Chapter 114114 Love Rivals Clash
Du Qingtang stood tall and graceful in an inconspicuous corner, watching the long queues forming in the school as people rushed to register their children for admission.
Some people sincerely send their children to school to help them gain wisdom and gain understanding, and to settle down in life.
Some people do it purely for the one cent monthly tuition fee.
The father was holding two children in his hands, with another standing in front of him. He shamelessly asked the clerk and the girl in charge of admissions: "I have three children at home. Can they come to study together?"
Wang Nianci glanced at the ragged, timid, thin girl and said helplessly, "Okay, please provide the child's name, age, and place of origin."
The father was overjoyed and bowed repeatedly: "Thank you, young lady! Thank you, young lady! My eldest son's name is..."
The clerk stood behind Du Qingtang and said indignantly, "They're going too far. Do they really think the government is a money-giving kid?"
It would have been fine if it had just two children, but someone actually brought eight children to sign up!
The abacus was clacking so loudly that he could hear it even from where he was standing.
Du Qingtang said calmly, "Since we've decided to distribute tuition grants to students, we must be prepared for someone to take advantage of the situation."
The petty official gritted his teeth and muttered, "The government's money doesn't just come from the wind."
Du Qingtang responded fluently: "It was stolen from the vaults of bandits and corrupt officials."
Petty official: “…”
He was speechless.
Du Qingtang looked at the crowd of girls on his right, a smile etched across his brows. "No matter what their motives are, as long as they absorb the books and don't indulge in depravity, these children won't have a bad life when they grow up."
The petty official was so shocked that he couldn't calm down for a long time.
After a long pause, he sighed, "Your Excellency is righteous, and it is I who am narrow-minded."
Du Qingtang looked for a while, and seeing that nothing was wrong, he turned and walked out.
The clerk wanted to follow, but Du Qingtang stopped him: "You will stay here during the registration period and help the yamen runners maintain order."
"Yes, sir."
The petty officials were happy to see this happen.
Rather than dealing with endless official documents in the government office, it is better to stay in school.
Although noisy, at least it is leisurely and comfortable.
Du Qingtang left the school and was about to go get her horse when she suddenly heard someone calling her.
"Your Excellency the Prefect! Your Excellency the Prefect!"
Following the sound, I saw Professor Zhang hurried over from across the street.
Du Qingtang's gaze paused for a moment on the backs of several men in round-collared robes, then retracted without a trace: "Why are you here?"
Professor Zhang twirled his beard and smiled, "Today is the school's opening day, and I've come specially to join in the fun."
Du Qingtang said, "When the school officially opens, I'll have to trouble you all to take care of it."
The girls' class was taught by women such as Wang Nianzhi, while the boys' class was taught by several teachers from the provincial school.
There were only 28 students in the provincial school. On average, each teacher only taught one class a day, and the rest of the time was free time.
Du Qingtang discussed with them and asked them to come to the school every day to teach the boys' class.
As a reward, their salary increased from thirty taels to fifty taels.
Fifty taels is almost the annual salary of a sixth-rank official. If this month's salary were to be made public, it would be enough to shock a group of people.
After all, it’s because of lack of manpower.
Otherwise, there would be no need to move these people like bricks wherever they are needed.
"Your Excellency, you are too kind. It's just teaching, not a big deal." Professor Zhang said in a tone of seeking credit. "Your Excellency, I have good news for you!"
Du Qingtang raised his eyebrows slightly: "Professor, please speak."
Professor Zhang then told me about his good friend's visit today and his invitation to join the government academy. He was quite proud of himself and said, "I copied your theory of 'gaining both fame and fortune' the other day, and they were immediately tempted."
"Then I told them that Shaoqing Prefecture needed talents like them, and they agreed without hesitation. After they finished dealing with matters in their hometown, they moved to Shaoqing Prefecture with their families."
Du Qingtang: “…”
She really didn't expect that Professor Zhang would use the same words she used to fool them to fool others.
A little embarrassing, but also a little funny.
"Professor, you're absolutely right. The prefectural academy needs talents like them." Du Qingtang suppressed a smile and said, "But how many of them are there? I can arrange for them to start work later."
Professor Zhang listed them all: "There are eight of them in total, all of them are Juren."
Du Qingtang was a little surprised: "Have they never served as officials in the court?"
Professor Zhang shook his head and smiled bitterly, "Most of these friends of mine come from poor families. After failing the imperial examination, they waited for two years, but still couldn't find a vacancy."
Du Qingtang understood.
It is easier to be an official if you have someone in the court. This saying is not groundless.
Whether in modern times or ancient times, many people like to use connections to get things done.
Personal connections are the basis for leveraging resources and the stepping stone to the upper class.
Although it is cruel, this is the reality.
Du Qingtang was silent for a moment: "By then, in addition to the prefectural school, it is possible that they will be arranged to go to the county school."
Professor Zhang smiled and agreed: "When they come over, I will tell them the truth."
Du Qingtang spoke to him for a few more words, and before leaving, he reminded him, "I will go to the prefectural academy to teach the day after tomorrow."
Professor Zhang nodded repeatedly, "I will have the students prepare in advance."
