Carp Talk (9)
The Wan family has made a lot of money recently, and Wanzhe is also thinking about building a wing room for guests to stay.
He selected a lot of good wood from the forest farm and hired craftsmen from other places at a high price to speed up the work. The construction of the wing room was also carried out in full swing under his personal supervision.
At the same time, seeing that he had a lot of cash on hand, Wanzhe had someone customize a set of exquisite mahogany furniture a few days ago, and the servants were busy replacing it for the house.
Wan Mian walked through the busy crowd and stood beside Wan Zhe. He asked, "Dad, is there anything I can help you with?"
Wanzhe directed the servants to arrange the furniture while answering Wanmian, "I'm quite handy here. Why don't you go to the market with your wife and see if there are any little things she likes? Buy them and coax her into giving birth to a big fat boy for my Wan family."
Wan Mian listened without saying a word.
Wanzhe tilted his head and glanced at him. He sighed deeply and shook his head repeatedly, "Look at you! She's your legal wife after all! Even if you don't like her, you can't ignore her so soon after your marriage. Otherwise, how can I, your father, face County Magistrate Xu?"
"If after spending some time together, you still have no interest in her, then you can take in some concubines. Your father will not blame you!"
Just as Wanzhe was scolding Wan Mian, Xu Niao slowly walked up from behind them.
Wanzhe caught a glimpse of her out of the corner of his eye, immediately lowered his voice, and tapped Wanmian's head with his bent fingers.
Wan Mian then turned around and met Xu Niao's gaze.
He quickly looked away, walked over hesitantly, and whispered, "Niao Niang, you...can you accompany me to the market today?"
Although Xu Niao's expression did not change much, he felt relieved in his heart.
In fact, she didn't ask Wan Min to be in love with her, but considering Xu Hui's reputation, she didn't want to make things too awkward with her husband, otherwise she would be laughed at by the neighbors.
It was still drizzling outside, but not too heavy.
Wan Mian and Xu Niao walked side by side on the street, both holding an oil-paper umbrella, and stopped at the door of a gold jewelry store.
Wan Mian had just put away his umbrella when the shop owner quickly stepped forward, took the umbrella from him, and flattered him, "Oh, isn't this Mr. Wan? Your presence truly honors our humble shop! Feel free to choose; our jewelry is the finest in Wu County!"
Wan Mian had never been treated like this before, so he was frightened by the sudden appearance of his boss and took a step to the side.
After taking a quick look at the person in front of him, whose wrinkles at the corners of his eyes were full of flattery, he led Xu Niao into the store slowly with some hesitation to choose jewelry.
Faced with the dazzling array of exquisite and delicate ornaments in the store, Xu Niao's eyes suddenly sparkled. She looked and chose, and finally her attention was caught by a flower hairpin.
"Mianlang, come and take a look at this hairpin. It's so beautiful."
Hearing Xu Niao's call, Wan Mian walked forward and picked up the hairpin.
I saw that the hairpin was made up of several exquisitely carved pearl flowers of different sizes, and the pearl flowers should be inlaid with several fine red agates.
The three flowers are the main body, which attracts people's attention. There are countless small flowers around these three flowers as a background. The workmanship is extremely exquisite, which makes it difficult to take your eyes off it. But I guess the price is not low.
"Boss, how much is this hairpin?"
The boss smiled and stretched out his hand from his sleeve, making a "two" gesture.
"Twenty cents?"
"Two taels."
Wan Mian was shocked when he heard this. How could such a small hairpin be sold for two taels?
The shopkeeper must have guessed Wan Mian was unhappy with the price, so he quickly explained, "Mr. Wan, don't underestimate this hairpin. It's called the 'Twenty-One Step Falling Flower Hairpin.' It actually has twenty-one flowers carved into it. It takes a discerning eye to count them all. This hairpin was made by several famous craftsmen in Tianling City. I found it with great difficulty! It's understandable that it's a bit expensive."
Although the store owner's explanation was reasonable, and the hairpin was indeed exquisite, Xu Niao liked it very much.
Wan Mian thought for a moment, frowned slightly, and reluctantly searched his sleeve pocket, but suddenly found that he was in a hurry to go out and did not have any silver on him.
