Chapter 6, this prosperous era, as you wish
As for any special purpose, there is no need to speculate on something that cannot be guessed; it is merely a matter of hitching a ride on the coattails of others. Even if one intends to act against oneself, it would simply amount to being directly eliminated. With a Type 92 pistol tucked in his arms, Yang Feng is confident enough not to be unable to handle even a zombie disguise.
At this moment, within the distant imperial palace of Beijing.
In that case, I shall not refuse the courtesy
Having fled from disaster, the men have died, and one cannot sustain life, so one must sell the children
The boatman made a knowing expression
He indeed still lacks a maid to serve him; Xiao Rou is a servant in the inner chamber, and aside from attending to people, she knows nothing else
Xiao Rou, who was beside him, hurried over, but it was evident that there was a language barrier between the two parties. The young woman spoke the local dialect, while Xiao Rou spoke the Beijing Mandarin, making their communication akin to a chicken talking to a duck. It was only when the boatman came over to act as a translator that they could understand each other, which left Yang Feng feeling quite frustrated. This issue had left a deep impression on him during this period; over the course of five days, he traveled more than 1,000 kilometers, passing through three provinces, and almost every stop he made was marked by a language barrier. The inn staff had no problem communicating, but trying to flirt with a girl on the street became nearly impossible due to the lack of effective communication.
You filthy whore, how dare you come here, it has been quite a struggle for us to find you, do you think you can run away from your debts?
Xiao Rou said softly
Yang Feng then recalled the debt to the King of Hell at this time, but the interest compounding to five times is indeed too exaggerated. This shows that the person hanging on the rope in Beijing has also put in many years of effort. If he does not hang himself, perhaps the creditor might still have some thoughts about him. After all, what if he succeeds in the next imperial examination? At that time, fifty taels...
Yang Feng is feeling melancholic, while a zombie beside him, feigning a smile, cupped his hands and said. Judging by the emblem on his chest, it is a long-legged bird, but with his level of knowledge, he cannot identify the species. In his thirties, he is plump and fair, and his prosperous appearance is not particularly off-putting.
He not only woke up, but also began to have a reduction in fever.
Loan receipt
Sir, do you wish to purchase them? The younger ones can be trained to serve tea and water in another two years, while the older ones can be used as maids to do laundry and cook, which is manageable. Looking at their features, they are still fairly decent. They are currently quite hungry; if they have a few more hearty meals, they might still retain some beauty. If you are interested in the future...
What is this for
Uh, come back, damn it, don't run away!
Uh, why is he so enthusiastic
What will she do after selling the child
Perhaps the efforts of the imperial physicians bore fruit, or perhaps it was simply not his fate to perish. In any case, after being in a coma for a full five days, the Emperor of Mites, the Holy Sovereign, the Benevolent Father, Kang Mazi, ... has stubbornly survived the most critical moment of his life, which has lasted over forty years, much like a cockroach.
Fortunately, the sudden awakening of Kang Mazi caused everything to dissipate into thin air
The old woman's prayer beads suddenly fell to the ground
fifty taels of patterned silver
Grandfather, it is compound interest
Xiao Rou quietly reminded Yang Feng
Reflecting on the hardships faced by the young generation these days, he silently took out five gold leaves from his shoulder bag and, with an air of extravagance, tossed them at the man while shouting: "Get lost, don't let me see you again!"
Becoming a kiln mistress, working as a boat prostitute, or simply finding a place to jump into the river and end it all
Purchased?
The caterpillar awkwardly said, while trying to cover the patch on its long gown with its arm
Yang Feng immediately smiled and cupped his hands in greeting
Oh, how about sharing a boat then? It would be a good opportunity to seek your guidance in the morning and evening. My boat is quite spacious as well
Xiao Rou explains
Uh, was there a famine during the prosperous reign of Emperor Kangxi?
The young woman looked at Yang Feng with a pleading gaze
The official maintained a smile and said: "I am Cheng Ziming, the deputy magistrate of Songjiang Prefecture. I can tell from your accent that you are from the capital, am I right?"
Immediately, the young idol sleeping beside her, his ultimate rival, younger brother Yin Zhen, and even Yin Huo, who had not been spared from his antics, all suddenly woke from their slumber. The young idol was the first to react, looking incredulously at the sickbed, and then screamed frantically: "Imperial physician, hurry, the Emperor has awakened..."
Yang Feng disdainfully said
Yang Yaoren waved his folding fan and said
Yang Feng stroked his chin and hesitated for a moment
Yang Feng said
After talking for a while, the young woman immediately led the child to bow to him
Yang Feng said
Am I someone who is eager to help others? I clearly just don't know what is good
His voice echoed continuously throughout the palace
Well, I already have a wife and children at home
The man handed over the IOU
This brother is truly eager to help others and is admirable
Then why are you talking nonsense
Cheng Ziming inquired
At that moment, two men suddenly rushed out of the crowd. One of them quickly approached and forcefully pulled the little girl away, while the other menacingly spoke to the young woman. It was evident that this was the creditor, who had been waiting all along and, upon seeing the deal finalized, immediately jumped out to collect the money.
