Chapter 15 Wrist
To Su Dianli's surprise, upon returning to Nanjiang County, he found himself sitting in a high position, and it was indeed his niece, Su Qing.
The story begins when the rebels were about to enter the city.
At that time, he advised his second brother, who was also the magistrate of Su County.
Many county magistrates in the surrounding area have fled; they would be fools if they didn't.
But his second brother was a real fool; he refused to leave no matter what.
He's foolish, but I'm not.
Su Dianli left with his wife and children, and before leaving, he also took his second brother's valuables.
After all, in his view, once the rebels entered the city, all these things would belong to others.
It's better to let him have it.
As he predicted, things turned out just as he expected.
His second brother, Magistrate Su, is indeed dead.
Unexpectedly, after the rebels were driven away, Nanjiang County, unlike other counties, did not remain in chaos.
It is said that the daughter of Magistrate Su was in charge and restored Nanjiang County very well.
Among the dozen or so counties in Guangyue Prefecture, they were the most outstanding.
Su Dianli initially didn't believe it, but then he encountered people from a merchant ship from Jiangnan on the road.
The boatmen who came down to make purchases praised Nanjiang County highly.
He only found out what happened after he asked carefully.
Su Dianli's first reaction was...
That can't be!
That little brat Su Qing, she's never uttered a word, and she's usually the most timid. How could she possibly be in charge?
His second sister-in-law is definitely no good either; she's a pushover who lends money to anyone and believes all sorts of nonsense.
If it were Second Sister-in-law Mei Niang in charge, even the yamen (government office) could send her out.
In short...
He doesn't believe it!
"I'm her third uncle. If she had that kind of ability, wouldn't I know?"
Somehow, these words reached the ship owner's ears.
The ship owner also revealed a piece of information.
It is said that Nanjiang County not only recovered the best among the dozen or so counties in Guangyue Prefecture, but its grain production was also quite good.
I estimate I'll be in the prefectural city soon to pay the grain tax.
Upon hearing this, Clerk Su stood up.
He lives very close to the prefectural city.
Or should we go and check on the situation?
With his wife and children, Su Dianli made his way to the prefectural city and found Luo Feiyue and other constables who were there to pay their grain taxes.
The first thing Su Dianli said was, "Are you all stupid?!"
"Now, in the counties below, who still pays grain tax?!"
"What a waste!"
If there's any grain, put it in the government warehouse! At least they'll have food and drink!
The rest is history.
Su Dianli and his men were already penniless. The gold, silver and valuables they had brought with them were not enough to withstand the soaring grain prices in other places. In addition, there were many bandits, and most of them had been stolen and robbed.
If they encounter people from Nanjiang County, the family will definitely pester them relentlessly and shamelessly return to this place.
As Su Qing listened to Luo Feiyue and Luo Hufang's explanation, she had a general idea of what was going on.
He was somewhat speechless when he heard the name of the Jiangnan merchant ship owner.
"Master Su, Clerk Su probably wants to seize power." Luo Hufang had followed Clerk Su all the way and not only found out what had happened to him recently.
To better understand his purpose.
But he had just been transferred from Luo the clerk to Luo the household manager.
If someone else were to take charge, he would be at a huge disadvantage.
This statement is to express one's stance.
He's on Su Qingsu's side!
Su Qing naturally understood his meaning and reassured him, "Don't worry, Uncle Su has been away from the yamen for a long time and is not familiar with many things."
He's been gone a long time, does he still want to occupy this position?
I'm afraid I'm dreaming.
Su Qing's words reassured Luo Hufang, who then reported on the trip.
Before he could speak, Gu Congsi, whom he hadn't seen for several days, came to the study and sat in his usual spot.
Su Qing said, "Continue."
Luo Hufang nodded.
He had two main tasks when he went to the government office this time.
First, there was the matter of paying grain tax, which goes without saying; they handled the task exceptionally well.
"Of the sixteen counties, apart from the two near the prefectural city, only our Nanjiang County paid this year's tax grain."
"Of these three, we delivered the largest amount of 1.2 million catties of grain."
Su Qing was not surprised by this.
That's why I feel bad about it; I should have given less.
The government office was naturally very pleased.
They had no prefects, nor was there anyone to act as their prefect, so the six departments and three shifts each managed their own duties.
The prefectural magistrate was very satisfied with Su Qing and praised her for being a woman who was just as capable as any man, fulfilling her responsibilities for her father, and being a truly filial daughter.
"He also said that you can focus on your work and that we should keep in touch more often in the future." Luo Hufang conveyed the message from the prefectural government's household registration office.