Seeing that he was still hesitant to take out the silver, the boss seemed to have noticed his difficulty and hurriedly explained with a smile: "It doesn't matter if Mr. Wan doesn't have any silver. We can just keep the account in the store."
To be honest, this was the first time that Wan Mian encountered a situation where a store owner allowed him to keep accounts. If it had happened in Tianling before, the store owner would have detained him and would not have allowed him to go back until someone came to redeem him.
In the blink of an eye, the situation reversed and he became a distinguished guest.
But after thinking about it, you can guess the reason - the store owner is simply doing a favor. After all, the Wan family is still well-known in Wuhu County. If he gives Wan Mian a way out this time, he may take better care of his business next time.
Wan Mian cleared his throat, straightened his cuffs, and said to the boss, "I want this hairpin. Put it on the Wan family account and come to my house to get the money."
"Okay!"
The boss took the hairpin handed to him by Wan Mian with both hands, packed it up proudly, and even caught up with Wan Mian and Xu Niao when they were leaving, and gave them a lot of cheaper small jewelry with a flattering look on his face.
However, it was not just this jewelry store. All the shops they visited afterwards gave them credit, and almost all of them gave them small gifts.
During this trip, Xu Niao got clothes and accessories, and Wan Mian also tasted the feeling of being respected for the first time.
But obviously, this taste is like poison. Once you have tasted it, it will be difficult to quit for the rest of your life.
Having said that, the reason they were able to receive such treatment was, firstly, because the Wan family was now the richest family in Wuhu County, and secondly, because of Xu Niao's status as a wealthy daughter.
Therefore, in the eyes of the people, they are undoubtedly the most noble symbols here.
Wan Mian enjoyed the feeling of being respected and was increasingly unwilling to return to his previous lowly status as a running dog.
After handing the items he received to the servant who followed him, Wan Mian was happy for a moment. He walked closer and closer to Xu Niao, and gradually they stood side by side.
Xu Niao glanced at him and smiled.
As the two of them walked like this, Wan Mian also straightened his chest and looked around. Suddenly, the fragrance of tea wafting from the street caught his attention.
Looking to the right, he finally saw the familiar big words - Liuxiangju.
In Tianling, the teahouse called Liuxiangju was well-known, but he was penniless at that time. Even though his classmates would often sigh about how sweet the green milk in this teahouse was, he could only swallow his saliva secretly.
This time, he is no longer the Wan Mian of the past. Since they met in Wu County, there is no reason not to go.
So, without asking for Xu Niao's formal consent, he just said lightly, "The tea here is really delicious" and walked towards the shop.
Xu Niao just came to his senses, but saw that he had already walked half a meter, so he had to follow him in small steps.
Due to the rainy weather these days, the temperature has dropped a bit, and Liuxiangju has therefore had sporadic customers.
As the boss, Chu Mo would definitely not serve tea and water to people himself, so he called Xiao Lin and Mu You back.
At this moment, they were the only two people working as waiters in the entire teahouse.
"Welcome to Liuxiangju. The teahouse offers elegant seating. Guests can choose a seat of their choice. Today's green milk is top-notch."
Xiao Lin was clearing away the teacups left by the previous guest while greeting the other guests.
When she held up the cup with one hand and wiped the table with the other, she turned around and her eyes happened to meet Wan Mian who was handing a wet umbrella to the servant behind him.
"It's you?" Wan Mian spoke first.
Wan Mian's voice made Xiao Lin panic.
Xu Niao, who was standing nearby, also frowned and asked, "Do you... know each other?"
"That day in Zuihonglou, I saw her being detained by your father's guards." Wan Mian stared at Xiao Lin and explained himself. "By the way, did you call my name that day? Is there something important you want to discuss with me?"
Who would have thought that Wan Mian remembered it so clearly, and no one would have expected that he would even remember Xiao Lin's face.
What should I do? Now is not the time to tell the truth.
"Sir, you must have seen it wrong..."
"I can't be wrong, it's you, I remember it must be you."
“…”
Just as Xiao Lin was at a loss for words due to Wan Mian's questioning, Mu You, who had been cleaning up the mess on the other side, arrived to save the situation. "Sir, do you have any favorite teas? Our tea soups are renowned throughout Tianling and have unique benefits."