Sir, you truly have a way with humor; which year has not seen a place afflicted by disaster and famine leading to death
Cheng Ziming said with a smile
She is indeed a virtuous woman
Yes, Kang Mazi ultimately pulled through
Sir, she said she only wants to sell the child and books, to find a way out for the child. Her husband went to the capital to take the exam but failed and did not return, instead he hanged himself. Her in-laws were driven to the river by creditors. If you take in this child, she will use the money to pay off the debts and is also prepared to throw herself into the river to join her husband in death.
How much does she owe you?
The latter immediately changed to a smiling face, hurriedly put down the little girl, and quickly picked up the golden leaves from the ground, nodding and bowing as they left
The latter hurriedly translated, and the young woman was pleasantly surprised as she prostrated on the ground, repeatedly bowing her head, even urging her daughter to do the same. Of course, she was unaware that the person before her would next go to Beijing accompanied by soldiers to commit murder and arson, and by that time, her husband, that broken old man, would have long since disappeared.
The man who grabbed the little girl said
Yang Feng harbored resentment in his heart, but soon understood that what he referred to as urgent public-spiritedness was not about giving more money. Rather, it pertained to this woman and the child. Not to mention that merely hiring them, even purchasing two male laborers would not be worth five taels of gold leaves. Moreover, considering it was a woman and a child who held little value, especially a girl, at such a young age, even brothels would not want her. After all, raising her to an age where she could be sold would require a significant investment. If she were to become deformed or die prematurely, it could be said that one would suffer a total loss.
Some trivial possessions are not worth mentioning, may I ask who you are?
Then, please, Brother Yang
Those two are foolish, why aren't they hurrying to run away
Indeed, brother Yang Feng, having grown weary of staying in the capital, wishes to go out for a stroll
He then said to the boatman
As for the young idols and a few others, their presence is not out of filial piety towards their royal father; rather, they are seeking refuge from disaster. Their strength is insufficient to confront any external forces, but regardless of who emerges victorious, they do not mind taking advantage of the situation and dealing with them all at once. Therefore, the safest choice is to hide in front of Kang Mazi's sickbed, as no one can do anything to them here, and unexpectedly, they have stumbled upon a great opportunity.
Where does Brother Yang intend to go
The number one wanted criminal of the Great Qing Empire has yet to be determined by the Ministry of Justice whether he will be subjected to dismemberment or execution. He is seen shaking a folding fan, dressed in a silk long gown, followed by a fair and delicate young maid. He then points to a kneeling young woman by the roadside, who appears emaciated and expressionless, with a small girl kneeling beside her, a straw inserted at the back of her neck.
Amidst the monotonous chanting, a face wrapped like a zongzi slowly opened one eye. The owner of the eye seemed to have just awakened from a long, long dream, gazing blankly in the direction of the chanting. An elderly woman with white hair appeared in his line of sight. Upon seeing her aged face, he could not help but feel a pang in his heart, and like when he was a child, he called out: "Suma"
If he does not wake up soon, a conflict will likely erupt in Beijing. Five days is ample time for many to make their choices, and five days of unconsciousness is sufficient for people to lose hope in his life. In fact, the final confrontation between Crown Prince Yinreng and the First Prince Yinti is almost imminent, which is precisely why, upon his awakening, he finds only a few people by his side while the others are sharpening their knives outside
Grandfather, you have given too much; four and a half is enough
Why not take her, Your Excellency
I am preparing to go downstream along the river
Every year, there are more and more candidates who, driven mad by failing the examinations, hang themselves or throw themselves into the river. Each time the results are announced, the charity graveyard in the capital has to take in a new batch.
Yang Feng exclaimed in astonishment
Five days later, Han and Tu will meet at the bookstore
Yang Feng said
The ominous clouds that had shrouded the entire city of Beijing have finally begun to dissipate, and except for a few individuals who remain unwilling to accept the situation, everyone else breathes a sigh of relief
Yang Feng inquired
The boatman translated.
Uh, is it that terrifying
As soon as he spoke these words, the plea in the young woman's gaze became even more intense
Then let's buy her. Go ask her if she is willing to follow us. There is no need to sign any contract of servitude; she will not be registered as a servant. It will simply be as if we are employing her, paying her a salary each month. In the future, she can wash clothes and cook meals. Eating out all the time is too unsanitary; that dark, greasy stove makes me want to vomit.
She shouted without regard for anything
At that time, fifty taels was also quite precarious, after all, it is not easy to find a genuine vacancy in this day and age
Yang Feng waved his hand and said, the same golden leaves, the generous Fei Yanggu had packed almost 4 kilograms for him
Your Majesty, Your Majesty has awakened
Cheng Ziming returned the gesture and pointed to a luxury passenger ship at the dock
The boatman beside him said
Tell her that I have come from the capital, and she should first serve me as a servant. Once I have completed my business, I will take her with me to the capital. Does she not wish to bring her husband's remains back before jumping into the river?
Uh, you are truly humorous
Yang Feng looked at the IOU and said
Yang Fengcai does not believe that he has good character; this fellow must have some ulterior motive. However, he is the deputy magistrate of Songjiang Prefecture, which is essentially the area around Shanghai. That place is quite nice. At this time, it seems that the maritime ban has not yet been imposed, and Songjiang remains an open port for foreign trade. Given this situation, it would not hurt to go and take a look; perhaps there will be some special gains.
Uh?
At this moment, a curious caterpillar beside Yang Feng, shaking a folding fan just like him, spoke up
Do you think I cannot read? This is clearly only ten taels