Chapter 018: Traitorous Minister 18
With the New Year approaching, every household has prepared their New Year's goods. Besides preparing for the county examination, the Xiao family is also busy inside and outside.
After passing the county examination, Xiao Yan and Xiao Chen planned to move temporarily to the house given by the Sun family in the town, so that it would be convenient for them to study in the academy in the town.
As for whether or not to take the provincial examination, the two brothers unanimously decided to pass the county examination first before discussing other matters.
Although Mr. Sun was a bit of a shady person, the house he gave me was quite nice. It was located on East Street and was the residence of gentry and merchants. It was a house with two entrances and two exits.
The street gate is on the right side, with two stone pillars at the entrance, red doors and green tiles, which looks particularly imposing.
Entering through the street gate is the back house, which is adjacent to the front yard. Judging from the furnishings and facilities, it should be used to receive guests.
After the front yard is the inner yard, which is divided into the main house and two east and west wing rooms, as well as two east and west ear rooms next to the main yard.
The two brothers of the Shan family who came to help looked at the two wells in the front and back yards, the grape vines planted in the courtyard, and the stone tables and chairs under the grape racks. They were so excited that they sometimes touched the grape vines and sometimes touched the wells, and they were all noisy and didn't show any anger and decadence from being almost cheated before.
"This well is really good. We don't have to go outside to get water. We can drink water at home."
Shancai admired it, without showing any jealousy at all.
The eldest brother, Shanmu, nodded when he heard this. "It's still not very convenient in town. You have to spend money to buy firewood, unlike in our village where we can just go to the mountains to pick it up. And as for vegetables, we can grow them at home, but here we have to spend money for nothing."
Xiao Yan didn't refute after hearing this: "That's right. Why don't you, Brother Mu, bring some firewood to my house when you're delivering goods to town? If it gets late and we can't make it, we can rest here for a while."
Giving firewood is not free, the price is naturally the same as the market price. Even if you have a good relationship, there is no reason to take advantage of others for free.
Shanmu quickly waved his hand, "The firewood is just a handy thing, it won't take up much time."
Xiao Chen also knew that Xiao Yan was trying to improve the relationship between the two families, so he helped, "Don't worry, Brother Mu. My eldest brother and I will probably live in the academy and won't be home much. The new house needs more people, so there's no need to be polite with us."
In addition to embroidery, the Shan family also has their own farm work. They have agreed with Manager Pan and Chen Zhilan to deliver goods every five days. The two families live far away, and the journey takes time. In addition, they sometimes help with delivering some odd jobs, and it is already late when they finish. Therefore, on weekdays they have to work until the evening before returning home.
It's not very safe at night after all, so there's no need to rush if you have a place to stay.
"If you're really too busy, I have a good candidate. Uncle Shui is a good choice. He's strong, tight-lipped, and knows when to advance and retreat. There have been too many restless people lately. With Uncle Shui's deterrent, there will be less trouble."
Xiao Yan had wanted to recruit Shanshui to join the group earlier, but he was too busy to have the chance.
Shancai thought for a few moments, then nodded and said, "I think so. I'll tell my mother when I get back."
The two brothers of the Shan family were good at work, especially Shanmu, who was quick and nimble. He helped to clean up the spider webs and dust in no time. He even used the thorns he brought specially to wrap the wall and courtyard, and then clapped his hands.
"I heard that the town is not peaceful and there are petty thefts all the time. Having this will make me feel more at ease."
Shancai hesitated and said, "It would be best to hire someone to look after the house, or to buy some doormen from a brokerage firm."
Xiao Chen was only eight years old after the Lunar New Year, and Xiao Yan was frail; both were still children. If someone wanted to do something, they probably wouldn't be able to stop them.
Xiao Yan also had this plan. After thanking him, he started to work again.
They were busy from morning to afternoon, and bought some food during that time. When it was almost time, the two brothers of the Shan family began to return home one after another.
Looking at the newly renovated house, Xiao Chen finally felt at ease.
In this life, he finally had his first big house of his own and was no longer alone.
"Little brother, what are you standing there for? Hurry up and boil some water." Xiao Yan ordered with confidence.
Xiao Chen: “…”
The touch lasted only a second, and then I came back to my senses, "Here it comes."
His frail brother is still powerless and is a real source of worry!
Xiao Chen stuffed the firewood into the burning stove, with a slight smile on his face.
The next day, I got up a little later than usual.
To take care of Xiao Yan, Xiao Chen voluntarily gave up the main room and lived in the west wing. This was the first time the two brothers slept in separate rooms, so it was inevitable that they were a little uncomfortable. Of course, this was only for Xiao Chen.
