Chapter 5: The Unremarkable Master of the House

The old man was taken aback by the question, his face showing a hint of embarrassment. He felt that he was being looked down upon by the younger generation, represented by Li Kui. Irritated, he said: "If you hadn't mentioned the zodiac signs, I would have been ready to fight you today"

"Kui Wazi, do you think I am unaware of what you are saying?" The old clan leader was clearly still angry, but at least there were no signs of him taking action, indicating that he had calmed down considerably: "However, being a constable can be profitable, and it offers certain conveniences during tax collection. Just look at our village; does it seem like we can afford to pay taxes? With a constable in the village, at least during ordinary years, we can manage to get by. Rather than working short-term for the wealthy, who wouldn't want to find a livelihood in their own home? In previous years, I shamelessly reported that our village had suffered disasters, but after saying it so many times, even an old man like me feels a bit embarrassed to bring it up!"

Even if he sails smoothly in the future, he faces a significant problem in that he is fighting alone, with almost no one trustworthy to rely on.

The old patriarch faced a streak of misfortune; just as he was about to embark on a grand endeavor, his ambitions were suddenly doused with cold water. If it had been an outsider, it would have been one thing, but this time it was his son. The son was too honest, speaking without considering his father's feelings: "Father! That coffin of yours is made of the worst wood, and it hasn't even been lacquered. The coffin shop in Mengshan Town would only offer two guan for it, and there's still a shortfall of six guan?"

The old man huffed and puffed, turning his face to Li Kui and said: "You brat better think it through before you speak, I was also blind, thinking you were destined to be a master of the house"

Amidst the sighs that seemed to want to expel all the pent-up grievances, Li Kui felt a tingling sensation on his scalp. After the clan meeting, he followed the old patriarch to the patriarch's home. It must be said that he had disappointed the old man; however, the old patriarch's son appeared to breathe a sigh of relief, offering Li Kui a wooden stool to sit on.

Yizhou!

Seventh Uncle, feeling a bit overwhelmed, coldly said: "Let it go!"

He swore that his thoughts were not influenced by the fact that the old patriarch had appointed him as a constable. Rather, it was a question he had been pondering on his way here: was it enough for him to struggle alone in this world, to ensure that his mother could live a life of luxury, and to make sure that Li Quan had enough to eat?

Seventh Uncle

Get lost, all of you!

It is merely thirty guan of money, yet it requires the entire village to contribute, which is quite rare even in the remote mountain villages of the Song Dynasty. Moreover, the cultivation of land in the mountain village is arduous, and the hard work of several generations cannot ensure that the villagers can rely on the land for their sustenance. Thus, out of necessity, the able-bodied men of the village venture into the mountains to seek a livelihood.

Li Kui vehemently denied, saying: "No."

The old man supported his knee, preparing to rise, but was taken aback by a remark from Li Kui. He sat back down leisurely and asked curiously, "Kui, do you have any insights to share?"

Too poor

"It is not necessarily a high opinion, but rather a small thought," Li Kui licked his lips, contemplating in his heart. He had always found the old patriarch's demeanor quite peculiar. Firstly, he was the authority in the village, an absolute authority, wielding the power to make decisions. Secondly, the old man was quite annoying on a daily basis, often imposing restrictions and discipline, never having a moment of idleness. Yet, despite the chaotic life filled with clamor, he remained robust, which indicates that life thrives on turmoil. Secondly, the old man was quite annoying on a daily basis, often imposing restrictions and discipline, never having a moment of idleness. Yet, despite the chaotic life filled with clamor, he remained robust, which indicates that life thrives on turmoil.

Do not be constrained, you do not come to the house often. Wait, your seventh aunt is currently making chicken soup, it is ready, drink a couple of bowls.

Suddenly, Li Quan gulped down a large mouthful of saliva, nearly choking himself, and with shining eyes exclaimed: "Has the chicken soup been prepared with the chicken yet?"

The clan meeting ended without resolution. After Li Kui refused to become an honorable constable, the old clan leader seemed to have fallen into a low point in life. If there were those nearby who enjoyed gossiping and stirring up trouble, they would surely say a few more words: "It is not that life has fallen into a low point, but rather that it has always been at the bottom and has never risen up."

