Chapter 7, A Feast for the Eyes

What Guan Zhuofan needs to do now is to pick up the cultural knowledge he has learned, especially writing, as this is significantly related to his future

Bai looked at him strangely, remaining silent for a moment. Suddenly, a smile broke across her face. "Hey, why are you only talking about this? It's not easy for you to come back, so eat more." With that, she picked up the wine jug and filled his empty cup.

Guan Zhuofan knew that she understood, and seeing her expression, he found it amusing: "Why are you clutching your clothes so tightly? It's not like I intend to take you as my wife in the stronghold..."

"In three days, the foreign troops will enter the city." He looked at everyone, "There are a few matters that I need to address."

... ...

"Tuber," Guan Zhuofan said with a smile, "What is going on with you all?"

Uh... sister-in-law," he pondered over his words, "when the time comes, you should... change this outfit, and also your face..." He made a gesture as if wiping his face.

Guan Zhuofan, however, always locks himself in his room, only coming out for meals. Every time Xiaoyun wants to find him to play, she is pulled back by Bai.

He thought for a moment and then asked Bai: "Isn't there still my share?" He knew that according to the customs of the Qing Dynasty, he was considered a secondary official, and he should receive a standard monthly salary of three taels of silver. Coupled with the military pay, the family should not be in such dire straits.

Sister, Xiaoyun finished her portion of food in her bowl, stared at the table, and gently tugged at Baishi's sleeve, saying, "I want to eat meat..."

Bai's face suddenly flushed with embarrassment, her head lowered, and her hands tightly clenched her clothing, remaining silent.

Xiao Fu had a look as if he was about to cry

As for Guan Zhuofan's "background," he has liked wielding swords and guns since childhood. He once studied for a while but did not achieve anything significant. Later, he relied on the "kinship" established a few years ago between his family and Madam Shengbao, recognizing Shengbao as his "fourth uncle," which allowed him to secure a name in the Cavalry Camp. His "betrothal" was a half-serious joke made between his father and a friend, a certain Mr. Ran, who was an official in the Censorate, when he was still young. Later, that Mr. Ran was transferred to be the deputy magistrate of Guiyang Prefecture, and then the chaos of the Hongyang uprising ensued, leaving no news behind, rendering it not credible.

It is necessary to prepare a month's supply of rice, flour, and vegetables at home This is the first matter

... ...

Guan Zhuofan realized that he had digressed. It seemed that his share of the money and the monthly military salary had mostly been squandered by him, without a single coin reaching the Bai family. Feeling ashamed, he pondered for a while and said: "Sister-in-law, take those twenty taels of silver and use them to buy Xiaoyun a new outfit. From now on, you need not worry; I will take care of everything."

As the days passed, on August 26, Guan Zhuofan calculated the days and called all the family members to the main hall early in the morning

Bai calmed his emotions and slowly said: "In these past few months of fighting against the foreigners, the people in the capital have been unsettled, and everything has become expensive. Forty wen can no longer buy a liter of rice. My compensation was originally one tael per month, but now it is distributed at a reduced amount, just like everyone else's rations. Everyone is cursing Lord Su, saying he is heartless."

Sigh, Tubo suddenly burst into tears, "Ever since the master has been gone, our family has not seen this outfit again."

"Don't make a fuss, haven't you eaten?" Bai coaxed Xiaoyun, "Be good and go out to play, and tomorrow I'll buy you some sesame candy to eat."

During this period, he indirectly learned more about some family matters. His father was a "fifth-rank official" holding a nominal position at the Ministry of Rites, and he passed away four years ago. His elder brother, Guan Zhuoying, obtained the status of a student through the favor of the court, but his health had always been poor, and he developed a bad habit: opium smoking. He also passed away more than two years ago. Bai, his wife, became a widow less than three months after their marriage. Not long after, her family members were all killed by the Taiping army, leaving only a younger sister who managed to escape with the help of a neighbor.

"I won't leave anymore." Guan Zhuofan downed the drink in his cup, stretched lazily, and said with a smile, "I will support this family."

Um... the Lady of the Stronghold

Guan Zhuofan felt a bit downcast; the set of phrases he had prepared, akin to "calculating with fingers," ended up being unnecessary. He glanced at Bai, whose serene demeanor continued to impress him. He thought to himself: My beautiful sister-in-law truly possesses some depth. Clearing his throat, he began to explain matters one by one.

I will not leave

Bai's eye circles and the book turned red, as he turned his face to the side

The person being scolded here is Su Shun. He was a favored confidant of Emperor Xianfeng and effectively held the position of the Prime Minister, equivalent to that of a chancellor. When Guan Zhuofan read the Qing history, he still held admiration for Su Shun, as he dared to cut the funds of the banner people to support the soldiers fighting at the front. In Guan Zhuofan's view, this was indeed the right course of action. The banner people do not farm or work; why should they receive a monthly stipend of silver for free? However, now, putting himself in the situation and witnessing the dire state of his own family, after hearing what Bai said, he couldn't help but feel some resentment towards Su Shun, reflecting inwardly: it is indeed true that one's position determines one's perspective.