At this moment, Mu You's gimmick successfully diverted Wan Mian's attention. Hearing about the "unique effect", he became interested: "Oh? What is the unique effect?"
"Those who eat it will be free from all worries and will have a happy life."
It sounded mysterious, but it also whetted people's appetite. Wan Mian happened to be in a good mood at the moment, so he waved his hand and ordered a bowl for everyone in his group.
This was achieved without any effort. Xiao Lin and Mu You appeared reserved and steady on the surface, but they were actually smiling in their hearts.
Fearing that he might change his mind, Mu You hurriedly nodded and bowed and retreated to the kitchen, just to prepare tea soup for the group as soon as possible.
Afterwards, Wan Mian took Xu Niao and the servants who were accompanying him, chose a private seat, and sat down leisurely.
Xiao Lin thought he could escape Wan Mian's questioning just now. Just when he was about to breathe a sigh of relief, Wan Mian called him over again.
With no other choice, she had to force a smile and walked over.
Sure enough, Wan Mian brought up the previous topic again: "You haven't answered me yet. What did you call me for that day when you were drunk in the Red Mansion?"
For a moment, not only Wan Mian, but even the servants following him cast burning glances at him, making Xiao Lin feel very uncomfortable.
Her eyes wandered as she stammered, "Uh...that day...that day I..."
Even though her face was full of excuses, Wan Mian still refused to give in and kept his eyes fixed on her.
Unable to come up with a suitable excuse, Xiao Lin gritted his teeth, closed his eyes, and simply changed the subject, talking to him about something else: "Sir, I can read palms, would you like to try?"
Seeing that she still refused to give a direct answer, Wan Mian didn't force her and simply gave up and handed over his hand.
He carefully lifted Wan Mian's hand with his fingertips and took a closer look.
But Xiao Lin didn't know anything about palmistry. What he said just now was just a lie to fool Wan Mian! What should he do now...
Just as she was feeling confused, she suddenly had an idea and thought of a brilliant plan: "Looking at my palm, the young master will not have any other disasters in his life, except..."
"Except what?"
"Besides the trouble of money." Xiao Lin pursed his lips, pretending to be righteous on the surface, but in fact his heart was in turmoil. "Young Master, remember, don't be greedy for money. Money is something outside of your body. If you take the dark path for money, there is no return, and it will harm the people of the entire city!"
Xiao Lin thought this was a brilliant plan, but was choked back by Wan Mian's next words: "You only took a glance and you already understood such a profound secret? As far as I know, even a true fortune teller would ponder the palm for a moment."
"This..." He pretended for less than a second before being exposed on the spot. Xiao Lin wished he could dig a tunnel and bury himself in it.
This is a tricky situation, and bad news keeps coming.
Mu You, who had hurried to the kitchen before, came to the front hall empty-handed in less than half a minute.
As soon as he reached Wan Mian and his group, he immediately bowed and apologized: "I'm so sorry, Mr. Wan, the tea in the kitchen of our shop is sold out, and I'm afraid I can't make tea soup today."
After these words were spoken, not only Wan Mian, but even Xiao Lin looked at him in disbelief, causing Mu You to hesitate to look up.
A series of strange things happened at the same time, and Wan Mian secretly felt resentful.
Since they couldn't have tea or soup, there was no need for them to stay any longer.
"Mr. Wan, if you want to eat, we will definitely deliver it to your house in person someday!" When Wan Mian was leaving, Mu You did not forget to call out loudly, for fear of missing the opportunity.
"No need." Wan Mian stepped out of the door, holding an umbrella for Xu Niao, and replied loudly, "If I'm interested someday, I will definitely come again."
Someday? The day they talk about is not credible!
Before this, Fang Jingyu had just said "some other day", and until now Xiao Lin still couldn't wait for a meal.
As the figures of the few people gradually disappeared, Xiao Lin felt a surge of anger in his heart.
She changed her usual good temper, tugged at Mu You's sleeve and dragged him to a deserted corner, demanding sharply, "What's going on? Why is there no tea?"
