Chapter 5: Gold Ingots

One cannot help disaster victims at the expense of oneself; only when one's own livelihood is secured can one assist more victims. First, purchase 100 shi of rice, and ensure that those who help do not suffer losses. I will find a way to manage the finances later.

Xue Yun walked slowly into the shop. As soon as he entered, a clerk from the silk store approached him, saying: "Young sir, we have all kinds of silk and satin fabrics here, and we can also deliver to your home"

After Xue Yun and Wang Fei reached an agreement, Xue Yun provided the funding while Wang Fei contributed the effort. Xue Yun sought neither fame nor profit, while Wang Fei took the lead in doing good deeds

Seeing the plight of the refugees, I, a mere youth, can only contribute my humble efforts, seeking nothing more than to have a clear conscience.

Due to Wang Fei's integrity and the unfavorable state of the world, the business of "Xu's Silk Shop" has not been able to grow significantly

Are you and your family not able to do it yourselves

Xue Yun said: "Second brother, my leg still hurts a lot, so I won't accompany you to practice."

Wang Fei engaged in business with Old Master Xu, and after his passing, the couple continued to run "Xu's Silk Shop".

Mr. Wang was just over fifty at that time, and perhaps due to a lifetime of misfortunes, he appeared particularly aged.

Sir, it is truly inconvenient for me to receive guests at home, and I am also the one who can make decisions regarding my own finances

Xue Rui said, "No need, just take care of yourself. Don't take those useless things out and embarrass yourself."

Xue Yun instructed Wang Fei to maintain confidentiality and not to see him off. He took the twenty taels of well-prepared silver that Mr. Wang Fei had arranged for him and agreed on a date to leave "Xu Ji Silk Store" and head home.

Xue Yun expressed his intentions to Mr. Wang: "I, as a young man, see you doing good deeds and wish to contribute to the relief of refugees. I kindly ask you to represent me in this matter."

Mr. Wang intends to spend over 100 shi on labor and losses; what are your thoughts on this

Xue Yun asked him if he had seen the small cloth bag, to which Mao Laoyao firmly denied having seen it. Xue Yun smiled and said, "Whether you have seen it or not doesn't matter; your loyalty will certainly be rewarded handsomely."

After a while, Lord Luo Sigong, the commander of the Jinyiwei, escorted Xue Rui out and said in a low voice: "Your family has made great contributions by killing the Tatars for three generations. I will report to the Emperor and request a commendation for General Xue's family. General, please prepare a list when you return." Xue Rui expressed his gratitude.

Mr. Xu's son has come here precisely in connection with these refugees

Hehe, my surname is Wang. The Xu in 'Xu's Silk Shop' is my father-in-law's surname. The old gentleman chuckled awkwardly and looked at the book.

Xue Yun turned back to the small room where he was temporarily staying. He glanced around, concerned that servants might come in and out, and swiftly leaped up to the beam to place a small cloth bundle securely. He then took out a gold ingot and jumped down, closing the door behind him. He made his way to find Old Steward Mao, and upon seeing him, he explained politely. Old Steward Mao responded repeatedly. Xue Yun asked Old Steward Mao to inform his grandfather, stating that he had gone out to meet friends.

Xue Yun: "I will speak to your grandfather myself, and everything will be my proposal. You need not worry."

Mao Laoyao once again asked Xue Yun to speak a good word for him to his grandfather, Mao Laoguanjia. Mao Laoguanjia intended to punish him severely due to the danger that Mao Laoyao had caused for the young master.

... ...

Xue Rui said: "There is no need to mention it. Those two useless individuals are neither cultured nor martial; sending them to the military to become officials would only harm them. You are well aware of their lack of ability and resilience. You are not suited for this either, but fortunately, you are clever. The Jinyiwei are giving us face, and we must also know when to advance and retreat, allowing some credit to be shared. Only when everyone benefits is it truly beneficial. Do you not understand this principle?"

The Jinyiwei took over the courtyard, and Xue Yun led the household servants and the books out of the door.

