Chapter 119
Seeing that there were less than three days left before the next trial, Zhang Fangyuan was even busier.
That day, he and Xu He had just returned from the countryside. When they arrived at the house, the two children were not at home. Zhang Fangyuan called Gancao and asked, "Isn't it a day off today? Did you go out together?"
Gan Cao said, "Master, the results of the children's exam are announced today. The young master and the young master went out early in the morning to check the list."
Zhang Fangyuan slapped his forehead, turned around and said to Xu He, "I have been busy with the trial these days and have forgotten about this matter. I will go with Ruijin to take a look."
Xu He was exhausted by the lawsuit. It was difficult to find witnesses and evidence, so he negotiated with the lawyer for a long time.
The lawyer said clearly that this was not the first time that the Qin family had been involved in a lawsuit. They had been rampant in the city and bullied the people in the countryside for many years, but they could still live in peace. This meant that they had never lost a lawsuit. The small families knew their magical powers in Siyang, so they could only suffer in silence when being bullied and did not dare to report to the police.
"The Qin family is not only rich and powerful, but also has a cousin named Qin Zhong who is not an easy character to deal with. Many of the brothels and theaters in the city were built by Qin Zhong."
Xu He was puzzled: "Could it be that the Qin family always uses money to solve problems every time they occur? Is it because everyone is greedy for money?"
The lawyer said truthfully, "The second branch of the Qin family has a daughter who is extremely beautiful. She grew up surrounded by pearls and jade. She could have been married to a talented young man in the city and lived happily with a good family. My husband, do you know how scheming and manipulative the second branch of the Qin family is? He waited for his daughter to reach the age of marriage and sent her to the county magistrate's mansion to be a concubine, regardless of how much she cried and made a fuss. She was the daughter of the first wife."
Zhang Fangyuan used to work under Qin Zhong. He did a good job looking after the building for Qin Zhong, and Qin Zhong valued him and had asked him to go to the house to do errands. He did take this opportunity to meet Qin Xiangshui several times. She was indeed a pretty girl. She was in her prime when she married the county magistrate as a concubine, and the county magistrate was already nearly forty at that time.
All the brothers who had seen Qin Xiangshui at that time were very sad.
Xu He frowned: "How could the Qin family be willing to send their daughter to be a concubine?"
"Pardon my frankness. Although the emperor has elevated the status of merchants in recent years, allowing the sons of merchants to take the imperial examinations and officials to engage in business, how can the habits accumulated over dozens or hundreds of years be easily changed? Among the four classes of scholars, farmers, merchants and artisans, merchants are always ranked last. It's okay for ordinary people, but the officials look down on merchants, yet they have to rely on merchants to live a prosperous life."
"The status of merchants is limited. If they want to maintain their wealth and stability, they must have a government background. The Qin family has sent all their descendants to school, but the Qin family has a business nature in their bones. Their descendants all love to run shops, but none of them have chosen to take the imperial examination. The court does not allow merchants to donate money to buy official positions. If they want to stay stable in Siyang, they can only use their daughters and brothers."
The lawyer shook his head: "In order to protect the family, there is no reason to be reluctant."
Xu He understood everything immediately after hearing these words. No wonder the county magistrate was on the side of the Qin family. Although his concubine was not from the eldest branch of the Qin family, they were from the same clan after all. Qin Zhong would naturally ask his eldest uncle and cousin for help with his sister, and with the help of some generous gifts from the second branch of the Qin family, the connection was naturally established.
The two of them sorted out their thoughts, and the lawyer also left a message, saying that if they wanted to win the lawsuit, they would have to rely on the connections of officials.
After getting such an answer, both of them were in a bad mood.
"Dad, my brother passed the exam!"
Before the two entered the house, they saw another carriage from the family coming from a distance. Little Li poked his head out of the window, smiled and waved, pulling the two back from their thoughts.
Zhang Fangyuan's eyes lit up, and he asked in disbelief, "I got it?"