......
After returning to the government office, Du Qingtang called Du Wu and Du Liu and handed them a note with the address and name on it.
"Go to Linjiang Prefecture, find this person, and escort him to Xiajing."
Although Du Wu and Du Liu didn't understand what was going on, they still went back to pack their luggage and set off for Linjiang Prefecture that day.
Du Qingtang was unable to stop the locust plague, nor did he need to expose the evil deeds of the Fourth Prince and Cao's eldest grandson in embezzling disaster relief funds.
Given Emperor Qingyuan's cautious and suspicious nature, he must have known about this matter from Qi Heming a long time ago.
The reason why he sent people to Linjiang Prefecture was just to express his stance to Emperor Qingyuan.
I know you already know the secret of my rebirth.
Using this as leverage, I offer my complete loyalty.
-
The Shaoqing School had minor officials and yamen runners working together to maintain order, and there was peace and tranquility for the next two days.
The school is large enough to accommodate a thousand students, and it is estimated that it will be full before the end of the month.
Du Qingtang is planning to build two or three more schools in the future so that more children can have books to read and go to school.
As for the teacher...
There are so many people from other places, and there are always people willing to come under coercion and inducement.
On June 20th, Du Qingtang took time out of his busy schedule to teach at the provincial school.
The class ended and it was time for questions. This time no one asked any presumptuous questions.
Twenty-eight people asked questions one by one, and Du Qingtang answered them one by one, leaving their homework and preparing to leave.
"grown ups!"
Following the sound, she saw Zhou Jizhong walking towards her with a booklet in his hand.
Du Qingtang paused: "What's the matter?"
Zhou Jizhong presented the booklet and said respectfully, "I have drawn a comic strip according to your requirements. Please take a look."
"You finished it so quickly?" Du Qingtang was a little surprised and took it and opened it.
Zhou Jizhong explained: "When you paint according to the story, the painting will be faster."
Zhou Jizhong's painting style is very delicate, realistic and interesting, and very fascinating.
Du Qingtang read it from beginning to end and gave a fair review: "Very good, even better than I expected."
Zhou Jizhong breathed a sigh of relief.
Although she didn't have much contact with the prefect, her way of doing things showed that she did things to perfection and had high demands and standards for herself and others.
He was worried that his painting was not good enough and the prefect would not be satisfied, so he worked day and night for several days and went through many drafts before he came up with the version that the prefect had in his hands.
"Oh, right." Du Qingtang changed the subject. Zhou Jizhong held his breath, feeling inexplicably nervous. "If I remember correctly, your family should have a printing house?"
Zhou Jizhong felt relieved and nodded, "It's near the bookstore, but business isn't very good."
Du Qingtang didn't care and said straight to the point: "I need to print 20,000 comic books."
Zhou Jizhong was stunned for a moment, then reacted and said immediately: "The students will do it as soon as possible... No, the students will arrange for the craftsmen to start printing today!"
Du Qingtang said, "It's the same as before. Pay the deposit first, and the balance will be paid in one lump sum after the printing is completed. I'll have it delivered to the bookstore later."
Zhou Jizhong naturally had no objection: "Just do as you say."
After Du Qingtang left, the students gathered around him.
"Zhongqi, what did you say to the adults just now?"
"What is that booklet?"
Zhou Jizhong originally wanted to tell the truth, but stopped himself and deliberately kept it a secret: "You will know when the time comes."
"Hey! Zhongqi, why are you like this?"
"Zihou, you and Zhongqi are inseparable all day long. You must know what that booklet is, right?"
The student whose courtesy name was Zihou actually knew it.
The prefect came to his house that day, and he was discussing with Zhou Jizhong whether to return to the prefectural school to study.
But since Zhong Qi didn't say it, he wouldn't spread it around.
"I don't understand, I'm not clear, I don't know."
The students were hit in the face by three denials in a row. Seeing that they could not get anything out of the question, they had to disperse in disappointment.
"You're so secretive, you pique my curiosity but you don't tell me. It's really annoying."
Zhou Jizhong smiled helplessly, pretending not to hear, picked up his school bag and went straight to the printing house.
......
Du Qingtang left the provincial school and went out of the city to the military camp.
Since we are planning to offer martial arts classes, a martial arts master is essential.
The female class is tentatively assigned to Mu Yuanzhu, and the male class Du Qingtang plans to randomly pick two from the captains and battalion commanders.
Du Qingtang entered the camp by scanning his face, and had a smooth journey. He soon found Captain Huang and Captain Ma.
After meeting the people, Du Qingtang got straight to the point: "I have opened a school in the city and need two martial arts masters to teach. Who of you two will go?"
The two captains exchanged a glance, and Captain Huang volunteered, "Captain Ma still needs to inspect those bandits waiting to be recruited, so I'll let you go. It just so happens that there's nothing important to do in the camp right now."
Du Qingtang casually asked, "How did those people perform?"
Ma Qianzong was stunned for a moment before realizing he was being asked. He quickly replied, "There were a few who were restless, but before I could make a move, they were stopped by the village chiefs and given a good beating."
"It's the captain, not the village chief." Du Qingtang corrected.