Normally, if she, a woman, were in charge, they would definitely have many opinions.
But he was also burdened by the responsibility of fulfilling his father's duties, the turbulent times, and the large amount of tax revenue.
Even if they don't support it, not many people will oppose it.
Luo Hufang did a very good job on his first task.
The second thing was to stay a few more days and gather information.
"As everyone knows, the rebels did not actually enter the prefectural city."
"But the prefect, the sub-prefect, and even the education commissioner all fled before the incident occurred."
"The capital is furious about this and has dismissed these people from their posts, but the situation in Guangyue Prefecture is complicated, and no one is willing to take up the post so far." Luo Hufang said, and couldn't help but sigh. If the prefectural city is like this, what about the counties?
Su Qing nodded: "There's definitely no one who will take it over. The war in Guang Le Prefecture is not over yet. Of the seventeen counties, fourteen are peaceful, and three are still in the hands of the rebels."
"Furthermore, grain prices are soaring in various places, thieves are rampant, and there is also a plague."
It's perfectly normal that no one is willing to take it over.
Although Su Qing didn't finish speaking, her meaning was quite clear.
Luo Hufang nodded repeatedly: "That's what the officials in the government office said too. I estimate that this position will remain vacant for a long time."
"I heard from the military authorities that the capital also wants the government offices to be responsible for the logistics and supplies of the imperial army, so even fewer people are willing to come."
Whoever comes here should take the blame.
Everyone avoids this thankless and arduous task.
Gu Congsi pursed his lips upon hearing this.
He originally wanted to ask the prefectural school if there were any arrangements for the county-level examinations next year.
Hearing this, one naturally understands that compared to what had just happened, the county examination was insignificant.
But what he was dissatisfied with was not that he could not pass the county examination.
Rather, as officials of the imperial court, why can't they consider the needs of the people?
Not only the prefect and others fled.
No one even dared to take on the task. If they didn't rise to the challenge at this time, wouldn't all their previous studies of the classics have been in vain?
Su Qing caught a glimpse of Gu Congsi's expression out of the corner of her eye.
I'd like to say, this is probably what it feels like for a scholar before entering society?
What I learned from reading is what I use to do my job.
It really is different.
Well, who hasn't experienced disillusionment after leaving the ivory tower and entering the real world?
Su Qing had no intention of criticizing; instead, she showed more tolerance.
Having learned about the situation outside, she felt even more determined to protect Nanjiang County.
They cannot relax just because everyone else is slacking off.
There's no point in comparing how bad things are.
Su Qing said, "You've worked hard in the household registration office. You and those four constables should rest well for a few days. Once you've recovered your strength, I'll hire two clerks from the household registration office to assist you."
Luo Hufang nodded immediately.
Forget about resting, he'd rather hire people right away!
Of course, if he doesn't rest, everyone else will too.
After Luo Hufang left, only Su Qing and Gu Congsi remained in the study.
Seeing that Gu Congsi remained silent, Su Qing felt a little awkward and simply continued to bury herself in her work.
After a while, Gu Congsi said, "My father is very persistent about the county examination; he will definitely hold it."
"Master Su, is there any way to persuade him?"
At this point, Su Qing asked the question that had been bothering her: "Why are you so concerned? It's only a year-long suspension."
"I imagine the prefectural government won't remain without a prefect or an education commissioner forever. The capital city wouldn't allow it either."
Gu Congsi looked up at Su Qing with some difficulty and said, "There should be an autumn examination next year."
Should there be an autumn imperial examination?
Su Qing then realized that the autumn examination was the provincial examination, held once every three years.
As a scholar who had passed the county-level imperial examination, Gu Congsi would certainly have to participate in the provincial-level examination next year.
However, neither the preliminary examinations nor the county examinations could be held.
The provincial examination is probably even more difficult.
What Gu Jiaoyu feared was that the provincial examination would be postponed, and his son would not be able to pass the provincial examination.
Gu Jiaoyu, who changed his fate through the imperial examination system.
He passed the imperial examination and became a scholar, then a teacher at the county school through his mentor's connections, and later an instructor.
This gave Instructor Gu great expectations for the imperial examinations.
His son, Gu Congsi, was especially good at studying.
A sixteen-year-old scholar has a good chance of becoming a successful candidate in the provincial examinations.
If the provincial examination were postponed, it would be a huge blow to him.
After all, there is a world of difference between a Juren (a successful candidate in the provincial-level imperial examination) and a Xiucai (a
It's not impossible that the family will move away from the war-torn Guanglefu at that time.
Su Qing suddenly thought of something.
