Chapter 115 Jinjiang First Release Chapter 115 This fame is really...
But within just a few days, five or six large blisters appeared in Hong Xiao's mouth. She couldn't come up with 20,000 taels of silver in a short time. Besides, even if she could, she wouldn't be able to take it. How could a piece of jade be worth that much?!
But her youngest son wasn't rescued, and she was riled up with rage. She wasn't even sure if she was more angry at her youngest son's incompetence or at the officials' lack of leniency. Or perhaps it was because her eldest son wasn't home when she needed him.
"No, I'm going to find a way to get someone to check it out! Huan'er must have used some trick to intercept them!"
"Are you crazy? How dare you disobey the emperor's order?" Hong Yuanda was rarely stern with his wife. "I'm telling you, don't even think about it! Go crazy yourself and don't even think about dragging your whole family into this hell!"
"What should we do then? Are we just going to watch Rong Ge'er being taken away? Are you still his father? Do you know if he can get enough food and sleep out there?"
"It's not his fault. Don't you think about it? Huan'er is, after all, an inspector on behalf of the Emperor. It's true that the Pan family has a large army, but the more so, the less they can do anything to our family. Otherwise, wouldn't it be a slap in the face of the Emperor? If you ask me, do what you need to do and don't get involved in this matter anymore. Huan'er will see to it once he gets the news."
"What kind of talk is that? What's going on? I'm his mother, and I still have to rely on him for survival?" Hong Xiao complained. "I'm his elder! If that's the case, where's my dignity?"
"Your face? You raised a child like that, how can you still have any face? Can't you see? The eldest son of the Qin family said it out loud because he wanted to avoid this matter and didn't want to get involved!"
"How dare he! He doesn't even think about who took care of him in the first place!"
"Why wouldn't you dare? It was Huan'er who took care of him back then, not you! Xiao Yanning, let me tell you, if you keep making trouble like this, be careful that your son won't recognize you as his mother in the future!"
Hong Yuanda finished speaking and walked out with a heavy flick of his sleeves. Hong Xiaoshi swept the tea bowl to pieces: "If you don't admit it, then don't admit it! Do you think I'm afraid of him?"
But before noon, a group of people were brought into the house by the housekeeper. There were about sixteen or seventeen of them, all of them were strong and sturdy.
Hong Xiaoshi didn't recognize any of them. She frowned and asked, "Hong Fu, what are you doing? Where did these people come from?"
Butler Fu bowed and said, "Madam, these people were arranged by the eldest young master, saying they were to serve in our household. He heard that there were fewer people at home and was worried that there wouldn't be enough manpower to serve you and the master properly, so he had some new people selected and sent over."
Upon hearing this, Mrs. Hong Xiao was so angry that she trembled. "What a rebellion! Who is the head of this family? Who dares to add people to this courtyard without my approval?"
Hong Fu said, "Madam, the eldest young master wrote to ask the old master, and the old master just agreed to this matter. The eldest young master also said that he already knows about the young master's affairs. He will find someone to discipline the young master, so you don't have to worry anymore."
Hong Xiao went to find Hong Yuanda to argue without thinking, but the servants said that Hong Yuanda had already gone out.
Hong Fu took the opportunity to arrange a place for the new servants. Soon, Hong Xiaoshi found that none of her usual servants could be found!
"Where are Aunt Bai and Magpie?"
"Madam, we are not quite sure. It seems that Butler Fu has sent him away."
"Butler Fu, Butler Fu! It's him again! Is he trying to rebel?"
But she couldn't find her. Finally, she contacted the accountant and learned that all the elderly people who served her had been sent to a farm outside the city. And this place was outside the city, so she couldn't go there now. She wanted someone to pass on a message, but no one dared to!
Hongfu made it clear to these people that this was the will of the master and the eldest young master. If they followed their instructions, they would have a chance to return to the mansion and continue serving. However, if they dared to secretly contact the mistress and attempt to betray their master, they could not blame the eldest young master for not remembering their old friendship.
