Chapter 2: Xiuxiu (Part 1)

After speaking, he walked to the edge of the steps, took a puff without caring whether it was clean or not, and sat down with a thud. Seeing Xiuxiu still standing there, he said to her: "You sit down too"

Returning to the hall, Xu Ping sat for a while before obediently waiting at the door. After all, for him, this was an unfamiliar world, and he had to be cautious and prudent in all matters, not allowing himself to act on impulse.

Zhang Sanniang looked at Lin Wensi and said, "This year, there has been a severe drought in Kaifeng, resulting in a significant number of disaster victims and an increase in the number of refugees. Furthermore, this year is a year of the imperial examination, and many unsuccessful candidates have exhausted their funds in Dongjing and are unable to return home for the time being, wandering in various counties of Kaifeng. It is likely that some incidents will arise. Darlang, in the past, you have acted recklessly in Dongjing, indulging your temperament. From now on, you should settle down and study diligently with Scholar Lin in the village, and refrain from associating with those old friends of yours. Xu Chang is mature; you should listen to him more."

Xiu Xiu's gaze was timid, filled with a hint of curiosity, but more so with panic, revealing a sense of bewilderment in her expression

After speaking, Xiuxiu opened the bundle, which contained several pieces of thoroughly cleaned old clothes, and beside it was a bundle wrapped in a piece of floral cloth, the contents of which were unknown.

Xu Ping sighed and said, "You have a younger brother, which makes your home more lively than mine"

Xu Ping hurriedly went up to pay his respects, then sat down in the hall, while Xu Chang went to arrange for some tea.

Having finished her words, Zhang San Niang continued: "In life, how can one avoid obstacles and difficulties? Although the current situation at home is not good, as long as we work hard, we will surely turn our fortunes around. In the past, when the master carried a burden to seek a living in the city of Tokyo, he was able to build a large family business. It is enough for everyone to live their lives in peace."

Xu Ping felt an inexplicable sting in his heart. Since arriving in this world, although he had not lived in luxury, he had been free from worries about food and clothing. In fact, he would be free from such worries for the foreseeable future, and he did not find this world particularly unbearable.

My father, my parents, and my younger brother Huzi, who is five years old this year

Xu Ping was not concerned and asked her: "Who else is there in your family?"

Xu Ping curled his lips, suggesting that his father truly became successful because he married into a good family

He is also a failed scholar, and what Zhang Sanniang just said is truly heart-wrenching

Lin Wensi said with a bitter smile: "Rest assured, I understand."

Madam Zhang San saw that Xu Ping was clever, and her expression improved significantly. After having tea, she addressed everyone: "The current situation at home is not what it used to be, and you should have heard some rumors about it. Some time ago, my husband offended the now-popular Ma Shiguan, who is a relative of the Empress Dowager and oversees the various treasury offices in the capital. As a result, we had no choice but to sell the tavern outside Wansheng Gate and return to the countryside. Our family is large and prosperous, and we cannot afford to live off our past wealth. However, although this estate is not small, it is a money-losing venture; since spring this year, there has been a severe drought, and we have not had a single harvest. My husband and I had hoped to redeem the tavern in a few years, but we had to go to Baisha Town to buy a new tavern and start all over again. In previous years in the capital, we sold wine from the class of taverns, but from now on, we will buy the ingredients and brew it ourselves."

Xu Ping looked at Xiu Xiu, who was just raising her head, their eyes meeting.

Turning my head to glance at the stern-faced Grandma Hong, I silently sighed in my heart, not bothering to distinguish anything.

Xiu Xiu did not dare to sit anywhere, and it was not appropriate to stand there looking down at Xu Ping, so she squatted down beside him, timidly gazing at him

Zhang Sanniang sighed and then said: "There are countless matters to attend to, and we are all on the same side. If there is anything that has not been taken care of, please be understanding. As for this estate, I and the steward no longer have the energy to manage it. From today onwards, Granny Hong will come to the estate, and all matters will be under her direction. Xu Chang, you are also an elder in the family now, so take good care of the young master and do not cause any trouble."

