Chapter 8 Let Feng Ying pay
Li Zhengchun had naturally heard of Zhengzhi's wealth.
Their orthodox lineage has been passed down through nine generations, and since the first generation, they have already been well-known masters of Taoism.
By the fifth generation, he assisted the emperor in ascending the throne and became the founding imperial teacher.
Later, the imperial court abolished the post of imperial teacher, and people from the regular branch of the government continued to hold the post of supervisor of the Secretariat.
The country advocates metaphysics. Every four years, the Secretariat holds an imperial examination to select metaphysical talents. These examinations are held together with the imperial talent selection ceremony. This shows the importance that the court and the people attach to metaphysics.
This is also the most lucrative profession.
There was a little-known metaphysical family living near them, but they were all very wealthy.
What’s more, they are truly masters of this branch.
It's been nine generations and the family has only one son, so there is no way to spend all the money.
Being the heir of a legitimate family is more fortunate than being a prince or princess.
When their ancestor was born, people all over the country were amazed. They thought that this child must have done so many good deeds throughout his life to be reborn into the main branch of the Li family.
I didn't expect that he died at such a young age.
Maybe I haven’t done enough good deeds.
Li Zhengchun knew what Old Lady Li meant.
The main branch has been wiped out, and those of the side branches who are capable of taking on the main responsibility, now is the time for them to come forward.
But it’s not their turn, right?
When selecting assistants, we also looked at their unique skills.
Their specialty is naturally the art of fantasy, including the art of Qimen Dunjia.
Unfortunately, among the three brothers, none of them inherited any bloodline. Only he could write a few talismans, while his two brothers couldn't even play ghost games.
Although his eldest brother works as a clerk in the Imperial Observatory, that was because his father's generation had spent money and connections to get in. His eldest brother can be considered a "hereditary successor". After all, the head of the Secretariat is always a member of their Li family, so all these years, his eldest brother has not been cleared out.
Li Zhengchun said very subtly: "Mom, it's good for us brothers to be like this for now. At least we don't have to travel around, and we can all be filial to you."
Aren’t all the incompetent children by their parents’ side?
Madam Li knew that Li Zhengchun didn't understand, so she said, "The position of Secretary-General must be replaced. A new emperor appoints new ministers. Your elder brother's position will definitely be affected!"
Li Zhengchun was puzzled and asked, "No matter what, shouldn't the person with the surname Li come to sit here?"
"That's not necessarily true. There are so many noble families in the world now, and they are not necessarily weaker than the Li family."
"Like the Chen family of Kuaiji, the Cui family of Boling, the Wang family of Taiyuan, and the Lu family of Fanyang!"
"There are more than just these four families, there are so many families." People in the empire have always attached great importance to the mysterious arts. In recent years, many powerful figures have emerged among ordinary people.
The Secretariat of the Royal Family has never promised to always serve the Li family. Even if they did, it would only be for the main branch. Now that the main branch has all died out, the Royal Family doesn't have to consider this issue anymore.
Of course, this was the worst-case scenario that Mrs. Li had considered.
Now their patriarch has some skills, maybe he can replace the master family and continue to gain a foothold in Chang'an City.
She said, "Even if they are all surnamed Li, the Zhaojun Li and the Longxi Li are still different, not to mention so many families. Even if the current head of the family takes this position, his deputy may not necessarily promote us."
"I think we should plan ahead. As the saying goes, too much courtesy is not a bad thing. There is no harm in showing too much filial piety."
Li Zhengchun understood, but was hesitant.
Their family has followed the main branch for so many years, and although their children have not been very successful, they have also left behind a considerable family fortune.
Unfortunately, it was all squandered by his grandfather and father.
One is addicted to sensual pleasures, the other is a gambler.
It was after he married Feng that he used Feng's dowry to make up for the debt his father owed from gambling, and to buy back the old house, so that they had a place to live.
His brother also liked to give gifts to his superiors, and Feng Ying paid for them.
What the mother meant was that Feng Ying should prepare some more money.
But he knew that Feng Ying's money was almost spent, and the last sum of money was saved for the marriages of her children.
No matter what others say, Sanniang is already eighteen years old, and he still wants her to marry in style.
Seeing that Li Zhengchun remained silent for a long time, Mrs. Li sighed and said, "It's been hard for you these years. If your father hadn't left this rotten stall, you wouldn't have to marry Feng against your will, and you wouldn't have to be depressed all day long. Now I'm making you worry about your eldest brother. As a mother, I really shouldn't do this. I'm useless..."
She burst into tears.
Li Zhengchun couldn't stand this, and he knelt down and admitted his fault: "It's all my fault for being unfilial and making my mother sad."
"A son should not talk about his father's mistakes. Those past events and hardships are all in the past."
"As a younger brother, it's your duty to care about your older brother. Don't blame yourself, mom."
Old Mrs. Li still cried and said it was useless.
Li Zhengchun said hurriedly: "Brother, your job matters really need to be handled urgently. Let Feng Ying think of a solution."
He just agreed to the money thing.
Old Madam Li raised her face and wiped her eyes and said, "When your eldest brother becomes successful, he will never forget the help you and your wife gave him."
Li Zhengchun said: "Brother, what are you talking about to help?"
He thought for a moment and said, "In this matter, it is better for mother to ask Feng for the key herself. She is angry about Jian's matter, so my son's words may be useless."
"Just tell her that you can keep Jian from leaving, and she will pay for Jian."
"Okay, I will also persuade her." Old Mrs. Li was not afraid of asking for money, and it was okay to give money to anyone. Feng Ying liked Li Zhengchun very much, and for Li Zhengchun, she did a lot of things to please the Li family.
It's just a little money, no need to ask for it. She just needs to say a word and Feng Ying will do the same as Li Zhengchun and take out the money on her own initiative.
What she wants is Li Zhengchun's attitude.
Now that Li Zhengchun agrees, it's fine.
After Li Zhengchun left, Old Lady Li called the servants and said, "Go, call Feng over."
"yes!"
"Madam, the old lady wants you to come over and talk." Bao Jin, the maidservant beside Old Lady Li, came over to inform Feng Ying.
But Mrs. Zhuang hadn't come back yet, and Li Jidao was still resting. It was impossible for Feng Ying to leave the child alone.
She said, "I'll go later."
Bao Jin was immediately unhappy: "Madam, the old lady is waiting. Didn't she say that something happened to Madam Jian and the old lady wants to help you investigate? You don't seem to be in a hurry at all."
His words were frivolous and he seemed to have no respect for Feng Ying.
Feng Ying insisted: "Wait until I have calmed Ah Jian down..."
"What's there to appease a fool?" Bao Jin threw his handkerchief and said, "Anyway, I've notified you. You can go if you want. Don't blame me if you get scolded."
After saying that, he turned and left.
[The status of a cannon fodder girl is really low. Even a maid can show her disdain. She should be slapped twice.]
Feng Ying: “…”
Yes, she was also very angry.
These people don't know how powerful she is.
When her daughter woke up, Feng Ying went back to her room to dress her and wipe her face. Then, Mrs. Zhuang finally came back.
She brought back quite a few servants and maids, but did not bring in any servants from outside.
These old women are all big and strong, and they are obviously good at fighting.