Chapter 13 Chapter 13 Wan Liang
"Ah Ji, wake up, Wang Si is back."
Jiang Xi freed one hand and poked her arm with his index finger. Soon, Shang Yuji opened her eyes, sat up straight away from his shoulder, and rubbed her forehead to wake up.
"Miss Shang, everyone has been brought and is waiting in the hall."
Shang Yuji put on his coat and instructed the two men, "Call us by our pseudonyms in public. Wang Si, remember to tell Old Chen."
"Okay, young lady."
“I will remember that, Yunxiao.”
There were five people standing in the hall, two men and two women besides the matchmaker. It was almost noon, and Shang Yuji asked them to go to the kitchen and take the ingredients that were already there to make a dish for each of them.
The time limit wasn't too long, making it unsuitable for time-consuming dishes like stewing, and the rule that only ingredients available in the kitchen could be used made it a fairly standard and challenging problem.
The four of them dutifully prepared their signature dishes, without coming up with any dishes that would be a disaster.
In the end, Shang Yuji chose the first woman from the right wearing hemp clothing. In fact, the four women's skills were about the same, but she noticed that the woman paid attention to hygiene details before and after cooking, so she decided to sign her.
Illnesses can enter through the mouth, so we need to be careful about this.
After Shang Yuji finished selecting the person, the matchmaker hesitated, and the woman nervously clutched the hem of her clothes.
Then, the matchmaker explained, "Young lady, it's not that I'm trying to deceive you, but this man has some family matters to attend to. If we were to finalize the deal, it might take a while and delay your schedule. Would you like to reconsider?"
Shang Yuji looked at the woman: "Can you tell me what it is?"
Let's see if she can solve it. If not, then we'll consider replacing her.
It's lucky to find someone with hygiene awareness in this era; if not, you can train someone else.
The woman bowed her head in greeting, her lips opening and closing several times, but she could not utter a single word. Finally, as if she had thought of something, she closed her eyes and mustered her courage: "My husband died in the battle of Yangcheng. My mother-in-law was so frightened when she heard the news that she followed him. Only I and two young maids were left behind. If you want me, please let me go home every day to see my poor maids."
Wang Si and Lao Chen initially didn't react much to the selection of people, but upon hearing that the woman's husband was a fellow countryman who died in battle, and that his family had lost its backbone and ended up in such a state, they couldn't help but feel a pang of sympathy for their kind.
“This is easy to solve. Bring your two daughters with you, choose a room for them in the mansion, and take them with you to look after them.”
The servants' quarters are not yet occupied; there are many empty rooms, enough for three people to stay.
Before signing the contract, Shang Yuji asked Lao Chen to give the other three people some compensation for lost work time, and then send them away.
The three were instantly moved and repeatedly bowed in gratitude. Their auspicious words were halting, showing that they were not fluent, but that did not stop their gratitude.
Shang Yuji believes that what is a common occurrence is something they have never heard of before.
Normally, it's only the lords who try to rob them of their money; there's never been a lord who would willingly give them money!
After seeing the three off, Old Chen returned and Shang Yuji signed the employment contract. The matchmaker was happy to hand over the hot potato and left the mansion with a smile.
The woman's surname was Zhao. When Shang Yuji signed the contract with Zhao Sao, she chose a long-term employment contract. Her monthly wages were paid on time, and the indenture was still in Zhao Sao's hands. She was free to come and go as she pleased. If the two parties had a disagreement, they could simply part ways.
Shang Yuji gave her time to go home and pack, and then move to the servants' room in the first courtyard.
After a flurry of activity, the matter was finally brought to a close.
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Fulai Inn, a place to find jobs in the martial arts world.
"Look at this, it's a rare big order, do you want to consider taking it?"
The shopkeeper pointed to the most conspicuous order. Lin Mingshan stepped forward to take a closer look. While he was still pondering, he heard the shopkeeper say it was a big order, and his gaze shifted to the reward.
Two thousand taels is enough to buy a well-located shop in Yangzhou.
"Moreover, there was a deposit of five hundred taels in advance, which was more than enough to cover the expenses on the way."
"I'll take it, I'm logging off."
He couldn't take his eyes off the astronomical reward.
The leader of the younger generation of martial arts masters, possessing formidable martial prowess, yet unfortunately, he is empty-handed.
Two thousand taels of silver is enough to make even the youngest leader of the martial arts world lose his bearings.
He even thought that spending two thousand taels to buy two people and news of Southern Xinjiang was a waste of resources and didn't do justice to the customer's asking price, so he had to bring something to make up for it.
Lin Mingshan quickly tore off the order form, carefully rolled it up, put it in his sleeve pocket, and said to the shopkeeper:
"Tell my senior sister that I'm going to the Southern Frontier and I won't be able to meet her. I'm sorry."
But I'm going out to earn money and support my family, so don't worry about me.
