Chapter 70 Chapter 70 Observation and Uniqueness...
We came here last year in July or August, when it was hot. During the flood season, we had to go to the dam, and we had to go back and forth countless times. The paths there were narrow and couldn't be taken in a sedan chair, so they followed Zhao Jinshan's route.
The grass is taller than the waist and is in full bloom. The leaves scratch your face and arms. Who would like to endure that pain?
Finally, I don’t have to follow Zhao Jinshan anymore, so of course I’ll do whatever is easiest.
County Magistrate Li naturally understood what Qian Tongzhi meant.
He nodded in understanding. "Lord Qian is right. Spring planting is now complete. We purchased the high-quality seeds Lord Zhao requested and have already planted them. It rained a few days ago, and it rained again today. Spring rain is as precious as oil. I believe the seeds will sprout in a few days. I am also grateful to Lord Zhao for his kindness. I am even more grateful to both of you for coming from afar. Eat and drink well these few days, and don't worry about anything else."
County Magistrate Li was also afraid that they would pretend to know something and ask him to dig up the seeds in the ground and replant them, which would be a waste of time.
Qian Tongzhi smiled and said, "Didn't I just say that Lord Li is a wonderful person?"
The magistrate also laughed. Magistrate Li poured some wine for him and left with his men, telling Chen San to serve him here.
There's plenty of alcohol to drink. I guess you'll have to sleep until tomorrow morning. You're a bunch of good-for-nothings.
After walking a little further, County Magistrate Li led his men out of the post station.
Wang Zhubu held up an umbrella for him. He frowned and said, "Sir, are you just going to let them eat and drink as they please and act tyrannically in Yu'an?"
Magistrate Li glanced at the sky. It was raining, and the wind wasn't as gentle as usual. He sighed, "I'd be happy if they just acted arrogantly and ate and drank to their heart's content. I'm just afraid they'll be dissatisfied after eating, drinking, and listening to songs, and then ask for more tributes."
When Zhao Jinshan came, they were busy running around and exposed to the scorching sun, but they got the job done. Last autumn, several heavy rains didn't damage the levees. Even the county seat of Xuzhou was flooded, and local officials were inevitably held accountable.
But all these two people talk about is eating, drinking and having fun. It would be nice if they could spend some money to buy some peace and quiet. Anyway, the land has been planted and they can be sent away in a few days. But they seem to have a big appetite.
County Magistrate Chen asked, "If that's the case, what should we do?"
Last year, we repaired the dike, and this year we even had to pay for seeds. The county magistrate's finances were tight, so if this tribute was any use, whether it benefited the people or led to a promotion, then the money would be well spent. But judging by the two men's expressions, it looked like it was wasted.
Qian Tongzhi had Zhao Jinshan over him, and he was a glutton for wealth. But if he played dumb, he might go back and flatter Zhao Jinshan. What would he do then?
County Magistrate Li said, "Go ask Madam Lin. She might be able to make something as delicious as the gold ingots."
County Magistrate Li hoped that he would not need it. If he did need it, he could only make a fake one and give it to Zhao Jinshan before he left. He could then put some other vegetables, eggs, etc. in it. It would be best if he could seize the opportunity. When Tongzhi Qian went back and saw Zhao Jinshan, he hadn't seen it yet and the food was still good.
Even if they were discovered later, they would have left Yu'an.
This certainly carries risks. If someone in the carriage couldn't help but look and discovered they were all food, they'd be furious. If the two of them were to deceive Zhao Jinshan, then he'd send someone to investigate. County Magistrate Li believed he'd done his duty, and he wasn't afraid of being investigated. He hoped Zhao Jinshan would take this opportunity to discover the two's true colors and punish corrupt officials. They'd definitely suffer the consequences.
Even though the court was investigating and Zhao Jinshan was putting pressure on them, Qian Tongzhi and the other two were still obsessed with money. County Magistrate Li didn't know what to say.
Magistrate Li naturally wanted to file a complaint, ideally with the confiscation of property and imprisonment, but he had no evidence. Furthermore, a subordinate suing a superior would first receive twenty strokes of the cane, and he didn't want to be beaten. If he framed him for a false report and had Wang Zhubu and the others report him, they would also be punished with caning. It was truly a difficult situation.
