Chapter 119

Seeing that less than three days will be left for the trial to start again, Zhang Fangyuan is even more busy with his feet on the ground.

He and Xu He just returned from the village that day, and when they arrived at the house, the two sons were not at home. Zhang Fangyuan called Licorice: “It’s not Xiumu today, did you go out together?”

Licorice said: “Master, the children’s exam results are released today, and the young master and young master went out early in the morning to watch the results.”

Zhang Fangyuan slapped his forehead, turned back and said to Xu He: “I’ve been busy with the trial these days, but I’ve forgotten all about it. I think I went to see it with Ruijin.”

Xu He was exhausted physically and mentally by the lawsuit, and it was hard to find witnesses and material evidence, so he had a long discussion with the litigator.

The litigator made it clear that this is not the first time the Qin family has been involved in a lawsuit. These years they have been running rampant in the city and in Yurou Township, and they can still live so peacefully, but they have never lost a lawsuit. Xiaohu knows his magical powers in Siyang and is bullied I can only suffer from being dumb and dare not report to the official.

“The Qin family is not only rich and powerful, but also its cousin Qin Zhong is not easy to deal with. Many Goulan houses in the city are from Qin Zhong’s hands.”

Xu He was puzzled: “Could it be that the Qin family used money to solve every accident, and everyone is greedy for money?”

The litigator truthfully said: “The second room of the Qin family has a daughter who was born extremely delicate and beautiful. She grew up surrounded by pearls and greenery since she was a child. She was originally able to match the young talents in the city and find a good family to live happily ever after. Fulang knows that The master of the second room of the Qin family is so scheming and cunning, waiting for his daughter to reach Ji, no matter how much she cries and makes trouble, he turned around and sent her to the county magistrate’s house to be a noble concubine, but that is still a daughter born in the main room.”

Zhang Fangyuan used to work under Qin Zhong, and he looked after the building for Qin Zhong very well. Qin Zhongzhong once asked him to go to the house to order errands, but he met Qin Xiangshui several times because of this opportunity, indeed. She is a beautiful little girl, she was at the age of flowers and jade when she married the county magistrate as a concubine, and the county magistrate was approaching forty at that time.

At that time, the brothers who had seen Qin Xiangshui were very sad.

Xu He frowned: “The Qin family is willing to send their daughter to be a concubine.”

“Forgive me to speak bluntly. Although the emperor has elevated the status of merchants these years, allowing the sons of merchants to take scientific examinations, and allowing officials to do business, how can the habits accumulated for hundreds of years be easily changed. Scholars, farmers, businessmen, and merchants are still ranked last. It’s nothing more than ordinary people’s families, but most officials look down on merchants, but they have to rely on merchants to live a prosperous life.”

“The status of merchants is limited. If they want to keep their wealth and stability, they must have the background of the government. The children and grandchildren of the Qin family are all sent to study, but it seems that the Qin family has a business instinct in their bones, and their children and grandchildren love it. But none of the cooking shops took the road of scientific research, and the imperial court does not allow merchants to donate money to buy officials, so if you want to stabilize in Siyang, you have to use your daughter and brother.”

The litigator shook his head: “In order to protect the family, there is no reason to be reluctant.”

Xu He immediately understood after hearing these words, no wonder the magistrate’s words were directed towards the Qin family, even though his concubine was not from the eldest family of the Qin family, but after all it was a clan, Qin Zhong naturally had to say goodbye to his sister. Uncle’s cousin begged for mercy, and the second room of the Qin family was offering some generous gifts, so the thread was naturally connected.

The two cleared their minds, and the litigator also left a sentence, if he wanted to win the lawsuit, he had to make connections with officials.

After getting such an answer, both of them were in a bad mood.

“Daddy, brother passed the exam!”

Before the two of them entered the house, they saw another carriage from the family coming from a long distance away. Brother Xiaoli poked his head out of the window, smiled and waved his eyes, pulling the two of them back from their thoughts.

Zhang Fangyuan’s eyes lit up, and he asked in disbelief, “You got hit?”

As soon as the carriage stopped, Brother Li jumped out of the carriage before he could stabilize himself. His movements were faster than the servants who were serving him.