The reason he didn't go to the capital to investigate the two first was because he had just escaped from the capital, and the seemingly intimidating Second Prince might still be lying in wait to capture him.
The shopkeeper waved his hand: "I know, I'll talk to the alliance leader when she arrives. You come with me to collect the deposit first."
Lin Mingshan placed his right hand on the railing of the corridor, and the shopkeeper immediately shouted, "No climbing over the wall! Use the door!"
He reluctantly withdrew his hand, wondering how the shopkeeper had guessed what he was thinking.
Shopkeeper: You have a criminal record!
"Climbing over a wall is faster than walking."
For the sake of secrecy, the path from the inn to the post station was built in a winding manner, requiring a long detour to find the correct way. It would be better to simply step on the roof tiles to leave quickly.
Seeing that Lin Mingshan still had ideas, the shopkeeper asked in return, "Do you know how much money it would cost to repair the roof tiles?"
Lin Mingshan immediately lost all interest in money. He still had to support his senior sister and master, and he didn't want to waste any more money on unnecessary things.
Seeing his seemingly impoverished appearance, the shopkeeper secretly shook his head: the alliance leader clearly has countless assets, he might not even care about his pittance.
Seeing that he was really enjoying himself and working hard to make a living, the shopkeeper didn't reveal the truth about the alliance leader's lie to him.
Forget it, there's always someone who can handle something. Let the younger generation make a fuss over it.
Lin Mingshan took the silver notes, withdrew some cash, packed a bundle and a sword, and set off alone for the Southern Frontier.
The sky was dark and the setting sun covered him, as if draping him in a dazzling, fiery cloak, making him look dashing and unrestrained.
.
The Jiang family mansion is located in the western part of the capital city.
Wu Da was a steward in the Princess's residence who had some influence. Today, he came to the Jiang residence specifically to fulfill a request from the Princess.
When the steward of the Jiang family received news that someone from the Princess's residence had come to visit, he called for the master and then hurried to the main hall to warmly welcome him, fearing that he might neglect the distinguished guest.
In the past, the Jiang family had sent people to loiter around the Princess's residence, trying to find out whether the Third Prince had gained favor after entering the Princess's residence.
At first, the news was good; the eldest princess was quite fond of him and was willing to spend a fortune on him. However, before the Jiang family could send a message to the third son, asking him to ask the eldest princess to grant the Jiang family some favors, they suddenly received news that the third son had become spoiled and arrogant, disturbing the eldest princess, and was thus confined to his quarters in a fit of anger.
The Jiang family, who had originally intended to get involved with the Third Prince, gave up on the idea. During that time, Master Jiang was restless and afraid that the Eldest Princess would come to question him. Fortunately, the matter seemed to have been glossed over, and no one came to hold him accountable.
Once the Jiang family realized they were indeed safe, they planned to revert to their old ways, but were caught off guard by the sudden appearance of Steward Wu from the Princess's residence.
The steward of the Jiang residence tried to discern Wu Da's attitude: "I was unaware that Steward Wu had come to visit today. I have not been able to properly entertain you and have offended you greatly."
"It's nothing. I came here today to talk to you about Jiang Sanlang."
The other party was friendly, so the steward of the Jiang family relaxed a bit and chatted with him for a few more minutes until the master arrived.
Wu Da, reading the task assigned by the Princess, finally waited for Master Jiang and explained first, "Master Jiang, my visit to the Jiang residence today was done by me alone. I hope you will not tell anyone."
Master Jiang: "Since it was entrusted by Steward Wu, I will certainly instruct the people in the manor to keep their mouths shut."
Their cooperation made things easier for Wu Da. He leaned closer and said to Master Jiang, "This matter begins with the help I received from Third Master Jiang."
Soon, Master Jiang learned from Wu Da the detailed story of how his third son went from being favored to being neglected. Combined with the half-truths fabricated by the Princess's Mansion that the Jiang family had found, Master Jiang immediately believed Wu Da's words.
"They actually offended the Princess for the sake of a lowly maid!"
Master Jiang was filled with resentment. He had sold his son, but instead of reaping the enormous wealth, he had been dragged down by him!
"Don't worry, Master Jiang. That maid has been dealt with by the Princess and can no longer affect Third Young Master."
Seeing that he was angry, Wu Da seized the opportunity to change the subject to the soap that was currently popular in the city: "Does the master know what kind of soap the old lady of the Duke of Zhenguo has been admiring recently? It is pure white and leaves you feeling refreshed and fragrant after using it."
"I've heard a little about it." He made his fortune as a merchant, so naturally he had his eye on the huge market for soap. Unfortunately, he couldn't find a source of supply, and there was nothing he could do even if he was envious.
"The eldest princess has her eye on the new limited edition 'Deer Cry in the Deep Mountains' at Youyun Pavilion, but she is currently being asked to stay in the mansion by that person, and she is worried that someone with ulterior motives will use this to cause trouble, so she has no choice but to stop."