In order to reward the first group of village chiefs who voluntarily surrendered, Du Qingtang appointed them as captains.
Since they have registered and become people of Shaoqing Prefecture, they can no longer be called bandits or village chiefs, so as not to discourage others.
General Ma Qian's breathing became tense, and he quickly lowered his head to admit his mistake.
Du Qingtang waved his hand and asked, "How is the land reclamation going?"
This matter was the responsibility of Huang Qian, the chief steward. He had just been there yesterday, so he answered fluently: "We have completed the work within a twenty-mile radius of the prefecture city. We estimate that we will be able to go to the four counties under our jurisdiction by the end of the month."
Du Qingtang was quite satisfied with the progress. At least he didn't slack off. "Besides you, let Wan Bazong take charge of the other martial arts master."
Wan Bazong, the former leader of Wanjia Village.
This can be considered as appeasing the bandits who have surrendered, at least the government treats them equally.
Huang Qianzong had no objection and replied respectfully, "I will convey your message to... Wan Bazong later!"
Du Qingtang turned his head and saw Mu Tingyu walking towards him from a distance.
"I will pay my respects to you, sir."
After Mu Tingyu paid his respects, General Huang Qian told him about Master Wu.
Mu Tingyu readily agreed: "Thank you for your kindness, sir. I will definitely live up to your expectations and teach you everything I know."
Du Qingtang added, "I heard your daughter has been practicing martial arts since she was young, so let her teach the girls' class."
Mu Tingyu naturally wanted it more than he could have hoped for: "I would like to thank you on behalf of my daughter."
There were still a lot of things waiting for him at the government office, so Du Qingtang didn't stay long. He left after giving his instructions.
She also didn't know that after she left, General Ma and General Huang expressed their dissatisfaction: "Letting Wan Guiyu and his daughter teach martial arts, aren't they afraid of teaching a bunch of small bandits?"
Huang Qianzong frowned and said solemnly, "Say this to me, but don't say it to General Wan, and don't let the prefect hear it. Otherwise, the prefect will be angry, and I won't be able to save you."
Mr. Ma Qian rubbed his teeth, snorted coldly, and turned away.
General Huang shook his head and went to the other side to train the palace soldiers.
-
In the blink of an eye, it was June 30th.
The school's enrollment had ended ten days ago, and the indigo dresses for the female teachers had been hurriedly made and sent to the courtyard where they lived.
Du Qingtang went to the government academy to teach as usual. When he was leaving, he ran into Professor Zhang and noticed that his eyes were a little dark. He asked out of concern, "Did you get enough rest, Professor?"
Professor Zhang's mouth twitched and his expression was unnatural.
On June 20th, friends came to Shaoqing Prefecture with their families.
Professor Zhang arranged for them to join the company and then invited them to his home for a gathering.
His friend readily agreed, but as soon as he entered the door, he was grabbed by the collar and beaten up by his friend, with the reason being "You actually fooled us."
Professor Zhang: “…”
Professor Zhang felt bitter, but he kept silent. He just laughed it off and said, "Yeah, I've been chatting with friends all night long these days and haven't had much rest."
Du Qingtang expressed his understanding of this.
After years of being unappreciated, he was naturally excited and unable to sleep when he became an official.
When I get excited, I can't help but harass my friends.
“Friends are important, but you also have to take care of your health.”
"Yes, yes, I will pay more attention to it."
Professor Zhang agreed readily, watched Du Qingtang leave, raised his hand and touched his eye sockets, and gasped in pain.
It's been more than ten days, and it still hurts when I touch it.
Professor Zhang bared his teeth and said, "That's pretty ruthless."
"There's no point getting angry, once you're on this pirate ship, don't even think about getting off!"
Professor Zhang hummed twice, his brows dancing with joy, and walked away with his hands behind his back.
......
On the first day of July, Shaoqing School officially opened.
Du Qingtang postponed his official duties and went to the school to attend a class.
In the bright classroom, the children hold books in their hands, sit upright like a bell, and their expressions are focused.
A gentleman in an indigo robe walked the aisle, leading the recitation of the Three Character Classic: "When a person is born, his nature is good."
The children shook their heads and recited along, their voices rising and falling, their voices resonating with the innocence and vigor unique to children: "When a person is born..."
Several minor officials followed behind Du Qingtang. When they saw this scene, they all made the gesture of Xi Shi holding her heart.
"No, I feel like crying at this moment."
"Me too..."
"Back then, when I was a kid, I didn't have the means to do this. I couldn't even afford to go to a village school. I could only hide under the window and eavesdrop, and ended up getting chased by a dog all the way."
"Back then, I was still a naive and kind person, unlike now...Alas!"
Du Qingtang: "...If you have nothing to do, go back and review the documents."
The petty officials were so frightened that they dared not talk nonsense anymore.
After the school started, Du Qingzhu and Du Qingju moved to the government office and lived in the west wing of the third hall.
In late June, Du Qingzhu bought a two-story restaurant with full payment. It is now undergoing renovations and is expected to open by the end of the month.
During this period, Du Qingzhu devoted himself to studying recipes and learning from Du Qingju how to make nourishing and warming medicinal food, as if he would not stop until he made Du Qingtang fat.
