Chapter 22 The Ancient Scholar Used as Cannon Fodder (Part 22) The Third Box...
The third box contained high-quality silk thread in a variety of colors, along with a sewing kit. Mother Chu immediately decided to make some new clothes for her two daughters.
After being instructed by Chu Nanfeng a few times, Qian Youcai sent over a lot of cloth. It wasn't a whole bolt of fabric, but mostly items that had been taken down from his shop's displays. Each piece was only enough to make one garment.
The fabrics were all top-quality materials, but they didn't fetch a good price. He usually used this kind of fabric to make his own clothes, and he also gave a lot to Chu Nanfeng.
The fourth box contained small toys: beanbags, shuttlecocks, Luban locks, and ceramic animals, which Chu Qing, who had never bought toys before, really liked.
After the fifth box was opened, Chu Nanfeng fell silent. "Sister, what are we buying these for?"
This big box cost five hundred coins, but inside was a complete saddle. They probably don't need that.
"Chu Nanfeng, even if you want to be a civil official in the future, shouldn't you learn to ride a horse? We already have horses at home, so it will be very convenient for you to learn."
This is just like taking a driver's license test. Even if you have a car at home, you still need to take the test to get a driver's license, no matter how often you drive it.
"However, let's not try to learn it ourselves. Let's hire a teacher to teach you later." Lin You's plan was quite good.
Chu Nanfeng silently closed the box, neither agreeing nor disagreeing. He decided to put it aside for now, thinking that his sister might forget about it later.
The newly purchased house needs cleaning and repairs, furnishing, and a good day to move in. Chu Nanfeng plans to move out before the end of the year and has been busy with this matter.
Xie Zian was conscripted by his father and, along with Guard Xu, seemed to be idly playing around, but in reality, they were using the General's Mansion's account books to catch someone doing something wrong.
Having run around to three different places in one day, Xie Zi'an, who still had to act all innocent and naive, was now slumped in his chair, bossing Xu Wuchen around like a big shot, ordering him to pour tea.
"I wonder if Brother Chu has forgotten me after all this time," Young Master Xie muttered dejectedly.
"Don't worry, judging from your behavior that day, even if it's been ten years, Mr. Chu probably won't forget it, let alone just ten days." Xu Wuchen handed him tea and offered a few words of comfort.
Xie Zian gritted his teeth in anger, "Xu Wuchen, you still dare to talk back! It's all your fault! You..."
"Hurry up and get to work. If we finish early, we might be able to make it in time for your brother Chu's housewarming celebration before the new year." Xu Wuchen stood aside with his sword in his arms. "You don't need to worry about this affecting him."
"Brother Chu bought a house? Moving before the New Year?!" Xie Zian downed his tea in one gulp. "Let's go, let's hurry to the next place."
Seeing his energetic appearance, Xu Wuchen shook his head and chuckled. The Marquis had told him to handle things before the New Year so as not to cause trouble for His Majesty during the first month of the lunar year, but this guy wasn't this proactive.
With the Lunar New Year approaching, people were busy shopping everywhere. Qian Youcai sold his goods for a good price and was happy all day long. In his spare time, he even helped Chu Nanfeng tidy up the house, but he didn't have time to spend the New Year with his younger brother and parents.
Upon receiving the message from his brother, Qian Youhua was overjoyed. He not only wouldn't have to weave brocade anymore, but he also wouldn't be dragged to social events by his brother during the Chinese New Year this year!
Qian Youhua went to the village to stay with the old couple for a few days, but was successfully kicked out by the old man, who said that he didn't need to come over before New Year's Eve.
For seven or eight days, Master Qian indulged in a life of pleasure, even causing the girls of Chunhualou and Qiuyuege to fight over him.
After all, Qian Erye was generous, handsome, and didn't have a shrewish wife at home. Which girl wouldn't love him?
Pulled around by a dozen girls, his clothes were covered in the mixed scent of perfume. Even the notoriously womanizing Mr. Qian felt a pang of indignation at the kindness of beautiful women.
That day, he didn't go to brothels, but instead found a quiet tavern to kill time. After drinking a sip of fairly refreshing wine, he thought of Yiyi's soft, boneless little hands again.
Alas, it's a pity that he went to Liu Liu's place the day before yesterday, and Yi Yi has already said that he is not allowed to go to see her for three days.
Master Qian sighed sadly, looking sullen. To those who were observant, however, this demeanor conveyed a different meaning.
