Chapter 102 Jinjiang first release Chapter 102 Chapter Sihan flowers bloom, Yu...
Early in the morning, Magistrate Ma had his meal and changed into his official uniform. He was about to go for a walk in the office when he heard the doorman come to report that Fang Shu had arrived.
Madam Ma asked, "Didn't this scholar come here a few days ago?"
Magistrate Ma asked the doorman, "Did you tell me what it was about?"
The doorman said, "He didn't say anything specific, but it doesn't look like anything urgent to me. Mr. Fang even smiled at me, so it seems like there's something happy going on."
Magistrate Ma said, "Go, ask him to sit in the main hall, and tell him I will be there in a moment."
The doorman hurried to pass on the message, and Madam Ma said, "This scholar must have figured it out. I've always said that the imperial examination is no match for a ready-made official position. A few days ago, when he and his wife came over, they brought us pear paste dumplings. Maybe they didn't dare to ask at the time, but now they've figured it out?"
Magistrate Ma didn't think so.
A few days ago, Fang Shu and Yu Qinglong had come together, bringing him a set of flying chess and some food. Besides asking about the health of him and his wife, their conversation consisted solely of discussions about the refugees returning home. The rest of their conversation was completely unconcerned. So where did he even begin to think about becoming an official?
"It's impossible for them to understand. They'd have wanted to quit their jobs if they had understood," Magistrate Ma said. "That couple are both stubborn people. You don't understand them. Let me go and see them first."
"Would you like some tea?"
"Why not? Have someone brew a pot of the Longjing tea that the Qin family sent during the New Year and send it over."
Magistrate Ma adjusted his collar—to appear taller, he had modified it slightly, adding a piece of wood to prop it up, which would make his neck appear longer. But even with this adjustment, his neck often felt uncomfortable.
Fang Shu saw Magistrate Ma come in with his collar pulled up, and he stood up and said, "I greet Lord Ma."
"Well, sit down. Why did you come here directly? Is there something urgent?"
"It's a bit urgent. I'm undecided about something and would like to ask for your advice, Master Ma."
"Anything else you can't think of? Tell me about it."
Fang Shu described the situation of the Hong family in this way, but made some slight modifications.
He mentioned the Hong family's eagerness to have a child, but he did not mention that the Hong family elders were pushing them so hard that Yuan Sihan was almost unable to bear it and wanted to leave.
His point was that if the two of them arrived in Qixia Town, perhaps there would be a turnaround for the child's situation. However, they needed a document from the government to properly handle it.
Magistrate Ma heard this and said, "Do we really need to deal with such a small matter? It's just a matter of a word from Censor Hong. He's the inspector on behalf of the emperor. If he wants to go anywhere, he'll have plenty of excuses."
Fang Shu said, "You're right, but you and I are aware of this. Anyone who doesn't know would be suspicious upon seeing Lord Hong. I'm trying to find a reason to avoid being found guilty, but also not to use the name of supervision to unsettle local officials."
Magistrate Ma was thinking.
Fang Shu added, "My wife is good friends with the young man from the Qin family, and the eldest son of the Qin family is friends with Censor Hong. Knowing this, we can't help but contribute. However, if I were to speak to Censor Hong about expanding potato planting in my own name, it would be unofficial, and I'm worried it would cause unnecessary trouble for our county, so I've come to ask for your advice."
Magistrate Ma stroked his beard and pondered for a moment before saying, "You do have a point. How about this: you write the letter, and I'll send it out in the name of our Huaitong County government. Since it's official business, then we'll handle it as such. As for private matters, that's entirely up to Lord Hong's own wishes."
Fang Shu quickly stood up and said, "Thank you, Master Ma, for your consideration."
Magistrate Ma asked, "Did you bring the letter?"
Fang Shu said, "It has not been written yet. I would like to wait for your guidance, sir, before finalizing it."
Magistrate Ma was quite impressed and said, "Then let's go. You and I will go to the government office and we can write it and send someone to deliver it directly. It will be convenient."
Soon the two of them got on the carriage.