“Slow down!” Ruijin poked his head out from behind.

Xu He held Brother Xiao Li: “Did you see the name on the list?”

Brother Xiao Li nodded: “If it wasn’t because Tong Kao had only passed or failed, otherwise my brother’s ranking would definitely be at the top, and it wouldn’t make me look at the name for a long time. The number of references for this year’s Tong Kao is too high It’s too much.”

Both Zhang Fangyuan and Xu He laughed at the same time, and the unhappiness of the past few days was washed away by the good news.

Zhang Fangyuan patted Ruijin’s head cherishingly. Originally, he really never thought that the child would be able to pass. He planned to try the exam rules in the end. He never wanted to pass it in one fell swoop, even though he was not very proficient in the imperial examination. The thing is, I also know that Ruijin’s age is one of the best in the city, so how can such a proud thing not make the old father happy.

“That’s why I sent my servants to set firecrackers and buy some good wine and food to make the scene lively.”

Ruijin was happy to see the whole family, and there was a rare smile on his face, but he also knew that the family was not peaceful recently and was troubled by troubles. When I went out to read the list today, the reason why I took so long to come back was that I sent someone to inquire about it. Only then did he and Brother Xiao Li know that the family had been involved in a lawsuit.

No matter how happy things are, this is not the time to celebrate.

Ruijin said: “It’s just that I passed the children’s exam, so there’s no need to publicize it so much. It’s good for the family to have a meal behind closed doors. There are not a few people in the city who have passed the children’s exam this time, and no other family has seen such publicity. Let’s set off firecrackers The momentum is huge, but it makes people laugh.”

Zhang Fangyuan and Xu He looked at each other, and the two felt an indescribable relief in their hearts: “Okay, it’s up to you. After the family has been busy for a while, I will take you and Brother Xiaoli back to the village to hunt for the autumn harvest.” Fatty fish to eat.”

The family was quite happy enough to enter the house, and Xu He ordered the servants to go and buy some good meat and come back. Even if he didn’t have the heart to eat, he had to have a hearty meal on a good day.

“Ruijin, after passing the Tongkao today, I’d better go there and report to Master Luo in person.”

“I know, I’m going here.”

Ruijin replied, went back to the house to tidy up his appearance, took the book boy to the next door, and saw a small sedan chair parked at the door of the house, he turned his head and saw that the visitor looked familiar, and suddenly remembered that it was The housekeeper of my great-grandfather I met in the street market.

Seeing that his father was not happy with his grandfather, he broke up that day, how did this day come again.

Feeling suspicious, he glanced at the gate of the Luo family, and when he turned his head and saw that the butler had been invited into the house, he turned back and returned home through the side door.

“I don’t know why Butler Pei made a sudden visit?”

The child passed the children’s exam, and the atmosphere at home was harmonious, but the sudden visit from the Zeng family made Zhang Fangyuan’s good mood unavoidably diminished a bit.

The visitor was a guest, in the final analysis they were still relatives, Zhang Fangyuan couldn’t keep people out, so he called them in and met them in the side hall.

“Master Ruijin and Master Ruijin hit it off right away. They missed the young master’s Tongkao exam. Today, when the rankings were released, they specially sent people to look at the ranking. Master Ruijin is worthy of inheriting the blood of his grandmother, Miss San. He passed the Tongkao exam in one fell swoop the first time. The old slave came to congratulate today on behalf of the master.”

Steward Pei beckoned, and the accompanying servants came forward with two boxes: “This is a congratulatory gift from the master to the young master. I hope the young master will continue to study and study hard. There must be a bright future in the future.”

Zhang Fangyuan didn’t even look at the congratulatory gifts. His mother was a father and daughter when she was alive, but she was disgusted that she was of the blood of the Zeng family. Now that the great-grandson has been related to several generations of relatives, he has climbed up again because he can read some books. It’s funny.

Butler Pei also seemed to have guessed Zhang Fangyuan’s performance this time, and he didn’t show any anger. Seeing that people refused to accept him, he didn’t hesitate to get off the stage at all. He waved his servants and retreated with his things.