The streets were overcast and rainy, and the sound of rain could be heard. County Magistrate Li and his companions were not in a good mood either.
Wang Zhubu cursed the big termite in his heart and rushed to the Xiao family restaurant.
*
At the Xiao Family Restaurant, Lin Qiuran asked in surprise, "Is it made into food that looks like a gold ingot?"
Wang Zhubu also felt that this was a deliberate embarrassment. How could such a thing exist? He said, "They don't have to be exactly the same, as long as the color is similar. Just take a quick look. Besides, people don't usually seal a box with gold ingots when giving gifts. Even if it doesn't look like there is gold mixed in, people will think it is."
Wang Zhubu briefly explained the matter, and Lin Qiuran naturally wanted to understand. She couldn't just do whatever Magistrate Li asked her to do. What if it brought disaster to her family?
She also didn't want to make things easy for the corrupt officials who only cared about pleasure. Lin Qiuran said, "Can't the taste be too bad?"
Wang Zhubu: "Of course, if the taste is too bad, then it will just be a joke."
Lin Qiuran said, "I can only try, I may not succeed. When will they leave?"
Wang Zhubu said, "The earliest we can do it is the morning of the day after tomorrow, and the latest is the afternoon of the day after tomorrow. The sooner we prepare it, the better. It takes more than two hours to drive from the county town to Xuzhou. If the snacks go bad after we get there, it's not our fault."
Lin Qiuran understood that the two of them would definitely meet Zhao Jinshan first when they returned to Xuzhou. After all, official business was important, so it would be best if they could help and say good things. If they later found out that it was not gold, they would have to suffer in silence. The good words had been said and there was no way to take them back.
She nodded, "Then I'll think of a way."
Lin Qiuran understood that if it was broken, it was broken. But what if Zhao Jinshan happened to find this box of snacks? Snacks that looked like gold ingots, would Lord Zhao remain indifferent when he saw them?
In this weather, it won't go bad if left for half a day, so she'd better make it tomorrow afternoon. If she leaves it for a while longer, it might start to taste sour.
It was too late today. At most, he could prepare something, but he couldn't cook anything. The only yellow things Lin Qiuran could think of were pumpkins. This was what restaurants used to make sauerkraut fish soup. It had a light flavor and a beautiful color.
Restaurants now also sell pickled fish, such as Pumpkin Restaurant.
Salted egg yolks and millet can also be made into golden objects. As for shape, the gold and silver ingots of this era were not as round and plump as those in the God of Wealth paintings. They were shaped like small boats and had seals engraved on them, proving they were imperial money. Although the purity was not as high as later coins, they were still golden.
It was not particularly difficult for Lin Qiuran, and he did not need to find a mold. Lin Qiuran planned to carve it with a knife. He made mung bean cake last time, so he could try this this time. If it tasted good and looked good, maybe he could sell it to Xu Yuanheng.
After finding the right things, Lin Qiuran started busying herself with the restaurant work. After the shop closed, she took the millstone to grind the millet into powder, then locked the door and went home.
Because she had to get up early the next day, she quickly coaxed Tangyuan to sleep and went to bed early herself. The next morning, she and Lin Dong came to the restaurant.
Lin Dong steamed the pumpkin while Lin Qiuran beat the eggs. She had only made chiffon cake, and she didn't have an oven or an egg beater, so she didn't know if she could make it here.
A cake steamed with only millet was noticeably lighter in color and very soft. Lin Qiuran wanted to try adding some pumpkin. She didn't dare add salted egg yolk rashly, fearing the flavor wouldn't be right. Wang Zhubu hadn't specified that it had to be particularly delicious, but it had to be palatable.
The millet pumpkin cake was dark in color and had only a light sweet fragrance. After steaming and trimming the shape, it looked quite similar to the real thing to Lin Qiuran, but it did not have the luster of gold.
Seeing that it was getting late, Lin Qiuran said, "Let's not do it this morning. I'm busy with business. We'll talk about it in the afternoon."
The weather is not good today, but it is just drizzling, which does not affect going out. Business is better than yesterday, and there is still some time for Lin Qiuran to cook dishes for the inn.