On the way, Magistrate Ma would occasionally adjust his collar, looking uncomfortable. Fang Shu glanced at him, but didn't look at him. He asked, "Why don't you make your collar lower?"
Magistrate Ma sighed and said, "You've known me for a long time, so I won't hide anything from you. I've been an official for many years, but the only thing that's bothered me is my height. It's because the tailor said a higher collar would make my neck look longer and taller, so he made it this way. It's not that high, but it's definitely uncomfortable. But this batch is all made like this, and it would be a waste to replace them all."
Fang Shu has been tall since he was a child, so he really can't understand the feelings of smaller people.
But when he mentioned this, he couldn't help but think of Yu Qinglong, and he said, "You don't know, my lord, that my wife was so tall that she was insulted and beaten by her stepmother since she was a child. They said she didn't look like a boy, and she wouldn't let her eat. She said she was too tall and no one would want her. In the past, he was repeatedly broken off from marriage because he was born tall, and everyone thought he was clumsy. But in fact, he is very intelligent, and even I am not as smart as him. In my opinion, a person's nobility lies not in his appearance, but in his aspirations and spirit. You are compassionate and treat the people of Huaitong County like your own children, caring for them with all your heart and soul. Even this kind of magnanimity and broad-mindedness is rare in this world. Why bother with appearances?"
Magistrate Ma said, "You are absolutely right. But sometimes people understand the truth but find it difficult to understand it. Well, go ask Mr. Li for paper and pen and write the letter."
When he was busy in the county before, he had dealt with people from the government office many times. Fang Shu was also familiar with this Mr. Li, so he went there after hearing the words.
As soon as he left, the attendant driving the carriage said, "Master, why is this scholar Fang bringing you and Mr. Fang together? No matter how powerful Mr. Fang is, he is still an ordinary citizen. Isn't this disrespectful to you?"
Magistrate Ma said, "You don't understand. Although Mr. Fang is a commoner, in the eyes of this scholar Fang, he is a great treasure like a fairy. He can do this because he sincerely wants to enlighten your master."
Moreover, he figured out at home why Fang Shu came to see him.
In theory, given Yu Qinglong's current relationship with the Qin family, it would not be difficult for him to send a letter to Censor Hong, or even to meet Censor Hong in person.
The fact that she still thought of coming to see him showed that she still had respect for him. Of course, you could also say that she was a thoughtful person.
Magistrate Ma couldn't help but say, "It's a pity that he's so cunning at such a young age and wants to be the county magistrate."
Meanwhile, Fang Shu had already thought about how to write the letter; after all, he had already written it at Fuyue Restaurant. He just didn't bring it with him, so he pondered it for a while in the government office before finally picking up the pen.
After writing a page in a very eloquent manner, County Magistrate Ma took a general look at the letter and felt that there was no problem. He put it in an envelope, sealed it with sealing wax, and asked someone to send it to the provincial capital as quickly as possible.
He suddenly felt unsure: "Can this be accomplished?"
Fang Shu said, "I think it will work. But even if it doesn't, we won't lose much."
Magistrate Ma thought about it and realized that this was indeed the case, so he returned to the court with his hands behind his back.
Fang Shu went back to report to Yu Qinglong.
The wind was quite strong today, so Yu Qinglong stayed inside the house, continuing to draw patterns for clothes. However, when Fang Shu returned, he wasn't working on it anymore. He was holding a pair of small gold lockets.
This gold lock was a gift from Yuan Sihan. Yu Qinglong hadn't opened the lid to look at it out of courtesy, but when he accepted it, he never imagined it would be so valuable. This pair of locks weighed at least two taels, which was equivalent to twenty taels of silver.
Although this money is not a big deal for him and Fang Shu now, it is really a lot in terms of personal relationships.
He was a little hesitant about whether to return it.
Fang Shu then said, "Don't worry too much about it. Didn't Long'er draw a dress for this young master Yuan? Your dress drawings are now sold at ten taels of silver each, and people are scrambling to buy them. We're not really taking advantage of them."