“I heard that Young Master Zhang has a lawsuit. I think there are a lot of things to think about.”

Zhang Fangyuan frowned: “I never thought that my grandfather still cared about the Zhang family’s affairs. I really bothered.”

“My family should be bothered.” Pei Guanjia said: “Master Zhang, I think you also know that if you lose the lawsuit, it will not be a good record in the county government. But merchants are different, even the imperial court is strict. The young master Ruijin can see his talent at the beginning of the game, and he has a bright future. If the scientific examination is affected because of his father’s lawsuit, the loss outweighs the gain.”

“It’s just that you don’t like the relatives and friends of the young lady’s natal family, but you really want to delay the future of your children and grandchildren because of your own emotions? If the young lady is still alive, you must not support the young master’s approach. How can the grievances of the previous generation be carried over to the next generation? come up?”

How could Zhang Fangyuan not understand the truth? It was because he knew that he felt that things were tricky and annoyed: “What do you want to say?”

“The master can ignore the disrespect of the young master in the past, and he can protect the peace of the Zhang family in the future.”

Butler Pei paused for a moment, then smiled slightly: “Master is very pleased with Young Master Ruijin, I heard that Young Master Ruijin was just a scholar who met by chance when he first opened his door to worship his master, not a master of the world, nor a celebrity. For the sake of the young master’s official career, I hope that the young master will continue his studies in the Zeng family’s school, and the master will find time to teach himself.”

Zhang Fangyuan almost laughed out loud when he heard the words. When he learned that the litigator said that this lawsuit still needed an official background, he had thought of the Zeng family. When they came to the door, Xu He didn’t say a word about it.

But before he came to the door, the Zeng family came to the door first, and even wanted to ask Ruijin to become a student, so they relied on the attitude of the Zeng family’s head of profit, if they sent Ruijin there, they would not know how to be taught in the future what it looks like.

My kid has some talent for reading. I watched the kid grow up in my hands. This time, he was able to pass the children’s exam in one fell swoop. Not only is the kid eager to learn and improve, but it is also because of Luo Yan’s good teaching. No matter how smart the kid is, Without the guidance of a good teacher, he doesn’t think he can have such a promising future.

When Ruijin grows up, it should be sent to the academy and should not continue to bother Luo Yan, but Luo Yan has never said anything to chase him away, so the child can continue to study in the Luo family. Now that Ruijin has achieved a little success, he sends the child to another house Sent: “Could it be that my grandfather wants people to say that Zhang Fangyuan crosses the river and demolishes the bridge?”

“Master, this is serious. This is crossing the river and tearing down the bridge. How can this student study for the rest of his life with only one teacher? The enlightened teacher only worked for those two years. There are many students in the city who leave the enlightened teacher and go to the academy to study at an old age. .”

Butler Pei said: “The young master is a person who values ​​friendship. It was really not easy for the young master to study and learn from a teacher. The Luo family’s willingness to lend a helping hand is due to their kindness. I went to say this time that the Luo family is a good person, so I can understand it. At that time, the Zhang family will send some generous gifts to thank you, and the master will also give gifts in return, so it couldn’t be more appropriate.”

Seeing that Zhang Fangyuan was silent and did not answer, he continued: “This morning, take Master Ruijin over, the master can give the young master a banquet to celebrate the exam, it will be lively, and then you can take this opportunity to invite the county magistrate to join us.” Banquet, isn’t everything going to be a matter of course in the court hearing in the future?”

“Grandfather really has great supernatural powers.”

“Where is the young master, it is not the young master who is at fault in this lawsuit. The local snakes are running rampant, and they are not doing it for their own family, but for the common people.”

Ruijin listened for a long time at the crossbar outside the gate, and when he heard his little father bringing tea with him, he hurriedly stepped back and hid in the dark, and only turned around when Xu He entered the room Ready to go to Luo Yan’s house.

Turning around, he collided with the person hiding behind, Brother Li rubbed his forehead: “Brother, you can’t slow down!”

“Why are you here?”

“I saw you sneaking around here for a long time, so come over and join in the fun.”

Ruijin frowned, and took Brother Li to the garden.