The food at the post station is still mainly delicious as usual. She made porridge today, but she used shrimp, abalone and other seafood, all of which were chopped into small pieces and boiled. The shrimp meat was chewy and the abalone was crispy and springy, leaving a lingering freshness in the mouth.
Those who have eaten it will naturally know what is inside it, while those who have not eaten it will just think it tastes good. The former is Qian Tongzhi, and the latter is Zhao Jinshan.
Qian Tongzhi and his companions just got up now. They drank too much yesterday and slept until morning. Their heads were feeling dizzy now. After drinking some hot porridge and eating some side dishes, they felt refreshed all over.
Feeling comfortable physically, he thought that he would feel comfortable mentally as well. Qian Tongzhi wanted to experience the local customs and practices, so County Magistrate Li asked someone to take them to listen to songs and also told Lin Qiuran that she didn't need to cook dinner and they had to eat outside.
I have eaten the porridge and side dishes, but I haven’t eaten the big fish and meat yet.
Lin Qiuran nodded. She didn't sleep in the afternoon and made several pots with Lin Dong. Some were light in color, and some were dark in color. After several attempts, she finally steamed out a pot of beautiful golden snacks.
Because it was steamed, it was a little soft. After Lin Qiuran finished carving, he made a sauce with salted egg yolk and lard, brushed a layer on it, and let it air-dry. In this way, it had the luster of lard and really looked like a gold ingot.
But it is only a quick glance. The seal is really difficult to make. The luster of gold cannot be replaced by lard. Moreover, after adding this sauce, the lard will solidify after a long time. It is better to put the sauce in it.
Thirty-six pieces were made, six at a time, squeezed together for three rows, and packed into boxes, filling two boxes in total. Oil paper was placed underneath, and when I opened them, I saw they were indeed golden, but they were too light.
In order to make it look older, Lin Qiuran also lightly brushed some charcoal ash on it.
Lin Dong couldn't help but ask: "Can this be done?"
Lin Qiuran said, "I don't know either, but time is running out, so this is the only way. They can figure out the quantity themselves."
Pastries and snacks are light in weight, so if the box were truly filled with gold ingots, it would weigh two kilograms. Even with the wooden box, the current weight wouldn't be enough.
That night, Wang Zhubu came and Lin Qiuran showed him the box. Wang Zhubu was very surprised, "They are so similar."
Lin Qiuran said, "I hope I can be of help."
If the taste is not important and the purpose is to fool people, Lin Qiuran can steam two pots of steamed buns, carve them into the shape of gold ingots with a knife, and then paint them with some paint. It is easier than this.
But since Wang Zhubu said he wanted to send it as a local specialty, he couldn't just give it a half-hearted look. She herself thought it was quite good, and mainly because it looked pleasing.
Wang Zhubu took the things and did not leave any money. Lin Qiuran was helping him so much. If he gave too little, the other party would be wronged, and if he gave too much, the county government could not afford it. It would be better to owe him money first.
The post station was very quiet at night. Qian Tongzhi and Tongpan went out to drink and have fun. In the afternoon, they listened to songs and had a great time. When they felt like it, they turned to the west city. Anyway, Chen San was paying for it, so they would definitely not go back to the post station at night.
The snacks were kept by the chief clerk of the king. Lin Qiuran only had a vague understanding of the matter, but he could feel that being an official was not easy. If all officials were like Qian Tongzhi and others, who came down to inspect for the sake of leisure and pleasure, then the people in the world would suffer even more.
You have to take care of things but you can't take care of everything; you have to observe people's words and expressions but you can't go along with the crowd. It's hard to survive even if you are truly incorruptible.
And as Xiao Xun said, the game between the two parties implicated others. Perhaps Xiao Xun was not the only one who got into trouble that time, and he was the only one who survived by chance.
Lin Qiuran would be willing to do something if he could do something for the people.
On the morning of the first day of March, Qian Tongzhi and several others left. They were supposed to leave in the morning, but they were so immersed in the gentle pleasures of life that they didn't get up yesterday. When they came back from outside, they had to go back to the post station to get their things, so they were delayed.