Xiao Yan was a very honest sleeper and didn't recognize his bed. He didn't feel any discomfort after changing his sleeping place. It was just that he had done too much daily work yesterday, so his hands and feet felt a little sore, so he slept a little longer.
Xiao Chen's eyes, however, were bruised, evidently due to his excitement. It was unclear why this minister, accustomed to living in a mansion in his previous life, was having trouble sleeping just because of a small house.
"Today we are going to visit the Wei Mansion and buy some pastries. After meeting Master Wei, we have to go to the human tooth shop..." Xiao Chen chattered about today's arrangements.
Master Wei was a classmate of Mr. Wang. Both of them were scholars. With his own talents, Master Wei could have continued to take the exam. However, because of his bad temper, he often offended people without knowing it. He also did not like dealing with people, and offended the prince's son who had a wealthy background.
Every time he took an exam, he was obstructed by others. He also disliked the atmosphere in the court, so in anger he returned home and became a teacher at Chongshan Academy.
Because of Mr. Wang's relationship, it was a foregone conclusion that Xiao Chen would enter Chongshan Academy. He came today to thank Master Wei and to ask for academic advice. Xiao Yan, on the other hand, chose to take the entrance examination.
After weighing some cakes at the cake shop, the two came to Wei Mansion.
Unlike Wang Xiucai, a poor scholar, the Wei family has some background and lives in West Street.
It is still the same old red door, but with some copper decorations, it looks more luxurious.
Hearing the announcement, the servant came out quickly, "It turns out to be the two young masters, please come in."
Entering the front yard, you can see rockery and green plants, as well as calligraphy and paintings by masters hanging on the walls of the living room, which exude the fragrance of literati and books, and further reveal the owner's taste.
The servant brought the teacup swiftly and then left quietly.
The servant saw that the two Xiao brothers didn't look around, but sat quietly sipping their tea. Although they were dressed simply, they were well-mannered and well-educated. Seeing that they were so young and calm, he couldn't help but speak with a hint of respect: "Gentlemen, please stay for a moment."
Just as the servant said, Master Wei arrived very quickly.
Master Wei also had a goatee and wore a green robe, appearing extremely elegant, which was totally inconsistent with the rumors that he had a bad temper.
But as soon as he opened his mouth, his true nature was revealed.
Master Wei looked the two brothers up and down and didn't think that this was inappropriate at all.
"Are you the person Wen Ting was talking about?" Master Wei looked at Xiao Chen.
This is a bit impolite, and the subtext is: Are you the one who got in through the back door?
Xiao Chen: “…”
It feels a little unreliable for no reason. Who would ask such a question right away?
But Xiao Chen still replied honestly: "I am a humble student, but I am Mr. Wang's disciple Xiao Chen."
Wang Xiucai's courtesy name was Wenting. Xiao Chen was not yet twenty years old, so he naturally had no courtesy name, but was given this name.
Master Wei's expression was indifferent, showing no emotion. He then placed the scroll aside and said, "Answer this scroll in one hour."
Now Xiao Yan finally understood why two benches were placed next to them. It seemed that Master Wei came prepared and wanted to test the talents of the two brothers.
Xiao Yan was not afraid either. He washed his hands and sat down.
The first test is a five-character six-rhyme poem, the second test is an essay on the Book of Filial Piety, and there are even more difficult contents such as current affairs policies, which should be testing what students have learned.
The first part was relatively easy, but the latter part, the current affairs essay, focused on rhetoric rather than content, following the current trend. It was generally based on the old essays as a template, and the test was on current events, which was the safest approach. However, if one wanted to make a splash, following the old essays would only result in a mediocre performance and a struggle to stand out, especially since they came here to attend Chongshan Academy.
After thinking about it, Xiao Yan wrote about agriculture as a policy, expounding on the current agricultural policies and pointing out the pros and cons of current politics. The most important of these was the problem of the aristocratic families encroaching on farmland, leaving the common people with no land to farm, and then promoting it.
After finishing writing, Xiao Yan still felt a little unsatisfied, and Xiao Chen felt the same way.
It has to be said that Master Wei was, after all, a teacher in an academy, with extensive knowledge, and the questions he asked were tortuous and complicated.
For example, the "Book of Filial Piety" discussion not only discusses the Book of Filial Piety and the Law, but also discusses the righteousness of "crows repaying their parents," the idea that if parents are seriously evil, can a son be filial?, and whether sacrificing one's own parents for the sake of justice violates filial piety, among other self-serving arguments.