After all, this family's surname is Hong, not Xiao, and the highest-ranking official in the family now is the eldest son. As a servant, you still have to be clear-headed in order to go far.
After making his arrangements, Hong Fu also avoided the Hong Xiao family. He had no choice. Originally, the master and the eldest son were the most powerful in this family. Besides, his son Hong Tong was now in the hands of the eldest son. How could he dare to disobey? Unless he was crazy. He had served the Hong family for two generations and wanted his son to continue working here.
Not long after, Hong Huan received some supplements and a letter. When he saw that it was sent by Hong Fu, he understood what was going on.
Qin Wenxian asked, "Should we ask Lao Pan's men to send Rong back?"
Hong Huan said, "Not for now. I plan to have him sent to my grandmother to learn some proper manners. Otherwise, given his temper, he'll probably cause even bigger trouble sooner or later."
Although the grandmother is old, she still has a capable nanny around her who will teach his younger brother how to behave and do things.
The only thing he hadn't decided yet was whether he should take these six people with him or stay here when they left.
The autumn imperial examinations were approaching, but he had no intention of bringing Yuan Sihan back to the provincial capital. Firstly, his husband was happy living here, and secondly, although the family had changed a lot, they had not yet been properly reorganized, so he was a little hesitant.
He said to Qinglong and Fang Shu, "I'm worried that these people will be forced to go again by my mother. The indentures of some of them are still in my mother's hands."
Yu Qinglong said, "Brother Hong, why don't you just let one of them go back and exchange the indentures? Honglian and Hongtian are brother and sister. Leave Hongtian here and let Honglian go back. I think she's smart, so this should be possible."
He'd been observing these six individuals for the past few days. Whether it was Hong Tong, Hong Tian Hong Lian, or the other two "Taoists," they were all relatively easy to deal with. The more troublesome one now was Chen Xian. He was bolder than the others, and more patient. But it had to be said that such individuals were often more useful. Yu Qinglong felt that if he could be brought under his wing, it would be a good thing.
Hong Huan said, "I'm going back with the brothers guarding the city. So, according to Long Ge'er, should we leave Chen Xian and the others behind?"
Yu Qinglong said, "That's what I mean. If it's convenient for Brother Hong, you can find two capable new people from home and send them over to serve Brother Yuan. That way, he'll have more people to use when he returns."
Hong Huan thought it was a good idea and agreed. He valued Yu Qinglong's ability to read people's hearts.
So that afternoon, Hong Huan sent someone to ask Hong Fu to select two people and send them over, while Yu Qinglong talked to Hong Lian alone.
He told her, "Remember, when you go back, tell her that the young master let you go back to appease the old lady. He wants you to go back and persuade her more. This is the chance for you to go back."
Honglian said, "This servant understands."
Yu Qinglong gave her a tael of silver and said, "Take this. This is a reward for you in advance. After this is done, you can stay in the Hong Mansion or marry someone else. Your young husband is kind-hearted and wouldn't be the type to keep servants at bay. On your way, you might as well think carefully about whether it's better to serve a loving master or to live in fear all day long. Those who have just been sent to the Hong Mansion are newcomers after all, and they won't be any more familiar with the place than you are. Take this opportunity to do something good. After all, it's a chance for you and your brother to change your fate."
Honglian nodded heavily: "Please rest assured, sir, I know what to do."
Yu Qinglong watched her being sent back by officers and soldiers.
Fang Shu stood at the door for a long time. When he saw the girl approaching, he said, "Long'er, don't you think I'd be undermining your talent if I didn't give you a hundred or so people to run around with? You were so adorable just now, the way you were so calm and composed, giving instructions and making plans."
Yu Qinglong thought about the days of having a hundred or so people at his beck and call, and said without hesitation, "Forget it. Too many people bring trouble. I prefer a lively but not cluttered home. If I really need people to order around, three or five will be fine."