Several people were a little anxious. Qian Tongzhi was even staggering, but he still didn't forget to criticize County Magistrate Li. "The customs and people of Yu'an are good, but there are still some things I don't understand. How can I speak well of you in front of Lord Zhao?"
Qian Tongzhi's appetite was growing. Zhao Jinshan was away, and County Magistrate Li was knowledgeable and sensible. If he didn't take this opportunity to get some benefits, then when would he wait? Zhao Jinshan's integrity gave him the opportunity.
Magistrate Li smiled and said, "I've prepared some Yu'an specialties for you, Lord Qian, to take back and try."
Magistrate Li felt uneasy. He took the box from Chief Clerk Wang and slowly opened it, revealing a corner. He showed it to Co-magistrate Qian and immediately closed it. "This is a local snack from Yu'an. You can try it when you get back."
Qian Tongzhi's eyes almost popped out of his head. Doesn't this golden color imply gold? He swallowed hard, patted County Magistrate Li on the shoulder and said, "Master Li is thoughtful."
County Magistrate Li was worried and said, "These are local specialties, not worth much. You guys should pack them up quickly."
There are dried tofu, vermicelli, eggs, bacon, etc., which are indeed authentic farm products.
Wang Zhubu acted quickly and saw with his own eyes that the box was pressed to the bottom. Only then did County Magistrate Li breathe a sigh of relief.
Qian Tongzhi frowned and said, "There's no need to take so many things. Officials don't take things from the people."
County Magistrate Li's expression remained unchanged. "These are all the kind wishes of the people. It must have been very hard for you to come here."
County Magistrate Li sent the two men into the carriage and accompanied them on horseback. The weather was fine today, and it was not yet noon, so the sun was a little strong.
Qian Tongzhi didn't want to waste any more time, and there were vermicelli and eggs on the box, which were easy to break, so he didn't look at it carefully and set off directly back to Xuzhou.
If we go back now, we can arrive at 3 p.m., but if we can't bear the hardship and don't want the bumpy ride, it will be even slower.
Seeing the carriage go away, County Magistrate Li was still holding his breath. He waved his hand and said, "Go back and do what you need to do."
Wang Zhubu wiped his sweat and said, "Yes."
At three quarters past three in the afternoon, the carriage arrived at the Xuzhou government office. Since it belonged to the government, it had no choice but to return to the government office first. Coincidentally, Zhao Jinshan was just coming out of the government office.
Zhao Jinshan had lost some weight, and when he saw the two of them, he asked directly, "How is Yu An?"
Qian Tongzhi cheered up and said, "It's going well. The land has been planted, and County Magistrate Li and others are also very dedicated."
Zhao Jinshan: "How much rice and corn did you plant?"
Qian Tongzhi didn't have an answer. Fortunately, Zhao Jinshan didn't insist on asking. Instead, he frowned and asked, "What's that smell in the car?"
Qian Tongzhi had just broken into a sweat, and now he was a little confused. He first smelled his clothes, worried that he might have smelled of alcohol from drinking last night.
There is indeed a little bit, but it is very faint. Zhao Jinshan's nose is not so good that he can smell it now.
He and the judge had both been drinking, so there must have been a smell of alcohol in the carriage. Although he didn't know what Zhao Jinshan had discovered, he would not be happy if he saw the things in the carriage, even if it was just eggs and vermicelli.
He said, "Sir, I've been sitting in the car for a long time, and I think it might smell a bit bad."
He told the driver to go faster, "Clean the carriage well later, so as not to delay the master's use of the carriage."
Zhao Jinshan: "Wait."
When Zhao Jinshan entered the carriage, Qian Tong knew: "Sir! And just now the judge was uncomfortable and vomited in the carriage, so it's filthy. Let the driver wipe it first."
Zhao Jinshan pulled open the curtain and saw a lot of things in the carriage, including two large bundles of vermicelli, a large basket of eggs, and a lot of bacon.
Qian Tongzhi knew he couldn't let Zhao Jinshan watch any longer, so he could only admit his mistake. "These were forced upon me by the people of Yu'an. I couldn't refuse, so I had to bring them back. Besides, there were too many people, and I don't know who forced them. The people of Yu'an are also grateful for your kindness... I admit my guilt and will never do it again!"