Xiao Yan wrote that filial piety and law do not conflict. Parents have the grace of raising their children, and filial piety is a moral imperative. However, filial piety does not exempt children from punishment. If parents violate the law, they should be reported to the government for punishment, as if they were above the law. According to the current laws, those who protect others will be punished as well. Filial piety and law cannot be reconciled...
After Master Wei collected the papers, he reviewed them on the spot.
Regarding the Discussion on the Book of Filial Piety, Xiao Chen and Xiao Yan gave similar answers, while the Policy on Current Affairs answered with the theme of taxation, also pointing out the dangers of aristocratic families.
Master Wei's expression softened slightly. "You two brothers each have your own strengths. When it comes to the key points of current affairs, I think Xiao Yan is more superior."
He looked at Xiao Chen: "Are you dissatisfied?"
Xiao Chen shook his head and said, "Sir, I have no complaints. I still hope you can give me some guidance."
"A thousand-mile embankment can be destroyed by a single ant, not overnight. The imperial court's tax revenue is a matter of great importance; how can its foundation be easily shaken?"
Xiao Chen seemed to understand: "Sir, you mean to take it slow and steady, and not be too aggressive?"
Master Wei nodded with satisfaction: "Not bad."
Then he looked at Xiao Yan and said, "I see that you have made great progress in mathematics, which is a great virtue. Remember not to neglect one thing while focusing on another."
Xiao Yan bowed politely, "I will remember your teachings, sir."
Master Wei put the papers away and said, "It's the eighth day of the first lunar month, the time for school. Don't waste time."
This is the enrollment time for the academy. Although Xiao Chen already has an admission quota, he still needs to consider the situation.
It is said that Master Wei is highly regarded by Changshan Chang. With his words, it is estimated that his success is almost certain. The only thing missing is the credits to convince others.
After the two brothers left, Master Wei took out the paper and looked at it carefully again. He was so happy as if he had obtained a treasure that he didn't notice it until Madam Wei arrived.
Lady Wei was extremely beautiful, and even the wind and frost could not hide her beauty.
She looked around for a while, frowning, "Didn't you say Xiao's nephew is coming? Why isn't he here?"
Master Wei's smile faltered slightly, and he lowered his head guiltily, pretending he hadn't heard anything.
They were an old couple, so how could Madam Wei not see that? She frowned, "After all, she's Brother Wen Ting's disciple. It's her first time visiting you, and you didn't even offer her lunch. How can you be so rude as to act like an elder?"
Master Wei stiffened his neck and said in a gruff voice, "I'm your elder, so what if I miss a meal?"
Seeing this, Madam Wei was furious. She stepped forward and twisted her arm. "When they gave you the embroidery, why didn't you say you were the elder? Now you remember you're the elder? If you have the guts, take out the embroidery. Don't take it!"
Master Wei: “…”
Master Wei felt guilty and mumbled after a long while, "Next time, next time won't work? Ouch, be gentler!"
Xiao Yan and Xiao Chen were unaware of the affair between Master Wei and his wife. They went to the noodle stall they had eaten at before and had a bowl of臊子面.
The aunt still prepared the noodles skillfully and didn't realize that the two were returning customers.
After filling their stomachs, the two went to the dental clinic.
The human tooth shop is located on North Street, where all kinds of people can be found.
As soon as we arrived at the place, we saw rows of people with their hands and feet tied up like animals. Their faces were pale and skinny. They were wearing tattered thin clothes in the cold weather, and their hands and feet were so cold that they had sores.
People of all kinds, rich and poor, high and low, can be seen everywhere here, and standing next to them are strong and muscular thugs with fierce faces who look very tough and difficult to deal with.
"Young masters, are you two going to buy someone?" The manager of the human trafficking business had a particularly sharp look in his eyes.
In their line of work, how can they not have some sense?
Although these two men were dressed simply, they were not patched. They wore thick clothes and had light calluses on their hands, but they could not hide their scholarly air. It was obvious that they were people who had no worries about food and clothing.
Besides doing business, you can't just come here to broaden your horizons, right?
Xiao Yan stood there without saying anything, but Xiao Chen did not feel uncomfortable.
People are always divided into high and low in life. What if he is not a poor kid in the eyes of others? Instead of waiting for others to pity him, he should strive to improve himself. Otherwise, he will be at the mercy of others.
You must know that behind all benefits there is a corresponding price, and there is no such thing as a free lunch.