“Is my brother going to agree to the request of the person who came today and go to study at that great-grandfather’s house?”

Leaving the eaves of the corridor, brother Li yelled out.

Ruijin took a look at the person, and although he had a bluffing temper, he knew what he was thinking when he frowned, probably this was the sympathy between twins.

“The people can’t compete with businessmen, and businessmen can’t compete with officials.” Ruijin said: “If I lose the lawsuit, it will not only affect my future scientific research, but my father will also have a reputation for bad business competition and provocative troubles. How to do it. The Qin family is vicious, they want to cut off our family’s official career, but also want to cut off our family’s business route, and it affects the whole body.”

“But Master has treated my elder brother and me very well these past few years. Wouldn’t it be chilling to leave Master now, and besides, Daddy hates the Zeng family so much.”

Ruijin said: “This is exactly the trouble. I will take advantage of the past to report the results, talk to the master, and find a solution.”

Brother Xiao Li sighed, and nodded his head in a rare way.

“It’s good to pass. Many officials and eunuchs in the capital donate money to buy students. Although it will not hinder the future scientific examinations, it is best to start from the beginning step by step. And the children who donate are only ten years old. You can go to the courtyard test in the future, since you have passed the test yourself, you will not be hindered, and you can pass the courtyard test earlier than others.”

Ruijin cupped her hands: “It’s because of the teacher’s good teaching that I can pass the children’s exam in one fell swoop, otherwise Ruijin would not be here today.”

Luo Yan waved his hand, stroked his beard slightly and said with a smile: “You are tenacious and eager to learn, and you can rely on yourself for everything, but this is the first step. You can’t slack off in the future, and it is reasonable to move forward step by step. ”

“Ruijin would like to listen to the instruction.”

Zhang Ruijin is not a student taught by Luo Yan, he has many students under his command, but it is the first student who makes him feel happy just passing the children’s exam, I don’t know whether it is because he is old or what. But looking at it carefully, this kid doesn’t like to make publicity, and he doesn’t seem to be impetuous and happy like his peers. This kind of disposition is what he is most optimistic about.

It’s not that he has never seen a talented person, but such a child often uses his talent to amuse cats and dogs, play with things and lose his mind, and finally bury his talent.

Whether it will go far in the future depends on the character of mind.

“Brother Xing is very happy to hear that you have passed the Tongkao. He is making pastries with the cook in the back kitchen. You should stay and wait for some before leaving.”

Ruijin responded, and took a sip of tea from one side.

Luo Yan saw that the taciturn Ruijin was somewhat different from the past, and asked with a smile: “I heard that Brother Xing didn’t see you happy when he did it, but the joy of passing the children’s exam didn’t disappear?”

Ruijin put down the teacup: “It’s definitely not the case.”

“Is there something on your mind?”

Ruijin paused, but still opened his mouth to talk about the family affairs.

“This matter has caused a lot of trouble in the city. Tong Kao Bubang only covered the limelight today, and the old man has heard about it. Has your father come up with a countermeasure?”

Ruijin said: “Master treats Ruijin’s kindness as heavy as a mountain, and dare not hide anything.”

He picked out the important points of the serious relationship in the matter, and said: “Great-grandfather wants me to study under him, so that the two families can have more contacts. Daddy is considering this matter, but Daddy doesn’t like the great-grandfather’s family. I don’t know what to do.”

Hearing the words, Luo Yan also became more relaxed, and put down the teacup in his hand: “The new Tongzhi transferred to Siyang is your great-grandfather?”

Ruijin nodded: “Daddy seldom mentions things about grandma’s natal family, that’s how I found out.”

Luo Yan took a deep breath, and then let it out with a frown. He didn’t expect things to turn out like this. Seeing Ruijin’s expressionless eyes, he couldn’t help accepting the previous joy.

The Zeng family is a family of officials and officials. Seeing that one of the descendants has a promising future, it is common to want to recruit and train them. This is a common way for officials and officials. Merchants value profits, and officials do everything they can to stabilize their positions. pole.

It’s just… coming to **** someone from him, this incident inevitably made him feel unhappy.