Chapter 7, Bargaining

Even if one donates their background and their official position, and fills in the gaps, whether they can earn back the money is another matter. Head Constable Guan lifted his teacup and said with a hint of pride: "Although I have never been an official, I have seen enough. It is said that a clean governor can earn one hundred thousand taels of silver in three years, but in reality, being an official is not that easy, nor that simple"

The head of the guards suddenly realized that Si Wazi had gained the upper hand, and couldn't help but say: "Manager Pan, there is a saying that comes to mind: since ancient times, loyalty and filial piety cannot be both fulfilled. Si Wazi is not having it easy either; he has to take care of his aunt and younger sister, as well as his father and three older brothers. He is caught in a dilemma, unable to satisfy both sides."

"A gentleman helps others to achieve their goals. Moreover, my relationship with Brother Yu Cai is akin to that of brothers, and our families have been friends for generations, so it is only natural to be lenient." Manager Pan smiled and then shifted the topic: "However, I have two requests, and I hope my esteemed nephew will certainly agree to them."

He turned to look at his son, and his gaze shifted back to Han Xiufeng: "Noble nephew, I have never misjudged a person. I have long said that you are the thoroughbred of the Han family! Look at this, you have quietly donated your background and even your official position. I believe you can also fill the role of inspector. Seeing you so ambitious, Brother Yucai's spirit in heaven must be very comforted.

The implication of the head of the guard is quite clear; Han Si has been making a living in the yamen since he was young. Although he has not passed the imperial examinations, he knows how to be an official. As long as he can fill the gaps, he can earn money. Manager Pan thought to himself that rather than forcing the Han family to sell their house and land, and still having to lend out the silver that is not fully returned, it would be better to take another gamble.

Dear nephew, do not try to deceive me. You have already resigned from your official position, so you must have thought of a way to make up for this shortfall! Moreover, isn't it related to the head of the catchers? There are so many uncles and elders in the yamen, you surely have a way to handle it

Manager Pan secretly cursed that those who work in the yamen are all no good, thinking to himself that if he had known this earlier, he would have rather died than lend money to that short-lived ghost, Han Yucai. But now it is too late for regrets, and he can only reluctantly say: "Among all virtues, filial piety comes first. Brother Yucai truly teaches his nephew well. Well, well, for the sake of this virtuous nephew's filial piety, I shall also fulfill this."

Uncle Pan spoke heavily, feel free to mention anything that is on your mind

Second Pan looked anxious and muttered, "Han Si, my father has already agreed to grant an extension. Isn't it just a matter of re-establishing a written agreement? With your capabilities, what is there to worry about?"

Your background was donated by you, the position of the ninth-grade candidate inspector was also donated by you, and your name is written on it. What use is it for me to ask you to donate the license for the supervising official? Dear nephew, I do not wish to impose on you; I have already agreed to grant an extension, so please do not make it difficult for me, alright?" Manager Pan was determined to make the eldest branch of the Han family acknowledge the debt owed by Han Yucai, and pushed the wooden box back in front of Han Xiufeng.

Regarding donations, the court has set clear prices, but not everyone can donate as they wish. Without some connections in the government offices, the same official would have to spend several times or even over ten times the amount of silver.

Hearing the tone suggests agreement to the extension, Han Xiufeng was overjoyed, yet still pretended to be calm and asked: "So, does this mean Uncle Pan, you are willing to grant me a few more years?"

What kind of loyalty and filial piety cannot be reconciled

In Han Xiufeng's view, this is merely a transaction. Since it is a transaction, there is room for negotiation. He simply pushed the wooden box in front of Manager Pan and said: "Uncle Pan, it is several thousand miles to the capital. If you only intend to lend me fifty taels, I won't even have enough for the journey to the capital, let alone to present my case there. It is only right to repay debts, so you might as well take this courtyard and the ten or so acres of land in the countryside. My aunt and younger sister will go with you, and I can even give you these two licenses from the Ministry of Revenue."