Gu Congsi replied, "It has nothing to do with marriage. My father has been looking forward to the provincial examination for a long time."
What does it mean to try to cover something up only to make it more obvious?
Su Qing sighed helplessly, "If you hadn't been in such a hurry to explain, it wouldn't have been so obvious."
Isn't it just that your father wants you to pass the imperial examination as soon as possible so that you can leave Nanjiang County and Guangle Prefecture naturally?
Then no one will mention our verbal engagement.
Su Qing didn't care about this and nodded casually: "Whether it's related or not, I definitely won't organize the county-level examination."
"I will not waste money and manpower on this."
Although the autumn taxes have been collected, the government office has also hired new staff.
But there's so much to do.
If she knowingly wastes money and still goes to take the county exam, what difference is there between her and spending a fortune to buy a smile from Gu Congsi's father?
Let alone the old man who bought Gu Jiaoyu's things, he laughed.
It's not worth buying Gu Congsi's smile.
Su Qing was resolute in her words, and she acted accordingly.
Regardless of the matter of refusing to hold county-level examinations.
Even when Uncle Su secretly tried to seize power, she rejected him completely.
Uncle Su cursed inwardly: "She used to pretend to be so docile, like a girl from a modest family."
"Now it seems she's a shrew, a penny-pincher, and a miser."
He only dared to curse behind closed doors.
If you scold her too much, then beat Aunt Su San.
Sometimes he even targets his own son.
There were three brothers in Su Qing's father's generation.
The eldest son of the Su family farms at home to support his elderly mother.
The second son, Magistrate Su, was well-read and served as an official in another region.
The third brother, Uncle Su, also studied for a few years and served as the second brother's right-hand man. Regardless of his abilities, he was at least a family member and someone who could be trusted.
Moreover, Magistrate Su could restrain most of his behavior.
Of course, that was before anything bad happened.
Now that Magistrate Su is gone, Uncle Su is no longer subject to any restrictions.
During his escape, he began to beat and verbally abuse his wife and children, feeling that they were both a burden.
Aunt Su thought things would get better once she returned to Nanjiang County.
I never imagined that once domestic violence starts, it can't be stopped.
However, what the couple had in common was that they both cursed Su Qing.
They felt that she had taken Su Dianli's position, which was why their family was having a hard time.
He thought that as long as he came back, given the current situation, he could take Su Qing's place.
After all, he held the official position of clerk.
He is Su Qing's third uncle.
But whether it was the people in the yamen, or Mei Niang, or Zhu Niangzi, the registrar.
Even the local people didn't listen to him.
Some even said, "If you become the head of the yamen, Nanjiang County is doomed!"
"You're no match for Su Qing, so stop messing around."
This last sentence was said by Su Dianli's former drinking buddy.
This person isn't exactly upright; when we used to hang out together, we were like a bunch of shady friends.
But his whole family had eaten the grain that Su Qing "borrowed" from them, and the medicine that Su Qing had tried to give them.
Under such circumstances, anyone with even a shred of conscience would not support Clerk Su.
Not just for Su Qing, but also for my own future.
Having no other choice, Su Dianli went to buy more wine to relieve his boredom.
However, in the tavern, they encountered an unexpected person.
"Instructor Gu, you've started drinking too!?"
Instructor Gu didn't have this hobby; it was just that things had been going wrong for him lately, and he could only drown his sorrows in alcohol.
There was no county examination, and no township examination.
What will happen to the future of scholars?
If his son continues to work as an assistant to the eldest daughter of the Su family in the government office.
Wouldn't that mean there's no future at all?
However, Instructor Gu did not intend to share his troubles with Clerk Su, as they were not on the same wavelength.
But Su Dianli heard some rumors.
Upon seeing the money that Instructor Gu had spent on wine, a plan suddenly came to mind.
“Instructor Gu, if you want to hold the county examination, come find me.”
Gu Jiaoyu subconsciously said, "The person in charge of Nanjiang County can only be the eldest daughter of the Su family."
The subtext is...
You can't do it!
You can't compare to her!
Su Dianli gritted his teeth.
That's not what he meant!
After he whispered a few words, Instructor Gu hesitated.
-
Su Qing got up early in the morning and saw Su Dianli and Gu Jiaoyu standing together.
"Seriously? You guys want to organize next year's county-level examination together?"
"The government doesn't need to pay; you'll take full responsibility?"
Su Qing looked at Instructor Gu and asked definitively, "Do you want to cooperate with Uncle Su?"
Su Qing's three questions left even the clerk, Su, uncertain.