Han Qige finally recovered from his injuries and regained his energetic youthful appearance. In order to get closer to Qian Youhua, he even bought himself a nice outfit.
He casually sat down opposite Master Qian and asked curiously, "Given your wealth and status, why are you drowning your sorrows in alcohol?"
Seeing his innocent appearance, Qian Youhua assumed he was some young master who had sneaked out to play and casually replied, "My elder brother is always busy working outside, but I can't help him much. I just feel useless."
Upon hearing this, Han Qige's eyes flickered. "Since this young master wants to help his elder brother, why not manage the household affairs?"
Having finally enjoyed a few days of leisure, Qian Youhua, who didn't want to do any work, coughed and said somewhat awkwardly, "My elder brother has arranged for someone to take care of the household affairs. There's no need for me to get involved."
He pestered his brother for half a year to train this group of managers, each with their own unique skills. Some were in charge of keeping accounts, some were in charge of exchanging gifts, some were in charge of managing shops, and so on.
Now, he only needs to go over and check occasionally, and then check the accounts at the end of the month. He doesn't even need to go out for social engagements, which is so convenient!
Seeing his evasive expression, Han Qige became even more convinced that he was being suppressed by his older brother and was feeling frustrated and unfulfilled.
He stopped mentioning the matter and instead pulled Qian Youhua aside to chat about business acumen. Some of the management concepts from later generations were still quite novel for this era.
Qian Youhua was quickly attracted by the marketing tactics he mentioned, such as advertising, discounts, lucky draws, and membership points. He didn't expect that this kid, who looked so immature, would have so many ideas.
He only vaguely understands each idea, making it seem like he borrowed someone else's method and was deliberately showing off, rather than coming up with it himself.
The two chatted for most of the day, seemingly hitting it off immediately and enjoying each other's company. When they parted, they even exchanged names, though Han Qige obviously didn't use her real name.
After he left, Qian Youhua instructed the waiter sitting at the next table, "Find someone to follow him and investigate this kid's background."
This guy named Qi Han appeared rather strangely, as if he deliberately came for him, but I don't know what his purpose is.
Those methods are indeed quite good. Let's find an opportunity to invite the gentleman who came up with the idea over. It's such a waste that such a talented person is following this sneaky fellow.
The next day, Qian Youhua, who was strolling on the street, ran into Qi Han again. He smiled, stepped forward, and greeted him with a cupped hand.
"Young Master Qi, what a coincidence! Your words yesterday were truly enlightening, like a sudden awakening. Come, come, let's go to Ruyi Tower. I'll treat you to a drink!"
Ruyi Lou is not a restaurant, but a sizable manor. Qian Youhua's private rooms have a unique Jiangnan style.
The house is exquisite and unique, the decorations are elegant and tasteful, and there is a large lake in front of the house. The lake water should be drawn from fresh water, and it is sparkling. A pavilion has been built in the middle of the lake.
Instead of heading towards the house, Qian Youhua walked through the winding corridor and had someone set out a meal in the pavilions and waterside terraces.
Because it was the dead of winter, a ring of charcoal stoves was specially placed around the area. The charcoal was silver frost charcoal, which had no smell of smoke at all, so you wouldn't feel cold even if you wore only two layers of clothing.
The dishes were intricately carved and beautifully presented, but there wasn't much to eat on a plate, making them seem expensive at first glance.
Han Qige showed no surprise whatsoever. She casually untied her cloak and placed it aside, then poured herself a cup of tea with an air of nonchalance, as if it were commonplace.
He leaned back leisurely in his chair and joked with Qian Youhua, "I thought that Second Master Qian would invite me to Chunhua Qiuyue to see the sights. Although I am new here, I have heard a lot about your romantic escapades."
Qian Youhua waved his hand helplessly, "Those things are better left unsaid."
Could Master Qian really say that the dozen or so girls from Chunhua and Qiuyue, who were jealous of him and even fought over him, are now all sulking to see whose door he'll go to first?!
"It's better not to mention it. Master Qian is a man of exceptional talent and manners, definitely not an ignorant and incompetent person. How could his reputation be ruined like this?" Han Qige said meaningfully.
Qian Youhua was completely confused. He was not married, and although his elders might say his romantic affairs were nonsense, his peers mostly envied and teased him. How could it ruin his reputation?
But the boy continued, "Now, your older brother has ruined your reputation, concealed your talents, and is even preventing you from interfering in the family business..."