The life of being a tenant is truly difficult. Han Xiufeng does not want his entire family to endure the same days of being poorly clothed and inadequately fed as before, nor can he truly disregard his aunt and younger sister. He thinks this might be the best outcome. He raises his head and says: "The promissory note can be reestablished. The debts owed by my uncle can also be acknowledged by me, Han Si. However, Uncle Pan, you must lend me another five hundred taels. You mentioned earlier that it is easy to donate for an official position but difficult to fill the vacancy. To fill this vacancy, money is required."

Han Xiufeng was too lazy to pay him any more attention and fixed his gaze on Manager Pan, saying earnestly: "Uncle Pan, it's not that I, Han Si, do not appreciate your kindness, but rather that I, Han Si, never engage in ventures without certainty. Being an official is actually akin to doing business; it requires an investment! Without five hundred taels, I cannot go to the capital, and without that, I cannot fill the gap, nor can I become an official. Knowing full well that this business cannot be done, how could I dare to sign and seal the documents?"

"Thank you, Uncle Pan, for your support," Han Xiufeng stood up to express his gratitude, and then immediately asked, "I just don't know how you plan to support me, Uncle Pan?"

Dear nephew, the money I lent to your uncle before was out of goodwill. Now that your uncle is no longer here, and the amount borrowed is two thousand taels, it is necessary to have some collateral. Considering the situation, the only options are this courtyard and the ten or so acres of land in the countryside. I can be lenient; I will not take the courtyard and the land in the countryside for now, but a new promissory note must be established. However, you do not need to sign it; it will suffice for your aunt and younger sister to place their fingerprints.

What can fifty taels accomplish

Although fifty taels is somewhat less, it is all I can manage to squeeze out from my cabinet

Manager Pan was taken aback, secretly cursing the little fox for daring to ask for such an exorbitant price

First, I can grant an extension and may temporarily refrain from collecting this courtyard and the more than ten acres of land in the countryside, but the written agreement must be reestablished

Manager Pan was well aware of the intricacies within the government office and quickly said: "This is, this is, the salt merchant Mr. Qian from Jiangjin did not donate his life, he only contributed a nominal title of a seventh-rank deputy county magistrate and spent over 10,000 taels."

The officer thought to himself, why is this coming back to me again, and quickly said: "Manager Pan, please do not flatter me. I want to help Si Wazi, but as a mere servant, how much money can I save? I truly have the will but lack the strength."

Observing the thoughtful expressions of Han Xiufeng and Captain Guan, Manager Pan explained: "In other words, your aunt and younger sister will take care of this courtyard, while your father and your three brothers will cultivate the land in the countryside. We just need to establish a new document stating that this courtyard and the countryside land cannot be sold or mortgaged to others. The property deed and land deed will be kept with me, and when the debts are settled, you can take them back."

Uncle Pan, your words are reasonable, but you must also consider my position. I, Han Si, must be a dutiful nephew, but I also need to be a filial son! If I had the means, I would dare to stake my entire family. Without the means, I wouldn't even dare to do so, as I cannot implicate my father and my three honest brothers.

What we can discuss now is how your uncle will repay the money he owes me, not how you will make up for your shortcomings

"Dear nephew, it is not that your uncle does not wish to help, but rather that the funds in the shop are truly insufficient for circulation." Manager Pan pretended to deliberate for quite some time, as if he had made a significant decision, and said: "Since you have brought it up, your uncle can offer you a little something, how about fifty taels? There happens to be a fifty-tael silver note from 'Xihao' in the shop, which can be redeemed at the ticket office in the capital, and it is convenient to carry on your person."

Uncle Pan, it is not that I, Han Siqiang, am making things difficult for you, but without funds, I cannot go to the capital. Without money, I cannot make up for the shortfall! If I cannot make up for the shortfall, I cannot hold an official position. How can I earn money? If I cannot earn money, how can I help my uncle repay the debt I owe you?