Which prefecture does Yishui County belong to

Moreover, cultivating a scholar is simply beyond the financial capacity of Baizhang Village

There has been no sign of activity.

Instead, Li Kui seemed as if his buttocks were glued to the stool, not moving at all, and he laughed, saying: "Third Uncle, don't you want to ask this young man why?"

Li Quan's eyes immediately lit up: "Second brother, I am hungry"

Fortunately, the old clan leader raised about ten chickens at home, so eggs were not a rare commodity for him. In fact, within the household, only the old clan leader was entitled to enjoy the eggs; his sons and daughters-in-law did not dare to eat them, nor could they bear to do so. The eggs were saved up to be exchanged for salt, ironware, cloth, and other necessities of life when they went to the market in Mengshan Town. On ordinary days, how could they bear to eat them?

The old man's heart was as dead as ashes, and what made him even more frustrated was that Li Kui kept saying to him: "Calm down, Uncle San, calm down!"

The life of a hunter has little connection with vibrancy and diversity. What accompanies them throughout their lives are dangers and unforeseen events

Ah! This is the second sigh of the old patriarch after a brief return home, as he waved his hand and instructed his son: "Go, take Li Quan to the kitchen, and forget it, Li Kui, you go along too."

Sigh

Seventh Uncle shrank his head in grievance and said timidly, "Father, our family simply cannot come up with 8 guan of money, you know that, don't you?"

"Sell my coffin, and that will suffice." The old clan leader was quite stubborn, to the point of being somewhat fanatical. For the elderly in the mountains, perhaps the most important matter in life was the arrangements for after their death, and the coffin was the most significant expense in that regard. The old man even contemplated selling his coffin in order to help Baizhang Village rise, and this unwavering conviction earned Li Kui's profound respect.

Li Kui laughed and said: "Third Uncle, the last time I went to Mengshan Town to sell mountain goods, I received some news that our Yizhou has not produced a successful candidate for the imperial examination in thirty years."

"Unworthy magistrate, detestable scribe, old man, I will beat you to death, you ignorant little rascal!"

Li Kui continued, "According to the laws of the Song Dynasty, scholars are not allowed to hold official positions. However, it does not matter; if one truly obtains the status of a scholar, we can plan to work in the county office as a low-ranking constable, becoming a despised clerk in the six offices. Although we would have an official title, we would not be true officials. However, I have made it clear that as long as there are no major mistakes for twenty years and one achieves remarkable results, if by chance one makes contributions, with a recommendation from superiors, one could still enter the ranks of officials by sheer luck."

The old man felt utterly exhausted, seemingly having lost the desire to persuade Li Kui to change his mind through heartfelt conversation

... ...

The people in the mountains are simple and honest. When guests arrive at their home, they always use the best food available to entertain them. Undoubtedly, eggs are the most precious and presentable delicacy for ordinary families to serve their guests

However, it must be said that the old man possesses a unique charisma. He is the patriarch, bearing the heaviest responsibilities, and for this reason alone, the old man has earned the respect and admiration of Li Kui.

Which route does Yizhou belong to

After striking Li Kui twice and realizing it was in vain, Uncle San also grew tired and sat down to catch his breath, saying: "You young lad have a good eye, and your plans may be feasible, but the entire village is likely unable to support a scholar."

The young man said that there has not been a successful candidate in Yizhou for thirty years, but he never claimed that he must become a successful candidate himself

How many descendants have entered the mountains and never come out again

The old patriarch was well aware that his eldest son had gone into the mountains to hunt several years ago and had never returned, with no remains found. Now, among the graves of the sons in the clan, there were only a few items that his son had once used and an old cloak.

Yet he saw another possibility in the old patriarch, a small family, an old patriarch who harbored almost no selfishness, and a group of villagers who appeared foolish yet adhered stubbornly to their principles, all of whom were brothers within five degrees of kinship. These individuals would be the ones he should trust the most in this world.

The old clan leader snorted coldly: "Are you satisfied now? Since Kui has stopped being a constable, you no longer need to spend money?"