If there are three or five of them, then you can just become a small official.
In fact, it is not necessary to be an official, but there is a regulation in their Dayan country that families without officials can only employ long-term workers and cannot keep slaves.
But he wasn't a servant, so it didn't seem to matter. Anyway, no matter who he was, he would always be impressed by his husband's character.
It's a pity that he won't be able to see such a good husband for many days. Fang Shu felt depressed just thinking about it. What exam should he take? Can't the Juren fall from the sky for him?
Yu Qinglong said, "Don't be depressed. Winter will be coming soon after the exams. By then, we'll have finished working in the fields, and it would be great for our family to spend the winter happily at home. Come and see if you need anything."
There were many things to prepare for the exam, so Yu Qinglong asked Fang Shu to make a list and prepare them all for him.
Fang Shu held a pair of shoes that Yu Qinglong had made for him. "I don't need anything, but I'm tired of not being able to see you, Yangyang, and Xiao Shitou for so many days. Long'er..."
Yu Qinglong pressed his forehead and pushed him aside: "Stop making trouble. You'll be away for dozens of days. You should check it out carefully. While there's still some time, I can quickly make up for anything you need."
Fang Shu said, "No need. With Brother Liwei and Brother Huaide here, I won't be left without help like before. All I need is the shoes and schoolbag you made for me, and I'll be fine. But I'm sure you'll have to work hard for the next month or so."
Taking care of two children is not that easy.
Yu Qinglong said, "Don't we still have our parents? Besides, Brother Yuan and the others are here too, so just focus on doing your job. When you come back, Yangyang and Xiao Shitou will take care of it and it will be even bigger."
Fang Shu hugged each of them one by one, each of them being his dearest child. As soon as he put Yang Yang down, the boy started to push hard to one side.
The couple had little experience and didn't know what he was doing. They saw the child whimpering for a long time and then crying, not eating, and his diaper was not wet. They didn't understand what was going on.
Yu Qinglong went to find Fang Wushi, who looked at him and said with a smile, "My eldest grandson needs to learn how to roll over."
Grandma used her palm to help, and the little guy turned over and successfully changed from lying on his back to lying on his stomach.
The little guy was so happy now, his eyelashes were still wet and his little mouth was giggling.
Fang Shu squatted down on the ground, lying on the kang and looking at his eldest son: "Yang Yang is really amazing."
Yang Yang stared at Fang Shu with her big round eyes: "Haha."
Little Shitou watched his brother roll over, but he still couldn't do it, so he hummed anxiously. Yu Qinglong picked him up and said, "Why are you humming? You'll learn it soon too."
Yang Yang rolled over again. He had grown some weight and was quite strong. Fang Shu sat on the kang, looking down at him, grabbing his little hand and squeezing it, then shaking it: "Yang Yang, father really can't bear to leave you."
Fang Wu said, "You make it sound like you're leaving today. Isn't it still five or six days before you leave?"
Fang Shu said, "Five or six days passed in the blink of an eye."
Mrs. Fang Wu didn't really want her son to be away from home for so long. But the exam still had to be taken. Fortunately, Hong Huan and Qin Wenxian would be looking after him this time. Yan Xikuan and Ma Qinsu would also be accompanying them on their departure, so she didn't have to worry too much.
Touching the little feet of her chubby grandson, she said, "Look at your father, how homesick he is. He's already nagging me before he even leaves. Oh, my two little darling grandchildren, they're growing up so well. Go play, and I'll get you something to eat."
"Do you need my help?" Yu Qinglong asked.
"No need. I'll have some noodles for lunch today, and some pork elbows in soy sauce. It's easy to make."