Ever since her husband started working with Jinnian Garment Shop, sales have been exponential. Many people have already taken pre-orders for some items before they even go on sale; business is booming.
Yu Qinglong thought about it and put the small golden lock away again.
Fang Shu sat down to drink tea and mentioned Magistrate Ma to him. He said that Magistrate Ma had a high-collared tunic with a stay in the collar that was making his neck uncomfortable. Yu Qinglong said, "How much taller would that make him look? Why not ask Magistrate Ma what size shoes he wears and give him two pairs of shoes?"
"Send shoes?"
"Yeah. They have insoles. They look like regular shoes from the outside, but you can add padding inside. That way, you look like you're wearing regular shoes, but you can actually make yourself look taller."
"Is this okay?"
"Why not?"
Fang Shu felt that Magistrate Ma was not having an easy time either, so after a little thought, he went to Magistrate Ma's home again. He did not go to the government office because it was relatively far away.
Madam Ma was at home all year round, so Fang Shu asked the doorman to inquire and then asked for Magistrate Ma's shoe size. Yu Qinglong didn't waste any time and went to talk to the shoe shop's craftsman after finding out.
Three days later, just after dark, Fang Shu brought the insoles to the Ma family. Master Ma wasn't home at the time, having gone out for a social event. When he returned that night and heard his wife tell him, he learned Fang Shu had sent him two pairs of shoes.
He was puzzled and asked, "Why send me shoes? I don't need shoes."
Madam Ma said, "I thought so at first. But these shoes are different. If you don't believe me, try them on and you'll know."
Ma put them on after a quick glance, and when he stretched out his feet, he was a little unimpressed. But after putting the shoes on completely, he found that he seemed to have grown taller all of a sudden!
Originally, the servants in the room were taller than him, but after changing his shoes, he felt that he was not much different! His chest couldn't help but stand up even more!
Magistrate Ma tried walking around and praised them repeatedly, "Brilliant! Truly brilliant! These shoes are excellent! They don't tire your feet at all. Tell me, how did you come up with this idea?"
Madam Ma said, "Perhaps it was Mr. Fang's idea again. Master, what do you think of his brain?"
Magistrate Ma also wanted to know about this. But that was a human mind, and he couldn't see through it. He was just thankful that this person was from Huaitong County, otherwise he might have been humiliated and miserable after having to endure this winter. Unlike now, he felt proud of his superiors and relieved of the people's hearts. Perhaps he could even rise higher in the next evaluation.
This shoe fits so well and is so comfortable!
Magistrate Ma felt that it was mainly because he felt comfortable in his heart and he felt that he was standing higher!
He walked around twice in his new shoes without realizing it. He told his wife, "Didn't my eldest brother-in-law send two deer a few days ago? Kill one tomorrow and send half to Fuyue Restaurant."
"Ah? Is it necessary to send so much?" That's only half one!
"I'm not worried enough. Mr. Fang is good friends with the young master of the Qin family, and now he's hooked up with Censor Hong. His future is definitely limitless. The most important thing is that these young couple are impeccable in their conduct. There's no harm in getting closer to them."
In reality, Fang Shu had done him a favor today; otherwise, showing up before Censor Hong wouldn't have been so easy. The Hong family had been a distinguished family for generations, and Hong Huan was now a Circuit Censor. Even though he held the same rank as him, he could still see the Emperor directly. Even the old guard in the provincial capital had to show some courtesy to him.
Fortunately, Fang Shu had refused to be the county magistrate of Huaitong County, so he did not make things difficult for Fang Shu.
But why is there no news about this Censor Hong? Is he coming or not?
Fang Shu and Yu Qinglong were also curious. They weren't confident enough to think they could get the person, but based on what Qin Yushuang had said and Yuan Sihan's reaction, they knew he would come.
But three days had passed, and there was no news. The letter had been sent by express horse, which was not as fast as taking a carriage. Even if it was farther away, it should have arrived long ago.
"Husband, could it be that you wrote the letter too cryptically?" Yu Qinglong asked. "Is it possible that Censor Hong didn't see our hint?"