The carriage had just stopped, and before it was even steady, little Li jumped off the carriage. His movements were faster than those of the servant who was serving him. The servant was startled as he found nothing to support him.
"Slow down!" Ruijin poked his head out from behind.
Xu He held Xiaoli'er's hand and said, "Did you see your name on the list?"
Little Li nodded, "If it weren't for the fact that the children's exam only has a pass or fail, my brother would definitely be ranked at the top, and I wouldn't have to look for a long time to see his name. It's so crowded. There are really too many candidates for the children's exam this year."
Zhang Fangyuan and Xu He both laughed at the same time. The unhappiness of the past few days was largely dispelled by the good news.
Zhang Fangyuan touched Ruijin's head lovingly. He really didn't think that his child could pass. He just wanted to try out the examination rules, but he never thought that he would pass in one go. Even though he was not very proficient in imperial examinations, he knew that Ruijin was one of the best in the city to pass the examination at his age. How could such a proud thing not make his old father happy.
"Then I sent my servants to set off firecrackers and buy some good wine and food to liven up the atmosphere."
Ruijin saw that the whole family was happy and a rare smile appeared on his face. However, he also knew that things were not peaceful at home recently and he was troubled by some issues. When he went out to check the list today, the reason why he took so long to come back was that he sent someone to inquire about it. Only then did he and Xiaoli know that his family had been involved in a lawsuit.
Even if there is something happy happening, this is not the time to celebrate.
Rui Jin said, "It's just that I passed the exam. There's no need to make such a big fuss about it. The family can just have a meal behind closed doors. There are quite a few people in the city who passed the exam, and other families didn't make such a fuss. If we set off firecrackers with such a big fanfare, it would only make people laugh."
Zhang Fangyuan and Xu He looked at each other, and they both felt an indescribable relief in their hearts: "Okay, as you say. When the busy period at home is over, I will take you and Brother Xiaoli back to the village to catch fat fish to eat during the autumn harvest."
The family entered the house happily. Xu He ordered the servants to buy some good meat. Even if they were not in the mood to eat, they still had to have a good meal on a good day.
"Rui Jin, you have passed the exam today, so you should go and report to Master Luo in person."
"I know, I'm going to go now."
Rui Jin answered, went back to the house, tidied his appearance, and went to the next door with his servant. When he arrived at the door of the house, he saw a sedan chair parked at the door. He tilted his head and took a look. The visitor looked familiar. He suddenly remembered that it was his great-grandfather's housekeeper whom he met on the street that day.
Seeing that my father didn't like my grandfather, they parted on bad terms that day. How come we met again this morning?
Feeling doubtful, he glanced at the gate of the Luo family, turned around and saw the housekeeper being invited into the house, then turned around and returned home through the side door.
"I wonder why Butler Pei suddenly came to visit?"
The child had passed the children's exam and the atmosphere at home was harmonious. However, when someone from the Zeng family suddenly came, Zhang Fangyuan's good mood inevitably dampened a little.
The visitor is a guest, and after all a relative. Zhang Fangyuan couldn't turn the person away, so he called him in and met him in the side hall.
"The old master and Master Ruijin hit it off right away. The old master was concerned about the young master's exam, so he sent someone to check the list today. As expected, Master Ruijin inherited the bloodline of the third lady of my grandmother, and he passed the exam on his first try. Today, I am here to congratulate you on behalf of the old master."
Butler Pei waved his hand, and the servants came forward with two boxes. "This is a gift from the master to the young master. I hope the young master will continue to study hard. He will definitely have a bright future."
Zhang Fangyuan didn't even look at the gifts he brought. When his mother was alive, his father and daughter looked down on her because she was a member of the Zeng family. Now, his great-grandson has pulled several generations of relatives away, and he has become a relative of the Zeng family just because he can read some books. It's really funny.
Butler Pei seemed to have guessed that Zhang Fangyuan would behave like this, and he was not angry at all. Seeing that the person did not accept the gift, he did not feel embarrassed at all. He waved his hand and asked the servants to retreat with the things.