Du Qingtang also indulged her, and she always ate all the food out of courtesy. With the addition of medicinal food, she actually gained some weight back.
Du Qingju originally wanted to open a clinic and had already chosen a shop, but she ran into difficulties when it came to hiring a doctor.
When the doctors in the city learned that Du Qingju, a woman, was practicing medicine, they immediately changed their expressions.
"Practicing medicine with a woman is worse than being hanged!"
"You are so young, if you make a mistake while treating someone and kill them, it will ruin my reputation that I have built for decades."
After hitting a wall several times in a row, Du Qingju felt angry and helpless.
"They didn't even ask me about my medical skills, so they had a preconceived notion that I was young and not a good doctor."
"I thought that with the jade offering, Shaoqing Mansion would be more tolerant of women, but I didn't expect it to be like this."
Du Qingtang swatted away Du Qingzhu's restless paw and pushed the plate of pastries toward Du Qingju. "Relatively speaking, the people of Shaoqing Prefecture are more open-minded, but some older doctors, relying on their seniority and experience, are inevitably pedantic and arrogant."
"I didn't want to eat it. It's just that a piece of cake was crooked, so I adjusted it." Du Qingzhu said stubbornly, moving the back of his sister's head with a distressed look, "Actually, you can introduce yourself."
Everyone in the world knows Tianjuyin and the Lord of Deyang Township. If the doctors who turned away Du Qingju knew her identity, they would probably regret it.
Du Qingju shook her head: "I can't rely on Tianju Drink and the status of village chief for the rest of my life."
Tianju Drink was her past glory, but not for life.
Call her stubborn or persistent, she just wants to achieve more as "Du Qingju".
"Since the decision has been made, let's just go for it." Du Qingtang rested his chin on his hand and pondered for a moment before saying, "If we really can't hire anyone, I'll just sit in the clinic alone and post a notice recruiting doctors at the door. Those who want to come will naturally come."
Du Qingju's eyes lit up slightly: "I am being too stubborn. The clinic doesn't need them. They belittle me and look down on me, but I want to support the clinic alone!"
"Well done!" Du Qingzhu encouraged her, "Women can also hold up the sky. When the time comes, let the Du Family Clinic become famous and make those people regret it!"
Du Qingtang would not interfere too much in their affairs, but he still had to help those who needed help: "You can recruit a few apprentice medicine boys first. If you don't have enough money, tell me."
Du Qingzhu echoed: "You invested in me when I bought the restaurant. Now when you buy the clinic, I'll invest a little too."
Du Qingju smiled, her heart warmed: "It's enough for now. When that day comes, I won't be polite to you."
Du Qingtang picked up a piece of cake, and the sweet taste melted in his mouth.
She talked with Zhuju for a while, stealing half a day of leisure. After dinner, she went to the duty room to continue handling official business.
Halfway through the case, someone beat the drum to complain.
Du Qingtang immediately put aside his official duties and went to court to try the case.
The woman in the hall held the complaint in both hands and raised it above her head: "I want to sue Qian Zhiyuan for raping me and intentionally killing me!"
Qian Zhiyuan.
Yes, another member of the Qian family.
Du Qingtang resisted the urge to hold his forehead and asked the bailiff to go to the Qian family to arrest the person.
Two hours later, the head of the Qian family learned that his son had been thrown into prison and would be beheaded at 3:30 PM tomorrow: "..."
In just two months, thirty-six members of the Qian family were convicted and executed.
Including the side branches, the Qian family has only more than a hundred descendants.
"This is too much! This is too much!"
"Vixen! Vixen! I'm going to kill that female Rakshasa!"
"Don't stop me! Don't stop me!"
The Qian family head's grandson snatched the sword from his hand and said, "Grandfather, do you want to die unclearly like the one from the Zhao family?"
When the head of the Qian family thought of the head that appeared on the bed in the middle of the night, his breathing stagnated and his scalp felt slightly cold.
"Grandfather, didn't you plan to send someone to Du Qingtang?"
The head of the Qian family hesitated a little: "Does pillow talk really work?"
His grandson asked back, "You should know best whether it works or not."
The old face of the Qian family master who favored his concubine over his wife turned red: "......"
His grandson then asked, "Besides this, do you have any other solution?"
Du Qingtang is tough and doesn't take these local tyrants seriously at all.
They investigated Du Qingtang thoroughly but could not find any evidence against her.
Unable to kill or control them, they can only submit and show weakness and try to win them over.
The head of the Qian family staggered, his back hunched, and his hoarse voice revealed reluctance and fatigue: "Go, go and prepare."
......
Another ten days passed in the blink of an eye.
It was already evening when Du Qingtang returned from the provincial school.
Arriving at the gate of the government office, the yamen runner reported: "Sir, the eldest grandson of the Qian family is here to visit and is waiting at the Binxing Pavilion."
Du Qingtang was originally planning to go back to the Third Hall directly, but after hearing this, he turned around and went to Binxing Hall.
When Qian Zhaoxing saw Du Qingtang, he immediately came forward and bowed deeply: "I am honored to see you, sir."