Zhao Jinshan ignored him. He just felt that the sour smell was becoming more and more obvious, mixed with a hint of alcohol, which made it hard to ignore.
He knew Qian Tongzhi's character very well. Vermicelli, cured meat, eggs, and sweet potatoes wrapped in cloth were all food for the common people.
There were two boxes underneath. Qian Tongzhi was sweating profusely. He knelt down and said, "Sir, this was stuffed in by County Magistrate Li. I really don't know what's inside. Please understand!"
Qian Tongzhi knew there was gold inside, and what would happen if Zhao Jinshan saw it? He accepted bribes. If the amount of money in the bag exceeded 80 taels, he would be beaten with a hundred sticks and exiled 3,000 miles.
He could only insist that he had no idea what was inside and put all the blame on Magistrate Li. "It was my fault for not paying attention, but I really don't know what was inside."
Zhao Jinshan said, "I didn't know you were so anxious."
Qian Tongzhi was stunned and hurriedly knelt down and said, "Sir, I was confused, but I regret it and want to send the things back. I beg for your understanding."
Zhao Jinshan picked up the box and weighed it. "It's quite heavy, Qian Youwei, you're quite good. Yu'an is just a county town, but he can get so much money. It's obvious that he exploits the people and is corrupt and abuses his power."
When Zhao Jinshan opened the box, Qian Youwei's breath stopped. He saw a box full of gold ingots, but after careful identification, they were not gold ingots.
He picked up a piece. Qian Youwei was dizzy from the scorching sun and felt that the gold ingot was frighteningly large.
Zhao Jinshan took a bite and found it sour.
Qian Youwei watched Zhao Jinshan eat the gold ingots without reacting, but Zhao Jinshan soon looked at them one by one until he had finished looking through the two boxes.
They are all food. There is a piece of iron under the box, so it is so heavy.
Zhao Jinshan saw Qian Youwei lying on the ground, then looked at the things in the box. The judge also kept his head down. Seeing this, he just knelt on the ground and said that he knew nothing.
Zhao Jinshan looked at the two men, his heart sinking. He looked away and said, "Come here, Qian Youwei and Chen Zhicai are suspected of accepting bribes and are being taken to jail."
He has to go to Yu'an.
*
After the rain, the sky cleared up and it was evening when the sun was setting. The streets were bustling with people. Workers were going home after work, small vendors were hawking their wares, and pedestrians were walking and stopping, carrying large and small bags in their hands, and some were holding their children's hands.
There are people in all kinds of shops.
Zhao Jinshan bought some food on the street and then found a busy restaurant called Xiaojia Restaurant.
There were a lot of people inside, but there was just one empty seat. Zhao Jinshan had originally planned to go to the village first and then go to the county government office, but he hadn't eaten lunch and was a little hungry now.
"What would you like to eat, sir?"
Zhao Jinshan: "Is there a menu?"
Shopkeeper Shi saw that although he was wearing cloth, he was different from ordinary people. He looked to be in his forties, with a dark face but not fat. His back was straight and he looked very majestic.
again
Shopkeeper Shi hurried to get the menu. Zhao Jinshan ordered a bowl of rice, a plate of shredded potatoes, and a plate of braised pork.
His salary is not low and he can endure hardships, but that doesn't mean he is reluctant to give up anything.
The food was served quickly and the portions were large. Zhao Jinshan was full by the time he was halfway through his meal.
He asked his waiter to wrap it in oil paper, ate, and left. He didn't go to the post station, but found an inn on the street. That night, he visited the vendors, took advantage of the night to observe the fields in the village, woke up early to see the smoke rising from the houses, and saw people busy preparing in the shops early.
Lin Qiuran started working as soon as he arrived in the morning. Construction had already started next door, so he had to prepare more meals for them at noon, but it was relatively simple.
Just after a while, Wang Zhubu arrived and said directly to Lin Qiuran, "Madam Lin, Lord Zhao will come here for lunch at noon."
Lin Qiuran lowered his voice and asked, "Master Zhao from Xuzhou?"
Wang Zhubu nodded.
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The author has something to say: Ask for irrigation~
After finishing the story here, I should change the map. Tangyuanzi, study hard early~
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