Xiu Xiu lowered her head and said, "I don't know either"

Moreover, the matchmaker secretly informed her that this family is very good, and even the maidservants can eat well and dress warmly. Furthermore, the contract is only for ten years, which will not hinder her from getting married afterwards

It did not take long, and Zhang San's mother and the others arrived outside the hall

Returning to the small courtyard of the East Wing, I saw Xiuxiu sitting on the steps in front of the door, with her small bundle resting on her knees. Her chin was resting on the bundle as she stared blankly at the ground.

At this time, the Central Plains are vastly different from the past, far less densely populated, and it would not be an exaggeration to say that the land is vast and the population sparse. The banks of the Yellow River are mostly sandy land, which can only support grass growth, resulting in poor grain harvests, with the land being predominantly occupied by the imperial horse pastures. The management of horse affairs during the Song Dynasty was also poor, with many horse pastures being established and then abandoned, leading to a situation where expenses exceeded income. The Chunze Pasture is an example of this; it was abandoned a few years ago, and the land could not be sold. Currently, there are still several thousand horses from the Qiji Institute being kept here, but there is no longer an official establishment for the horse pasture.

Xu Ping felt somewhat uncomfortable. From Zhang Sanniang's tone, it was clear that she did not expect him to achieve anything significant; she merely wanted him to have something to do and to avoid causing trouble. This approach was quite similar to the thoughts of many parents in his past life. Did these people truly see him as a good-for-nothing drifter?

Xu Ping's father, Xu Zheng, was originally from this area. When he was young, unable to make a living, he ventured alone to Tokyo, carrying a load to sell liquor in the streets. After decades of frugality, he finally saved a little money. At the age of thirty-eight, due to his honesty and capability, he was noticed by a foot massage parlor owner, who married his daughter, Zhang Sanniang, to him, allowing him to inherit the business. Zhang Sanniang was only eighteen at the time, twenty years younger than her husband. With an older husband and a younger wife, and the business being her own, she inevitably became somewhat domineering. Two years later, they had a son, Xu Ping, when Xu Zheng was already forty. Having a child in old age, and with Zhang Sanniang's support, Xu Ping was spoiled and pampered from a young age

For servants, the Song Dynasty may be considered the most humane period in ancient China, as both the emperor and the ministers acknowledged them as part of the nation's registered populace, equally regarded as good citizens, and the legal discrimination against them was not severe.

Xiu Xiu did not know what Xu Ping was thinking; to her, the Xu family could be considered benefactors. Her father, as a shepherd under the jurisdiction of the Cattle and Sheep Department, was responsible for the court's sheep. Losing more than thirty sheep at once could lead to severe consequences, including exile to another province and the destruction of their family. Their family was in urgent need of money to buy sheep to make up for the loss and to manage their affairs.

Since that incident, the Xu family has begun to experience misfortune. Last year, for some unknown reason, they offended the Ma family. It is said that the Ma family had their eyes on the Xu family's restaurant, which is located by the Jinming Pool, a prime location, and thus resorted to underhanded tactics. Apart from Xu Zheng and Zhang Sanniang, no one else knows the details. In any case, the Xu family sold the restaurant and moved back to Zhongmu.

Xiu Xiu noticed that Xu Ping was silent, feeling anxious in her heart, and looked at him eagerly.

Xu Ping smiled and said, "Well, since there is nothing else, just keep me company and talk for a while."

Xiu Xiu said busily: "Oh, then I will go boil some water"

Xiu Xiu, perhaps having squatted for too long, shifted her feet and, holding the small bundle in her hands, suddenly said to Xu Ping: "I brought some delicious food from home, let me share it with you."

Xu Ping arrived at the edge of the well and, seeing no one around, drew a bucket of water. He went to the wall beneath the poplar tree and refreshed himself by wiping his entire body with the cool water, feeling completely at ease.

Seeing her son being well-behaved, Zhang San Niang finally had a smile on her face. She said to Lin Wensi, who was sitting beside her: "In-laws, we are family. You and Su Niang should stay in the village and closely supervise Da Lang's studies, so that he does not stray onto the wrong path."

Xu Ping is not a person who is overly sympathetic, but the fact that a person's fate can be so easily labeled as alternative makes him feel quite uncomfortable

Xu Ping came to his senses and, seeing Xiu Xiu's appearance, couldn't help but smile and say: "At such a young age, being sold to my family, are you afraid?"