Du Qingtang sat down at the head of the table and said slowly, "Mr. Qian, you have a lot on your plate. What are you doing here at the government office for no reason?"
Hearing her indifferent tone, Qian Zhaoxing swallowed a few times and bowed again, "My grandfather was deceived and accidentally offended you. He had originally planned to come and apologize in person, but he caught a cold the night before and couldn't get up. So I asked this humble servant to come in his place."
He continued to bow as he spoke, his posture extremely humble: "I have offended you before, but please forgive me and let the Qian family go."
Qian Zhaoxing felt the cold gaze from above his head, cold sweat oozing from his forehead. He almost mechanically recited the words he had prepared on the way: "Your Excellency has come from afar and has no one to serve you. I have specially prepared two for you."
"Mo Feng, Mo Yun, why don't you come and meet the master?"
The two young men who had been standing quietly by the side stepped forward, their voices either clear or deep, saying in unison: "Mo Feng/Mo Yun greets His Excellency."
Du Qingtang's eyes moved and fell on the two of them.
The one on the left has black eyes and black hair, healthy bronze skin, strong facial features and a strong body.
The one on the right has rare green eyes and brown hair, his skin is glowing white, his facial features are softer, showing a bit of childishness, and his figure is more slender, looking very harmless.
Du Qingtang looked at him and inexplicably thought of another pair of eyes.
It is as deep and clear as lake water, and like the finest jade, suitable for playing in the palm of your hand.
Unlike the eyes in front of me, which are green but turbid and full of desire.
And he is too weak.
Compared to the delicate Persian cat, Du Qingtang prefers the big cat that is agile and good at hunting.
Du Qingtang supported his chin with his other hand, his eyes narrowed slightly, revealing a few strange colors.
Qian Zhaoxing observed secretly and found that Du Qingtang seemed to be looking at Mo Yun, and he was delighted.
He made the right choice!
A strong woman like Du Qingtang likes weaker men.
"From now on, the two of you will follow the prefect," Qian Zhaoxing said eagerly, his tone very attentive. "Sir, from now on, they are yours. You can do anything you want with them."
The last four words are pronounced with a slightly heavy accent, revealing a hint of charm and ambiguity.
Du Qingtang: “…”
After a brief silence, Du Qingtang nodded slightly: "Well, I just happen to be short of two servants, you two can stay here."
Qian Zhaoxing, Mo Feng and Mo Yun all looked happy.
Qian Zhaoxing bowed and said, "It's getting late. I won't bother you any more. I'll take my leave now."
Du Qingtang nodded, stood up and went to the third hall.
Mo Feng and Mo Yun looked at each other and hurried to catch up.
Back in the third hall, Du Qingzhu just came out of the kitchen. Seeing Du Qingtang, his eyes lit up: "Xianyu, I made crystal sashimi, come and try it... Who are these two?"
Du Qingtang said calmly, "It was sent by the Qian family."
Du Qingzhu swept his eyes over Mo Feng and Mo Yun's face and body, and suddenly opened his eyes wide.
Du Qingtang knew that she was thinking the wrong thing.
It's not that weird. The Qian family sent them here just to influence others.
"Du Yi."
Du Yi appeared in response.
Du Qingtang pointed at Mo Feng and Mo Yun and said, "The Third Hall is still short of a toilet cleaner. We'll leave it to them from now on."
Mo Feng Mo Yun: “???”
Du Qingzhu and Du Yi: "......"
Mo Yun was young and impatient. He looked at Du Qingtang eagerly, his green eyes sparkling with water: "Sir, Mo Yun is here to serve you."
Du Qingtang: "Cleaning the toilet is also serving me."
Mo Yun: “…”
Mo Yun didn't want to clean the toilet, so he grabbed Du Qingtang's sleeve and pleaded softly, "Sir, Mo Yun wants to be by your side all the time."
Du Qingtang pulled back his sleeves and waved his hand. Du Yi took Mo Feng and Mo Yun away one by one.
"grown ups!"
"grown ups!"
No matter how they called out, Du Qingtang never softened his heart.
Du Qingtang brushed his sleeves as if to brush off some dirt.
Du Qingzhu chuckled when he saw this: "If you don't like them, why keep them?"
Du Qingtang paused while straightening his clothes and pondered for a moment: "The government office needs two people to clean the toilets."
Du Qingzhu had been living in the government office for a while and was familiar with the situation. He couldn't help but laugh, "That's right, it's better than those servants fighting over who gets to clean the toilet today."
Du Qingtang's voice was barely audible: "Shaoqing Prefecture's economy needs them to boost it."
In fact, she could just arrest and confiscate their property in the same simple and rough way as she dealt with bandits and corrupt officials.
But Shaoqing Prefecture was too poor.
The poor here does not refer to the government, but the people.
The wealthy families and wealthy merchants are closely connected, and sixty to seventy percent of the shops in the city are related to them.
Once they are touched, the already depressed economic situation in Shaoqing Prefecture will become even worse.
Moreover, if he wanted to make the people of Shaoqing Prefecture rich, he had to fleece them.