When Tuber and Xiaofu had both left, he turned to Baishi to say something special

Do not disturb your third brother! She always warns her younger sister like this, saying, "He is working on an article"

To say that he is writing an article is to overestimate Guan Zhuofan. In fact, Guan Zhuofan is engaged in an activity very similar to writing an article—he is learning to write.

As a graduate student in history, he is quite familiar with classical texts and traditional Chinese characters, having no issues with reading or punctuation, and he can even compose a few quatrains and regulated verse. Everyone often praises him for having "a remarkable talent for writing beautifully." However, when he picks up a brush, problems arise. The action of writing belongs to "muscle memory," which he has mastered without any hindrance, but the traditional characters he writes often lack strokes and appear incomplete. This is a result of the training from the simplification of characters, and he feels helpless, having to work hard to overcome this hurdle. The action of writing belongs to "muscle memory," which he has mastered without any hindrance, but the traditional characters he writes often lack strokes and appear incomplete. This is a result of the training from the simplification of characters, and he feels helpless, having to work hard to overcome this hurdle. Along with * illustrations * and books.

Guan Zhuofan became anxious and blurted out: "You are too good-looking; be careful that foreign devils might take you as their captive wife right on the spot!"

Um... Guan Zhuofan was left speechless. It seems that Alhatu had thought things through for him. This rank seven official's robe, although a military position, can still serve many purposes. From Tubo's tone, it appears that his father was also an official in his lifetime, just not very high-ranking.

He looked at his beautiful sister-in-law in front of him and suddenly felt a surge of heat in his heart

Sister-in-law," Guan Zhuofan looked at Xiaoyun's ravenous eating and felt a bit of a sting in his nose, "Is it really this difficult at home?"

In that moment, it was as if a bolt from the blue had struck; Tu Bo and Xiao Fu were both left dumbfounded, while Bai Shi remained relatively calm. She understood that since Guan Zhuofan had said so, he must have had a plan in mind. Therefore, she merely nodded and quietly waited for him to explain the matter. Strangely, no one questioned how he could be so certain, as if everyone believed it was only natural for the Third Young Master to be aware of this matter.

"Not leaving?" Bai seemed unable to believe it, asking in a trembling voice: "You are not leaving?"

This evening's meal was particularly different. Bai personally cooked several dishes and had Tu Bo bring back some wine, transforming the previously quiet courtyard into a lively gathering. In the past, Tu Bo and Xiao Fu would always dine at the table with Bai, but today, with Guan Zhuofan taking a seat at the table, they refused to sit down, hastily finishing their meal nearby. Yet, they were reluctant to leave, crowding at the entrance and gazing at Guan Zhuofan's official attire as if they could not get enough of it. In the past, Tu Bo and Xiao Fu would always dine at the table with Bai, but today, with Guan Zhuofan taking a seat at the table, they refused to sit down, hastily finishing their meal nearby. Yet, they were reluctant to leave, crowding at the entrance and gazing at Guan Zhuofan's official attire as if they could not get enough of it.

In recent days, Bai's face has been filled with joy, and with the presence of Tu Bo and Xiao Fu, his demeanor and spirit in conversation and action have changed significantly. With the addition of Guan Zhuofan to the household, who holds an official position, the family has regained a sense of spiritual support, along with hope and prospects, no longer merely enduring a life of hardship. Even the distant sounds of war outside the city have become less of a concern.

"Sister-in-law, what are you doing!" Guan Zhuofan hurriedly pulled Xiaoyun over, using his chopsticks to pick up two of the largest pieces of meat and placing them in her small bowl. "Take your time eating; once you finish, San Ge will give you more."

Furthermore, what I said today must not be disclosed by anyone. Otherwise..." He solemnly cautioned, striking the air with a palm, "This is a capital offense!

"Tuber, bring me back some pieces of wood," he gestured to indicate the size, "and buy some white tung oil paint as well." This is the third item.

Bai looked at his nephew and felt that he was completely different from before, as if he had become a different person. He felt greatly comforted in his heart, but still shook his head and said, "That won't do; you should still bring your own money. In a poor family, wealth is uncertain; when you are out there, you can never be sure when you might need money... By the way, when are you leaving?"

"Three days later, you are not allowed to go out. If there is an urgent matter, only Tuber is permitted to go alone." This is the second matter. He glanced at Xiaofu and added, "If you dare to go out to see the sights, be careful that the foreign devils might capture you to be their captive wife."

Bai looked utterly confused, glancing down at his clothes in bewilderment and then touching his own face.