peng Xiucai is suitable?
Scholar Peng, Scholar Peng...
He couldn't help but search his mind for every little detail about Peng Ximing.
In fact, he didn't have much contact with Peng Ximing. He was the manager, and Peng Ximing was the employee. What he cared about was whether Peng Ximing was slacking off or doing his job diligently.
On another note, well... his biggest impression of Peng Ximing was that he didn't have a sour or rotten smell about him.
They are humble enough to openly admit their family's poverty.
Not hypocritical.
He doesn't complain about being unappreciated or wallow in self-pity like some scholars do.
They were even less concerned with their status, looking down on other colleagues or frequently nitpicking over words and showing off their knowledge.
He was a very open and honest person.
But there's much more he doesn't know.
When Peng Ximing asked him to switch to full-time work during the holidays, he only mentioned that his family was poor.
He had no idea exactly how poor he was.
But he doesn't seem to have any bad habits.
As for his appearance...
With thick eyebrows, big eyes, and regular features, he wasn't particularly outstanding.
But he doesn't dislike it either.
With that thought in mind, he subconsciously looked at Ye Li.
Seeing Ye Li staring at him expectantly, he felt a strange sense of embarrassment: "Why did you think of him?"
“He’s a good match. He’s educated, good-looking, and a decent person. As for his family background, you’ll have to find out for yourself.”
Ye Li said with a smile.
"...He might not even think highly of me."
Yu Cai lowered her eyes.
He eagerly went to inquire, only to find that the person, like the martial arts graduate from yesterday, completely looked down on him.
That would be so embarrassing.
By then, Peng Xiucai would certainly not be able to stay in Banxianju any longer.
He was already poor; if he lost his semi-idle job, wouldn't that be a tragedy for him?
Ye Li advised, "Brother Cai, don't underestimate yourself. Besides, this is a selection process, and it doesn't necessarily have to be him. But it's perfectly fine to find out about his family situation first."
Yu Cai: "..."
After a moment, he shook his head: "Never mind."
He didn't want to experience the same embarrassment as yesterday again.
It's already embarrassing enough that Li Ge'er found out once.
He didn't want to lose face again.
Having made up his mind, he smiled and looked at Ye Li: "Good brother Li, I know you're doing this for my own good, and you've really put your heart into it. I'm very grateful."
"But let's leave it to fate, we won't force it."
Seeing that Ye Li was about to persuade him again, he smiled and said, "Let's talk about the taro paste. I think 300 catties a day is not enough. Should we increase it a bit more?"
"...How much do you want to ask for?" Ye Li asked.
"How about 350 jin? Can you handle the workload over there?"
"If we can manage, then let's tentatively set it at 350 jin."
We can ask Gao Jun to come and help.
They're practically family here.
Gao Jun had not been working in the workshop because of his poor health.
Making taro paste isn't actually tiring, except for the cold hands.
Having settled on the number, Yu Cai smiled and said, "Good brother, you even sent Jiang Ji to the county school ahead of time for my sake. How about this, pick Jiang Ji up tomorrow, and you two can go to the third floor for some peace and quiet?"
Ye Li shook her head: "No need, I'll go see him tomorrow and we can just grab a bite at a small restaurant."
"But Cai-ge, don't you want to have this kind of affection?"
Yu Cai: "..."
Why did it turn back again?
Of course he wanted to.
But we just can't seem to run into them.
Thinking of Peng Ximing, he bit his lip. In any case, he would not take the initiative to inquire about the Peng family's situation.
He doesn't want to lose face anymore.
Ye Li understood Yu Cai's thoughts.
He didn't try to persuade him any further, because he already had a solution.
However, it was getting late, so he left Banxianju and went straight back to the village.
After entering the village, he went to Jiang Dahe's house to release the oxcart, but no one was home. So he drove the oxcart back to his own house.
As a result, after entering the house, they saw Jiang Dahe's family, Jiang Dachuan, and Gao Jun all washing taro around the well.
This saved Ye Li a lot of trouble, and he immediately hired Gao Jun, Jiang Dahe, and Jiang Dachuan.
With such high profits, how could we let Jiang Dahe and Jiang Dachuan help us for nothing?
He's not a heartless capitalist.
Besides, with three more people, Liang Erxiang and the others will have an easier time.
So the next day, he delivered taro paste from Banxianju, weighing a whopping 350 jin.
Putting down the taro paste, he didn't have time to be happy about today's earnings. He rushed to the cloth shop, reporting his measurements and buying fabric. He hurried as fast as he could, and arrived at the county school gate right on time when classes ended.
Upon seeing Jiang Ji, the two went to their usual noodle shop for a meal.
Sitting at the small dining table, Ye Li told Jiang Ji his idea: "Talk to Peng Xiucai and ask his father to follow Old Man Shi's example and come to our village to buy preserved eggs. That will be some income."
Using this method to investigate the Peng family's situation will not arouse any suspicion!
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