Before she takes steps to rectify the economy and squeeze out the value of the wealthy families and merchants, she will not kill them all, but will wear them down and make them suffer.
Du Qingzhu's eyes were filled with pity, and he sighed, "It's not easy to be a prefect. I'm sorry to have wronged you."
"I'm not wronged. It was a great pleasure to sentence the unworthy descendants of the four major families. I felt even happier when I thought about how they had to endure the rage they were half dead."
Who made those old guys afraid of death?
Du Qingtang wanted them to die again, so she asked Du Yi to send a few more heads over, scaring as many as possible to death.
Du Qingzhu chuckled and walked towards the kitchen: "You are always good at comforting people."
Du Qingtang followed Du Qingzhu into the kitchen, picked up a piece of crystal sashimi and put it in his mouth: "It's fresh, tender, smooth and delicious."
Du Qingzhu smiled happily: "I'm glad you like it. Xiao Ba went to check out the shop and should be back soon."
"Seventh sister, present the jade."
Speak of the devil, and here he is. Du Qingju walked briskly into the third hall.
Du Qingzhu clapped his hands: "Everyone is here, let's eat!"
At the dinner table, Du Qingtang asked, "How is it?"
Du Qingju savored the crystal minced meat and said vaguely, "I've already negotiated with the herbal medicine vendor. Once the clinic is renovated, we can open for business."
"Oh right." Du Qingju thought, "I don't plan to use the 'Du Family Clinic' sign."
Du Qingtang paused, "You can use my influence, I don't mind."
Du Qingju shook her head: "This way, more people will come to watch the fun. If I encounter a problem that I really can't solve, I will mention your name. What do you think?"
Du Qingtang was speechless: "Okay, as you say."
Du Qingju touched the youngest's face. There were calluses on her fingertips from years of needlework. "Xianyu is the best."
Du Qingzhu was unhappy and shouted, "What about me? What about me? What about me?"
Du Qingju's ears hurt from her noise, and she rolled her eyes rudely: "You're second."
Du Qingzhu hummed twice and went to tickle Du Qingju.
The two sisters were making a lot of noise, and the whole dining room was filled with laughter.
Du Qingtang pushed their bowls and chopsticks to the middle of the table to prevent them from being accidentally knocked over, and continued eating without changing his expression.
In the west wing, Mo Feng and Mo Yun listened to the laughter and noise, feeling heavy in their hearts.
"Are we really going to clean the toilet?"
"Mr. Qian gave us to the prefect. If we don't want to be sold off again, we have no choice but to obey."
"But I've never cleaned a toilet. It's so dirty and smelly."
"Be patient, she's testing us now. If we behave well, we'll always find an opportunity..."
"Although the prefect has a bad reputation, she is really beautiful. Don't compete with me for her."
Mo Feng met Mo Yun's green eyes, thinking of the prefect's loss of consciousness when he saw Mo Yun, and pursed his lips: "It all depends on your ability."
Mo Yun snorted, taking it as his agreement.
At dawn the next day, Mo Feng and Mo Yun were sleeping soundly when they were awakened by a hurried knock on the door.
Du Ba was yelling outside: "It's already so late, why are you still sleeping? Hurry up and clean the toilet!"
Mo Feng and Mo Yun had no choice but to get up in a daze and go to the back of the lotus pond to clean the toilet.
They originally thought that there was only a toilet in the prefect's room, but when they arrived there, they found more than ten toilets.
The two of them were stunned for a moment, and Mo Yun asked: "Why are there so many..."
Du Ba said as a matter of course: "Our brothers' and the yamen runners' are all included."
Mo Yun's eyes went dark: "But I'm here to serve the prefect, not you!"
Du Ba glanced at him sideways, then turned and left.
Mo Yun was so angry that he fell backwards: "You are just a bully!"
Mo Feng was relatively calmer: "When you become an adult, you can also rely on others for power."
Mo·Gou·Yun: "Who are you scolding?!"
Mo Feng ignored him and took out a brush: "Brush quickly, the smell will be even stronger when the sun comes out."
Mo Yun pinched his nose, squatted down, and picked up a toilet.
The smell hit him in the face, and Mo Yun said, "Ugh—"
For the next half hour, he vomited while brushing, his hands were sore from brushing, and he vomited all over the place.
After cleaning the toilet, Du Ba came over to check and then informed them: "Go to the kitchen to get your meal."
Mo Yun's face turned pale. He went to the kitchen weakly, got a bowl of porridge and two buns, and carried them back to the west wing.
The two of them sat side by side on the kang, holding a bowl in one hand and chopsticks in the other.
Just as he was about to drink his porridge, a scene flashed before Mo Yun's eyes. His stomach churned and he immediately said, "Vomit—"
Mo Feng: “…”
-
Ten days passed in a flash.
Du Qingtang went to the provincial school to teach. Before leaving, Zhou Jizhong told her, "Sir, the 20,000 comic books have been printed."
Printing 20,000 copies in 20 days can be said to be very efficient.
"Understood. I'll send someone to get it later."
Du Qingtang planned to drop by Shaoqing School to take a look. She had only been there once since the start of the school year and didn't know how the students were doing or whether the relationship between teachers and students was harmonious.