If you trust me, then I shall take on the burden for you

Xue Yun agreed. He walked up to Mao Laoyao and said, "Young master, here are some things for you." He extended his hand and handed over a small cloth bag.

Xue Rui returned home and called Xue Ao Ren and Xue Yun into the inner hall to speak. In the hall, his uncle Qian Kai was already waiting there. Xue Rui asked the servants if several of his grandsons had not yet returned. Xue Rui said: "The court has suffered greatly at the hands of the Tartars. Capturing Tartar spies again is also a loyal service to the Emperor by the Xue family, contributing to the court's efforts."

After Xue Rui came out, he said to Xue Ao Ren and Xue Yun, "All of you go back; this place has nothing to do with us." Having said that, he left with his companions

Mr. Wang, originally from Jinan, Shandong, was named Fei. In his early years, he passed the Xiucai examination but failed multiple times in the provincial examination. His family was of modest means when he encountered the old proprietor of "Xu's Silk Shop" in Jinan. The old proprietor admired his talent and promised his only daughter to Wang Fei to inherit the family business

Xue Yun, while being modest, entered the inner room with the old gentleman. After sitting down in the inner room, the old gentleman said: "Young man, I am very pleased to see your warm-heartedness. Ah, seeing these refugees truly saddens me."

The attendant listened and called for Xue Yun and the books, then went into the inner room. After a while, the attendant came out with an elderly gentleman, and upon seeing him, Xue Yun realized it was the same old man from yesterday. Xue Yun hurriedly stepped forward to pay his respects: "I am honored to meet you, sir."

Xue Yundao: "I apologize for the trouble, but I would like to request an audience with your esteemed manager. Please convey this message for me."

Xue Yun stepped out and walked through the bustling streets of the west side. After wandering in the busy area for a while and noticing that no one was following him, he turned south and walked two more streets, heading towards the direction of Zhengyangmen, aiming for "Xu's Silk Shop".

You perform good deeds without seeking recognition, and you contribute substantial funds to aid disaster victims for what purpose

Now that I have reached the age of destiny, there is a young lady approaching her twenties, yet due to the high standards of a merchant family, she remains in the boudoir, still waiting for a suitable match

How can twenty stones be deducted from the money of the disaster victims

Old man: "Isn't this the little hero who is generous and righteous? Come, come, let's go inside and sit down."

In the fourth year of the Apocalypse, two taels of silver could purchase three stones of rice, while eighty taels could buy one hundred and twenty stones.

Xue Jie: "Third brother, you may go. When you have time, I will take you to meet my brothers, so they can also see the hero of the Xue family who slays the Tartars."

Xue Yun arrived at the training ground at home, where his second brother, Xue Jie, was already practicing. Upon seeing Xue Yun, he said: "Third brother, you accomplished something significant with the good book yesterday; unfortunately, I missed a fierce battle."

Xue Yun: "Pay me twenty taels of silver, and let Mr. Wang decide what to do with the rest"

"Xu's Silk Shop" is located about ten stores west of the intersection. The shop is not large, but it is situated in a place with a high foot traffic.

Xue Yun woke up early in the morning, and the sky was already bright.

Qian Kai: "Father, please take a rest first; Second Brother, let us discuss this slowly."

Xue Yun handed a gold ingot to Mr. Wang. Wang Fei took it in his palm and examined it carefully, saying: "This is a solid ten taels of gold, which can be exchanged for one hundred taels of silver, or if converted into copper coins, one tael of silver can be exchanged for approximately nine hundred coins"

What a clear conscience, I shall certainly not fail your trust

Xue Aoren said: "Dear Father, should Bin and Bo also be included in this list of achievements?"

Xue Yun said, "I happened to be in a dangerous situation at that time and was really hoping for Second Brother's help; my leg still hurts a lot." At that moment, he noticed Mao Laoyao peering sneakily in his direction.

As Xue Yun stepped out, he saw Mao Laoyao leading a horse over and saying, "I have already spoken to your grandfather, so rest assured there is nothing to worry about. You can take the horse back; I will just go for a casual stroll. When I return, there will be benefits for you." Mao Laoyao then led the horse away.