"No. I heard that this censor is very clever and wouldn't fail to see even this. And you've seen it, Long'er, haven't you? I'll just write according to the one we wrote before."
"Perhaps Censor Hong has been held up by something. Let's wait and see."
Fang Shu also felt that this was most likely the case.
But in an official residence in the provincial capital, Hong Huan read the letter again and again.
When he first received the letter from the Huaitong County Government, he was quite surprised, thinking it was something important.
I didn't expect to be even more surprised after opening it.
It's mainly accidental content.
Taro grows in the northeast, the cold-blooded flowers bloom, the Imperial Censor has reviewed...
He read the first sentence alone three times.
This wasn't Magistrate Ma's handwriting. He'd seen Ma Weiguang's handwriting before, but it wasn't as elegant and graceful as this. And who would write a letter like this?!
Now let’s talk about the content after the opening speech:
I, a commoner, have stumbled upon a plant called "yangtuo." It thrives in cold weather and drought, and can be grown in both mountainous and plain areas. Plant a single plant in spring, and you'll yield several fruits in autumn, even in barren lands. Last year, Huaitong County was plagued by frequent disasters, leaving thousands without a single harvest and displaced. Qixia Town suffered particularly heavy losses. I, a commoner, grieve over this, wishing I could give birth to a hand that could turn the tide and soothe the suffering of my fellow villagers.
However, I can do nothing on my own to reverse the situation, and can only sigh in despair. Fortunately, we now have potatoes, which will hopefully provide a good supply for our neighbors' granaries. I sincerely hope that you will personally visit Qixia Town to supervise the cultivation!
When the cold flowers bloom, the taro will grow, and when the taro grows, the world will be at peace.
Hong Huan: “…”
Qixia Town is indeed located in the northeast of the provincial capital. This "yam" is probably not referring to "yam", but "yu"?
Hong Huan called his confidant and asked, "Has anyone sent any news about my husband in the past two days?"
The confidant said, "Your Excellency, there is no news. However..."
"explain."
"It was Shuangcui, who was beside my husband, who sent a message saying, saying, that the old lady mentioned taking a concubine for you again. My husband said, if you still can't get pregnant this time, then, then..."
"So what?"
"My husband moved out of the Bamboo Garden. Later, the old lady sent a message to him, saying that if he still didn't have a child within three months, then he should also persuade you. The old lady said that the Hong family couldn't be extinct."
"Did Shuangcui tell me how my husband is doing these days at the Qin family? Is he eating more?"
"No, not really. They just said that my husband went to see that boy named Yu Qinglong and got the scriptures back. But there's one thing I don't understand. After getting the scriptures back, shouldn't he have returned as soon as possible?"
Hong Huan also found this strange. After a moment, he suddenly said, "Prepare the horses!"
The confidant was stunned: "B-but sir, it's dark outside."
Hong Huan said, "I'm not blind, how could I not know? Why don't you go now?"
Seeing Hong Huan quickly collecting the letter, the confidant quickly agreed and ran out. Hong Huan ordered his men to pack his luggage, then hurriedly wrote a letter and had it delivered to the government office at dawn. Then, he quickly mounted his horse and led a group of men towards Huaitong County.
Are the taro flowers blooming in Sihan?
He wanted to see what ability the person who wrote the letter had to make his husband pregnant.
If he is lucky enough to have children with his husband one day, let alone supervising the farming, it will not be difficult for him to get all the people in Dayan Kingdom to grow potatoes together!
-----------------------
Author's words: Fang Shu: Long'er, Lord Hong will come, right? [Eat melon]
Qinglong: Come if you want! If you don’t come, he’ll be the one who suffers [angry]
Fang Shu: Huh? Why is my husband so irritable today? [covering his face and peeking]
Qinglong: The kids keep kicking me, and I can’t sleep well [bursts into tears]
Fang Shu: Let me kick it back with my fingers! [Hug]
Qinglong: [rolls eyes]
Fang Shu: Aunts, please give me some food. I am on duty today [let me check][empty bowl][empty bowl][empty bowl]
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