“Don’t worry about it. Anyway, you don’t need to spend any money. I’ll make sure the county exam goes smoothly.” Clerk Su continued, “Nanjiang County has a good academic atmosphere. There are at least one or two hundred students who want to participate in the county exam, most of whom are from wealthy families.”
"They've been asking about the county examination lately. If we cancel it, wouldn't that upset them?"
What Su Dianli said was not wrong.
It's already the tenth day of the ninth lunar month.
Many scholars are asking about next year's county examination.
Seeing that Su Qing still disagreed, Su Dianli's face flashed with displeasure.
A niece dared to ride roughshod over him.
If a tiger doesn't show its power, people will really think it's a sick cat.
Just then, the gatekeeper ran over and said, "Master Su, there are about ten scholars outside the gate requesting an audience to inquire about next year's county examination."
These people were making a ruckus, their tone filled with resentment.
It sounded somewhat like he was complaining about Su Qing.
These scholars all came from good families and believed they had never received any kindness from Su Qing in providing them with porridge and medicine, so they acted with a sense of righteous indignation in causing trouble.
If you look closely, you'll find that there are also relatives of Wang Huan, a local notable, among them.
Wang Huan had been thoroughly persecuted and had already submitted, but his subordinates each had their own ideas.
"Let me tell you, if Nanjiang County doesn't hold the county examination, many scholars will riot!"
Su Qing looked at Su Sanshu again, then at Gu Jiaoyu who looked bewildered, and smiled, "Alright, then you guys do it."
"But it was made clear beforehand that this matter had nothing to do with the government office; it was all handled by the county school."
"how?"
Okay, okay!
If you agree, that's fine.
After receiving permission from Instructor Gu, Clerk Su left.
They need to hurry up and prepare for the county examination next February!
After they left, Officer Wu couldn't help but say, "Steward Su, there's no need to indulge them. Are you afraid the scholars will cause trouble?"
Su Qing raised an eyebrow and calmly said, "As the saying goes, a scholar's rebellion will not succeed in three years, and they are not even scholars yet. Why would I be afraid of that?"
Scholar Gu Congsi walked in and asked, "Then why did you agree?"
Su Qing didn't answer, but just told everyone to get to work.
It's already September, how's the repair of the burned-down houses in each village going?
As we were talking, the temperature started to drop, so we couldn't delay.
Gu Congsi had a vague feeling that this was a trap, but with his experience, he couldn't see where the problem lay.
Su Qing sighed and waited until everyone else had left before saying, "Don't worry, Instructor Gu will be fine."
Gu Congsi had helped her a lot, so she naturally wouldn't forget his kindness.
If you ask what kind of trap it is...
Naturally, the more you do, the more mistakes you make.
Keeping Su Dianli around is a menace, but there's no clear grounds to actually punish him.
Since he's going to stick his neck out, let him stick his neck out.
Only when mistakes are made can they be dealt with all at once.
Besides, holding the county examination as scheduled would not be without her benefits.
As for Instructor Gu...
Everyone knows his personality and won't blame him.
Gu Congsi wanted to ask more questions, but he didn't know where to begin.
He looked at Su Qing's handwriting, which was actually not very good, and she had never read the Four Books and Five Classics.
However, in terms of political affairs, he far surpasses everyone else in Nanjiang County.
Gu Congsi worked in silence, his heart filled with mixed emotions.
The news that the county examination in Nanjiang County was held as scheduled spread throughout the county.
This made many scholars extremely happy.
Years of hard work and studying, every exam is an opportunity.
Every missed opportunity is a precious one, so they must strive harder.
Some people, however, became more cunning.
If the county-level examination can be held, can it be held in the prefectural capital?
You need to think this through carefully.
Two scholars, who had come all the way from the countryside, hesitated near the government office, wanting to inquire about the situation.
Luo Hufang happened to be passing by when the two stopped him to ask for his advice.
Seeing that they were cautious in their speech and sincere in their words, Luo Hufang told the truth: "Both Su and I believe that the prefectural city probably doesn't have the energy to handle the imperial examinations."
The two men sighed, thanked Luo Hufang, and prepared to head home.
"Wait a minute, what kind of work do you two do now, and how are things at home?"
Why ask this?
The workshop manager, who was passing by, said with a grin, "This is the Luohu office of the yamen. We are short two clerks and are having trouble finding suitable people. Please answer quickly."
Luo Hufang has many requirements.
They say they are in charge of the county's land, household registration, finances, and taxes.
They must be literate, capable of calculations, and cautious in their conduct.
But these people were all chosen by the other households first.
Do you really think people are like cabbages, that they can be found everywhere?