Ever since Mr. and Mrs. Hong Huan and Qin Yushuang arrived in their village, her family had been supplied with meat and vegetables almost constantly. These people often stayed at her house, and she couldn't help but feel a surge of gratitude. Yuan Sihan had previously given her three hundred taels of silver, but she had refused. Her son and her husband considered these people friends, so why would she accept the money? Besides, the family wasn't in financial difficulty; they could just cook a little more food every day, and they even helped with chores.
Seeing that they didn't charge money, Hong Huan and Yuan Sihan would occasionally buy some food for their family. They never ran out of meat, rice, flour, wine, sugar, salt, sauce, vinegar, and tea.
Yuan Sihan's belly was starting to show, and Fang Wu treated him like her own child. "Brother Han, tell me what you want to eat. And it's autumn now, so you can't eat too much cold. I won't make your noodles too cold later."
Yuan Sihan smiled and said, "Okay, Auntie. I'm sorry to bother you here."
Fang Wu said, "What's the trouble? I wish you could live here permanently. Go back to your room. I'll call you when you're ready."
Yuan Sihan had nothing to do, so he went to help pull out a few green onions and peel them.
Time flies and it is already the end of July.
The day before Fang Shu and Hong Huan left, Ma Qinsui and Yan Xikuan arrived at Xiaxi Village. Fang Wu prepared a lot of food for them as a farewell party.
Yan and Ma went to Wusheng's house to stay at night, and early the next morning, the group set out to take the exam.
Before leaving, Fang Shu went to his parents' room to hug the two little chubby kids, and then went back to his own room to hug Yu Qinglong.
The couple put their foreheads together and it took a long time before they were willing to let go of each other.
Yu Qinglong wanted to go out to see him off, but Fang Shu came back just after he took two steps. He pushed him against the counter and kissed him for a long time, which made them both feel restless. Fang Shu smoothed Yu Qinglong's hair and murmured, "Be good, wait for me to come back."
Yu Qinglong nodded. "Don't take the imperial examination too seriously. Your health is more important. We don't lack money at home anyway, so don't overwork yourself out there."
Fang Shu smiled and hugged Yu Qinglong again: "I'll listen to Long'er. I'm leaving now."
Yu Qinglong waved his hand, then decided not to go out to see him off. He didn't seem to want to see Fang Shu walk away from him, so he sat in the room for a while. Only after everyone had left did he go out to take a look.
A few dogs gathered around him, also looking off into the distance. Yu Qinglong said, "Alright, Dashu won't be able to take you to the potato field for over a month now. From now on, you all have to come with me."
Mantou woofed. Yuan Sihan said, "Don't worry, someone will help you settle down when you get there."
Yu Qinglong glanced at the guards outside the door, but saw a familiar figure coming out of Fangshan's house, so he asked, "Brother Niu? Why are you here?"
Niu Quan said, "It's been a long time since I last saw you, Brother Qinglong. I'm here on Lord Cao's orders to protect your family. This was also Lord Hong's intention. A few days ago, Brother Shoucheng wrote a letter, and Lord Hong sent it to us, so we came here."
After all, they were more familiar with it. Furthermore, potato harvest was approaching, and their parents wanted them to come over and see if they could help. Potatoes were a very important crop these days.
Yu Qinglong only remembered Fang Shu's reluctance to leave home. He'd been clinging to him for the past few days. He was either holding the child or wanting to hold him, but he hadn't thought about writing a letter to Lord Cao. He looked at the dog standing nearby, already familiar with the road, and a sudden warmth welled up in his heart.
That was enough to last him until they were reunited.
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Author has something to say: Fang Shu: I don’t want to leave [burst into tears]
Qinglong: If you don’t leave, who will go on the scientific expedition? [covering face and laughing and crying]
Fang Shu: Let Mantou and Huajuan go [Please]
Qinglong: From now on, all the delicious and fun things will be given to Mantou and Huajuan [roll eyes]
Fang Shu: Then I'll go [melted] Aunties, please help me and I hope you'll have a good exam [empty bowl][empty bowl][empty bowl][fist]
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