If you want to change everything, you have to stand at a high position and take control. This is the insight I gained in my previous life.
Xiao Chen took a look, and the manager saw that he seemed to want to do business, so he quickly led him out.
"Stand still! Whether you can have enough food in the future depends on your ability."
He opens his mouth to check, turns around to see if he has any illness, and all these behaviors make people feel suffocated and sigh.
The sorrows of human life were revealed, and Xiao Yan frowned. Seeing this, Xiao Chen quickly pushed Xiao Yan outside.
"Brother, wait for me here, don't follow anyone."
It is really hilarious that they treated Xiao Yan as a child who could be easily abducted.
Xiao Yan also knew that Xiao Chen was doing this for his own good, so he said helplessly: "It's okay, I'm not that fragile yet."
Xiao Chen seemed to want to say something but stopped himself in the end.
He was not worried that his brother would go with someone else, he was just worried that his brother was so soft-hearted that he could be easily deceived.
After waiting for about a quarter of an hour, Xiao Chen paid the money and led out a group of people who looked like a family of four.
What they bought was a death indenture, and they only needed to handle the paperwork, and this family would become slaves of the Xiao family in the future.
I heard that this family was the servants of a criminal official. The master committed a crime and was sentenced to exile, and the servants were also sold.
The old man is their biological father, the middle-aged man and woman are husband and wife, and there is a six-year-old girl below.
The whole family was dressed in rags. Unlike the numb and dull expressions of the others, this family seemed to have light in their eyes.
Fortunately, the person in charge of the human trafficking agency was kind enough not to tear the pieces apart and sell them. However, these animals were old and small, so they couldn't be sold for much. Most people couldn't really buy so many of them, so it was a blessing that we met them.
After signing the document, he took the family to the shopkeeper Pan to buy some clothes.
Seeing Xiao Yan and his brother, Shopkeeper Pan's smile widened. "Brother Yan, Brother Chen, how are you? I heard you just moved to town. I'll pay you a proper visit later when I have time. Please don't think I'm bothering you."
In addition to selling embroidery work individually, Shopkeeper Pan also hired people to deliver goods to neighboring towns.
The towns are not adjacent to each other. Apart from Chen Zhilan, a strong rival, his family is the only one in the town that has such excellent embroidery, which can be regarded as a signature product.
As for the business in the neighboring town, it did not affect him, so he was extremely grateful to the Xiao Yan brothers for bringing him big business.
If I hadn't taken a step earlier, I would probably be the only one with jealous eyes.
"Brother Pan, you're too reserved. If you were to come, my two brothers would be overjoyed. How could we object?"
They chatted for a while, but didn't say much else. After all, it was cold and people were still freezing. They bought some cloth and cotton, then said goodbye to Manager Pan.
The Xiao Mansion had not yet been listed. Seeing that there was a new household next to it, the neighboring family just looked at it curiously and did not come forward.
But come to think of it, the town is different from the village. In the village, most people are related to each other, so the relationship is naturally special. Unlike the town, where people are not related at all and are at most neighbors, how can they be so close?
The old man was called Old Man Xie, and he used to be a horse feeder. Normally, people would rush to hire him, but Old Man Xie was old and had caught a cold, so the buyer didn't want to buy him for fear of getting sick again.
His son, Xie Zhu, was a quick-witted servant who ran errands and knew how to read people's expressions. His daughter-in-law, Xie Cao, helped out in the kitchen, and his daughter, Xie Xiang, was a lowly servant who was even younger than Xiao Chen.
Xiao Chen summoned them to the courtyard and said, "This is my eldest brother. He doesn't usually take care of things. If you have anything to do, please come to me. Don't bother me."
Xiao Yan: “…”
Xiao Yan rolled his eyes at him and continued to listen to Xiao Chen's use of both kindness and force to arrange miscellaneous affairs in the mansion.
Old man Xie was guarding the door, Xie Zhu continued to work as a servant and do odd jobs, Xie Cao cooked, washed clothes, etc. As for Xie Xiang, even the cold-hearted Xiao Chen couldn't bear to ask this girl who was obviously hungry and skinny to help with the work.
Since the monthly salary was the same as that of an ordinary family and they promised to redeem her within ten years, the whole Xie family was filled with gratitude.
The ten-year period is also a consideration.
The two brothers were planning to take the imperial examinations, so naturally they couldn't keep changing the people under them. If they planted a secret agent in their family, wouldn't it be easy for things to go wrong?
Ten years later, Xie Xiang will be of marriageable age. By then, she will be able to find a good family after regaining her virginity.
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