At this moment, Mu You didn't even dare to raise his head, his whole body was filled with guilty conscience: "I... didn't I tinker with the milk tea thing before... And then, then I used up all the tea leaves in the kitchen..."
Oh my god! She was so defensive, but she didn't expect to fall into Mu You's trap!
"Why don't you do something else? Why do you have to make that weird milk tea!" Xiao Lin raised his eyebrows and cursed in a low voice.
At this moment, she wished she could just leave Mu You alone in this world and go back alone - this was what he deserved!
Mu You also knew what was good for him. He put aside his previous arrogance, hung his head like a puppy that had done something wrong, and silently endured Xiao Lin's anger.
But soon, she calmed down again and reason took over again.
Now, no matter how much we try to find out his faults, it will be of no use. The most urgent thing is to find a way to send the tea soup to Wan Mian.
In a hurry, Xiao Lin didn't care about anything else and ran out the door without saying a word.
She only hoped that Wan Mian and his group had not gone far, so that she could remind them to come next time, even if it meant treating everyone he brought with him to a meal for free, and to send him his bowl of tea soup.
"It's drizzling outside. Why are you going out?" Mu You followed Xiao Lin to the door of Liuxiangju shop. Suddenly, he felt rain on his face and subconsciously covered his head with his hands.
Xiao Lin had no intention of looking back. He ignored Mu You's dissuasion and rushed straight into the rain without even opening his umbrella.
Perhaps it was guilt that was at work. Seeing Xiao Lin running into the rain, Mu You felt it was not appropriate for him to stay in the shop, so he looked back at the scattered customers in the shop, made up his mind, and rushed out with her.
"Xiao Lin! Wait a minute!"
Xiao Lin was running in front, and he couldn't help but hear Mu You's shouting behind him.
She was just about to look back when she heard the sound of horse hooves.
Before she could react, a passing carriage crashed into a puddle, and the splashing mud and water fell directly onto Xiao Lin's clothes.
Just as she was about to speak, Mu You grabbed her arm and said, "They've already gone far away, and the rain is getting heavier. Let's go back first and discuss other things later."
Indeed, the raindrops were getting heavier at this time, and raindrops were hanging on Xiao Lin's eyelashes.
"I was wrong this time. I will definitely find a chance to make amends..."
Seeing Mu You forcing himself to keep his eyes open in the rain, Xiao Lin couldn't bear it and had to listen to his advice and return to Liuxiangju to avoid the rain for the time being.
Mu You took Xiao Lin's hand and ran back to Liuxiangju with her.
Before leaving, Xiao Lin subconsciously glanced into the distance and found that the carriage that had just passed by was obviously different from ordinary people's carriages - both the wood used and the curtains were of top quality.
Although she had doubts in her heart, she was too weak to think too much.
It was also that gorgeous carriage that led the group of people to stop in front of the county government office.
After a while, a man who looked like an old man came down from above.
Fortunately, the Xu family servant had some foresight and hurriedly bowed and went forward to welcome the eunuch into the county government office.
At this time, Xu Hui happened to be sitting in the lobby, sipping the good tea brought by his son-in-law.
He had just scraped the rim of the cup with the lid and was about to take a sip of this exquisite tea when a shout stopped him: "Eunuch Zeng is here—!"
Xu Hui immediately put down the teacup in his hand, waved his sleeves and knelt on the ground.
Eunuch Zeng also walked forward with his head held high, unfolded the imperial edict in his hand, and read it to Xu Hui one by one: "The Emperor, by the Mandate of Heaven, decrees that in order to meet the people's demands for Buddhist prayers and chanting of scriptures, I hereby order Xu Hui, the Magistrate of Wu County, to undertake the construction of the pagoda without error."
After saying this, Eunuch Zeng waved his sleeves, and someone behind him carried a box of silver and walked up to Xu Hui. Eunuch Zeng continued, "The emperor will certainly not let you work for nothing. This is a reward, a full fifty taels of gold. I hope County Magistrate Xu will not disappoint the emperor."
Xu Hui's face was obviously not happy about this, but he still took the imperial edict with both hands.
With a kowtow, he sent Eunuch Zeng away. Looking at the carriage going away, Xu Hui's smile was gone, replaced by a furrowed brow.
"Prepare the horses and set off for Wan's house."
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