The two scholars could hardly believe their ears and quickly explained that they were farmers at home and earned some money by writing letters and practicing calligraphy for others.
It was fortunate that the village teacher didn't charge much tuition; otherwise, they wouldn't have been able to continue their studies.
Therefore, they are very cautious about registering for the exam.
"This year, the registration fee for the county school is eighty coins, which is fifty coins more than in previous years."
"Even in difficult times, there are too many."
This is exactly what Su Dianli was capable of doing.
Luo Hufang thought to himself, then nodded and said, "Alright, if you have time, come and try it out at Hufang. Three days is the limit. If it doesn't suit you, then we'll part ways."
"If it's suitable, you can stay for an internship for three months."
"How about we continue to pay your salary during this period?"
how?
Of course!
Even if I can only stay for three months.
No, three days.
They also have food to eat.
As long as you work hard, you'll have a livelihood in the future. If you can't succeed this year, you can take the exam again next year.
These two people failed to register but were successfully hired, which can be considered a kind of fate.
Three days later, Luo Hufang took them to see Master Su, and their internship officially began.
First meeting with Steward Su.
The two scholars also thought she was too young.
But when he actually spoke, Su was very articulate and trustworthy.
No wonder they were able to save Nanjiang County.
You really can't judge a book by its cover.
Su Qing was happy to see the newcomers.
Especially that guy named Fei Kaiyu, who is only eighteen years old this year and has handsome features.
Having subordinates like these is a joy to behold.
Gu Congsi put down the official documents in his hand and said, "Steward Su, the houses in these five villages have been repaired. Please take a look."
Su Qing's attention was diverted, while Gu Congsi looked up at the man named Fei Kaiyu.
He wasn't even a scholar, so he didn't even have the chance to rebel.
"You've gone to check on them? How's the repair going? Have all the materials you bought been used?" Su Qing continued to ask. "I remember there are two more bridges to be repaired in their village. If there's any leftover timber, organize people to repair the bridges."
Gu Congsi nodded: "That's how it's done. I'll go and take another look after the wooden bridge is finished."
Su Qing was relieved: "We should keep an eye on even the most remote mountain villages."
“Their village is located in the mountains. Although it has not been looted by the rebels, life is difficult. Let’s see if there is anything we can do to help.”
After finishing a bunch of miscellaneous tasks, Luo Hufang led his men to inspect the fields.
The main purpose is to prepare for planting medicinal herbs next year.
Now we need to preserve the land and see which farmers in the county want to cultivate it.
This needs to be done quickly, otherwise the pharmacies in the county will definitely be anxious.
Fortunately, in early October, the Ye family's merchant ships from Jiangnan arrived again.
During this period, quite a few merchant ships have arrived one after another.
But the Ye family's are different.
After all, his family had received an order from Su Qing, bringing tens of thousands of kilograms of various medicinal seeds.
Su Qing personally went to pick them up, which finally put the pharmacies at ease.
The steward from the Ye family this time was rather old-fashioned. He checked each seed item carefully, collected the money, and nodded, saying, "The seed debt is settled."
"And there's the government's grain loan."
That's easy to say; Su Qing had already prepared for it.
Even so, she still felt incredibly heartbroken watching the grain being loaded onto someone else's boat.
Then another wealthy man surnamed Zhang arrived at the dock.
This wealthy Zhang replaced the local gentry Wang and helped the Ye family collect grain here. He was very polite to Su Qing and did not think of her as being too young, so he deliberately treated her with disrespect.
Zhang, the wealthy man, even said, "I have always wanted to pay my respects to Steward Su, but unfortunately I haven't had the time."
"If I have the chance, I'd like to visit the head of the household."
Oh, I'm thinking of giving a gift.
Su Qing smiled and said, "Just do your job well and treat the tenants well."
Upon hearing this, Zhang the wealthy man breathed a slight sigh of relief.
Those of them who owned some land were truly afraid of Su Qing.
Despite his young age, he is ruthless.
She nearly killed Mr. Wang, the local gentry.
Su Qing seemed to have thought of something: "That's right, the dredging of the docks at the beginning of the year is a good thing for the whole county."
"At that time, we will need the full support of all parties."
Su Qing refused Zhang Da Hu's bribe.
It doesn't mean I don't want his money.
When the big spenders come together, they'll pay for the dredging.
In just a few words, a large sum of money was left over.
Su Qing smiled as she looked at the Ye family's merchant ship, then at the seeds that had been unloaded.
There is ample time.
For now, she should prepare to grow medicinal herbs.
A note from the author:
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