"I heard that Young Master Zhang is involved in a lawsuit. I guess it must be very complicated."
Zhang Fangyuan frowned, "I never thought that my grandfather would still care about the Zhang family's affairs. He really took a lot of trouble."
"It's only natural for our family to worry about this." Butler Pei said, "Master Zhang, I'm sure you know that if you lose a lawsuit, it won't look good if it's recorded in the county government. If it's an ordinary citizen, it's fine, everyone makes mistakes, but merchants are different. The court will keep a close eye on even the slightest mistake. Young Master Ruijin has shown his talent from the very beginning, so he has a bright future. If his father's lawsuit affects his imperial examinations, it will be a loss."
"Even if you don't like the young lady's family, do you really want to delay the future of your descendants because of your own impulsiveness? If the young lady were still alive, she would not support the young master's actions. How can the grudges of the previous generation be brought to the next generation?"
How could Zhang Fangyuan not understand the truth? It was because he knew it that he felt the situation was difficult and annoyed: "What do you want to say?"
"Master can ignore the younger master's disrespect in the past, and can also protect the peace of the Zhang family in the future."
Butler Pei paused and smiled slightly: "The master is very happy about Master Ruijin. I heard that when Master Ruijin first started to study under a teacher, he was just a scholar by chance. He was not a famous teacher, nor was he a famous scholar. For the sake of the young master's career, I hope that the young master will continue his studies at the Zeng family's school. The master will take time to teach him personally."
Zhang Fangyuan almost laughed out loud when he heard this. When he learned that the lawyer said that this lawsuit also required an official background, he had thought of the Zeng family, but thinking of the Zeng family's appearance, he really couldn't muster any interest in going to them. Xu He also didn't mention a word about this.
Instead of waiting for him to come, the Zeng family came first, and even wanted to ask Ruijin to be their student. Given the Zeng family's profit-oriented attitude, if Ruijin was sent over, who knows what kind of person he would become in the future.
His own boy has some talent for studying, and he has watched the child grow up under his care. This day, he was able to pass the children's exam in one go. Not only is the child studious and motivated since he was young, but also Luo Yan's good teaching. No matter how smart the child is, he does not think he can achieve such a promising future without a good teacher to guide him.
Ruijin is old enough, he should be sent to academy instead of bothering Luo Yan any more, but Luo Yan never asked to send him away, so the child was able to continue studying in Luo's family. Now that Ruijin has achieved some success, he sends the child to another family: "Does grandpa want people to say that I, Zhang Fangyuan, am ungrateful?"
"Young Master, you are too kind. How can this be called destroying the bridge after crossing it? How can a student study for his entire life with only one teacher? The teacher who enlightens us only teaches us for two years. There are many students in the city who have left their teachers and gone to study in academies when they are old enough."
Butler Pei said, "Young Master is a man who values ​​friendship. It was not easy for the young master to study and become his disciple. The Luo family is willing to lend a helping hand out of gratitude. I will go and talk to them this time. After all, the Luo family is a juren, so I think they will understand. When the time comes, the Zhang family will send some generous gifts to express their gratitude, and the master will also give gifts in return. This is the most appropriate way."
Seeing that Zhang Fangyuan remained silent, he continued, "Take Master Ruijin over this day. Master, you can hold a banquet for the young master to celebrate his passing of the exam. First, it will be lively. Second, you can take this opportunity to invite the county magistrate to the banquet. When the trial is held in the future, won't everything be smooth sailing?"
"Grandfather really has great magical powers."
"Young Master, that's not right. You are not at fault for this lawsuit. The local tyrants are rampant and are bullying not just for their own people, but for the people."
Rui Jin listened for a long time at the horizontal railing outside the gate. When he heard his father coming over with servants bringing tea, he quickly stepped back and hid in the dark. He waited until Xu He entered the house before turning around and preparing to go to Luo Yan's house.
As soon as he turned around, he bumped into the person hiding behind him. Little Li rubbed his forehead and said, "Brother, can't you slow down a little bit?"