With this purpose in mind, Du Qingtang dismounted at the school gate.
The old man guarding the gate greeted her with a smile and a respectful tone, "How are you, sir?"
"You are well too."
When we entered the academy, the boys' class was learning "Three Character Classic" while the girls' class was taking martial arts classes.
In addition to Mu Yuanzhu, Master Wu also has two other women.
They are teaching students how to do horse stance.
The students were young and their movements were not standard, so we adjusted them one by one, patiently and gently.
If some students are disobedient, they will be reprimanded.
Mu Yuanzhu is young, and Du Qingtang was a little worried at first, but now that he sees that they are both good and strict teachers, he feels relieved.
After taking a last look at the children who were trying hard to squat with their little faces flushed, Du Qingtang left quietly.
These little girls are very hardworking. As long as they persist in studying and practicing martial arts, they will surely benefit greatly.
When I was halfway there, I suddenly felt a very light gaze falling on me.
Du Qingtang tightened the reins and looked around.
Who else could that young man wearing a dark green round-necked robe, with a slender figure, broad shoulders, a thin waist and long legs be but Pei Yuchun?
"General Pei?"
Pei Yuchun blinked, as if waking from a dream, and said with a bow, "Commander Du."
Du Qingtang looked up and stared into those green eyes.
Clear and bright, sparkling in the sunlight.
It’s much better looking than Mo Yun’s.
Du Qingtang thought carelessly, his face showing no emotion: "Why did General Pei come to Shaoqing Mansion?"
Pei Yuchun strode forward, standing just inches away from Du Qingtang. "I was on a business trip and passed by Shaoqing Prefecture. I didn't expect to meet Commander Du here."
Du Qingtang nodded slightly: "I see."
Actually, it is not.
Pei Yuchun's purpose in this trip was to track down a spy from another country. He had captured him not long ago and was surprised to find that the place was not far from Shaoqing Prefecture, so he couldn't help but think of Du Qingtang.
By the time he reacted, he had already ordered his subordinates to return to Loushan Pass and came to the provincial capital alone.
Pei Yuchun thought, I will only stay here for a while, not disturbing anyone, and then leave quietly soon.
Who would have thought that when I looked back, that person was standing in the dim light.
The palms of his hands clenched tightly behind his back, sweat oozing out of them. Pei Yuchun's Adam's apple rolled: "I..."
"Meeting is fate. Since General Pei has come to Shaoqing Prefecture, I, Du, will be your host and will treat you well."
Pei Yuchun's pupils trembled slightly, and the words of farewell came to his lips, but he swallowed them back for some unknown reason: "Thank you for bothering me."
How could he refuse the other party's warm invitation?
So Du Qingtang led the horse and walked back to the government office with Pei Yuchun.
As they passed through the lobby, Du Qingtang summoned a clerk and said, "Take a few yamen runners with you and go to Zhou's printing house to bring back the comic book."
"yes!"
The clerk glanced at the handsome young man with green eyes and fair skin standing beside the prefect, suppressed his curiosity, and pointed a few yamen runners to leave.
Du Qingtang and Pei Yuchun went to the third hall.
"It's been three months since we last met at Loushan Pass. Shaoqing Prefecture is thriving under Commander Du's administration. Just now, I heard many people praising you on my way here."
Du Qingtang tilted his head slightly, catching Pei Yuchun's smiling green eyes. He looked away without a trace: "I can only do my bit. How about you? How's Loushan Pass been lately?"
Pei Yuchun said, "In May, His Majesty sent someone to deliver an imperial edict. General Tian was demoted to deputy general for his poor command, which resulted in the tragic deaths of over 10,000 men. General Feng was promoted to lieutenant general for his meritorious service in the rescue."
Du Qingtang asked: "Who is the current commander-in-chief?"
Pei Yuchun pursed his lips and chuckled: "It is Pei."
Du Qingtang was a little surprised, but then he thought about his bravery and military prowess, and felt that this was as it should be.
"Congratulations, General Pei."
Pei Yuchun put his fist to his lips and coughed twice, his slightly curly black hair covering the crimson on the tips of his ears.
As they were talking, the two of them came to the third hall.
Zhu and Ju were not at home, as they were busy with the shop.
Du Qingtang ordered the cook to prepare wine and food, and sat with Pei Yuchun in the Guixiang Room, chatting and laughing while drinking.
......
In the west wing room.
Mo Feng sat on the kang and folded clothes: "Did you see it?"
Mo Yun lowered his head to smell the clothes, and couldn't help but vomit. He suppressed his nausea and said, "I saw it."
Mo Feng glanced at him and emphasized: "He also has green eyes."
Mo Yun rolled his eyes and said unhappily, "You don't have to tell me, I saw it a long time ago."
Mo Feng put the folded clothes into the cupboard and said nonchalantly, "In fact, the day you first entered the government office, the prefect was looking into your eyes the whole time."
Mo Yun touched his chin, thoughtfully: "Could it be...could it be that because the prefect and the Qian family have a deep grudge, she is wary of me, but can't bear to part with my green eyes, so she had to settle for the next best thing and chose someone else as a substitute?"