Having spilled the water, Xu Ping staggered back. At this moment, the sun had already set, and a cool breeze began to rise, blowing against him, creating an indescribable sense of comfort

Having spoken, he took a towel from inside the house and walked towards the well in the backyard

The two individuals fell silent and did not speak for a while

The sun had just set, and the sky was still bright when Xu Ping finished his dinner. This is the countryside, lacking the vibrant nightlife of Tokyo, leaving one feeling utterly bored

Xu Ping was momentarily taken aback and said to her, "You should go find Granny Hong and have her arrange a place for you to rest. I need to take a shower; it is too hot today"

Zhang San's wife, however, had no mind to ponder the thoughts of these two individuals. Noticing that it was getting late, she arranged for the meal. After eating, she still needed to return to the tavern in town to assist her husband

A few years ago, the Chunze Monitor in Zhongmu was abolished, and the court sought individuals to purchase the land here. However, due to the land's barrenness, it could not be sold at all. Xu Zheng, being a local resident and having some money, was thus compelled to buy this estate.

At this point, Zhang San Niang called over the earlier little girl and said to Xu Ping: "This is Xiu Xiu, the daughter of Ren An, a shepherd from the south side of the village. She is eight years old this year. It is quite pitiful; a few days ago, dozens of the sheep she was tending were stolen, and there has been no harvest in the fields, so we had no choice but to pawn this girl to our family for sixty guan for ten years, to spare her from the suffering of wandering. You are in need of someone to assist you, so let her follow you."

Zhang San's mother felt pity for their family, and also because they had just moved back, she wanted to leave a good impression in front of the villagers. The offered price was quite good, 60 guan for ten years, which was enough to solve the problem

During the Song Dynasty, there was no notion that a maid could not become a concubine; in fact, there were quite a few who even became legitimate wives. Isn't the current Empress Dowager also a second marriage? However, how many people can encounter such opportunities?

What I am currently worried about is the character of the owner I am following; I hope they do not frequently resort to hitting or scolding.

Xiu Xiu took two steps, recalled something, and then retreated again

Xu Ping hurriedly said: "The child understands and will certainly not let mother worry"

Xu Chang replied: "I understand, madam, please rest assured"

Now, suddenly, a case of selling children has appeared before us, involving a little girl who is not even ten years old, completely unaware of what is happening, and has been sold to her own home. At such a young age, she may not understand what this means, nor does she realize that this has already determined the course of her entire life

This year has seen a severe drought, and it has not rained at all until now. Although it has just entered summer, the weather is already unbearably hot, with not a breath of wind. In this era, there are no air conditioners or fans, and Xu Ping feels sticky and suffocated, longing for a cool shower.

He is an only child, and his parents are so busy that they do not see each other every day. Having crossed over, he already feels anxious, and without anyone to talk to, he feels even more lonely

Xiu Xiu lowered her head, her feet shuffling back and forth on the ground, mumbling without speaking.

Xu Ping laughed and said, "What water are you boiling? It's as hot as hell today! You go ahead with your tasks, don't mind me."

Upon turning around, I saw Xiuxiu still following closely behind, gazing at me with eager eyes, tightly clutching her small, old floral cloth bundle in her arms

Xu Ping was taken aback for a moment and said to Xiu Xiu, "You are still here?"

That is actually a bag of peanuts

After inheriting his father-in-law's restaurant, Xu Zheng smoothly navigated his way through life and gradually amassed a fortune of ten thousand taels.

When Xiuxiu opened that bundle of floral cloth, Xu Ping's head buzzed with a sound

Hearing the footsteps, Xiuxiu jumped up and anxiously looked at Xu Ping

Xu Chang stood at the door, curiously glancing at Xu Ping. In his memory, this person had always been unruly since childhood, unaware of etiquette and law, constantly gathering friends, training hawks, and leading a carefree life. How could he suddenly be so sensible? Could it be that after the family fell on hard times, he matured all at once?

But how is this the case? Why is it that young women who are attractive command a higher price for selling themselves? Because at least during the period of sale, their owners possess their bodies. One day in the future, even if they regain their freedom, it will be impossible for them to marry into a slightly better family. Who would believe that you are still a virgin?