His reputation?
His talent?
A family business?
Qian Youhua was dumbfounded. So this guy looked shrewd, but he was actually mentally ill. If he had known this, why would he have spent sixty-six taels of silver to bring him to this Ruyi Restaurant for dinner?
Seeing Qian Youhua's tacit agreement, Han Qige spoke even more enthusiastically, "You probably don't know, but the Qian family has always been in the business of Yun brocade. Every inch of brocade is worth its weight in gold; they've made countless amounts of money..."
Qian Youhua suppressed the urge to roll his eyes. No one knew more about Yun brocade than him; all the Yun brocade sold by the Qian family was woven by his own hands!
This skill was originally meant to be passed down to his brother, but his brother was too clumsy to learn it, so he had no choice but to take over.
Of course he knew how much money he had earned. His brother had given him every penny of it; otherwise, where would he have gotten so much money for his romantic escapades?
The Qian family didn't make Yun brocade to make money; their main purpose was to network with the upper echelons of society. Now that they've figured it out, it's the perfect time to back out.
Han Qige spoke for a long time, and seeing that Qian Youhua looked serious, she must have listened, so she stopped to take a sip of water to moisten her throat.
"The time you intervened and had your niece kidnapped..." Han Qige paused deliberately. Of course, he didn't know the truth of the matter; he was just trying to trick him.
Qian Youhua was dumbfounded. This guy really dares to say anything! His little niece clearly went out with his brother, but she ran away because she was being naughty. After his brother came back, he kept nagging her about it for days.
Seeing Qian Youhua's expression, Han Qige stood up and patted him on the shoulder. "I was also framed by Qian Youcai. I'll give you a suggestion to help Second Master fight for the family property. After it's done, you'll make Qian Youcai destitute and kicked out of the house. I won't take a single penny of the Qian family's property. How about that?"
If it really succeeds, then Master Qian should at least do something to show his support.
Seeing that Qian Youhua remained silent, Han Qige cursed him as a coward in her heart and turned to leave.
Before leaving, he left a message: "If Master Qian turns around and sells me out, don't blame me for spreading the word about what you did."
Qian Youhua watched his dashing figure from behind, clicked his tongue twice, picked up the large fur cloak that had fallen down, and threw it directly into the lake.
His brother is so busy every day that he's constantly on the go, spending almost ten months of the year away from home, and he doesn't even have time to come back for the Chinese New Year.
He's just wasting his time fighting for the family fortune; he'd be living a carefree and comfortable life that way.
He called over the waiter standing at the door, tossed him a tael of silver, and said, "Go and invite Miss Yiyi, Miss Liuliu, Miss Ruyue, and Miss Ruoxue over. Tell them that Second Master will take them boating on the lake later."
Han Qige, who was trying to look cool, was frozen solid as soon as he stepped outside. He quickly found a clothing store and bought a cotton coat to wrap himself in.
It's a pity about the cloak he bought for five taels of silver. It's not really appropriate to go back and get it now. Having gotten used to air-conditioned rooms in modern times, he didn't realize for a moment that there wouldn't be a car with the heater on waiting for him outside.
After spending a day on the lake with a group of girls in the dead of winter, Master Qian returned home and received a message from his men, which made him feel terrible.
He knew Qi Han wasn't quite right, but he hadn't expected him to be this abnormal!
Possession into another's body?
"Really?" Master Qian exclaimed, "I've never seen a living ghost before in all my years!"
"Second Master, the news has spread throughout Yue County. The county magistrate has issued a notice, and even his parents don't think he's their son." The young waiter said solemnly.
Qian Youhua frowned and thought for a moment, then finally made a decision: "Prepare the car, let's go to the yamen, we're going to report to the authorities!"
Despite the freezing weather, the local official, who had already planned to go to sleep, was taken aback when he heard the purpose of the visit.
"Is this true? This evil spirit has been born, and it will bring calamity to the people!" The old man, who was over fifty years old, stroked his beard and said with great distress.
Qian Youhua saw that he had pulled out several hairs from his beard in his excitement, so he hurriedly stepped forward to comfort him, "Lord Liu, don't worry, he might just be a ghost, not a demon. This is a notice from Yue County, so it should be true."
Lord Liu looked at the notice for a while before letting out a sigh of relief: "So it's just a water ghost that came ashore. Its skills aren't very high. It didn't even run away after being beaten with a board."
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