Although Mr. Jiang had some doubts and didn't understand what Steward Wu's words had to do with him, he chose to continue listening out of trust in him.
Wu Da rolled his eyes and said in a whisper that the other party could hear clearly, "Jiang Sanlangjun has been kind to me, so I'm telling you directly, sir, the princess still cares about Jiang Sanlangjun. If Jiang Sanlangjun were to soften his stance, the princess would let the matter drop."
But the Third Prince is stubborn; he stubbornly refuses to acknowledge it. Think about it, even if the sky were to fall, you couldn't expect the Eldest Princess to apologize, could you?
Master Jiang nodded in deep agreement. He was also the head of the family, and how could he bow down and submit to the authority of the head of the family?
"Even if the Third Prince is handsome enough to please the Princess, once she abandons him, everything will be meaningless. So, while the Princess still remembers the Third Prince's kindness, we should quickly make him show her some consideration and restore his favor."
"That's true, so what should the Jiang family do?"
Finally, we got to the point. Wu Da coughed twice and said, "Master Jiang, you can write a letter home, which I will deliver to Third Master. Once Third Master sees it, he will surely listen to you and submit to the Princess."
If you, sir, were willing to add a little something extra, saying it's because Third Young Master realized his mistake and is using it to apologize, then you'll have both your beloved's repentance and the item you cherished in your possession. His Highness will be delighted, so why worry that Third Young Master won't continue to favor you? At that time, the Jiang family will rise to even greater heights. Please don't forget me, sir."
This was a speech specifically designed for Master Jiang, which naturally made him excited and eager to help his third son secure the emperor's favor and elevate the Jiang family's status.
The two had a pleasant conversation. After seeing Wu Da off, Master Jiang immediately sent his steward to Youyun Pavilion to buy the latest "Deer Cry in the Deep Mountains" soap at any cost.
The steward of the Jiang family left as instructed. Upon arriving at Youyun Pavilion, he found the area outside the pavilion crowded with all kinds of carriages and oxcarts. Under the direction of Youyun Pavilion, they managed to line up in an orderly manner, making room for those moving forward and those leaving.
He deduced that some of them were servants of the most powerful and influential families in the capital. His throat suddenly went dry, and he clutched his money pouch, unsure whether he could buy "Deer Cry in the Deep Mountains".
Remembering his master's instructions, he secretly encouraged himself, and finally, as the team slowly moved forward, it was his turn.
"Sir, you've come at the perfect time. This is the last piece of 'Deer Cry in the Deep Mountains' in our shop."
Upon hearing the servant's words, the Jiang family steward's tense expression vanished. He didn't want to say anything more and quickly took out his money to buy it.
Unexpectedly, the person still in line behind him, upon hearing that it was the last piece, simply spoke up: "Excuse me, sir, our Prime Minister's wife has wanted this soap for a long time. We wonder if you could part with it? The price is negotiable!"
The one who can be called the Prime Minister is, of course, the one who has all the power in the court. The Prime Minister's wife is definitely not someone a nobody like him can afford to offend!
The steward of the Jiang family trembled, and the half-money he took out fell back into his bag.
But the master gave a strict order, and he had no choice but to buy it.
As if the matter wasn't big enough, inquiries from servants of various households rose from the crowd: "The old lady of the General's Mansion has repeatedly praised this superior soap; we wish to purchase it." "Our Minister's daughter..." "Grand Tutor..."
For a moment, this place seemed to have become a new imperial court, and the Jiang family steward, who was placed in the center, was undoubtedly the person of the lowest status. He dared not say a word and hurriedly paid for the soap.
Just then, a suggestion came from somewhere: "Since everyone wants it, why don't we let the highest bidder win the last one!"
No!
The steward of the Jiang family hated the person who spoke, because as soon as he finished speaking, sparks flew between the eyes of everyone present, and they all regarded the other party as a competitor. Fearing that the steward of the Jiang family would disagree, they even actively echoed him.
The steward of the Jiang family could not defy the many powerful and influential people present, so he could only swallow his anger and compete with them.
The servant was happy that the pavilion could earn more money, so he did not refuse their auction.
Although the Jiang family is wealthy and could easily acquire the soap, the Jiang family steward always felt that something was amiss.
Just as the auction was about to end, bids would always come from some hidden corner, and in the end, he managed to buy the soap at nearly ten times the original price.
Once he was sure no one else was going to try and take it from him, he suppressed the urge to vomit blood, paid the bill, and hurriedly left with the packaged soap, fearing that something else might happen.
Ten thousand taels!
He spent a full ten thousand taels of silver to buy the soap.
If something happens to it along the way, he can't afford to lose his life!
A note from the author:
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The previous chapter mistakenly wrote Yangzhou instead of Jingzhou, but the timeline in the previous chapter was intentionally timed, and I couldn't bear to change it [crying][crying]
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