The Liu family of Jinling
Liu Family Ancestral Hall.
A group of elderly people, seemingly of high moral standing, were surrounded by their descendants and sat in the seats of honor.
After waiting for a long time, no one came to summon them.
The current head of the family frowned. After calming the elders down, he summoned the servant who had delivered the message and inquired about the situation.
"Reporting to the patriarch, I have indeed delivered the message, but Minister Liu simply sent someone to dismiss me."
"Yes, yes, from now on, never seek him out for anything like this again."
"They also said that he has been kicked out of his home and has no further connection with the clan!"
Upon hearing the servant's report, the head of the Liu family turned ashen-faced.
That unfilial son of his still holds a grudge about what happened back then!
This is outrageous!
It's not like he can simply refuse to acknowledge his ancestors!
"We, the Liu family, are ashamed to be associated with such a disobedient and unfilial son!"
Enraged, the head of the Liu family made a harsh statement in public.
Soon, rumors spread throughout the streets and alleys of Jinling that the current Minister of Revenue, Lord Liu, was a traitorous and unfilial son...
Minister Liu completely ignored this, continuing to attend and leave court as usual, paying no heed to anything.
As the situation escalated and public opinion turned against him, a storyteller in the neighborhood brought a short play about love and hate, depicting the deep affection between the current Minister Liu and his late wife, who died in sorrow after being humiliated by her husband's family.
This devoted minister resolutely left his family and was exiled to a remote, impoverished area to serve as a minor official. He raised his son with great hardship, never remarrying or taking a concubine, remaining utterly alone...
Public opinion changes rapidly, and countless young men and women become hopelessly immersed in the love and hate entanglements depicted in traditional operas.
Even those familiar with the events of that year stepped in to refute the rumors.
Under these circumstances, the Liu family of Jinling was branded with infamy, withdrew from the ranks of prominent families in Jinling, and gradually faded into obscurity.
The instigator simply waved his sleeve and left without a trace.
"Reporting to Master, as you predicted, the opera performances circulating recently were orchestrated by the young master..."
"The traitor."
They did do something truly gratifying.
Although Liu Shisheng's face showed anger, his tone was extremely relaxed.
The butler, familiar with the master's temperament, smiled and tactfully withdrew...
The study was brightly lit.
Liu Shisheng activated a mechanism on the table, and soon a portrait appeared on the blank wall.
The woman in the portrait has exquisite features and a gentle, captivating beauty.
She looked at him with gentle eyes, remaining silent.
This is his wife, whom he married.
"Moon Lady, our child is becoming more and more outrageous."
"However, she does have some of the charm that I had back then."
"I met a very interesting woman, and our child likes her too. Unfortunately, she doesn't like me."
"So be it. We are not destined to be together in this life, but it is still very good that we can be family and support each other."
The woman in the portrait is still smiling at him.
......
Wujiaji —
On the road, an old man carried a bamboo basket on his back and held a bamboo clamp made by bending a bamboo pole in his hand.
Every now and then, it would hunch over, squint its eyes, and search for something on the ground.
Suddenly, as if he had discovered a treasure, the old man used bamboo tongs to pick up a dark-colored object, then carefully placed it into his bamboo basket before continuing his search for it.
On the simple oxcart, the outsider muttered in confusion, "Isn't Wujiaji supposed to be the largest market town in Taohua County?"
Why do the villagers here treat cow dung by the roadside like a treasure?
"You don't know this, do you? Our village chief, who is also the head of the market, said that collecting a basket of this stuff can be exchanged for ten copper coins."
“My husband collects them too. Sometimes he can earn fifty copper coins a day!”
"This thing can make money?"
"Yes, we can. Not just cow dung, but also horse dung and mule dung. There are people in the collection center who specialize in collecting this stuff."
The burly man driving the cart wiped the sweat from his brow and patiently explained the situation to the stranger.
"Goodness, you guys have money to burn, you even want this thing."
The people on the oxcart were on their way to the market, and they were incredibly envious upon hearing this.
Soon the oxcart stopped in the designated parking square, with neat and uniform cart sheds and ox sheds.
There were not only places for livestock to drink water, eat grass, and rest, but also places for cart drivers to rest.
Local drivers don't charge for regular tea or water.
For those from out of town, this is a pot of flower tea or barley tea for two copper coins, refills are available and free of charge.
People belonging to Wujiaji are very proud to be from Wujiaji.
Within the group, everything is a priority.
Outsiders who saw it were very envious, but they could not have it.
The market is filled with stalls of all sizes, offering food, drinks, and entertainment.
Even adults can't keep up with the sights, let alone children.
Everywhere was thriving. Occasionally, people would quarrel or argue, but the officers from the police station who were on patrol would come over to deter and mediate.
If you want to cause trouble here, come on, we'll see you at the yamen.
The government was in the right, and the market town of Wujiaji paid its taxes on time, so they didn't have to worry about anything.
The government office, which already had limited funds, now has its small storerooms overflowing.
Now that the county magistrate is less strapped for cash, he can better develop—or rather, allocate funds to build other villages in the county.
There are countless places where money is needed for road construction, river repair, and infrastructure projects.
The situation was so promising that even the county magistrate was reluctant to leave and didn't want to be promoted!
The hot pot restaurant is still doing well. Although the weather is hot, the restaurant is not just for eating hot pot.
The familiar cold skin noodles, cold mung bean jelly, and cold noodles have all remained the same price.
Whether you're rich or poor, you like this kind of food.
Small profits but quick turnover lead to booming business.
Because the stores have been very busy lately, Qingshan has been leaving early and returning late, and he almost forgot that there was an informant at home.
That's why he went home early today, hoping to give his informant a chance to slip up.
"Grandpa's back!"
San Tiao put down what he was doing and rushed over to greet the old man, helping him take off his outer garment.
"Hmm, where is Grandma?"
Qingshan looked around the courtyard. The maids and servants coming and going were all doing their work. He nodded slightly and continued working.
Only the maidservant in the corner, with her back to him, revealed her long neck and slender wrists...
Aoyama suppressed the urge to scold him and gestured for three replies.
"Reporting to the master, the eldest mistress took Miss Wan'er and young master Xuan'er to the old house to visit the old lady and the old master."
His three voices were drawn out and raised in volume to ensure that the maids outside could hear his report.
He's thrown out the "bait," unaware that it might lure the snake out of its hole.
"Oh, I see. I'll go back to my room and freshen up. Remember to bring me a new set of clothes and give me a shoulder massage while you're at it."
"Yes, sir!"
......
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