Mo Feng choked, opened his mouth, and rolled his eyes. "That man is tall and strong, definitely not someone the prefect likes. Yet, the prefect brought him into the inner house. I guess he loved his eyes."
Mo Yun pounded the bed angrily: "Damn it! The prefect should have favored me, but that fake got there first!"
Mo Feng sighed, "If this continues, how long will it take... Do I have to keep cleaning the toilet?"
Mo Yun felt like vomiting when she mentioned the toilet. Her pretty face twisted and she gritted her teeth and said, "If it's a fake, you should get out of the government office and get out as far as you can!"
Mo Feng lowered his head and smiled slightly.
......
The food and wine prepared by the cook were very sumptuous, and all the guests were delighted.
As the sun set and night fell, Pei Yuchun said goodbye.
Du Qingtang did not try to keep him. There was a girl in the inner house, and it was inappropriate for Pei Yuchun to stay in an inn, so he just let him go.
"This is a pastry made by my sister. It's just a small token of my appreciation."
Pei Yuchun lowered his eyes and took the brocade box handed to him by Du Qingtang.
The fingertips touched each other during the movement, and it was like an electric shock. A numbing sensation spread from the fingertips to the limbs and then into the heart.
Pei Yuchun's heart was pounding like a drum and he had to hold his breath to control the trembling of his body.
The green-eyed young man secretly gathered his luck and said in a low voice: "Thank you."
Du Qingtang withdrew his hand and gently twisted his fingertips: "No need to thank me, I will see General Pei off."
Just as he was about to stand up, Pei Yuchun raised his hand to stop him: "The night is late and the dew is heavy. Commander Du, please stay."
It is July now. Shaoqing Prefecture is hot during the day but quiet at night.
Pei Yuchun didn't want Du Qingtang to suffer from the cold in order to send him off.
Du Qingtang did not force him. He just sent him out of Guixiang Room and went to the study.
Pei Yuchun walked through the corridor and came to the gate of the inner house. Suddenly, he saw a figure standing by the door.
As he approached, following the light of the lantern above the door, Pei Yuchun discovered that this person was a foreigner, with green eyes, curly hair, a slender figure, and quite exotic charm.
Pei Yuchun narrowed his eyes imperceptibly.
Before he could even cross the threshold, the other party spoke first: "I advise you to stay away from the prefect."
Pei Yuchun paused.
Mo Yun raised his chin slightly, his expression arrogant: "The one the prefect really likes is me. You are just a fake, a substitute."
"You'd better be smart and don't let me see you again."
Pei Yuchun's green eyes suddenly darkened.
All the violence accumulated from the long battles poured towards Mo Yun, almost freezing his blood, and then with a "bang", he turned into powder and scattered in the wind.
Mo Yun felt as if someone was strangling him, making it difficult for him to breathe. He backed away repeatedly, holding onto the door frame. "What do you want to do?"
Looking at the timid Mo Yun, Pei Yuchun suddenly chuckled.
But the smile did not reach his eyes, and there was an unfathomable coldness in his green pupils.
"My arms are broader than yours."
"I am taller than you."
He has come of age and become a real man.
Just like the alpha wolf on the grassland, its sharp teeth can easily tear its prey into pieces, and it also has the right to pursue a mate.
But Mo Yun is still young and ridiculously naive, and can only rely on others to survive.
"Your skin is too white and lacks masculinity."
As a man, Mo Yun is not strong enough.
He could crush Mo Yun to death with just one finger.
"My eyes are prettier than yours."
My mother once said that his eyes were greener than the Emerald Lake in her hometown.
It was the most beautiful and purest green my mother had ever seen.
Although he also had green eyes, Mo Yun's eyes were filled with jealousy and greed, and were extremely ugly.
Mo Yun pointed at Pei Yuchun and stammered, unable to utter a complete sentence: "You, you..."
To be honest, Pei Yuchun once wanted to kill Mo Yun because of what he said.
Who is he to Du Qingtang that he is qualified to warn me?
Fortunately, a cool breeze blew across his face, calming Pei Yuchun down.
At the same time, it also made Pei Yuchun suddenly realize that he was totally wrong.
He shouldn't bury his feelings and desires deep in his heart, nor should he retreat or escape because of the separation between the two places.
His self-righteous act of helping others actually gave others an opportunity to take advantage of him.
He is a coward and a deserter.
Pei Yuchun's eyes moved and fell on the shadow at the corner of the corridor.
After just a moment, he withdrew his gaze and looked back at Mo Yun, enunciating each word clearly.
“Anything that is not good enough is a fake.”
"You are the replacement."
"You should be the one who stays away from her."
Ten days have passed since the Qian family bought it and presented it to the prefect.
During these days, Mo Yun didn't cry when he was assigned to clean the toilet, and he didn't cry even when he vomited all over.
Only at this moment, Pei Yuchun calmly pointed out that he was inferior to others in every way, and said that he was a fake and a substitute.
Mo Yun's back was pressed against the door, and the night chill made him shiver uncontrollably.
Shame and fear came together, Mo Yun's lips trembled, and he opened his mouth and cried with his head in his hands.
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