The old man said with a face full of certainty, which aroused Li Kui's strong curiosity. It was evident that the person of spiritual wisdom had a hold over the old man.

The most important treasure of a lifetime was unexpectedly referred to as junk by his son, causing the old man's face to immediately lose its composure, almost to the point of throwing a tantrum on the ground. As for this son, it would be better not to have him.

Yishui County

Do not mention the old clan leader; even if it were someone else, holding the poor hand of Baizhang Village, it is likely that they would not be able to make much of a difference

The entire group of scholars in Yizhou has been unable to pass the imperial examination, yet you still believe that you will succeed in the civil service examination? It infuriates me... Even the old clan leader, despite his good temperament, was greatly angered by Li Kui. The people of Baizhang Village are known for their fiery tempers; when they can resort to physical action, they never use other means. Unfortunately, the old man's most effective weapon, the staff, had already broken, and as he attempted to act, he was firmly held down by Li Kui's hand on his shoulder, risking his life as he shouted twice: Get up!

He, his background is not clean, and he is certainly not a good person. I suspect that he has gotten himself into a serious legal trouble elsewhere, which is why he has settled in our small place. This person is difficult to discern between loyalty and treachery, so it is better to have little contact with him

Uncle San opened his eyes wide, completely taken aback by Li Kui's series of actions. Because Li Kui realized that he was actually in one of the most favorable districts for the imperial examination, there was no reason for him to fail! The process to become a Jinshi is somewhat challenging, but what about being a Jushi? It doesn't seem that difficult at all

One who can sacrifice oneself for the hopes of one's kin, even if not a good person, cannot be considered a bad person

No one wishes to be poor. Whenever there is a way or hope, everyone is willing to take a chance.

It seems not too difficult; being a renowned figure while being impoverished is truly challenging

Upon reflecting on these matters, he decided to discuss with the old clan leader and bring forth his plan for wealth accumulation, aiming to improve the living conditions of the villagers. This way, the young wives would no longer have to worry about their husbands venturing into the mountains for hunting and facing the risk of life and death. Achieving this would be sufficient for him to feel at peace with himself

Li Kui said solemnly: "Third Uncle, you may think that being a constable is a decent profession. However, in my view, this profession is too destructive. Among the clerks, constables are clerks rather than officials. Making a living as a constable not only fails to allow one to achieve any significant accomplishments, but also leads to constant exclusion due to one's status."

"Uncle San, you need not worry; the boy will naturally find a way to manage the money for his studies." Is it difficult for someone who has crossed over to make money?

If it does not contain chicken broth, can it still be called chicken broth

Third Uncle Zhang opened his mouth, feeling that he seemed to have truly aged, so much so that he could no longer see through the thoughts of the young people. He turned his face and thought that perhaps no one in the town had such insight. He tentatively asked: "It was the Sage of Lingzhi who spoke to you again, wasn't it?"

It is evident that the old man is getting anxious

Li Kui laughed and said: "Third Uncle, you know one part but not the other. Do you know where our Baizhang Village is?"

He regarded the head of the constables as a figure of great importance, akin to a venerable patriarch. Unable to tolerate that his own clan descendant looked down upon even the head constable, openly expressing a desire to hold an official position, and dismissing the magistrate as a person of no standing, how could he endure this

Li Kui said calmly: "Third Uncle, do you know that in Yizhou, there are only ten opportunities for the examination each year? However, in the last imperial examination, not even these ten candidates were gathered. Yet, the number of scholars selected by the county school and the candidates chosen in the provincial examination has never decreased. Although I have not attended school, I understand the competition with the world; perhaps I cannot compete with them. But what about competing for the title of a scholar in the county? What about competing for the title of a candidate in the province?" Although I have not attended school, I understand the competition with the world; perhaps I cannot compete with them. But what about competing for the title of a scholar in the county? What about competing for the title of a candidate in the province?"

Moreover, Kuai, you are just a reckless young man who does not understand the heights of heaven and the depths of the earth. The imperial examination is a glorious opportunity that only the literary star can achieve. As a mere country boy, what virtue or capability do you possess to be favored by the heavens in this way?" The old clan leader spoke earnestly.