"Why are you here?"
"I've seen you sneaking around here for quite some time, so I came over to join in the fun and listen."
Ruijin frowned and took Xiaolige to the garden.
"Brother, are you going to accept the request of the person who came today and go to study at the home of that great-grandfather?"
As soon as they left the porch, little Li started shouting.
Rui Jin glanced at the man. Although he was a noisy person, he knew what he was thinking just by the movement of his eyebrows. Perhaps this was the telepathic connection between twins.
"People cannot defeat businessmen, and businessmen cannot defeat officials." Rui Jin said, "If I lose the lawsuit, not only will it affect my future imperial examinations, but my father will also be known as a business rival and a troublemaker. How can we run our family business? The Qin family is vicious. They want to cut off our official career and our business. One move can affect the whole body."
"But the teacher has been very kind to my brother and me in the past few years. If I leave him now, he will be disappointed. Besides, my father hates the Zeng family so much."
Rui Jin said, "This is exactly what's troubling me. I'll go over and report my results, talk to the teacher, and find a solution."
Little Li sighed and nodded in a rare sensible way.
"It's good that you passed. Many officials in the capital donate money to buy students. Although it does not hinder future imperial examinations, it is best to start from the beginning step by step. And the students who are bought can only take the imperial examination after they are ten years old. Since you have passed the examination on your own, there will be no obstacles and you can take the imperial examination earlier than others."
Rui Jin clasped his hands and said: "I was able to pass the examination in one go, thanks to the teacher's good teaching, otherwise how could Rui Jin be here today."
Luo Yan waved his hand, stroked his beard and smiled, "You are tenacious and eager to learn. You have achieved all the goals by yourself, but this is only the first step. You must not slack off in the future. It is the truth to move forward step by step."
"Rui Jin listens to your instructions."
Zhang Ruijin was not one of Luo Yan's students. He had many students under his tutelage, but he was the first one who made him so happy just by passing the examination. He didn't know if it was because he was getting old or what. But upon closer inspection, this child does not like to show off, nor is he as impetuous and eager for success as his peers. This kind of character is what he likes most.
It's not like he hasn't seen talented people before, but these kids often use their talent to play with cats and dogs, lose their ambition, and end up burying their talent.
Whether you can go far in the future depends on your character.
"Xing'er was very happy to hear that you passed the children's exam. He is making cakes with the cook in the back kitchen. You can stay and have some before leaving."
Rui Jin responded and took a sip of the tea beside him.
Luo Yan noticed that the taciturn Rui Jin was somewhat different from before, so he asked with a smile, "I heard that you didn't seem happy when Xiao Xing took action. Are you not even happy about having passed the exam?"
Rui Jin put down the teacup: "That's absolutely not the case."
"Something on your mind?"
Ruijin paused, then started talking about his family's affairs.
"This matter has caused quite a stir in the city. It was only today that the children's exam list was published, which overshadowed the limelight. I have also heard a little about it. Has your father come up with a solution?"
Rui Jin said: "The Master has been so kind to Rui Jin that I dare not hide anything from him."
He picked out the most important points in the matter and said, "My great-grandfather wants me to study under him so that our two families can have more contact. Dad is considering this matter, but he doesn't like my great-grandfather's family, so I don't know what he will do."
Luo Yan also put away his leisurely look after hearing this and put down the teacup in his hand: "Is the Tongzhi who was newly transferred to Siyang your great-grandfather?"
Ruijin nodded: "Dad rarely mentioned things about my grandmother's family, and I just found out about it."
Luo Yan took a breath, then exhaled with a frown. He didn't expect things to turn out like this. Seeing Rui Jin's frown, he couldn't help but put away his previous joy.
The Zeng family is a family of officials. If they see that one of their descendants has a promising future, it is common for them to want to recruit and train him. This is a common practice among officials. Merchants value profits, and officials will do whatever it takes to consolidate their position.
But... coming to snatch someone from under him made him feel unhappy.
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